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Wilderness Tour in Canada

Enter the remote and wild central coast of British Columbia, Canada, with Spirit of the West Adventures! This tour offers you a chance to paddle one of the most unspoiled and unique kayak routes in North America. It combines travel through an unspoiled area with excellent paddling among the beautiful outer islands of the Great Bear Rainforest. This trip takes place in the traditional territory of the Heiltsuk First Nation. You'll head to the outer coast to explore that wind and wave-tossed fringe that exemplifies the coastal wilderness of British Columbia. Remote beaches, rich bird life, wolf tracks in the sand and undeveloped campsites. A self-supported sea kayaking expedition to the Great Bear Rainforest is perfect for satisfying your need to get away from it all!

Key information

  • Group tour
  • Maximum group size: 10 persons with 2 guides
  • Children from the age of 14 years old are allowed to participate under the supervision of a parent or guardian.
  • Starting and ending point: Shearwater Resort on Denny Island just off the coast of Bella Bella on the central coast of BC
  • English-speaking guides
  • All park and land use permits are included.

Highlights

  • Kayaking expedition tours
  • High-quality kayaking and safety and camping gear
  • Opportunity to see whales, dolphins, sea otters, black bears, wolves, eagles, etc.
  • Explore the Central Coast and Great Bear Rainforest
  • 7 nights camping accommodation
  • Water taxi drop off and pick up
  • Daily tasty meals

Skill level

  • Intermediate
  • Advanced

Styles


8 activity days
Group size: Maximum of 10 participants
Hide all

Accommodation

Check-in Time:
18:00
Check-out Time:
14:00

There are so many beautiful places to stay you will be hard pressed to choose a favorite campsite. Each site has unique attributes either tucked in among towering forests, atop ancient village sites or overlooking wildlife-rich waters. This is a true expedition style trip, which means you will move from camp to camp each day. All of the campsites are in rustic, wilderness settings.

Spirit of the West Adventures seeks out sites with beautiful surroundings and those that offer solitude. There may be times (not likely but possible) when you are camping next to another group of kayakers. Campsite choice will be based on weather conditions, route choice, and group size and preference.

There is very little fresh water to be found on the small islands through which you travel. Therefore, seawater is your best bet for washing up. Please use biodegradable, environmentally friendly soap brands. Toilet facilities are not common in most wilderness settings.

Spirit of the West Adventures carries a portable toilet system. Your guide will generally designate an area or system that works for ensuring your privacy. Spirit of the West Adventures is very accustomed to making sure all of the guests feel as comfortable and informed as possible in this regard. Please feel free to ask the tour operator any questions you might have before or during your tour.

Program

This tour aims to help you experience the best and most beautiful parts of Central Coast, British Columbia, by kayak. Bella Bella is a great location for starting the journey and from here you explore the intricate shoreline, beautiful long beaches, and windswept islands making your way towards Calvert Island. The water taxi transport back to Bella Bella on your last tour day means you see somewhere new and different every day of your journey, making the most of your time in the Great Bear Rainforest.

The diversity and abundance of wildlife in the Pacific Northwest is one of your privileges. With river run-off from the mountains, ocean currents, tide rips, eddies, and upwelling, these waters are among the most productive on earth. From the rich marine life of colorful plants and invertebrates, seabirds, shorebirds, waterfowl, mink, otter, seals, sea lions, dolphins, and whales, to the land animals of deer, raccoons, cougars, wolves, and bears, you are bound to see something.

Paddling time will vary depending on the destination and the group’s abilities and desires. Generally, you travel between four - 7 hours a day, which may include shore stops to stretch or have lunch. The kayaks used on the tours are stable and designed for comfort. For those a little concerned, the double kayaks are slightly more stable than the singles. The likelihood of a capsize is minimal, and generally only occurs in an uncommon situation.

If for some reason your kayak flips over, all of Spirit of the West Adventures guides have ample practice time on the water with rescue procedures, in order to quickly and efficiently get you back in your boat. At this point, they will take you to the nearest shore to change into some warm cozy clothing and carry on with your journey. While you are out on the water, it is of the utmost importance that the group sticks together in the event of capsize or change of route.

