Beaches of Calvert Island



Hakai Institue Dock in Pruth Bay on Calvert Island

 

Leaving Ocean Falls, we departed Cousins Inlet at 8:45am and motored south along Fisher Channel which becomes Fitz Hugh Sound.  The seas were choppy with three-foot waves and it was pouring rain.  After turning west into Hakai Passage, we were somewhat protected from the southeast winds blowing up Fisher Channel.  

Dingy Dock at Pruth Bay

Hakai Passage leads out to sea but a small passage called Meay Inlet took us south again, arriving at Pruth Bay on Calvert Island where we anchored for the night.  The clouds were broken the following morning, time to head to Java’s favorite beach.  

Hakai Institute Lodging

We took the dinghy ashore and tied to the dinghy dock provided by the Hakai Institute, a science research field station located at the end of Pruth Bay.  The Institute focuses on instruction and study of the ecosystem and the effects of human habitation.  

Trail to West Beach (walking sticks provided)

Visitors are welcome to come ashore and hike the half-mile trail out to beautiful “West Beach.”  Although hiking the beaches is at your own risk, the Hakai Institute asks that visitors sign-in on the clipboard at the head of the ramp.  The Institute has their own scientific research staff, equipment, and boats; staff work with a network of collaborators from universities, government agencies, and First Nations.  

Boardwalk Trail to West Beach

A second science research field station is located on Quadra Island at the northern end of the Strait of Georgia.  The Institute and field stations are funded by the Tula Foundation, a private foundation based in British Columbia.  

Salmon Berries along the Trail

After securing our dinghy and signing-in, we found the trailhead to the beach which is clearly marked with signage.  Next to the sign are several walking-sticks for hikers to borrow if so inclined.  The trail is mostly boardwalk covered with wire-mesh for better footing, but there are unfinished muddy sections so our recommendation is to wear boots.  

West Beach

The trail is thick with ferns, Sitka Spruce, Shore Pine, Salmon Berries, Salal, and other foliage.  The narrow trail ends at the shoreline with a wide vista of the sea and a beautiful crescent-shaped sandy breach, one of those beautiful sights that instills peace and wonderment.  We walked the length of the beach, running part of the time with Java who had a ball exploring the soft seashore.  

Beautiful West Beach on Calvert Island

After spending about an hour at the beach, it was time to head back to the boat for lunch and give Java her bath, having picked up sand in her paws and underbelly.  

Java Running on the Beach

After lunch and cleanup, Java settled in for her nap and we returned to shore to hike some of the additional beaches on the west side of Calvert Island.  From West Beach, trails head south to nine other beaches or you can head north to three additional beaches.  These beaches are all beautiful with slightly different characteristics.  

Beach No. 2

We chose the “South Beaches” and found that the trails get progressively challenging as you go along; there are some boardwalk sections but most of the trails are damp and rutted, one needs to be careful not to get your foot under a tree root and do a face plant.  Ropes are provided to climb and descend the steep embankments to the various beaches, all part of the fun adventure.  

Lorena descending to Beach No. 3

We hope the ropes remain as an option when trail improvements are extended with additional steps and boardwalks.  The trails were muddy from the rain which had returned and mist hung over the sea making the experience a little eerie but still very beautiful and awe inspiring.  

Beach No. 5

Pruth Bay is a very special place not to be missed, rain or shine.  We reached the Fifth Beach and could see the Sixth Beach in the distance around the next corner, the west side of Calvert Island with its rugged coastline of high cliffs and series of sandy beaches is a wonderful place to hike and explore.  The afternoon was growing late so we turned around and headed back across the beaches, up and down the cliffs, and through the trees.  

Beach Trailheads marked with Flotsam

Thanks to each trailhead marked with multiple buoys and other flotsam at all the beaches, we could find our way back.  We noted that a plastic crate was left near the trailheads so people can deposit any trash or flotsam cleaned up from the beach(s) that had washed ashore.  One of the items was a palette with Asian lettering, perhaps something that had washed ashore from Japan as a result of the 2011 tsunami.  

Leonard descending back to Beach No. 4

As we walked through the series of beaches, we could tell that we needed the exercise, our legs were talking to us as we made the return trip back to the dingy.  

View of Beach No. 4, a steep descent

Java was happy to see us and probably wondered  why she didn’t get to go, we told her that she would not have liked the trails and would have been carried the whole way.

Aerial View of Calvert Island Beaches (boats in Pruth Bay at right)



Sea Anemones at Calvert Is. Beaches