Clayoquot Sound is the epitome of west coast British Columbia with its ancient temperate rainforests of giant trees extending toward rocky shorelines, sweeping white sand beaches, and pounding surf. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated Clayoquot Sound and the adjacent river valleys and forests a "Biosphere Reserve" in the year 2000 because of their ecological, cultural and global importance.

On our expedition we'll explore many of the islands and provincial marine parks that are situated in the heart of Clayoquot Sound, and accessible only by boat (Vargas Island Provincial Park, Flores Island Provincial Park, and Gibson Marine Provincial Park). Clayoquot Sound is the traditional territory of the Ahousaht and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations who originally lived on the islands and mainland shores in summer and winter villages. We often hike the Wild Side Heritage Trail leading to the community of Ahousaht where we visit the locals and take on fresh water and PLI's ("personal luxury items" such as chocolate and licorice whips).

The constant winds flowing off the Pacific Ocean bring moisture that supports lush growth in this temperate rainforest, resulting in some of Canada's largest trees. With salt-laden mist winding between towering spruce and cedar trees, rocky coastlines, beaches, lagoons, mudflats, and volcanic reefs the area is quintessentially west coast.

Day 1
We will gather in Tofino in the morning at 9:00 am. Your guides will direct you through boat packing and safe paddling techniques and soon you will be on the water, exploring majestic Clayoquot Sound. Our first destination will be a beautiful lunch beach, where we stop to stretch our legs and enjoy a wonderful gourmet lunch. Then it’s time to get back on the water for more adventure on the high seas as we paddle toward our first campsite. While you set up your tent and get comfortable your guides will prepare a hearty gourmet dinner with fresh ingredients like organically grown veggies and homemade desserts. After dinner we'll get serious about star gazing around the campfire as we get to know each other and make plans for tomorrows adventure.

Day 2 – 5
The next four days will allow us plenty of time to explore, relax and take in the splendor that is Clayoquot Sound. We navigate around small islands and islets, and explore the many reefs and rocks that teem with sea life. On shore, we'll have plenty of time to beach comb, investigate tide pools, and just plain relax. One campsite we may visit is at Whitesand Cove on Flores island, where we can stretch our legs and explore the Ahousaht Wild Side Trail as it weaves its way through the lush rainforest. Blunden Island, with its ancient village sites and spectacular coastline affords easy access (on a calm day) to nearby Cleland Island Ecological Preserve. A lunch stop at the remote Whaler Islets will undoubtedly bring back memories of Gilligan's island! And of course we'll visit Ahous Bay, weather permitting, one of the longest and most spectacular beaches in Clayoquot Sound.

Day 6
On the final day of our trip, we will enjoy a hearty breakfast, and a last few hours of paddling. By this time everyone has found their groove and the group is often silently steeped in their own appreciation of nature and personal accomplishment. As we head back toward Tofino we make one more stop on yet another beautiful sand beach to enjoy our final gourmet lunch together. Although we arrive in time to begin your journey homeward we recommend spending the night to rest up and enjoy the many shops and galleries in Tofino.

Feeding grey whales and humpback whales frequent Clayoquot Sound throughout the summer. The shores of the outer islands are often crowded with California and Steller Sea lions, seals, and seabird colonies. Cleland Island Ecological Reserve is an important breeding ground for black oystercatchers, storm petrals, glaucous-winged gulls, pigeon guillemots, rhinoceros auklets, tufted puffins, and many others birds. On land, the larger islands are home to deer, black bear, cougars, and wolves although they are often hard to spot in the lush, dense rainforest.

The town of Tofino is approximately 227 Km (141 miles) from the city of Vancouver, exclusive of ferry travel. Whether you take BC Ferries to Swartz Bay or Departure Bay, head north on Provincial Route 19 N (also called the inland Island Highway). Take Exit 60 to Highway 4 and follow the signs approximately 160 km (10 miles) to Tofino. For more information about driving, flying and reserving accommodations please visit our Travel Information page.