Sandy Island - Photo: M. Guille

At spring low tide the 33-hectare Sandy Island is connected to Longbeak Point on Denman Island by an exposed sand bank.

There are several places around the northern straits where an open canoe is just as handy as a sea kayak to reach one of the many Marine Provincial parks located in the north and south Gulf Islands.

You can paddle from Denman Island to nearby Sandy Island. Paddling distance from Denman's ferry dock to Sandy Island is about 6 miles (10 km). As you make your way you may well be accompanied by seals, dolphins, or loons. Tall blue herons stand posted like sentries on the rocky outcroppings exposed at low tide.

Kayaks and canoes are particularly suited to exploring the surrounding shoreline and are an excellent way to take in the extraordinary scenery of the islands. This marine park is ideal for day trips and overnight camping.

Sandy Island Marine Provincial Park offers rustic campsites set in a wonderful grove of Douglas-fir trees. There is no drinking water and pit toilets are the only facilities within the park. Fires are not permitted in the park.

Of course, you could also undertake to walk to Sandy Island from Longbeak point at low tide, planning your return trip carefully - unless you plan to be left high and dry on idyllic Sandy Island for a high tide or six.

Sandy Island Marine Provincial Park is located off the northwest tip of Denman Island in the Southern Gulf Islands of British Columbia. Access to Sandy Island is by private boat only, from boat launch sites at Deep Bay, Fanny Bay, Buckley Bay and Union Bay on Vancouver Island, or from the boat ramp next to the ferry terminal at Denman Island. Temporary anchorage can be found off the west end of the island or at nearby Henry Bay. The nearest all-weather anchorage is at Comox, four miles away. BC Ferries serves Denman Island from Buckley Bay, between Parksville and Courtenay.