Archipelago Village Adventure
This tour offers you the best of what
sea kayaking can provide: fantastic wildlife
encounters and spectacular paddling destinations
that include ancient First Nation villages.
The many islands of the Broughton Archipelago
act as a nursery for millions of fish that,
in turn, attract many of the larger prey
species. As you paddle through the islands
and passages you'll have the opportunity
to see orca whales, sea lions, harbour seals,
minke and humpback whales, bald eagles, black bears
and more. With more islands than could be
explored in a month of kayaking, we have
nearly limitless opportunities for exploration
and adventure. Our journey will take us
through the traditional territory of the
Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations where
we'll see ancient pictographs, village sites,
and the famous "clam gardens"
of the northwest coast. Over 350 of these
features have been discovered in the archipelago
and they served, for thousands of years,
as the economic basis of the largest population
of non-agricultural people in North America.
Draped in moss and shrouded in mystery,
the islands themselves are stunning and
form a dramatic backdrop to our daily adventures.
» This tour is suitable for paddlers who are keen to cover some distance
while exploring more of the more remote cultural and natural treasures of
the archipelago.
Some paddling experience is suggested, but not necessary.
General Itinerary
Day 1
We will gather in Port McNeill at 8:00 am
and drive to historic Telegraph Cove to load gear and
equipment on the water taxi. From Telegraph Cove, our taxi will take us to remote Insect
Island, deep within the Broughton Archipelago.
Keep a sharp look-out
because we regularly spot orcas, humpbacks,
and porpoises from the water taxi. Upon
arrival, we'll unpack, set up camp, and have
a wonderful gourmet lunch. After lunch, your
guides will provide you with instruction
in safe kayaking techniques before setting
off for a short afternoon paddle. Back at
camp for the evening, your only responsibility
is to relax and enjoy. The guides will be
busy preparing a delicious gourmet dinner
and everyone will get a chance to socialize.
The day ends with dessert and a discussion
of the next day's adventure.
Day 2 – 5
Over the next four days, we'll paddle the
labyrinth of islands that is one of the
most amazing kayaking experiences on the
BC coast. During the course of our explorations,
we will visit ancient Kwakwaka’wakw
village sites. One such site is the world
renowned village of ‘Mimkwamlis on Village
Island. There, we'll explore the remains
of the 4000 - 5000 year old village first
photographed by Edward Curtis at the turn
of the century. As we paddle through the
Broughtons, we'll keep a sharp lookout for
the humpback whales that frequent the area
in increasing numbers each year. As we cross
Blackfish Sound and paddle toward Johnstone
Strait, we'll be entering the best location
in North America for observing the charismatic
orca whales. There's always the possibility
of encountering these exquisite mammals
as we paddle through this region.
Day 6
On the final day of our trip, we'll enjoy
a hearty breakfast, and a short paddle back to civilization.
We reach Telegraph Cove near
midday and have plenty of time to enjoy
a final lunch together at teh Killer Whale Cafe before heading
back to Port McNeill. After saying farewell
in Port McNeill, you'll have enough time
to travel down island and continue your
own adventures. However, we highly recommend
planning to spend the night in Port McNeill in the event that weather delays our arrival time.
Wildlife
On our Archipelago Village Adventure
you can expect to see many different marine
and terrestrial mammals including orca,
humpback and minke whales, Steller sea lions
and harbour seals, Pacific white-sided dolphins,
Dall's and harbour porpoise, bald eagles, black
bears, mink and river otters. An incredible
variety of intertidal creatures also thrive
along the shorelines and include sea urchins,
sea cucumbers, sea stars, crabs and chitons.
Great balls of herring and jumping salmon
complete this delightful wildlife experience.
Directions
The town of Port McNeill is 462 Km (287
miles) north of Victoria or 194 km (120
miles) north of Campbell River on Provincial
Route 19 N (Inland Island Highway N). So,
just take Route 19 north and follow the
signs to Port McNeill. You can't miss it!
More travel and accommodations information for our Archipelago Village Adventure.
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