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Kayaking Expeditions in British Columbia with WeGo Kayaking
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Our Expeditions Series of trips are designed for adventurous souls that are looking for an experience outside of our other regularly scheduled trips. Each year we select one or two unique destinations to go and explore. Some of these expeditions are designed for kayakers with previous kayaking experience; others are open to all skill levels. Please read the itineraries for more detailed information. If you have an open mind for adventure and exploration, then one of our Expeditions Series trips may be for you!
For 2008 we are going to the Nuchatlitz and Broughton Archipelago on the East and West coast of fantastic Vancouver Island.
Our Expeditions Series kayaking adventures are individually rated based on the experience level you must have to take part.
Novice - kayak expeditions are open to any skill level. No previous kayaking experience required.
Intermediate - participants should have some kayaking experience, taken a kayaking course, know how to self rescue, have done previous overnight kayaking trips and be comfortable kayaking for extended distances.
Expert - participants should have considerable kayaking experience. You will be asked to complete a registration form that will specifically identify your kayaking ability and experience.
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Nootka Island's Wild West Coast |
7 Days - Sunday to Saturday
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The Nuchatlitz archipelago is located on the remote northwest tip of Nootka Island and is one of Vancouver Island’s most exceptional sea kayaking expedition destinations. A mixture of small islands, inlets and open coast combine to form some of the best protected water paddling and undeniably the best wilderness camping on the west coast of Vancouver Island. |
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The Nuchatlitz Marine Park protects a number of historically significant native archaeological sites. There is evidence that the area has been inhabited by the Mowachaht/Muchalaht first nations for thousands of years. This area is also known as the birthplace of British Columbia as this is where Europeans made their first contact with the First Nation peoples of British Columbia. Juan Josef Perez Hernandez and the Spanish were the first to visit the area and trade with the First |
Nations in 1774. This explains why so many place names are of Spanish origin i.e. Zebellos, Espinosa and Esperanza. Although the Spanish were the first to arrive, Captain James Cook of the Royal Navy was the first to actually set foot on British Columbia soil in March of 1778 when he anchored in Resolution Cove and went ashore in Yuquot (or Friendly Cove). The British also initiated trade with the Mowachaht/Muchalaht and their Chief Maquinna for sea otter furs. These valuable furs were highly coveted and demanded high prices in China. The demand culminated in hostile |
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actions between the Spanish and British that were later resolved by the Nootka convention of 1792, signed in Tahsis.
The Nuchatlitz also provides vital habitat for Vancouver Island’s recovering sea otter population. As a result of the burgeoning fur trade the otter was hunted to near extinction. By the late 1800’s less than 2000 individuals made up the entire coastal sea otter population! In 1969 a |
fisheries biologist, Ian MacAskie, reintroduced 29 otters that he collected in the Aleutian Islands and released them near Yuquot. Over the course of the next three years another 70 sea otters that were collected from Alaska’s Prince William Sound were also relocated into the same area. The population has since expanded to over 3000 animals and they have expanded their range from Cape Scott in the north down to Tofino in the south. The otters can often be found in the vast kelp forests feeding on Urchin and shellfish. The sea otter is very smart; they are one of only a handful of mammals that uses tools. The tool of choice for the sea otter? The rock. They use them for breaking open shells and for prying shellfish off rocks.
The area is also rich with natural predators (black bears, bald eagles, wolves and more.) creating abundant wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities. Other highlights of this amazing adventure include the thrill of paddling in a giant sea cave, showering in a crisp, clean waterfall, native cultural interpretation, mouth watering west coast cuisine and ample time to relax and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee as the morning sun lights up the surrounding mountains and islets. |
Kayaking Tour Highlights
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All meals from lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day. |
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A true expedition style kayaking trip. |
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Wildlife includes sea otters, grey whales, wolves, bears, and much more.... |
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Minimum age is 19 years old. |
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The area is home to many First Nations cultural sites. |
Expedition Series Nootka Kayaking Tour Information |
Price: |
$1959.00 CDN Per person
Plus Goods and Services tax of 5%
This package price includes:
- All meals from lunch on day one to lunch on day seven.
*Special dietary needs can be accommodated.
- Transportation according to WeGo van schedule from Port McNeill to Zeballos and return.
- Tents, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, kayaking equipment, dry bags, paddling jacket.
- All guiding and park user fees.
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2008 Dates: |
Monday To Sunday |
July |
August |
7 - 13 |
18 - 24 |
Sunday To Saturday |
September |
7 - 13 |
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Purcahse Travel Insurance:
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Experience rating: |
Novice, no previous kayaking experience required. |
Minimum Age: |
19 years old. |
Duration: |
7 days/6 nights. |
Accommodation: |
Camping. |
Meals: |
All meals and snacks from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 7. |
Inclusions: |
High quality kayaking equipment, 3 drybags, tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, paddling jackets, guiding, park user fees. |
Bonus: |
Free WeGo Kayaking logo coffee mug! |
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Includes free return transportation to the launch in Zebellos from Duncan north. (Best meeting place is Nanaimo). |
Additional Tour Information
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WeGo Kayaking is a Vancouver Island based, Canadian owned and operated company. ©WeGo Kayaking Ltd. All Rights Reserved