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Sea Kayaking Nuchatlitz Inlet and Nootka Island Tour Itinerary

Below is a sample itinerary and exact routes will vary depending on possible wildlife sightings, currents, tides and weather.

Day 0:

Plan to be in Port McNeil the night before the trip departs, as there is an 8:00 pm pre-trip meeting with your guides at the Haida-Way Inn. We’ll provide you with an overview for your trip, distribute dry-bags to pack your gear in, and answer any questions you may have.

Meals Included: None

Day 1:

Our van departs promptly at 8:00 am for the 90-minute ride to the town of Zeballos.  Please ensure you’ve had breakfast, organized your gear, and checked out by this time.  It’s possible to leave vehicles and extra bags at the Haida-Way – just ask at the front desk.

In Zeballos, we load our gear and kayaks onto a water taxi for transport to Nuchatlitz Inlet.  They drop us on a protected beach, in the middle of the best paddling in the area.  After packing up our kayaks and going through a paddle briefing, we’ll hit the water and head to our campsite.

Meals Included: Lunch - Dinner

Days 2 to 4:

These days are spent exploring the area; Nuchatlitz inlet and Nootka Island in particular.  This area is characterized by sandy beaches, many small islets, and offshore reefs which disperse the pacific swell.

We’ll likely have 2-3 different camps during this trip, depending on weather, wildlife sightings or group interests.  There is extensive exploring to do among the many small islets.  As we get closer to Nootka island we often see black bears; there is a considerable population here.  Towards the mouth of Nuchatlitz Inlet there is some beautiful sea caves and many tiny pebble beaches.

The sea otters are abundant in this area, and we can often even see them from our camps; humpbacks are common as well, although they are also further out to sea, and thus more weather dependent.

Itineraries vary from trip to trip, but rest assured that wildlife viewing, exploration, and relaxing are always key factors in our trips.

Meals Included: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

Day 5:

On the last day, we’ll enjoy a last breakfast and linger over a cup of coffee before breaking camp for the last time.  After a short paddle back to the pick-up spot, we’ll load the water taxi and head back up the inlet to Zeballos. Expect to arrive back in Port McNeil by about 4-5:00 pm.

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 our guests spend the last night in Port McNeil, enjoy the hot showers, and slowly transition out of vacation mode.  Most guests choose this, and we often get together for a no-host farewell dinner at the Haida-Way Inn.

Meals Included: Breakfast - Lunch

What to expect on our Nuchatlitz tours:

On our Nuchatlitz trips we supply a mixed kayak fleet of singles and doubles, and each guest will have an opportunity to try both.  Our groups are kept small; there is a maximum group size of 8 guests with 2 guides accompanying.

No paddling experience is necessary to join our trips but experienced paddlers will not be disappointed. We usually paddle for 4 – 5 hours per day, with breaks for lunch, snacks and shore exploration.  If you’re looking to challenge yourself, try our ‘expedition style’ trips or simply ask one of the guides for some extra skills instruction.

What is provided on all of our tours:

We provide you will all the necessary kayaking and camping equipment, including: kayaks, paddling jacket, life jacket, group shelters, tents, sleeping pads, camp chairs and with enough notice, we can even provide sleeping bags, although most guests bring their own. A comprehensive list of required personal items can be viewed here. 

All meals from lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day are provided and prepared.  We’re proud of our menu that includes abundant fresh fruits and vegetables, a wide variety of international dishes, and freshly baked treats.  Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated given sufficient prior notification.

Transportation is all-inclusive from the Haida-Way Motel in Port McNeil.  Our network of vans and water taxis will transport you to and from your journey in comfort.

What is not included on our tours:

We do not provide transport from your home to Port McNeil, nor do we provide airport transfers.  Any meals outside the kayak portion of the tour are your responsibility.  Travel insurance for accidents or emergency evacuation is not provided; we recommend you purchase a policy before leaving home.  The trip price does not include guide gratuities; should you feel that the service was exemplary, it is always appreciated.  We suggest 5 –10% of the trip cost, based on the service and attention provided.