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HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
- Exploring the north end of Vancouver Island which has an added remote feeling
- Kayaking in sheltered waters with stunning intertidal life, or paddling in open swell
- Wildlife opportunities which include: Stellar Sea Lions, Elephant Seals, Harbour Seals, Bald Eagles, Sea Otters, Orcas, Humpback Whales, Black Bears, Black tailed Deer and endless intertidal life
- Enjoying an evening of stars, campfire or even a night time bioluminescence paddle or swim
- Returning to Port Hardy via water taxi, which often allows for whale watching and a beautiful overview of where we paddled
- Visiting one of the most pristine places on earth
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Day 1
We will begin our journey right from the local wharf in Port Hardy, British Columbia. Here we will pack our group gear into the kayaks. A kayak instructional will be delivered to ensure the group has a good understanding of paddling techniques and group travel.
We will begin our paddle thereafter and get acquainted in our kayaks. We will have a stop for lunch and continue with a short afternoon paddle to our first camp on the Vancouver Island. We are often gifted with black bear sightings along the shoreline as we are still on the main island. They are often seen tossing boulders over in search of crabs and other morsels of protein. The first day will include 2-3 hours of paddling in the morning and into the afternoon, followed by lunch and an hour of kayaking thereafter.
All your meals, snacks, appetizers and desserts for the trip will be prepared by the guide. You will have time to set up your tent and relax by the campfire, read a book, sip a glass of wine, or stroll the beaches upon arrival to our camp each evening typically around 4 or 5 pm.
Days 2 to 5
These will be full paddling days unless the weather tells us otherwise. Our days will include 2-3 hours of paddling before lunch and another 2-3 hours of paddling post lunch. The routes will vary as the guide considers the group, weather, and water conditions. We will likely switch camps about three times to give the group a greater chance to see more of the islands. Given the opportunity and group desire an evening paddle will be arranged to play amongst the bioluminescence.
Day 4
The final day will include a full morning paddle. We will meet our water taxi after lunch and sorting our gear. The water taxi will have us back in Port Hardy around 3pm where we will exchange emails for photos and make our next plans!
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Inclusions
- Qualified Sea Kayak Alliance of BC Guide
- Fiberglass kayaks and paddles, made in BC
- Extra cushions for kayak comfort including sitting pads and lumbar pads.
- All kayak and safety gear
- Paddling jacket
- Three dry bags for your personal belongings
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping mat
- Helinox camp chair
- All kitchen and fire gear
- All meals and snacks
- Return water taxi
Exclusions
- 5% GST
- Travel to Port Hardy (not included)
- Gratuity for staff
- Items of a personal nature
- Alcoholic beverages
- Travel insurance (health insurance mandatory, trip cancellation/interruption highly recommended)
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DATES: Aug 21st – 26th, Aug 28th – Sept 2nd, 2021
Price: $1850 CAD per person/$1520 USD per person (Plus 5% GST)
Please note: Participants should be comfortable camping and paddling in remote regions. Should be of at least a moderate fitness level.
When & Where We Meet
We will meet at in Port Hardy the night before at 7pm at a given location. This meeting will take about 1 hour. At this time we will review all pre-trip information, including morning departure – meeting place and time, appropriate clothing, itinerary, etc. We will also distribute dry bags, paddle jackets and water bottles for personal packing.
It is important for all participants to be present for the meeting. We find it very beneficial to the organization of the trip. We will also at this time fill out waivers and review any other medical concerns.
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Clothing should include:
- 1 pair of shoes that can get wet and most importantly have grip. They need to have ankle support. I recommend runners, water shoes, Keen or Croc sandals. Closed toed shoes help against stubbing toes on rocks.
- A pair of rubber boots are optional. Perks include your feet staying dry entering and exiting the kayaks. Downside they can flood if a wave fills them. They can also be bulky to wear in a kayak or to store.
- 1 pair of shoes for land, after kayaking.
- 2-4 warm socks
- 2 shorts
- 1-2 pants
- Underwear
- 1 thermal underwear – like the underlays you might wear skiing.
- 3-4 shirts, short and long
- 1-2 sweaters, at least one very warm sweater recommended
- Rain jacket and rain pants
- Gloves if you easily get cold fingers
- 2 wool hats
- Sun hat
- A face mask
No cotton/jeans. They become heavy and cold when wet. Synthetics are a better option such as fleece or polyester. These will warm with your body if wet.
Other Items Include:
- Sun glasses
- Glasses and Contacts. Consider a back up if one becomes lost or breaks.
- Toiletries – biodegradable soaps please.
- Baby wipes and a few band aids
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Headlamp
- SPF Chapstick
- Personal medications. Bring extra doses medication if is critical to you. Separate and duplicate, storing one set with a partner or guide. A trip can be cut short if there is not enough medication to keep a client safe.
- Water bottle. It nice to have a clip attached.
- Book. Keep in waterproof/sealable bag
- Spirits. Alcohol may be consumed after the days kayaking only.
- Camera. Small waterproof cameras are great. If you have a larger SL camera a pelican case is a great way to keep it protected. Alternatively, a camera can be wrapped in a sweater and kept in a dry bag for protection.
- Extra batteries
- Ziplock bags
- Sleeping bag and/or mat if you prefer your own over ours.
Leave your watches and phones behind
Please contact us with any further questions at
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