Our Base Camp - your Coastal Sea Kayaking Retreat

"Thanks again to all of you for making our visit to Spring Island so wonderful. It is the 'Waldorf of camping' (I've upgraded you from the 'Hilton of Camping'). A large part of the 'experience' was due to your vast and complementary knowledge of flora, fauna, local political climate (past and present) and last (but certainly not least) your charming personalities. It was a pleasure spending the week with all of you and I hope to see you again."
- Pam Goble, Edmonton, Alberta
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Two or three person spacious waterfront tent

We offer a remote kayaking Coastal Retreat Base Camp like no other! We are located on Spring Island, a jewel of the west coast, and the largest of an offshore chain of islands and reefs (the Barrier Islands), at the mouth of Kyuquot Sound. Here, nestled on the edge of a rainforest drenched with moss-covered boughs, you will luxuriate in unexpected outdoor comforts. 

You will enjoy skilfully prepared meals that use plenty of fresh seasonal produce, and when available, fresh local west coast delicacies such as salmon, halibut, wild berries, and sea asparagus. With advance notice we will gladly look after your special dietary needs. You will be a happy kayaker!

Our facilities allow you to stay warm, dry, clean, comfortable, and connected with the west coast ecology and kayaking opportunities that you came to enjoy. As much as possible, our base camp blends with the natural surroundings, while still providing conveniences such as a propane heated power, a resource library, and dining shelter that is cozy and fully protected from inclement weather.

Platform tent in the morning sunlight

Specifically, you will appreciate the five-star kayak camping comforts of the:

• Privately situated waterfront tents that you can stand in;
• Wood-frame beds with thick foam mattresses, fitted sheets, pillows, fleece blankets, and side tables with lanterns;
• Pleasant sitting area beside your tent for quiet personal time;
• Kitchen, eating, and activity shelter with a small wood stove;
• Established group fire circle with benches for social and meal times;
• Waterfront propane heated shower;
• Drying shelter for kayaking equipment and personal clothing;
• Airy outhouses with views that inspire; each private and conveniently spaced throughout the camp;
• Substantial reference and resource library;
• Sunny meadow for play (wilderness croquet or bocce!!) or in the morning and evening light.

Our base camp is ideally situated with the natural features of:

• Rafting together in the sheltered bay

  A sheltered bay with easy access cobblestone and sand beaches for launching kayaks and practicing new kayaking skills;
• An extensive network of island trails for stretching your legs, accessing incredible view points, and exploring on foot;
• Expansive eelgrass flats with nearby tide pools that entice the curiosity of all ages;
• Nearby Sea Otter raft with up to 70 otters;
• Island separation from the Black Bears and Cougars on Vancouver Island;
• Neighbourly Deer and scampering shorebirds;
• The soothing orchestra of Sea Otters, Barred Owls, Bald Eagles, Swainson's Thrushes, and all of their friends.

Lovely beaches

While most of our guests join us for some of the finest kayaking on Vancouver Island, there are otherwise plenty of other activities to enjoy.

Our comfortable base camp is an excellent place for multi-generational family kayaking and camping vacations and getaways, or group retreats that are not necessarily all about kayaking. There are numerous delightful destinations easily reached by very short morning or afternoon paddles. There are also several trails that can fill a few days of simply enjoying Spring Island's forest, rugged shores, and many lovely beaches. Tide pools offer fascinating views into a vast array of marine life. The spectacular scenery is inspirational and ever changing - a kayaker's paradise.

More Base Camp Photos...