SATURNA ISLAND
This gem in British Columbia’s idyllic southern Gulf Islands boasts spectacularly eroded sandstone cliffs, nimble-footed feral goats, seal haul-outs and the longest stretch of untouched coastline in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. Make the 35-kilometer circumnavigation in two days and camp at one of the five national park sites on tiny, neighboring Cabbage Island. pc.gc.ca/gulf
SPARKS LAKE
The best time to wind your way around this 370-acre lake in central Oregon’s Deschutes National Forest is early summer, when snow still caps the surrounding 10,000-foot summits, and meltwater keeps the lake at a perfect level for exploring its many wildflower- filled cracks and crannies. Head south from the launch area to find curious volcanic islets, wilderness campsites and trout-filled waters. fs.usda.gov/deschutes
FATHOM FIVE
This National Marine Conservation Area lies at the tip of Ontario’s Bruce Peninsula, where the sparkling green waters of Georgian Bay meet the depths of Lake Huron. Cross 6.5 kilometers from Tobermory village to Flowerpot Island, then circle around it (6.5 kilometers) to see the historic lightstation and twin limestone sea stacks that give the island its name. Spend the night at a paddle-in campsite in Beachy Cove. pc.gc.ca/fathomfive
TEN THOUSAND ISLANDS
Southeast of Marco Island, Florida’s Rookery Bay is embroidered with a seemingly infinite number of keys, islets and mangrove channels, making it quite possible to tour this national wildlife refuge and never take the same route twice. For a relaxing weekend in this watery maze, travel inside the islands from Goodland to Cape Romano campsite (seven miles), then return via Kice Island’s Gulf side (10 miles). paradisecoastblueway.com
ANTELOPE ISLAND
Save a tour around Lake Powell’s largest island for September, when fewer powerboats means less competition for prime beach campsites and calmer waters through the steep-walled Antelope Narrows. Launch at Antelope Point just south of the Arizona/ Utah state line and enjoy views of towering Castle Rock on this 18-mile circumnavigation. Don’t miss a side trip into the swirling sandstone splendor of Antelope slot canyon. nps.gov/glca
This article first appeared in the Early Summer 2015 issue of Adventure Kayak magazine.
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