CLAYOQUOT SOUND - Clayoquot Wild From the exposed coast and white sand beaches to sheltered inlets under towering ancient rainforests, this trip is a nomadic journey of kayaking, camping and wildlife observation. Travel along varied shorelines and explore the estuaries of salmon-bearing rivers in the remotest region of the Sound. Viewing of marine wildlife and terrestrial fauna is ideal, and your guides are enthusiastic in sharing their knowledge of forest and sea ecology. Paddling through traditional native territories can focus discussion on cultural history and contemporary life in First Nations communities; travelling in this stunning wilderness stimulates thoughts on environmental protection and resource use, subjects of tremendous importance in Clayoquot Sound. A visit to the soothing mineral waters of Hot Springs enhances this memorable journey. To maximize your time for exploration and relaxation in northern Clayoquot, we use motor boat transport for the return 30-mile trip. Over the years, sea kayakers, naturalists, photographers and writers have raved about the extraordinary beauty of the outer coast of Clayoquot Sound. Surf swept beaches, wind formed dunes, rugged rock pinnacles and storm battered spruce are evidence of the sheer force and majesty of the elements. Yet summer high pressure systems hold this turbulent environment in a tranquility stirred only by exuberant westerly winds. Paddlers thrill to the sensation of skirting over swells in a following sea or moving in graceful rhythm on the gentle flow of the ocean current. On these waters one chances to see mammoth Grey Wales feeding throughout the summer. Seals, sea lions and seabirds populate the coast near inhospitable rock islands. Viewing of marine wildlife and terrestrial fauna is ideal, and your guides are enthusiastic in sharing their knowledge of forest and sea ecology. Paddling through traditional native territories can focus discussion on cultural history and contemporary life in First Nations communities; travelling in this stunning wilderness stimulates thoughts on environmental protection and resource use, subjects of tremendous importance in Clayoquot Sound. On shore, you can delight in hours of beachcombing and relaxation. Your guides are ever watchful of sea and weather conditions to ensure that this experience, while full of adventure, is at all times safe and comfortable for all members of the group. Itinerary (This tour is very similar to our Beaches and Islands tour with the exception of an extra day, a visit to the Hotsprings Cove and the water transfer back to Tofino). Day 1: Come prepared for a day of learning, travel and fun as we introduce you to the world of kayak touring. We’ll meet at 8:00 am with all our personal gear on the beach of the kayak store. The morning will be spent learning about the kayak, the gear and the miracle of packing. Most remarkably all personal gear, group gear and food will fit into the small holes called hatches. By the time we are ready to head out, everyone will know how to paddle forward, to stop, to steer the kayak and how to travel as a ‘pod’ of kayakers on the ocean. day tends to be a shorter day of kayaking which allows everyone to ease into a new activity, warm up if it’s been awhile since you last kayaked and to get adjusted to being in the boat. At camp we will go over the camping skills needed for the trip, so everyone is comfortable with the gear and how to use it. This will include putting kayaks to bed, setting up a comfy tent and learning how the kitchen scene works. We will also cover our minimum impact techniques. After a delicious dinner, we will complete the first day relaxing in the evening sun as it sets over Clayoquot Sound - our journey has begun. Day 2-6: Our morning routines consist of listening to the weather forecast, assessing the conditions and working out the travel day. The West coast is a dynamic environment in constant transition. Wind, wave and tide dictate our movement and route. The ability to respond to these conditions is the basis of seamanship and the key to a safe and fun trip. We will paddle approximately 3-5 hours a day, stopping for rest breaks and to get out of our kayaks for lunch. There is usually a layover day when we can enjoy a leisurely morning and spend time exploring the area in unloaded kayaks. On the open coast there can be strong afternoon winds that build up the seas. This can prevent us from travelling. On these days we set up camp a little earlier and use the day to hike or do a day paddle closer to shore. We want you to be comfortable in your kayak and able to maneuver it so you can enjoy the experience of kayak touring. At the beginning and throughout the tour, guides will offer paddling tips that will enable you to paddle with ease. The guides are keen to share their technical knowledge and invite you to ask questions when you have a particular interest though they are restricted due to the nature of a tour. What is included . . . Trip costs are quoted from Tofino, the point of departure, and include: The services of a fully qualified guide and assistant guide All group equipment including kayaks, paddles, lifejackets, tents, kitchen / cooking gear Meals from lunch of the first tour day until lunch of the last tour day All kayaking and camping gear except personal items as stated in the information package sent at time of registration 10% off any trip accessories, books or clothing, purchased from Ecomarine before the trip What is not included . . . Prices quoted do not include: Return transportation between your home and Tofino Any accommodation while in Tofino or on route to start point Airport transfers Any meals not listed in the itinerary Any optional excursions Personal clothing & equipment as listed on the detailed ‘Clothing & Equipment List’ Expenses incurred due to bad weather / fog / flight delays 7% GST - this may be partially refundable to non-residents of Canada Gratuities to guides, alcoholic beverages and other items of a personal nature Insurance, medical, hospitalization or evacuation costs Tell Me More! Q: Do I need previous kayaking experience? A: No, many novices join this trip. As with any trip involving activity it is recommended that you have the basic skills having been in a kayak before in order to fully enjoy yourself on the trip. Basic instruction is provided and our kayaks are very seaworthy and easy to handle with a choice between singles and doubles. Time on the water is typically 4 - 6 hours per day with plenty of time to relax, or explore the shoreline, take scenic pictures, stretch your legs and have lunch. Q: What type of weather conditions will we likely encounter in the area? A: Weather conditions can be variable ranging from daytime temperatures of 15?C - 25?C (55?F - 77?F). Evenings are cool and temperatures can be 10 ?C (50?F). Extended periods of rain are unusual for the summer months, but possible, and mornings may be foggy. Be prepared with the appropriate clothing. The fog at times can make for cool damp camping conditions. Q: What other activities can I do besides kayaking? A: The Island offers many opportunities to explore tidal pools. The bays are full of inter-tidal life. Hiking through the ancient forests is also a popular activity, and snorkeling is remarkable in this area. You will definitely need a heavier wetsuit (or a drysuit) if you want to snorkel, as water temperatures are only about 6?C (45?F)! Q: What will the meals be like? A: Our food is wholesome. Offering an interesting and mouthwatering variety, sometimes featuring ‘catch of the day’, that is well prepared by the guides themselves. Your guides will create sheltered eating areas if necessary. We do accommodate vegetarians. For more information, please give us a call (1-888-425-2925) or send us an e-mail. To go back to the dates page, please click here.