A large island (13 km2) about 2.5 km from the harbour in a heavily trafficked area of the Bay. Access is relatively sheltered, making this an easy destination for the novice kayaker.

If you don't like open water crossings or the conditions are rough, instead of heading by the lighthouse and straight west to Franklin, sneak north up the inner boating channel just on the east side of the lighthouse (turn right just before the lighthouse). It's a really neat sheltered channel. In one place it's just wide enough in places to dip your paddle so like a one-lane bridge, boaters have to wait their turn — but it's usually not busy.

From there you can sneak north along the mainland and make a hop over to Fanklin at Burritt Pt — about 320 m across the boating channel.

If you do head straight west from Snug Harbour, you can still take refuge from the powerboats and waves at Runaway and Watson Isls 640 m from the lighthouse. From that point on it feels like you're just shoal hopping over to Franklin.

Franklin Isl offers dozens of bays and shoals to explore. There is heavily used camping on the south and east sides. More exposed but less-used sites can be found on the west side.

GLSKA volunteers have placed several "thunder boxes" on the island to help contain human waste. It is up to users to maintain these "outhouses."

A few large trees and some ground cover. Close enough to mainland for bears, raccoons, and other small animals to be occasional pests.

Conditions on the outside (west) of the island can become challenging and dangerous. If you venture to that side for the view or sunset camping, be aware of growing winds and crashing waves.

Noteworthy

• osprey platforms in bays at the north end of Franklin (please view only by binoculars so you don't scare off the birds)
• parking, outhouse, and pay phone at Snug Harbour as well as a small marina and fish restaurant
  
• small convenience store in marina
• smoked fish from the marina makes a real (smelly) treat
• sporadic cell phone coverage seems to depend on brand, atmospheric conditions, celestial alignment, and holding your tongue just right - so don't count on it
• This is rattlesnake and poison ivy territory!

*Fire ban on the islands due to the fragile nature of the environment and the fact that those tiny trees out there are 30+ years old (the place won't recover if you burn any)