Join us for ten days of sea kayaking along British Columbia’s (BC) breathtaking Central Coast. This alumni trip will take you from the starting point in Port Hardy, BC over to Bella Bella and then south along the rugged coastline to Calvert Island. This region is loved by sea kayakers for its remote wilderness, incredible wildlife, and dramatic scenery. From protected coves to rocky inlets, and pristine sandy beaches meeting ancient rainforests, the Central Coast is nothing short of extraordinary.

Photo credit: Laura Jackson

You should expect to paddle approximately 65-80 nautical miles during this journey. The trip is route-oriented, but also leaves space for possible layovers depending on conditions. From Bella Bella, this trip travels southwest through protected channels towards the open coast around Goose Island. From here, the journey moves south to cross the Hakai passage and explore the northwest coast of Calvert Island.

Photo credit: Anthony Sousa

There will be around 4-6 hours of paddling per day through a variety of conditions from calm seas, to big swells, with strong currents and high tides along the coast. Both the weather and intertidal zones change frequently. You should expect temperatures ranging from 60-70 °F during the day and cooler temperatures at night. You’re likely to experience calm and warm weather one minute and gray and blustery weather another minute.

Photo by: Laura Jackson

Though summers are typically drier than other parts of the year, kayakers should expect damp and cloudy weather during this trip. These conditions support the lush vegetation in the Great Bear Rainforest. Dense forests of western hemlock, western red cedar, and Sitka spruce dominate the coastline, thriving in the cool, moist air.

Photo by: Anthony Sousa

Like the shifts in weather, tidal conditions often change multiple times per day. The tides are driven by lunar and solar cycles, as well as strong winds. The group will monitor the tides when making timing decisions in regard to launches and breaks.

Photo by: Laura Jackson

The wildlife sightings on this trip have the potential to be spectacular. Orca and humpback whales, sea lions and otters, bears, seals, and wolves find themselves at home in the nutrient-rich marine environment. You will primarily be in black and grizzly bear habitat. NOLS, in collaboration with bear biologists, has developed specific practices to minimize the risk of bear encounters.

Photo by: Mark Hamlin

Paddling through open coast as well as protected waterways in the rugged and remote region of the Central Coast make this trip special. This route will take you to places only accessible by water- there are no roads. Not many people get to experience this stunning corner of the world. The effort to get to the Central Coast is significant, but worth it. Given the tent camping, unstable weather conditions, and potential for rough water and rigorous days, this trip will be both challenging and rewarding.

Overall Difficulty*:

*Sleeping in tents on beaches, paddling on choppy seas, and potentially inclement weather conditions provide challenge.