What makes this tour so unique? No backtracking and scenic water taxi ride

Explore somewhere new each day! The Great Bear Rainforest area includes too many amazing places to explore in one trip - but in order to make the most of your time here, Spirit of the West Adventures makes use of a water taxi shuttle as part of the tour so you don’t need to spend time backtracking. This also allows you to get off the beaten track and explore some of the more remote areas and islands (weather and group permitting of course).

Pre-trip meeting location: Fisherman’s Bar & Grill at Shearwater Resort on Denny island, 6 p.m.

Your guides will welcome you to the central coast and give you an overview of the trip, answering any last-minute questions and making sure everyone is prepared for the trip. You’ll receive your dry bags and any other requested gear items so you may pack your bags in preparation for departing in the morning. Shearwater Resort on Denny Island is only a short sea bus ride away from Bella Bella.

The tour

This is the proposed itinerary for our trip, but it is flexible and may be adapted to suit the interests of those who join the trip as well as weather conditions. On this tour, we can expect a combination of exposed open coastline and more protected inner passageways. As this is an expedition-style tour, we usually move campsites each night. We may have an opportunity to stay in the same place for two nights if conditions allow.

Day 1: Meeting location: The dock at Shearwater Resort on Denny Island, 9 a.m.

Meet your guides at the dock at Shearwater Resort on Denny Island. After an introduction to the area and Heiltsuk First Nation with a cultural interpreter, you will sort your gear and then set off on your water taxi for the shuttle out to your first campsite. Once there, you will sort out gear and prepare for your adventure, beginning with an orientation to the kayaks and gear, learning efficient paddling techniques and safety procedures. Once everyone is comfortable with their boats you’ll launch for your first strokes in the Great Bear Sea.

Days 2 to 7

This is a beautiful area to paddle and they 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. Depending on the weather and exact drop-off location, they may plan to paddle the remote Goose Group Islands (weather depending), McMullins and Tribal Group. Moving southeast you’ll enter the spectacular islands and beaches of the Hakai Conservancy, continuing in the direction of Calvert Island.

Day 8

You will meet a water taxi about mid-day for transport back to Bella Bella. Expect to arrive in Bella Bella by mid-late afternoon, allowing you time to relax in the village before heading south by air or ferry the following day. Please do not book any flights for the last day of your trip.

What to expect

  • Your journey: this is a one-way expedition traveling either northwards or southwards between Paddler’s Inn (Simoom Sound) and Alder Bay.
  • Self-supported: your group will be carrying everything you need in your kayaks. There is no support crew, stash points or supply drops. For this reason, it is important to pack well and pack light.
  • Part of a team: the expeditions require everyone to work together as a team. You will be needed to help keep camp tidy, and to assist with loading, carrying, and unloading kayaks at the beginning and end of every day.
  • Kayaking: each day on the water, you can expect to be paddling for 5-6 hours and cover 8-10 nautical miles per day. You may encounter wind, swell, currents, crossings, and technical landings.
  • Kayaks: a fleet of good-quality fiberglass kayaks will join your expedition. Typically, your group will have at least 2 double kayaks and the rest singles. You can expect to rotate through them and paddle different boats throughout your trip.
  • Campsites: there are many camping areas along your route. Most sites around the Johnstone Strait are well established, with pit toilets and tent platforms. These sites can be popular in the peak of summer, but your guides will use their insider knowledge to find the best and quietest spots. Camping areas at the north end of the Broughton archipelago are wilderness sites with fewer or no facilities. Your guides will carry a portable toilet which will be placed in a private nook at each of these backcountry sites. You will practice leave no trace camping and encourage you to refresh yourself on the seven principles before arrival.
  • Hygiene: handwashing stations will be set up at each lunch spot and campsite. Refreshing saltwater ocean swims can be used for bathing.
  • Safety: Risk assessment and safety protocols are a big part of wilderness travel. Listen to the safety briefings given by your guides and follow the precautions put in place to keep everyone safe.
  • Remote access: Cell service is patchy and you will not have access to electricity or charging stations throughout your trip. Please bring extra batteries or battery packs for phones and cameras.

