Canada
Canada - Kayaking in Nootka Sound
Canada - Kayaking in Nootka Sound
Duration
6 days
Start/End
Nanaimo
Tour type
Group
Level
Moderate
Accommodation
Zeltcamps
Overview
From Cougar Creek you paddle to Bligh Island, Resolution Cove and Friendly Cove, where the story of contact between Europeans and First Nations on the west coast began. Sea otters keep you company and you camp on remote islands – no experience needed.
Nootka Sound and Nootka Island are where the story of encounters between Europeans and First Nations on Canada's west coast began. It was here that Captain James Cook met the Indigenous people of Nootka Island in 1778 and established first contact. The entire west coast of Vancouver Island played a significant role in European politics at that time. Today, Nootka Sound is one of the premier kayaking destinations on Vancouver Island. Paddling among the islands, accompanied by sea otters, is an unforgettable experience, culminating in a visit to the historic Friendly Cove. While the area is somewhat more challenging than some others, the secluded, wild campsites on the islands make this trip absolutely worthwhile.
Tour Code
Tour language
EnglishItinerary
Day 1
From Nanaimo to Cougar Creek
Tent camp
Transfer
We'll meet at a pre-arranged location in Nanaimo and drive to Cougar Creek. We'll spend the night there and prepare ourselves and the kayaks for the start the next day.
From Nanaimo to Cougar Creek
Day 1
Tent camp
Transfer
We'll meet at a pre-arranged location in Nanaimo and drive to Cougar Creek. We'll spend the night there and prepare ourselves and the kayaks for the start the next day.
Day 2
To Bligh Island
Tent camp, full board
Kayak
We load the kayaks and set off. Before and during the trip, we take time to refine our paddling technique. Our destination is a beautiful, crescent-shaped campsite on Bligh Island in the Spanish Pilot Group.
To Bligh Island
Day 2
Tent camp, full board
Kayak
We load the kayaks and set off. Before and during the trip, we take time to refine our paddling technique. Our destination is a beautiful, crescent-shaped campsite on Bligh Island in the Spanish Pilot Group.
Day 3
Resolution Cove and Spanish Pilot Group
Tent camp, full board
Kayak
From camp, we'll take a day trip to Resolution Cove. Here, Captain Cook had a memorial plaque placed on the rocks after anchoring in Nootka Sound. Afterwards, we'll paddle through the islands of the Spanish Pilot Group and return to our camp.
Resolution Cove and Spanish Pilot Group
Day 3
Tent camp, full board
Kayak
From camp, we'll take a day trip to Resolution Cove. Here, Captain Cook had a memorial plaque placed on the rocks after anchoring in Nootka Sound. Afterwards, we'll paddle through the islands of the Spanish Pilot Group and return to our camp.
Day 4
Friendly Cove
Tent camp, full board
Kayak
We cross the Cook Channel to Friendly Cove, which the locals call Yuquot. Captain Cook landed here in 1778, the first European to touch down on the west coast. We visit the chapel with its stained-glass windows depicting Cook and Quadra signing a treaty between Spain and England.
Friendly Cove
Day 4
Tent camp, full board
Kayak
We cross the Cook Channel to Friendly Cove, which the locals call Yuquot. Captain Cook landed here in 1778, the first European to touch down on the west coast. We visit the chapel with its stained-glass windows depicting Cook and Quadra signing a treaty between Spain and England.
Day 5
Santa Gertrudis Cove and Saavedra Islands
Tent camp, full board
Kayak
Today we will explore Santa Gertrudis Cove and the Saavedra Islands before crossing the Cook Channel again and spending another night on Bligh Island.
Santa Gertrudis Cove and Saavedra Islands
Day 5
Tent camp, full board
Kayak
Today we will explore Santa Gertrudis Cove and the Saavedra Islands before crossing the Cook Channel again and spending another night on Bligh Island.
Day 6
Return trip to Nanaimo
Breakfast
Kayak, Transfer
We paddle back to our starting point at Cougar Creek, load the kayaks onto the trailer, and drive to Gold River for lunch. We arrive in Nanaimo in the late afternoon or early evening.
Return trip to Nanaimo
Day 6
Breakfast
Kayak, Transfer
We paddle back to our starting point at Cougar Creek, load the kayaks onto the trailer, and drive to Gold River for lunch. We arrive in Nanaimo in the late afternoon or early evening.
Services
What's included
Pick-up in Nanaimo and transfer to Cougar Creek and back
5 nights in a tent (double occupancy)
All meals on paddling days
Complete kayaking equipment
Waterproof dry bags
All parking and camping fees in the hinterland
Professional English-speaking guides
Detailed guide to preparation
Small group with a maximum of 8 guests
What's not included
Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
Personal equipment
Visa and vaccinations, if required (eTA required for Canada)
Tip (recommended: 10–20 CAD per day and guide)
Overnight stay before and after the tour
Water shoes
Sleeping bag and sleeping mat (can be rented on site)
Entrance fees for the national park (subject to change by Parks Canada)
Meals during travel days
Fishing license and fishing equipment (equipment can be rented)
Single tent available for an extra charge
Character of the trip
Fitness
Moderate
Altitude
Low
Culture / nature
Nature-led
This tour is suitable for beginners to advanced paddlers. No prior kayaking experience is necessary; we'll practice paddling techniques together at the beginning. A good level of fitness is recommended, as the area is somewhat more challenging than others, with crossings of open channels like the Cook Channel. You'll spend 4.5 days paddling, plus 1.5 days traveling. You'll be sleeping in tents on remote islands. You'll help with setting up and taking down camp and carrying kayaks. You should enjoy simple conditions in nature.
Dates and prices
Group dates
Notes on the trip
Program adjustments depending on weather conditions
Since we'll be in the wilderness, the itinerary may change depending on the weather, wind, current, and campsite availability. All kayaking trips are weather dependent. You will receive the exact pick-up time at least 12 hours in advance via phone, email, or text message.
fishing
Nootka Sound is an excellent salmon fishing area. If you want to fish, get a fishing license with a salmon stamp and bring a rod and reel. Equipment can also be rented from the tour operator or purchased along the way.
Arrival and departure
It's best to arrive in Nanaimo the day before the tour and plan your departure for the day after. You can fly to Vancouver (YVR) or Seattle (SEA) and then travel to Vancouver Island by ferry, bus, or plane, or fly directly to Nanaimo (YCD).
Notice in accordance with EU Directive 2015/2302:
This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.