Queen Charlotte Strait - God's Pocket (25.116)

Itinerary

• Day
  1

  God’s Pocket Provincial Park is comprised of a peaceful chain of islands off the northeastern end of Vancouver Island. Few kayakers are seen here; most head further south to Johnstone Strait, so there is a distinct feeling of isolation in this area. Jacques Cousteau considered this area to be one of the best cold-water diving destinations in the world, and at low tide, you’ll agree. The famous ‘Browning Wall’ in particular, is covered with fantastic inter-tidal life, and anything from sea stars, urchins, plumose anemones, and giant barnacles can be seen right from our kayaks. But this area offers much more; deer are often seen so close they seem tame, Bald Eagles line the trees, and Sea Lions, Humpbacks, and Minke whales often pass by our campsites. On Day 1 we are picked up by van at 8:30 am for the 30 minute ride to our awaiting water taxi in the town of Port Hardy. The van departs promptly so you will need to ensure you have already had breakfast and checked out of your room by this time. If necessary you will be able to store extra luggage at the hotel during your trip and leave your car parked in their lot free of charge . The water taxi quickly transports us and all of our gear and kayaks from the busy harbour to our first wilderness campsite. At camp we go over basic kayak instruction and safety considerations on shore and then spend some time practising our kayak skills in sheltered water. Once everyone is comfortable in their kayaks we begin our journey.

  Meals: Lunch, Dinner

  Accomodation: Camping
• Day
  2

  During the trip we normally camp at 2 different sites. Our exact route will vary depending on the opportunities of viewing wildlife, current and tide conditions and the weather.

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  Accomodation: Camping
• Day
  3

  During our trips we often see many sea mammal species including; orcas (killer whales), Minke whales, Humpback whales, Grey whales, Pacific White Sided dolphin, Dall’s porpoises, Stellar sea lions and harbour seals. This trip provides us with the best opportunity to see the widest variety of sea life than any of our trips. The currents that regularly move between the many islands help sustain a wide variety of intertidal life. We will try to coordinate some of our paddling with low tides so we can explore the colourful life just below the surface of the water.

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  Accomodation: Camping
• Day
  4

  On shore we will have chances to explore the forest and beaches and will see evidence of past First Nations presence. On Hurst and Bell Islands we will see large middens (shell mounds) that have accumulated over centuries of native use. Your guides are well versed on the local history and wildlife and will eagerly share their knowledge with you.

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  Accomodation: Camping
• Day
  5

  After breakfast we will break down camp and pack all of our gear one last time. We will have an opportunity for a short paddle before breaking for lunch and some shore exploration. After lunch we are picked up by water taxi for the return journey to Port McNeill. We are normally back by 3:30 pm. Guests usually have time to catch the last flight out of Port Hardy or to catch a late evening ferry back to the mainland but if anything delays our plans you will miss your connections. For this reason we suggest that guests spend the last night at the Quarterdeck. Most guests choose this option and decide to get together that evening for a no-host farewell dinner in the hotel’s restaurant or pub.

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  Accomodation: Accommodation by Customer