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Cedar Boat Ramp parking AND Gabriola launch for Flat Tops

Rodnak Kayak

Paddler
Joined
Dec 19, 2007
Messages
546
Location
Victoria, BC
Hello all, this is a bit of a call out to the locals for this one. I have sued this boat ramp for launching to head out to Blackberry and more a while back. I wonder if there is still free or any overbite parking up from the ramp as there was in days past.
Also, anyone know if the old marina at the south end of Gabriola is a good launch for the Flat Tops. I have heard so much about this little group, and want to do a day paddle there to take it in.
Any info on these two points greatly appreciated.
 
I don't have any recent experience with the Cedar launch.

You do know that camping at Blackberry is now forbidden? That's what I have heard, anyway.
 
I don't have any recent experience with the Cedar launch.

You do know that camping at Blackberry is now forbidden? That's what I have heard, anyway.

Hi John, I was aware of the Blackberry situation. We were thinking of going to visit Brother XII on Decourcey though. Not even out that way in a while, and looking for some 1-2 day trips to plan.
 
When I was at Blackberry, years ago, there was toilet paper all over the ground - just outside formal camp sites. There was a composting toilet of sorts some distance down a a trail but I guess people didn't want to walk that far. And I'm not throwing stones here, but this was also a popular area for powerboats during the day.

In fairness and in the spirit of world peace, we did help one boater get his craft off the beach as low tide arrived unexpected (to him). And he gave us two cans of beer. There is hope.

We camped down the beach (north) in an open field above the west side beach, near (too near when the wind blew) that toilet.

Continuing down the coast, there was an area where a brackish creek flows into the sea. It was too low to be useful in the late summer when we were there. But there was a bluff with a great camping spot nearby. Problem is, it's one of those places where you need permission. I've posted before that I've never gotten an answer back when I've reached out to the permit granting organization. And I don't know how anyone who checks these things on site knows you have been given premission - especially if you are out for a hike or day paddle.

But if you want to camp at BlackBerry - and not continue on the Pirates Cove - maybe you can get permission to use the native land north of what was the previous camping site.
 
Hi again, I did get ahold of Silva Bay marina on Gabriola, and they will let us park and launch from the dinghy dock for FREE! Cool...makes the pain of ferrying over to Gabriola almost worth it. Really want to paddle the Flat Top Islands, heard good things about them.
So far as the Cedar Boat Ramp goes, still looking for info for overnite parking. Yeah, I knew Blackberry is out for camping, we were headed to Pirates Cove on Decourcy (to visit Brother XII as I mentioned!! ;))
 
So far as the Cedar Boat Ramp goes, still looking for info for overnite parking.

Like your inquiry about the situation on Amherst Ave/3rd in Sidney, it might be best not to ask too much about the parking at Cedar. (??)

Nowadays the usual response will be to put up signs forbidding overnight parking, when previously it might have been a matter of waiting for somebody to complain about parked vehicles. I think as long as you put your vehicle 'up' the slope - away from the more convenient parking spots, you will be OK.
 
Like your inquiry about the situation on Amherst Ave/3rd in Sidney, it might be best not to ask too much about the parking at Cedar. (??)

Nowadays the usual response will be to put up signs forbidding overnight parking, when previously it might have been a matter of waiting for somebody to complain about parked vehicles. I think as long as you put your vehicle 'up' the slope - away from the more convenient parking spots, you will be OK.

Yeah, I see your point. It just bugs me to no end that we have to resort to Guerrilla style kayaking. Can't folks be just a teensie bit tolerant? When I look at the site on Google, it is dated back a few years...lots of boat trailers and pick ups, a few roof top racks, for canoes or kayaks..I suppose it is a "take yer chances" type of deal.
 
You do know that camping at Blackberry is now forbidden?
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We might be talking two different approaches: so to be absolutely clear - as of this time, to the best of my and others knowledge, there is no camping allowed there.
But that doesn't mean that we can't be optimistic.
 
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