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Kayak Touring in British Columbia
Knight Inlet, Glendale Cove Grizzly Bear Viewing |
8 Day Cape Caution, Queen Charlotte Islands Kayaking Tour
Whales of Cape Caution, Queen Charlotte Islands - British Columbia |
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| Queen Charlotte Strait lies south of the Queen Charlotte Islands, between Vancouver Island's uninhabited northeastern coastline and the snowcapped mountains of mainland British Columbia. It contains a ruggedly beautiful maze of islands and channels with narrow, constricted passages, fjord-like inlets, large islands and a tangled maze of tiny, weather-beaten islets. Within this area we explore the central Coast of British Columbia, an area that lies in the southern portion of the Great Bear Rainforest, one of the last great wildlife refuges in North America. During the summer months the strait is part of the foraging range of pods of the northern resident killer whales, or orcas. Humpbacks and groups of Pacific White-sides dolphins are also frequently seen. We paddle stretched of exposed shoreline with protected channels and bays past granite islands crowned with bonsai evergreens to the miles of golden sand at Burnett Bay. A hike up a winding creek leads to a secluded swimming hole surrounded by wildflowers or there exists the rare opportunity to run on a beach where the only footprints are yours. We land at several seldom visited ancient Kwagul village sites where, subtle evidence of the peoples who prospered in this area for thousands of years can still be seen. This is a wilderness journey to a rarely visited area; a true adventure of remarkable encounters and unforgettable images. Further north, off British Columbia's north coast, lies an archipelago often referred to as "Canada's Galapagos": the Queen Charlotte Islands, or Haida Gwaii (The Haida Place). These islands are home to the Haida people who have flourished here for thousands of years. |
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| Day 01 |
| Our kayaking trip departs from Port Hardy in the morning from our meeting place. From there we board the charter boat for the brisk 1/2 hour crossing through the islands of Queen Charlotte Strait. Our destination is the camp located in a protected cove at the start of BC’s central coast. After settling into camp there will be a kayak orientation and discussion of the coming week’s trip. |
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| Day 02 |
| After an early breakfast we load the kayaks and set off following the coast north, winding our way through a myriad of small islands. Our route takes us through waters that are a prime feeding ground for the Grey whales which are found in remarkable numbers along this stretch of coast. Our camp today provides a great vantage point to observe whales feeding in the kelp beds just offshore. |
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| Day 03 |
| Paddling out of camp in the early morning, we make our way along the strikingly rugged shoreline. Granite cliffs stand fortress like against the open Pacific, and the adjacent waters are popular with the whales. Our destination is a beautiful three mile long arch of toast brown sand that is very likely one of the most beautiful places on the coast and a favourite feeding spot for the whales. |
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| Day 04 - 05 |
| We explore a few of the splendors of the big beach. A hike is an opportunity to beach comb, look for tracks, and to observe the whales feeding in the kelp beds just offshore. A walk up the creek next to camp yields several discoveries: a side trail that leads to a hidden cove and an ancient village site, freshwater pools bordered by wildflowers that invite bathers, and a long abandoned hermits cabin hidden in the forest. Paddle forays in the bay offer the chance to observe whales and enjoy the majestic scenery. In the evenings around a crackling driftwood fire, we watch the sun set into the Pacific over distant headlands |
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| Day 06 |
| Bidding farewell to our beach camp we point our bows south to Slingsby Channel and toward Nakawakto Rapids. The mountains of the coast range rise over Seymour Inlet at the end of the channel. Your guides will plan the trip down Slingsby to work with the powerful tides that make Nakawakto one of the fastest tide rapids in the world. |
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| Day 07 |
| Paddling down Schooner Channel we enter the aptly named Murray Labyrinth, a complex group of picture-perfect islands. As we paddle south, the opening that leads to our final campsites comes into view. The powder white sand of this beach is an oasis in the relentlessly rocky shoreline of the central coast. |
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| Day 08 |
| A leisurely morning of packing gear next to the tranquil cove and reflecting on the experiences of the past week. Our charter boat will arrive mid-afternoon to take us on the return journey across Queen Charlotte Strait to Port Hardy. Our arrival time should be sometime in the late afternoon. |
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Departure Dates |
| June - September |
Various departures |
| Rates per Person in CAD$ |
Adult |
| 8 Day Gray Whales of Cape Caution Kayaking tour |
US$995.00 + $90.00 Transportation |
| Including: 7 Nights Camping Accommodation, Professional Guide, Boat Charter from / to Port Hardy, Delicious Meals and Snacks, Single & double sea kayaks, current model, All kayak related equipment, dry bags, Camping Equipment |
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