Bunsby Islands & Beyond - 7 Days

Overview

Idyllic island meandering through the ecologically rich Bunsby Islands

The fabled Bunsby Islands are on many kayakers' checklists as a place to repeatedly visit.  This educational tour has us travelling through both the territory of the Che:k:tles7et'h' (Checleset) First Nation, and the largest marine ecological reserve in British Columbia, the expansive Checleset Bay Ecological Reserve. The combination of First Nations heritage and natural features provides rich opportunities to connect with coastal ecology. Depending on the mix of variables (group composition and interests, weather, and sea conditions), this expedition can sometimes reach as far as the Brooks Peninsula on a day trip from nearby Battle Bay or the Acous Peninsula.

Though designed for "experienced paddlers" and campers who have done a reasonable amount of paddling and camping in a range of conditions, this expedition is slightly less strenuous and "committing" than our Destination Brooks trip. Participants should still know they will be comfortable and able to kayak for 3 to 5 hours each day, and prepared to be camping in a range of coastal weather.

Participants should be comfortable with:

• basic strokes, including effective maneuvering in light to moderate winds (up to 18 knots or 33 km/h) and in moderate swell or wind waves;
• wet exits (getting out of the kayak in the event of an accidental capsize);
• re-entry techniques (assisted and solo techniques for getting back into the kayak after a capsize!); and

All guests are required to have cold water immersion gear (wetsuit or drysuit) available for some sections of the open water paddling, possible surf landings, or if warranted by the sea or weather conditions (some wetsuits are available for rental from WCE - please arrange in advance). Though designed for "experienced paddlers", this expedition is about much more than the kayaking - kayaks are our quiet vehicles through this remote marine area steeped in natural and cultural history.

"Green Head" and the kelp forest canopy

This adventure is typically scheduled to begin and end near Gold River, with the first day aboard the scenic cruise to Kyuquot on the "MV Uchuck III". Return travel is with Air Nootka to Gold River on the last day. If this travel logistic doesn't suit you, alternate arrangements can be made via Fair Harbour (with 45 min. water taxi) or two-way travel from Gold River with Air Nootka (possible surcharge for float plane charter flight including additional baggage allowance for personal camping gear).

The start and end of your time with West Coast Expeditions uses our base camp amenities on Spring Island as the perfect staging ground for this adventure "up west". The specific itinerary of the "Bunsby Islands and Beyond" trip varies with the interests and skills of the group, the moods of the ocean and weather, and the offerings of this spectacularly rugged coastline.

Date & Rates - if you are a group of 4 or more, please contact us if you have specific dates that you don't see available on our schedule.  We may be able to adjust our schedule to suit yours, or to deliver this as a private trip!

What's Included?

• First night's accommodation in Gold River
• One-way coastal scenic cruise aboard the MV Uchuck III between Gold River and the village of Kyuquot
• Local water taxi transportation between the village of Kyuquot and WCE Spring Island Base Camp (return trip)
• Return scenic float plane flight from WCE Spring Island Base Camp back to Gold River
• 2 nights accommodation (first and last) enjoying our Base Camp comforts (and possibly more nights if dictated by weather)
• Certified SKGABC Guides
• Interpretive programming (old growth rainforest, intertidal, marine, cultural)
• High quality Fiberglass and Kevlar kayaks
• All scrumptious meals and snacks (starting with lunch & snacks aboard the MV Uchuck III)

