Sea Kayaking
Nootka Sound
Humpback Whales and Captain Cook Tales
6 days-Beginner to Intermediate, Class 1/2-CDN$1,695 + 12% HST
| Dates | Availability |
|---|---|
| July 8-13, 2012 | Available |
| August 1-6, 2012 | Available |
| August 16-21, 2012 | Available |
| September 9-14, 2012 | Available |
Nootka Sound is nestled behind the steep forested hills of Nootka Island and opens up to the Pacific Ocean at Yuquot, also known as Friendly Cove. One of the last remaining manned lighthouses stands watch here, warning mariners to sail clear of the rugged cliffs that line the wild west coast.
The sound is relatively protected from the ocean by Bligh Island and the Spanish Pilot Group, a cluster of Islands that offers interesting opportunities for exploration, as well as excellent salmon and halibut fishing. Humpback, Minke and Orca whales often find their way into the sound. Gold River, at the end of Thasis inlet, in Nootka Sound is where the world famous orca calf, Luna, became separated from its pod.
Shrouded in natural beauty and steeped in history, this kayaking trip takes you back in time, depicting the European exploration and trading of the late 1700’s. Evidence of English and Spanish exploration and peace negotiations are documented in the stained glass windows of the church at Friendly Cove. Colourful wood-carved totem poles also ornament the interior of this church, giving it a very unique feeling. The Mowachaht/Muchalaht peoples inhabited this region for over 4,000 years before the Europeans landed. Their history is all around you when you visit Nootka Sound.
The Nootka area is also a sea otter re-introduction area. After hunting the sea otter to extinction in these waters, efforts have been made over the last 30 years to re-establish colonies of sea otters along the coast. The current population in the area is growing fairly rapidly, helping to re-create the sea and shore conditions of the past when huge kelp beds helped protect the outer island shores by damping large swell from the Pacific. The fascinating interconnections between the sea otter, sea urchins, abalone, and the kelp beds are part of the explorations in this large Nootka area, which also includes the Nuchatlitz Inlet.
The sound is relatively protected from the ocean by Bligh Island and the Spanish Pilot Group, a cluster of Islands that offers interesting opportunities for exploration, as well as excellent salmon and halibut fishing. Humpback, Minke and Orca whales often find their way into the sound. Gold River, at the end of Thasis inlet, in Nootka Sound is where the world famous orca calf, Luna, became separated from its pod.
Shrouded in natural beauty and steeped in history, this kayaking trip takes you back in time, depicting the European exploration and trading of the late 1700’s. Evidence of English and Spanish exploration and peace negotiations are documented in the stained glass windows of the church at Friendly Cove. Colourful wood-carved totem poles also ornament the interior of this church, giving it a very unique feeling. The Mowachaht/Muchalaht peoples inhabited this region for over 4,000 years before the Europeans landed. Their history is all around you when you visit Nootka Sound.
The Nootka area is also a sea otter re-introduction area. After hunting the sea otter to extinction in these waters, efforts have been made over the last 30 years to re-establish colonies of sea otters along the coast. The current population in the area is growing fairly rapidly, helping to re-create the sea and shore conditions of the past when huge kelp beds helped protect the outer island shores by damping large swell from the Pacific. The fascinating interconnections between the sea otter, sea urchins, abalone, and the kelp beds are part of the explorations in this large Nootka area, which also includes the Nuchatlitz Inlet.
The church at Friendly Cove shows the fusion of First Nations culture and European culture.
The totem poles and First Nations art are main themes inside the church.
This totem pole from Nootka Island is returning to Mother Earth. The First Nations presence is strong in the whole area.
Each kayaking trip leaves a different impression. If you are looking for another area, try the Moon Snails and Tide Pools of the Broken Group Islands.
If you are looking for a hiking trip with as much history and beauty, check out our West Coast Trail trip.
Images from the Nootka Sound Area
