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Vancouver Island Kayaking
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This adventure on the ocean gives you a glimpse into a world you thought was long gone. From isolated campsites along the coast to protected misty lakes a little further inland, Vancouver Island offers pristine northern wilderness to explore and enjoy while you glide silently through the coastal water.
Check at the bottom for a link to an interactive map!
Vancouver Island Kayaking, Eastern coast.
While the entire coastline is beautiful, there are some very specific locations you should check out during your kayaking vacation.
The first area of exploration is between the British Columbia mainland and the island: look for Queen Charlotte Strait and Johnstone Strait to the north, between which you'll find waters rich in marine mammals like orca, porpoises, and seals.
Next are the the Northern and Southern Gulf Islands which are warmer, with a Mediterranean climate at times, and claim thousands of species of wildlife and plants. This is where you'll find beautiful sea otters, mink, and dozens of animals that live along the coastlines. Half of British Columbia's marine parks are located in the Gulf Islands, and it's easy to see why.
Below is a short (two minute forty-six second) video, by Rob and Olivia Sargeant of their sea kayak trip to the Sandstone Sculptures on Mudge Island, just south and east of Nanaimo on the East Coast of Vancouver Island. Lovely day, great water and much to discover...that's the thrill. Sound is narrated with background music so speakers on!
Thirdly, at the far south end, the city of Victoria and the South Islands interrupt your Vancouver Island kayaking adventure with a little civilization. Tucked into the southern corner of Vancouver Island, just on the edges of the Washington State boundaries, this area has over a half a million people. Use it as a base for your Vancouver Island kayaking trips, or as a respite from the rough wilderness beauty of Vancouver Island. Tour groups of kayakers leave from the Victoria harbour and at various places along the Saanich peninsula.
On the outer,west coast, your Vancouver Island kayaking trip takes you through Nootka Sound, Clayoquot Sound, and the Broken Group Islands.
At Nootka Sound, look for the Nuchatlitz Marine Park, with beautiful inlets and creeks alongside ocean beach. Here you may also see historic remains: hieroglyphics on rocks and cemeteries for Spanish explorers and Mowachaht natives. It's very wild, and if you camp during your Vancouver Island kayaking adventure here you'll need to hang food and other items from a tree to keep the raccoons and other wildlife out.
Clayoquot Sound is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and boasts the largest intact virgin rainforest in British Columbia, with trees as old as 1700 years. Islets and rocky reefs add character to your sea kayaking expedition, and you'll see rough rocky beauty that exists hardly anywhere else on earth.
The Broken Group Islands has everything, from plankton easily observed in tidal pools to giant Pacific grey whales. The quiet protected waters carry sound for miles, but you can only reach the Islands by boat.
For your first time Vancouver Island kayaking, it's a good idea to book a trip with professional guides. This will allow you to learn what dangers may lurk along this rugged coastline, and introduce you to campsites and hidden towns where you can pick up supplies you need as well as have a respite from roughing it.
You'll find dozens of tour agencies and guides in the city of Victoria who can help you find the perfect group for you, and also suggest or provide, the equipment that you will need. Of course you may have your own sea kayaks, in which case, visit the Victoria agencies to get maps and directions as well as suggestions for camping and the very necessary tide-tables.
You gotta' "Discover Sea Kayaking around Vancouver Island". Everyone I know, all say it's the greatest activity they have ever tried...put it on your list!
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