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Lodge Based Sea Kayaking

 

Sea Kayaking Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia
3-Day Lodge Based Sea Kayaking Tour

Vargas Island in the heart of Clayoquot Sound, is the perfect escape when you want to get away, and you don't want to get caught. This sea kayaking excursion combines the adventure of exploration by sea kayak with on-land activities and the amenities of a wilderness lodge.

Clayoquot Sound Lodge-based Sea Kayaking VacationsEnjoy three wonderful days sea kayak touring along Vancouver Island's stunning western shores, walking through old growth forests, and strolling along deserted sandy beaches.

At the day's end you return to a rustic, comfortable waterfront lodge. Here you can indulge yourself with a steamy sauna and a hot shower before relaxing in front of a roaring fireplace.

Enjoy the magic and raw beauty of Vancouver Island's West Coast. We offer this as an early or late season opportunity to get away no matter what the weather! Our Vargas Island lodge based sea kayak tours depart from the village of Tofino on Vancouver Island's west coast.

A Century ago, some 2.3 million hectares of old growth forest covered the valleys of Vancouver Island. By far the largest tracts of the Island's remaining ancient forests grow near the shores of Clayoquot Sound. On February 10, 2000 the United Nations officially designated Clayoquot Sound a UN Biosphere Reserve. The designation gives international recognition to the ecological importance of this ancient temperate rainforest region. 

This is a sea kayaking trip that you can do time and again with renewed pleasure.

Trip Duration

3-days, 2 nights.

Trip Departure

Your Clayoquot Sound Lodge based tour departs from the village of Tofino located at the end of Highway #4, on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Guests are required to meet at the trip departure location for 8:00 am the first morning of the trip.

Plan to arrive in Tofino for the evening prior to the trip departure date.

On the final day of our sea kayaking adventure, we plan our return to Tofino between 2:00 and 3:00 PM. This allows time to travel to Nanaimo to board a ferry to mainland British Columbia, or continue on to other Vancouver Island destinations. Please be advised that weather or other conditions could delay our return time, so please plan accordingly.

We guarantee that once we have confirmed your reservation your trip will be scheduled to run. You'll have no concerns of us cancelling your trip plans at a late date. Trip Dates.

Trip Suitability

Clayoquot Sound lodge-based sea kayaking adventure vacationNo previous sea kayak touring experience is required to participate on this trip. The Clayoquot Sound lodge-based sea kayaking adventures are suitable for singles, couples and families with children as young as 15 years. The trip is progressive in terms of skills and therefore is suitable for a variety of paddling abilities – beginners are welcome.

While our trips are not considered to be strenuous or physically demanding, and we do not require a high level of fitness, good general physical condition is necessary.

A primary reason for the popularity of sea kayaking is the ease at which the boat can be propelled and the relatively quick learning curve. Throughout your trip your guides will provide tips to develop your paddling skills to enhance your experience and to avoid poor techniques that can lead to injury, fatigue or frustration.

Trip Accommodations

Trip accommodations are at the secluded 'Vargas island Inn'.

The Vargas Island Inn

The Inn is located on a beach looking out over Meares Island and the snow capped peaks of the Strathcona Park mountains. A sturdy two storey, Tudor Style building the Inn was constructed by the Buckle family from timber salvaged from beaches and selectively logged from their property. An on-site lumber mill provided the means to mill the timber, and today Neil still produces custom cut, value added, western red cedar products.

The Inn marks the location of the historic telegraph and life saving trail for survivors of past ship wrecks. This rugged trail is still passable today, though not maintained, and provides an interesting hike across the island to the expansive beaches on the Island’s western shore.

Amenities at the Inn are rustic, but functional and comfortable. Bedrooms are small and cozy, there are two bathrooms, and bath towels are provided. There is a large living room which features a fireplace to gather around for evening socializing and cocktails, a dining room, indoor and outdoor kitchens. Off the back of the Inn and around the outdoor kitchen a deck area provides comfortable seating to soak up the last of the afternoon sunshine. Water is supplied from a well, which we utilize for washing and cooking. We do bring drinking water as the water supply, though adequate, is limited at the Inn.

A highlight at the Inn is the wood-fired sauna and private shower house by the beach. The Inn is off the grid and receives electrical power through a combination of 12-volt battery packs, solar energy, and a diesel generator.

Trip Cuisine

We provide all meals on your sea kayaking trip, including regular snacks, and hot beverages. If you have a particular snack food that you enjoy, or are the type of person who needs to snack regularly while active you are welcome to bring along your own personal supply.

We make our best effort to cater to those with food allergies and vegan diets. However we are not able to accommodate special diets that require a strict menu plan (e.g. low carbohydrate diets). If you have any dietary requirements, we ask that you contact us to determine if the menu plans can be adapted to your needs.

What We Provide

Pacific Northwest Expeditions provides virtually everything you will need for this sea kayaking adventure;

  • professional, certified guides
  • all meals, snacks and hot beverages starting with lunch on the first day through to lunch on the final day
  • touring sea kayaks (fibreglass single & doubles) along with all the required paddling equipment and on the water safety equipment
  • all the necessary wilderness kitchen and camping equipment
  • safety equipment and communication equipment
  • pre-trip information providing comprehensive information on suggested outdoor clothing for your trip. Your pre-trip information outlines suggested quantities to bring along to make your trip enjoyable for any weather conditions that could be encountered.
  • A complete list of suggested equipment is provided in your pre-trip information package.
  • all public land and BC Park use permits
  • FUN! Included at no extra cost.

Guest Responsibilities

  • Guests are responsible for their own transportation to and from the trip point of departure, Tofino, BC. Please visit our Travel Planner page for information on transportation options.
  • Accommodations, and meals prior to or after your trip, are not included. A pre-trip information package, which is provided to you upon receipt of your trip deposit, provides local accommodation and dining suggestions. It is advisable to make accommodation reservations in advance.
  • Please check with your health care plan administrator to ensure that you have sufficient coverage while participating on one of our tours. Pacific Northwest Expeditions is not responsible for any medical or evacuation costs should they be incurred for your safety or health during the course of the tour.
  • Each guest will be required to sign a Pacific Northwest Expeditions ' Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumptions of Risk, & Indemnity Agreement’ and complete a ‘Medical Questionnaire Form’, prior to the trip departure date. Any trip participant under the age of 19 years will be required to have a legal guardian sign an Indemnity Agreement. To view these documents please visit Terms & Conditions.

Trip Area

To view a larger version click on the map image.

Clayoquot Sound Lodge Based Sea Kayaking Trip Area Map

Pacific Northwest Expeditions
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