Itinerary

8-Day Brooks Peninsula Kayaking

Ready for a full-on immersion in the wild West Coast? This sea kayaking expedition, designed for experienced paddlers, was described by Men's Journal as one of "10 Real Adventures for Mere Mortals," alongside other world-class thrills like diving in the Galapagos.

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Day 1

Travelling to Spring Island by water taxi from Fair Harbour, you will arrive at our camp in the early afternoon with time for an afternoon activity to stretch your travel legs.
Appetizers and dinner... and of course our welcoming staff will greet you.
If available, you may be offered one of our waterfront tents with a bed and mattress (bonus!!) or you will be shown to a private tent site where you can set up your own tent for this first night on Spring Island.
After a brief orientation to our base camp facilities (shower, resource library, outhouses, fresh drinking water, etc.), we will discuss our group's best options and suitable timing for packing and departing toward the Brooks Peninsula the next day.
Once settled, we'll typically review kayak packing and safety procedures, assign boats for the trip, and, if the weather looks suitable to depart Spring Island the next morning, dive into getting all of the gear loaded!
If time permits, we often enjoy a dusk walk to the wild west side of Spring Island to get an after-sunset glimpse of our destination - the Brooks!
The full day of travel and trip preparation, and the soothing sound of waves on the shore, should help you to sleep despite the excited anticipation of the adventure ahead!

Day 2

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, urinate, and find a coffee to say hello to the day!
After a satisfying breakfast, if the weather isn't appropriate for immediate travel over the exposed traverse to the Bunsby Islands, we can spend an extra night or two initially exploring closer to Spring Island and using the base camp. This can be a great opportunity to see even more of the area.
Our guides will ensure that everyone is fully introduced to the kayaks and equipment, and related safety considerations for our travels.
If the weather and sea gods are smiling on us while traversing Checleset Bay toward the Bunsby Islands and Acous Peninsula, we'll paddle into a sea cave and maybe even under a waterfall. We are also likely to witness Black Bears foraging for food along the steep rocky shore!
By the time we reach our first campsite, we will have traveled between 8 and 11 nautical miles (approx. 15 to 20 km).

Day 3

Weather permitting, and depending on where we camped the night before, we may then proceed to Surfer Beach at Jackobson Point on the Brooks Peninsula. Once there, this expansive beach will become home for the next few days as we explore the surrounding area by sea and land, absorbing all that the area offers.
Alternately, we decide it's more sensible to first explore more around the Bunsby Islands and Acous Peninsula (see below).
If at the Brooks, after setting up camp and having lunch, the afternoon is typically less structured: kayak, body surf, swim in the creek, explore the shoreline, or just sit still - the choices are almost endless.
We may see Tufted Puffins boldly swimming beside us (with their comical beak and cavalier head tufts!), curious teenage Stellar Sea Lions, or flocks of Cormorants sunning themselves on the numerous rocky islets. If we are really lucky, we will catch a glimpse of or hear a passing Harbour Porpoise ("puffing pig"!), Humpback Whale, or Minke Whale.
If conditions remain favourable, we will remain camped on the Brooks Peninsula. While there, likely day paddles include: exploring the best kayaking rock gardens on the coast as part of our route to Clerke Point (the southwest corner of the Brooks); meandering into Nasparti Inlet (including the powerful tidal entrance to Johnson Lagoon)... or, well, not paddling at all, but instead wandering the beach and rocky shoreline in search of treasures or places to rest, reflect, and absorb the calm and wild-ness of this setting.
Either before or after our camping time at the Brooks, we will also explore the Acous Peninsula, Battle Bay (and River), and the Bunsby Islands. Highlights include: paddling into the Battle River estuary, walking the beaches in Battle Bay, visiting Che:k:tles7et'h' (Checleset) First Nation friends and historic sites (with permission), sand and shell beaches, and prolific intertidal life through the shallows between islets - it's like paddling in an aquarium!

Days 4, 5 & 6

As per day 3...Fully exploring where we are, connecting with the area, relaxing, and sensibly positioning ourselves for what will be best to next experience!

Day 7

Depending on sea conditions, weather forecasts and what's most suitable for the group, we will likely do the return paddle to Spring Island on Day 7.
After packing up, we again traverse Checleset Bay back to Spring Island for the last night.
Depending on our arrival time at Spring Island, there may be the chance for an afternoon paddle, or a unique forest walk to a grove of giant Red Cedars on Spring sland.
We recommend a final sunset walk to the exposed beaches on the west side of Spring Island, where you can look back at the Brooks Peninsula and reflect on experiences of the past week.

Day 8

If already back at Spring Island, this leaves us the morning to relax, organize personal things, and/or head out for some more spectacular paddling or walking around Spring Island's world-class coastline - whichever suits you.
If still in the Bunsby Islands, we're up early to pack, launch, and enjoy the open traverse across Checleset Bay while returning to camp. Once back, it's time to unpack, repack, and enjoy some quiet or group moments before your water taxi arrives midday - a full, satisfying morning, and exhilarating close to a great trip!
For travelling by water taxi or float plane, departure from Spring Island is in the early afternoon just after lunch.