British Columbia’s Portland Island is a favourite spot in the Southern Gulf Islands for both boaters and also kayakers. Portland Island is a great destination for a day trip or multi-day boating and camping adventures with 2 protected moorages in addition to three campgrounds.
First Nations people utilized Portland Island going back three thousand years as is verified from the middens that can be located on the island. These middens are categorized as archaeological sites and therefore are protected by law. As such these middens must not be disturbed. Later the island was inhabited by Kanaka (Hawaiian) immigrants and was utilized mainly for agricultural purposes. An ecentric proprietor in the 1920’s was Frank “One Arm” Sutton, a retired British army officer. Frank Sutton acquired the island with funds he had won gambling on horse races within China. The plan was to raise & train thoroughbred race horses on the island. Almost all evidence of the old horse racing track along with a golf course have now vanished.
In 1958 the island was presented as a gift from the Province of British Columbia to Princess Margaret to commemorate her visit to the province. Princess Margaret returned the island to the province of British Columbia in 1967 for use as a park and it became recognized as Princess Margaret Marine Park. The Canadian Government bought the island from the Province of British Columbia and it became recognized once more as Portland Island and became part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve of Canada.
Portland Island is situated approximately 4.5 kilometres from Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island which makes it a popular day destination for kayakers and boaters. Even though it is not a very large crossing, it can occasionally get rather rough during bad weather conditions.
3 campgrounds are available on the island; Shell Beach Campsite is situated on a beautiful shell beach directly across from Brackman Island (Brackman Island is an ecological reserve and visiting is not permitted). The stunning shell beach is partly sheltered by Brackman Island and does not get hit directly by ferry wake. Arbutus Point Campsite is situated on a small peninsula on the northeast end of the island and provides fantastic views of the surrounding islands. The beach for the campground is located on the northern side of the peninsula. Princess Bay campsite can be found above the bay and features a wonderful view of the scenic bay, the favourite overnighting stop for pleasure boaters. Pit toilets are located at each of the camping locations on Portland Island.
Along with Princess Bay, boaters have an alternative of staying on the northern end of the island at Royal Cove.
BC’s 1st artificial reef, the sunken freighter G.B. Church, lies off the northeast shore of Portland Island. The scuttled ship now serves as a haven for underwater creatures and is a place of interest for technical scuba diving.