Location

This tour will take place in the Great Bear Rainforest, Canada. Located on the central coast of British Columbia, it is part of the largest remaining temperate rainforest in the world. You start and end this tour just off the coast of the Heiltsuk community of Bella Bella, located on the Central Coast of British Columbia (a 2.5-hour flight from Vancouver). The Great Bear Rainforest is the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world which means camping amongst giant Sitka spruce trees, ancient red cedars. and western hemlocks that are nothing short of awe-inspiring. The area’s cold water and great tidal exchanges - not to mention healthy kelp forests - provide for ample oxygen in the water, supporting an incredible diversity of sea life from tiny shore creatures to majestic whales, dolphins, and porpoises.

You will traverse both the relatively open waters of Hakai Passage, Kildidt Sound as well as the more protected islands of the and islets in one of the most stunning seascapes around. This area has been featured in many documentaries and publications and is part of one of the largest protected areas on the coast because of its stunning beauty.

Food

Once the tour begins, Spirit of the West Adventures provides all meals and non-alcoholic beverages like teas, coffee, juices, and hot chocolate, from dinner on day one to lunch on the last day. You are welcome to bring your favorite wine, beer, or soft drinks. Spirit of the West Adventures recommends purchasing these items before arriving in Bella Bella as the selection is limited.

Food is considered to be a very important part of your trip. From the fresh, local fish dinner, to chocolate fondue, to home baking for desserts. Spirit of the West Adventures has a wonderful kitchen crew who ensure all dietary needs and restrictions are met, providing creative culinary alternatives that will please vegetarians, vegans, gluten and wheat-free diets, and those with various allergies and food sensitivities. Of course, the food is hearty, healthy, full of flavor, and fun.

The following meals are included:

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Drinks

The following drinks are included:

  • Water
  • Coffee
  • Tea

The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:

  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan
  • Gluten Free
  • Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
  • Pescatarian
  • Lactose Free
  • Other dietary requirements on request
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation

Things to do (optional)

  • Kayaking
  • Exploring
  • Swimming
  • Reading
  • Bird watching
  • Wildlife watching
  • Relaxing
  • Beach walks

What's included

  • Kayaking tour in Great Bear Rainforest
  • Professional guiding service
  • All kayaking equipment including kayaks, PFDs, paddles, pumps, ropes, and sponges
  • 7 nights camping accommodation
  • Lunch from day 1 to day 8
  • Cooking equipment and group shelter
  • Camping equipment including tents and Therma-rest sleeping pads
  • Park and land use permits
  • Water taxi drop off and pick up

What's not included

  • Flights, airport transfers, ferries, seabus, taxis
  • Airport transfers
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Alcoholic or carbonated beverages
  • Rain gear
  • Sleeping bags
  • Personal items like toiletries, clothing, etc.
  • 5% GST, sustainability fee (CAD 25)

How to get there

Recommended Airports

Arrival by airplane

Please book your flight to arrive at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) or Port Hardy Airport (YZT). If you fly into Vancouver, you can catch a regional flight to Bella Bella (CBBC) through Pacific Coastal airlines.

Arrival by ferry / boat

If you are travelling by ferry, you will need to spend the night before in Port Hardy as the ferry leaves Port Hardy at 7:30 a.m., arriving in Bella Bella at 12:50 p.m. on the first day of your trip, just in time to meet your guides. On the last day, the return ferry to Port Hardy departs Bella Bella at 6:10 p.m. and arrives in Port Hardy at 11:30 p.m. Ferry reservations are highly recommended. Times are accurate at the time of publication. Please double check before planning your travel.

Cancellation Policy

  • A reservation requires a deposit of 25% of the total price.
  • The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
  • The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
8 days / 7 nights
from --

Availability

This tour only runs four times a summer and has limited availability. Please send an inquiry for more details. 

 

Pricing information

Kayaking trips and tours are priced and charged in Canadian dollars and are subject to 5% GST and 25 CAD per person environmental sustainability fee.

Wednesday July 9, 2025
(8 days / 7 nights)

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