British Columbia: Clayoquot Sound Sea Kayaking

Clayoquot Sound abound with islands ringed with surf-swept beaches, making this a beachcomber's and kayakers paradise.

Launching from the quaint fishing village of Tofino on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, our tour leads through a timeless land of virgin rainforest, hidden lagoons rich with colourful intertidal life and mountains shaped like volcanoes. Encounters with porpoises, grey whales and occasionally killer whales in the food rich habitat is an experience of a lifetime. Nearby, several species of sea birds use the International Wildlife Reserve on Cleland Island as a breeding ground. Ancient villages attest to the early presence of the Clayoquot and Ahousat peoples, and small existing villages such as Marktosis offer glimpses of contemporary Native life.

2012 Departure Dates and Costs

3 day lodge based trip

Price Per person: $ 920 CAD 
Departure Point: Tofino, BC
Maximum Participants: 12 (2 guides)

6 day lodge & camping trip

June 17-22
July 8-13, 22-27, July 29-August 3
August 12-17
September 2-7

Price Per person: $ 1,399 CAD 
Departure Point: Tofino, BC
Maximum Participants: 12 (2 guides)

Itinerary

DAY 1
Meet near the Government wharf at 9:00 am. Here the guides will assign you to a kayak and help you get your personal gear stowed away. We'll go over some basic paddling fundamentals and a safety orientation and then launch into the waters of Tofino Harbour. With helpful advice and instruction from your guides, it won't take long till you feel you're getting the "hang of it" as we paddle through a variety of islands, making our way into the heart of Clayoquot Sound.

These waters are home to inquisitive river otters, and it is not uncommon for us to encounter these playful mammals within the first few hours of our day. After a couple of hours, we'll land on one of the beaches and you can sit back and enjoy a delicious lunch the guides will prepare. After lunch we'll launch the kayaks and make our way to our campsite on one of the many gorgeous beaches in the area. We'll then make camp, set up our tents and you are free to explore the beaches, trails, relax or perhaps join one of the guides fishing (great salmon in these waters). A sumptuous dinner around a cozy campfire with a canopy of stars above is the evenings entertainment.

DAY 2-4 or 2-6
The following days will be spent paddling the inside and outside of Clayoquot Sound. Our itinerary will be flexible to allow changes in weather and sea conditions. On the final day, the group will return to Tofino around noon, giving those who plan to on heading back the same day, ample time to make ferry connections back to the Mainland.

Additional Information

Services Included:

• All camp meals while on the tour
• One night accommodation at the Vargas Island Inn (6 day trip only)
• Services of a fully qualified guide (2 guides for groups between 6 - 12 persons)
• All kayaking and safety equipment
• Group cooking/camping equipment

Excluded:

• Transportation between your home and Tofino, BC
• Hotel accommodations or camping fees before and/or after trip
• Tent rentals are available for $15 per day
• Personal belongings as listed on 'Clothing & Equipment List'
• Goods and services tax of 5%

A liability waiver and list of recommended personal gear and clothing will be sent when we receive your application.

Delays
If the trip is delayed because of bad weather, canceled or delayed flights or delays on other modes of transport, sickness or other situations for which our operator or its agents cannot make provisions, the cost is not included.

Your Guides
On each sea kayaking expedition you have a fully qualified principal guide and with numbers over five, another highly competent assistant guide.

Your Sea Kayaks
A variety of single kayaks and double ocean kayaks are used on the expedition. Everyone will have the opportunity to experience paddling in both vessel types.

Meals
All meals are included on your expedition trip. Fresh wholesome foods consist of salads, pasta, soups and sandwiches in hearty proportions. Most cooking is done with propane stove and oven. If you have particular dietary restrictions (e.g. vegetarian, allergies) please let us know well in advance and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Weather
Summer weather on Vancouver Island's west coast is variable. Mid-summer can be shorts and t-shirt weather with daytime temperatures of 21'C - 24'C (70'F - 75'F), though there are often cool breezes off the water. Evenings are cool with temperatures near 12'C (55'F). Extended periods of rain are unusual, but possible, and mornings may be foggy. The water temperature remains close to 8'C (48'F) year-round.

No Experience is Required
All persons adapt quickly to the paddling skills required after a comprehensive introduction from our guides. Even without previous paddling experience, our vessels are very seaworthy and easy to handle. We do insist however, that you know how to swim. Mileage per day averages only 7 to 8 miles (4 - 5 hours on the water) as there are so many other activities to enjoy including beach combing, whale watching, fishing, and relaxing on the beach.

Safety
Your safety while participating in this expedition is one of our prime concerns and therefore we provide you with the best equipment and extremely competent guides. The guides are well trained in wilderness first aid techniques, and well experienced in this environment. Ultimately your guide makes decisions with your comfort and safety in mind, yet tries to maximize the experience of the adventure for each individual. We must stress that listening to instructions and directions given by the guide is your ultimate responsibility and in the best interest of yourself and the group. The expedition is equipped with a VHF radio communication for logistics and emergency transmissions.

No Experience is Required
All persons adapt quickly to the paddling skills required after a comprehensive introduction from our guides. Even without previous paddling experience, our vessels are very seaworthy and easy to handle. We do insist however, that you know how to swim. Mileage per day averages only 7 to 8 miles (4 - 5 hours on the water) as there are so many other activities to enjoy including beachcombing, whale watching, fishing, and relaxing on the beach.

How to get to Tofino
Tofino is located on the west coast of Vancouver Island at the end of Highway 4 or Pacific Rim Highway. Vancouver Island is accessed by BC or Washington State Ferry service from the mainland. The most direct route is via BC Ferries from the Horseshoe Bay terminal located northwest of Vancouver to the town of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. From Nanaimo it is approximately a 3 hour drive to Tofino. Bus transportation is available from Vancouver. Air Access is available from Vancouver and Seattle.