Itinerary

7-Day West Coast Adventure

Each day offers unforgettable adventures with ample time to explore the islets, inlets, and old growth rainforest of remote Kyuquot Sound, while enjoying the unexpected camping luxuries of our fully-equipped coastal retreat.

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Day 1

Unless you've made alternate arrangements with us, your day begins near Gold River with a 7 a.m. departure on the "MV Uchuck III" scenic coastal cruise to the remote village of Kyuquot. This is aboard a working freight vessel that services remote coastal communities, lodges, and industry sites (logging and aquaculture) on the west coast of northern Vancouver Island.
You will witness the Uchuck's crew in action as the ship plies its way northward along our beautiful coast, with a slightly different route each week.
Arriving in Kyuquot between 5 to 6:00 p.m., you transfer to a water taxi for a ten minute ride to the comforts of our base camp on Spring Island.
Appetizers and dinner...and of course our welcoming staff will greet you.
Once settled into your private waterfront tent site, this first night also includes an orientation to our facilities.
There is often the opportunity for a relaxing sunset or dusk walk to view the spectacularly wild west side of Spring Island.
Our thick mattresses and the fresh ocean air will lure you to sleep, dreaming of the kayaking to come.

Day 2 onward

You might be woken by the caress of waves on the cobblestone beach, the morning mew of a sea otter pup in the bay, the call of a bald eagle overhead,... or the simply the need to stumble out of the comforts of your tent to find a coffee to say hello to the day.
After a tasty wholesome breakfast, we'll learn more about everyone's interests and kayaking experiences, and create a rough plan for the day and week.
Our guides will introduce everyone to the kayaks and equipment, and describe safety considerations and procedures. For some this may be a refresher to ensure we're on the same page, and for others it may be newer information. More experienced paddlers are always welcomed to share their knowledge too.
Once on the water your guides will begin with a short introduction or refresher session on strokes for safe and comfortable handling of the kayaks.
Your water and land-based explorations begin! On this first day, we generally meander through clusters of islets to find an inviting shell beach for a lunch break and some tide pool marine life interpretation before an afternoon return paddle to camp.
Each day is different, full of mysteries and surprises that present themselves only once we're out there - nothing is scripted in nature!
Arriving back in the quiet bay of our camp around 4:00 p.m., there may be the opportunity to practice specific kayak skills (strokes, or for the hardy, re-entry techniques or the basics of rolling a sea kayak).
After some evening appetizers, you may choose to go for a refreshing swim, wander the trails, settle onto the warm beach stones with a drink in hand, enjoy a hot shower, or visit by the fire (or if it's cooler and raining, by the warmth of the woodstove in our dining shelter).
With a scrumptious dinner in belly, evenings are often enjoyed around the campfire, or with a sunset walk to the exposed west side of Spring Island.
Evening activities are usually less structured, providing you with time to fully experience what you need - social time or time alone.
We can also offer the options of unparalleled sunset paddling, full moon paddling, or night-time paddling with the darkness lit up by the magical underwater glow of bioluminescence swirling off each paddle stroke.
Your 3-4" foam mattress and bed will eventually lure you for another rejuvenating sleep, possibly to the soothing call of a barred owl.You might be woken by the caress of waves on the cobblestone beach, the morning mew of a sea otter pup in the bay, the call of a bald eagle overhead ... or simply the need to stumble out of the comfort of your tent to find a coffee to say hello to the day.

Day 3 Onward

There are not many places you can visit twice and still be awed with wonderful days hour after hour...

Every day was exquisite – even the rain day.

The staff are great - kind, knowledgeable, attentive – good people. This is a precious place – all those who visit will be touched by what they see... Thanks to each of you for making this week something I will not soon forget.

Carol Kujala, Edmonton, Alberta

After a tasty wholesome breakfast, we typically head out mid-morning to continue with new kayaking adventures, building on the activities of previous days.
Each day we'll decide what island, beach, forest trail, or nearby estuary to explore. We are surrounded by a myriad of route options, most offering perfect sand and crushed shell beaches for breaks, lunch stops, beach combing, exploring tide pools and rocky outcrops, or "savage lounging" (the paradise of a rejuvenating afternoon nap on an island in the pacific!).
You may choose to take the day off from kayaking and just relax or explore Spring Island by foot while the rest of us paddle. Either is fine with us because this trip can be an adventure that includes kayaking, or a kayaking adventure!
Our base camp setting is ideal for those who have never paddled before, right up to experienced paddlers who are looking for a more relaxed pace...or more challenging paddling. We have options for everyone and weave this into our daily plan.
On the water, we are likely to encounter sea otters while paddling near the calm waters of prolific kelp beds. And we are frequently greeted by jumping salmon, snorting Stellar sea lions, squadrons of black oyster catchers, or low-flying tufted puffins.
Our sea kayaking options include a variety of day-trip routes, distances, shoreline types, and sea conditions to satisfy the range of guests' interests and comforts.
Our daily guided activities often return to camp by 4 or 5 p.m., ready to enjoy appetizers, dinner, and the range of evening options described above (Day 2).
Ahhhhhh. Mmmmmm. Satisfied. Zzzzzzzzz.

Day 7

As per previous days, we have the morning to explore a little closer to camp: possibly a sunrise paddle (optional for early birds!), or a kayaking circumnavigation of Spring Island or nearby Aktis Island if the conditions are suitable.
We can also enjoy a morning walk through a moss-laden old-growth forest trail to visit ancient Western Red cedar trees - this feels like you're stepping into another world on Spring Island.
After our last lunch together and goodbyes, it's time to take the spirit of your Spring Island experiences home. This is also a good opportunity to start scheming and planning your next visit and kayak trip - many of our guests have returned over 6 times, and some even 15 times!
Departure from Spring Island is in the early afternoon, and unless arranged otherwise, involves a spectacular float plane ride that gets you back to Gold River by the middle of the afternoon. This scenic flight is a wonderful finale to the most varied and comprehensive west coast week-long kayaking vacation that we know of!
Smile, feeling that you've truly had a kayaking vacation full of memories to carry you through the year.