Itinerary

Day 1

• Black Oystercatcher

  Unless you've made alternate arrangements with us, your day begins near Gold River on Thursday with a 7 a.m. departure on the "MV Uchuck III" scenic coastal cruise to the remote village of Kyuquot. This is aboard a working freight vessel that services remote coastal communities, lodges, and industry sites (logging and aquaculture) on the west coast of northern Vancouver Island. You will witness the Uchuck's crew in action as the ship plies its way northward along our beautiful coast, with a slightly different route each week. Arriving in Kyuquot around 6:00 p.m., you transfer to a water taxi for a ten minute ride to the comforts of our base camp on Spring Island.
• Appetizers and dinner... and of course our welcoming staff will greet you.
• Depending on how booked we are in camp, you may be able to use one of our waterfront tents with a bed and mattress (bonus!!) or you will be shown to a tent site where you can set up your own tent for this first night on Spring Island.
• After a brief orientation to our base camp facilities (where to find the outhouse, fresh drinking water, etc.), we will discuss, as a group, our best options and suitable timing for packing and departing for the Bunsby Islands the next day.
• If time permits, we will enjoy a dusk walk to the wild west side of Spring Island to get an after-sunset view across Checleset Bay and toward the Brooks Peninsula.
• The long day of travel and trip preparation, and the soothing sound of waves on the shore, should help you to sleep despite the excited anticipation of the adventure ahead!

Day 2

• Underside of a giant pink star

  You might be woken by the caress of waves on the cobblestone beach, the morning mew of a sea otter pup in the bay, the call of a bald eagle overhead... or the simply the need to stumble out of the comforts of your tent to find a coffee to say hello to the day.
• After a satisfying breakfast, we'll typically review kayak packing and safety procedures, assign boats for the trip, and, if the weather is suitable to depart Spring Island, dive into getting all of the gear loaded!
• If the weather isn't appropriate for immediate travel over the exposed traverse to the Bunsby Islands, we can spend an extra night initially exploring closer to Spring Island and using the base camp. This can be a great opportunity to see even more of the area.
• Our guides will ensure that everyone is fully introduced to the kayaks and equipment, and related safety considerations for our travels.
• Enroute through Checleset Bay toward the Bunsby Islands and Acous Peninsula, if the weather and sea gods are smiling on us, we'll paddle into a sea cave and maybe even under a waterfall. We are also likely to witness Black Bears foraging for food along the steep rocky shore!
• By the time we reach our first campsite, we will have traveled approximately 7 to 8 nautical miles (about 13 to 15 km).

Day 3 to 5 (or 6)

• Fallen totem pole returning to the earth

  Weather permitting, and depending on where we camped the night before, we will likely proceed closer to the Acous Peninsula to allow for a possible day outing to Columbia Cove or Surfer Beach at Jackobson Point on the Brooks Peninsula. A day visit to the Brooks could include time for forest walk, beach combing, body surfing, and creek exploration up to a secluded waterfall and pool.
• On the water, we are likely to encounter Tufted Puffins, Stellar Sea Lions, Sea Otters, and possibly even a Harbour Porpoise, Humpback Whale, or Minke Whale.
• Nearby day-paddling options allow us to visit, with permission, the fallen totems in the long-abandoned Che:k:tles7et'h' (Checleset) village site at the Acous Peninsula, Battle Bay (and River), and an old Che:k:tles7et'h' (Checleset) defensive site currently inhabited by long-time friend, elder, and master weaver, Lucy Paivio. The Bunsby Islands have many idyllic shell beaches, and inviting passages cloaked in marine life.
• We generally camp in 2 or 3 different locations during the expedition.
• (If the weather permits, we may choose to stay an extra night in the Bunsbies before returning to Spring Island on the morning of your return float plane flight on Day 7)

Day 6 (or 7)

• After an early rise and pack-up, we again traverse Checleset Bay back to Spring Island for the last night.
• Once back at the Base Camp and unpacked from the expedition, you may find the lure of the propane heated waterfront shower to be, well, irresistible!
• At Spring Island, there are again a variety of options group and personal activities depending on available time, interests, weather, and energy. It may be best to simply relax and reflect, fully absorbing the last part of this west coast expedition.

Day 7

• Spectacular coastal flight home

  After breakfast, if you arrived back on Spring Island on Day 6, we recommend exploring the nearby waters around Spring Island, or starting the day with an adventurous beach and forest walk that circumnavigates the island. During your morning paddle or walk, you can enjoy the views and memories of where you've just traveled.
• Departure from Spring Island is in the early afternoon, and unless arranged otherwise, involves a spectacular float plane ride that gets you back to your original departure point near Gold River by the middle of the afternoon.