Planning for your Sea Kayak Tour
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Visiting Vancouver Island and the Central Coast
Many of our guests like to explore Vancouver Island before or after their
adventure on the Columbia III. Please contact
Tourism Vancouver Island (250)754-
3500 for ideas and information. Accommodation throughout British Columbia can be
arranged through 1-800-435-5622 or
HelloBC.com. You are also welcome to contact
us for suggestions.
Parking
All our Vancouver Island departure points have adequate parking, for a map see:
Campbell River or
Port McNeill, or ask for directions when you arrive at the
Columbia III.
Meeting Columbia III
Desolation Sound and Broughton Archipelago/Johnstone Strait:
Our Broughton Archipelago/Johnstone Strait tour starts in the town of Port
McNeill (map). Our Desolation Sound tour starts in the town of Campbell River (map). When
you sign up for a trip, we will send you an information package including an
exact meeting location and time - or you can call us for exact details. Please
be packed and ready to go as we like to cast off without delay. On the last day
of the trip, we return to town in the mid-afternoon.
Great Bear Rainforest:
Most of our customers get to Bella Bella (map) on the daily Pacific Coastal Airlines
flight from Vancouver and Port Hardy. Therefore our departure time will coincide
with the arrival of the afternoon Pacific Coastal flight (summer flight
schedules are not finalized until late spring). Upon arriving in Bella Bella,
take a taxi to the "fuel dock." Here the Columbia III will await your arrival.
On the last day of our trip we will return to Bella Bella so guests can catch
the morning Pacific Coastal flight to Vancouver and Port Hardy. If you choose to
travel to Bella Bella by ferry, we will do our best to accommodate meeting you
but because the ferry schedule is varied, a good connection is not always
possible. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about getting to
Bella Bella. For information on Bella Bella you can also visit here.
Contacting Columbia III
Both our telephone numbers (1-888-833-8887 and 250-202-3229) ring our boat's
cellular phone. Occasionally we travel through poor cell coverage areas. In this
case you could leave a message and we would receive it when we re-entered a cell
zone. In the case of an extreme emergency, the boat can be contacted directly
by calling the Canadian Coast Guard in Comox at 250-339-3613 or in Prince Rupert
at 250-627-3081. Ask them to send a message to MV Columbia III using channel 16.
To facilitate contacting the Columbia III the Coast Guard will want to know the
Marine Identification Number of the Columbia III which is MMSI # 316003616. Your
message should state your name and number, as well as the best time to call
back. We are often off the boat so expect a response to take 12 hours. Although
we use the TELUS cellular system, because of the wilderness nature of our
cruises, we do not encourage guest usage of the phone. We also pass through a
number of black-out areas and often cannot be reached by this method at a
specific time.
Meals
Our fully equipped galley turns out gourmet meals with a West Coast flavour as
the central theme. We are happy to accommodate any personal dietary needs.
People who prefer a vegetarian diet will find plenty to eat. Wine will be served
with the evening meal. Please notify us of any food allergies or considerations
on the medical form.
Medical, Allergies, and Other Concerns
Please fill out the Medical form and be sure to let us know of any restrictions
we should be aware of. Your tetanus Vaccination must be up to date (less than 10
years old) before you leave. If you have any medical conditions that require
medications, please be sure to bring your required amount for the duration of
the trip, PLUS a back-up supply (ideally stored in a separate place). We will
far away from drug stores and it would be unfortunate if your trip had to be cut
short due to an inadequate supply of medications. Although it is rare
occurrence, swell, or wind waves may be encountered on our route. If seasickness
is of concern, please be sure to let us know. Anti-nausea medications can be
bought at most drug stores and we do carry an extra supply. Rest assured that we
normally travel in sheltered areas and do our best to avoid swells and waves.
Weather , Clothing, and Packing
Although coastal weather is generally mild, it can quickly change from very hot
to cool and damp. For maximum comfort, preparation is key. A layering system of
clothing works best. Waterproof raingear is essential. Avoid cotton which can
stay wet for a very long time and therefore may not be comfortable. The new
quick dry clothing available at outdoor stores is ideal for kayaking along with
fleece garments for warmth. When aboard the mothership, comfortable casual
clothing of your choice is appropriate and often nice to change into after a day
outdoors. When getting in and out of a kayak at a beach your feet will get wet.
We suggest a sturdy pair of Teva type sandals or water shoes. Sports gloves for
paddling may add to your comfort and help prevent blisters. Proper protection
from the sun is absolutely essential. The suns reflection off the water can be
very intense. Sun glasses, a sun hat and sun block (including lip screen) are
all important. Bring a water bottle. Staying hydrated in the outdoors is very
important.
Packing List
Consider bringing the items listed on the packing list we provide. Because of
the isolated nature of this adventure we will not be near towns or stores. A
water-proof bag (sea-bag) for cameras, etc. while paddling is an excellent idea.
These are available at outdoor sporting goods stores. Large Ziploc bags work as
well! Please bring your things in soft, duffel-type bags, not hard suitcases or
frame packs - boats are not designed for such shapes which are awkward to stow.
- Sun Hat / Warm Hat
- Pile or Fleece Jacket
- Windbreaker or Shell
- Waterproof Light Weight Rain Gear
- T-shirts, Shorts, Swimsuit
- Warm Layered clothing
- Shore Shoes (for walking or hiking)
- Kayaking Shoes (sandals or water shoes)
- Toiletries
- Medications, prescription and non prescription
- Beach towel
- Day Pack
- Sunglasses, Spare pair of Eyeglasses
- Sun-block, Lip Screen
- Insect Repellent
- Water Bottle
- Sports Gloves (for use while paddling)
- Binoculars, Journal, Sketchbook
- Waterproof Bag
- A Good Book
