Boating to Portland Island, Gulf Islands National Park, British Columbia, Canada

British Colmbia's Portland Island is a much-loved location 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 a pair of protected moorages and three campgrounds.

First Nations people utilized Portland Island going back three thousand years as is verified by the middens that can be found on the island. These middens are categorized as archaeological sites and therefore are protected legally. As such these middens must not be disturbed. Subsequently the island was inhabited by Kanaka (Hawaiian) immigrants and was utilized primarily for agricultural purposes. An ecentric owner in the 1920's was Frank "One Arm" Sutton, a retired British army officer. Frank Sutton acquired the island using money he had won betting on horse races within China. The plan was to raise & train thoroughbred race horses on the island. All evidence of the old horse racing track and a golf course have now disappeared.

In 1958 the island was given 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 known as Princess Margaret Marine Park. The Canadian Government bought the island from the Province of British Columbia and it became known once again as Portland Island and became a portion of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve of Canada.

Portland Island is located about 4.5 kilometers from Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island making it a popular day destination for kayakers and boaters. Even though it is not a very large crossing, it can sometimes get rather rough during poor weather conditions.

Three campsites are available on the island; Shell Beach Campsite is situated on a gorgeous shell beach directly across from Brackman Island (Brackman Island is an ecological reserve and visiting isn't authorized). The lovely shell beach is somewhat sheltered by Brackman Island and doesn't get struck directly by ferry wake. Arbutus Point Campground is situated on a small peninsula on the northeast end of the island and delivers fantastic views of the surrounding islands. The beach for the campsite is situated on the north side of the peninsula. Princess Bay campground can be found above the bay and has a superb view of the scenic bay, the favourite overnighting stop for pleasure boaters. Pit toilets are situated at each one of the camping locations on Portland Island.

In addition to Princess Bay, boaters have an alternative of staying at the northern end of the island at Royal Cove.

British Columbias 1st artificial reef, the sunken freighter G.B. Church, lies off the northeast shore of Portland Island. The scuttled ship now serves as a safe place for underwater creatures and is a place of interest for scuba diving.