Gray Whales of the Central Coast

Our Central Coast trips are some of our most exciting west coast expeditions in this very special area on the central coast of British Columbia, which lies in the southern portion of the Great Bear Rainforest, a region considered to be one of the last great wildlife refuges in North America.  Along with some of the most dynamic and scenic shoreline in BC, this area has the highest population density of Gray Whales on the coast. Drawn by an abundance of feed, the Greys plumb the depths of the kelp forests along the rocky shore. Humpback Whales, harbour porpoises and groups of Pacific white-sided dolphins are frequently seen in the area.

Paddling here is varied and exciting as we travel between stretches of exposed shoreline and protected channels and bays. Terrain ranges from clusters of starkly beautiful granite islands crowned with conifers to the stunningly beautiful and seldom visited expanse of beach at Burnett Bay. Ashore the environment is lively: a hike up a winding creek leads to a picturesque swimming hole surrounded by wildflowers and tracks in the sand are evidence of the diversity of wildlife in this area. The northern Kwagul called this section of coast home, and during the course of this trip we land at several seldom visited old village sites where at low tide the beaches still yield eloquently flaked stone tools and blue glass trade beads. This is a true wilderness trip of remarkable encounters and unforgettable images.

After setting up a base camp on one of the sandy beaches on the British Columbia Central Coast, we will take day trips to explore a few of the splendours of places like Burnett Bay. A hike up the beach is an opportunity to beach comb, look for tracks, and to observe the whales feeding in the kelp beds just offshore. A walk up the creek next to camp yields several discoveries: a side trail that leads to a hidden cove and an ancient village site, freshwater pools bordered by wildflowers that invite bathers, and a long abandoned hermits cabin hidden in the forest. Kayak forays into the bay offer an opportunity to observe whales and enjoy the magnificent scenery. In the evenings we spend time around a crackling driftwood fire, watching the sun set into the Pacific over distant headlands.

Itinerary

Day 1
We meet outside the hotel, then we head for Port Hardy, where we load our sea kayaks and the rest of our gear onto the bus that will take us to the dock where our water taxi departs from. During the one hour ride to the Central Coast of the Great Bear Rainforest we may see some whales, orca or other wildlife on our way to Shelter Bay. We spend the rest of the day settling in to our camp and practicing paddle strokes in sheltered water, before the afternoon paddle. L, D.

Days 2 - 7
As this trip is run ‘expedition’ style, we leave our itinerary very open to ensure flexibility is possible for the occasions when we meet something of interest.  This is a beautiful area to paddle, but we must work with the conditions and remain open to adventure.  Each day, your guides will assess the weather, tides, and sea state to determine the destination for the day.  Flexibility is key.

We’ll explore the mainland coast for at least half the trip, heading up towards the sandy beaches of Burnett Bay and the rugged headland of Cape Caution.  Along the way, we’ll try to paddle through Nakwakto Rapids (BC’s fastest tidal rapid) at slack tide when the water calms.  Gray whales are commonly seen at the mouth of Schooner Channel, and colourful inter-tidal creatures abound.

Returning along the coast, we’ll check weather conditions and island hop across Queen Charlotte Strait to our final objective, the Gordon Group.  Here, we can explore the myriad of islands, complete with first nations middens, historic homesteads, and fantastic intertidal life.  Our water taxi will pick us up here.

As this is a nomadic tour, camp is usually moved each night.  We may have an opportunity to stay in place for two nights, conditions allowing.  On these ‘expedition style’ trips, we generally paddle several hours more each day than on our regular tours. We also paddle in more challenging conditions.  Swell, wind, and open water crossings are common. B, L, D.

Day 8  
Our expedition comes to an end with a short paddle after breakfast, then we pack our bags and kayaks onto the water taxi and head for the relative civilisation of Port McNeil. Arrival time is about 16:00.

We usually arrive back in Port McNeil in enough time for you to fly out of Port Hardy or catch a late ferry back to the mainland, but delays do happen.  We suggest that you spend the last night in Port McNeil, enjoy the hot showers, local food and a stroll.  Most guests choose this, and we often get together for a farewell dinner. B, L.

                                                       Email for availability

Group Size: 4 - 10
Grade: Some demanding paddling – 4 to 6 hours of paddling per day, plus hikes on land.
Ref: KWA8GBR

Dates: July 27- Aug 3, July 29- Aug 6 (full ), August 24-31 2008

Price Per Person: GBP1116 / USD2226 / CAD2250  

The base currency is the Canadian Dollar and payments in any other currency are subject to possible adjustment for current exchange rates

What is Included
All camp meals; thermarest pads, dry bags, expedition kayaks, paddles, lifejackets and safety equipment; group camping equipment (including tents); group first aid kit; and professional guides.

What is Not Included
Transportation from your home to Port McNeil; hotel accommodation. Insurance of any kind; tipping of guides or town meals and beverages.

Delays: If the trip is delayed because of bad weather, cancelled or delayed flights or delays on other modes of transport, sickness or other situations which are outside of our control, we will provide whatever is possible within the limitations imposed upon us by nature and these previously referred to external factors and our staffing / equipment resources. We are not liable for any consequential cost of delays.

Qualifications: This trip is designed for flexible, active people who have a healthy dose of curiosity and enthusiasm for nature and the world. Most important are a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. A comprehensive sea kayak orientation and training session will take place at the beginning of the trip, and there is ongoing coaching as the trip progresses.

Note: Itineraries are intended as guidelines only, as we will capitalise on any opportunity to see the whales. We may need to change the itinerary without advance notice at the discretion of the guides, due to weather conditions or other general or logistical situations at the time of the trip.

Travel Insurance (for UK residents)
Comprehensive personal insurance, including search and rescue is required on this trip. For UK clients we recommend the policies of the British Mountaineering Council, for their expertise in evacuation from remote areas worldwide. Details at www.thebmc.co.uk