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Sea Kayak tour planning

Planning for your Sea Kayak Tour

Note: You can also download a PDF version of this page, more suitable for printing.

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.


Get More Information

Contact Us
Toll Free:
1-888-833-8887
Phone:
250-202-3229
Fax:
604-677-5692

Email us

By Mail:
P.O. Box 30,
Heriot Bay, BC
Canada V0P 1H0