Sea Kayaking & Whale Watching on the BC Coast
from WorldWeb.com Travel Guide

Whale Watching

The ocean surrounding the west coast of British Columbia provides unique leisure and recreational opportunities. The unspoiled waters and miles of undulating coastline, in addition to the numerous species of land and marine wildlife, make it the perfect location for water-based activities. The moderate climate for a place so far north is also a tremendous advantage. In recent years the sport of sea kayaking has become increasingly popular. This sport enables participants to really get in touch with the environment and see some remarkable natural wonders while enjoying fresh ocean air and invigorating exercise. Sea kayaking is a great sport and appeals to all ages and athletic abilities. The British Columbia coastline provides sea kayaking opportunities from novices to experts.

The coast of British Columbia is known for whale watching and sea kayaking lends itself admirably to this pursuit. There are several varieties of whale here, but the most notable are the somewhat misnamed killer whales or orcas. These gentle giants are always a spectacular and unforgettable sight. It is also possible to see Pacific grey whales, humpback and minke whales. Dolphins, porpoises, seals and sea lions can also be seen around the British Columbia waters.

Sea Kayaking

Many individuals sea kayak on their own or with friends or family. The more experienced kayaker will obviously feel more comfortable on their own than a novice. For novices in sea kayaking and also for those not familiar with BC’s coast, a prearranged sea-kayaking package is the ideal choice. The expert guides from the many sea kayaking tour operators know exactly how to safely view the whales and other aquatic wildlife to the greatest advantage. Sea kayaking provides the opportunity to paddle up close to the whales. Under the expert guidance of the kayak tour leader one of the ultimate interactions between man and beast can take place.

A guide who is familiar with local tides and currents, and the habits of the whales and other wildlife will be invaluable. An inclusive sea kayaking package provides kayaks and all the necessary equipment. Some tours camp at the various points on the itinerary, others stay at lodges set up along the route. Certain tours may combine both types of accommodation to provide variety, with both a luxury and a more rustic experience.

Kayaking Areas on the British Columbia Coast

There are many areas for sea kayaking on the British Columbia Coast. These include the Sunshine Coast, The Queen Charlotte Islands, Clayoquot Sound and the Broken Group Islands, the North Coast, North and South Moresby Island, the Southern Gulf Islands, Howe Sound, Indian Arm and Jervis Inlet. These are located on the west coast of the BC mainland, on Vancouver Island, or in the waters between the two.

Whale Watching Areas off Vancouver Island

The Coast

Many of these areas offer tremendous whale watching opportunities. Particularly notable are: Northeast Coast of Vancouver Island Alert Bay and Telegraph Cove on the Johnstone Straight close to Port Hardy on the northeast coast of Vancouver Island are known for killer whale sightings from May to October. The inlets across the mainland are also excellent for kayaking and whale watching, and the Coast mountains that overlook these waters are breathtaking.

West Coast of Vancouver Island

Migrating grey whales can be seen off the west coast of the island in the Clayoquot Sound area in March and April as they head north. The best place to witness this spectacle is from the glorious Long Beach located between the communities of Ucluelet and Tofino in Pacific Rim National Park. The spring in this area is especially pleasant.

Southern Gulf Islands and Victoria

Whale watching is also available from Victoria. This involves going out in a zodiac or sightseeing boat far offshore rather than by sea kayak. This is an ideal opportunity away from the traditional sightseeing of the city.

Climate

The coast of British Columbia has a very moderate climate; summers are warm and sometimes fairly hot. Daily high temperatures range from 15 Celsius in the spring and fall, to up and beyond 30 Celsius on hot days. Usually the high is somewhere in the mid 20s Celsius, an ideal temperature. Rainfall is frequent but seldom lasts for an extended period. In the spring and fall, while there may be more precipitation, temperatures are still mild and rarely go below freezing.

What to Bring

Items of a personal nature should include good waterproof clothing, also warm clothes (synthetic fleece is best). Footwear is also important and should be waterproof and non-slip to enable walking on slippery or seaweed-covered rocks; good walking shoes will also be essential. As far as kayaking equipment is concerned, for the independent traveller a wide selection is always available for rental in areas where sea kayaking is popular. On inclusive tours all the sea kayaking equipment will be provided, and a packing list will be sent to all participants.

Instruction for Sea Kayakers

A Seal

Most tours will commence with instruction for beginners. Even the more experienced kayaker will benefit from the instructor’s knowledge of local current and conditions, and on how to kayak when amongst whales and other wildlife. A sea kayaking trip to the British Columbia Coast will provide a lifetime of memories, as well as a truly unique travel adventure in some of the most beautiful marine scenery in the world. The opportunities for wildlife viewing including some of the best available whale-watching anywhere make this a very worthwhile vacation endeavour.