Custom Journeys
Adventures AwaitDates: 5 & 6 Days
Desolation Sound June 1-5, Sept 22-26
Nuchatlitz Aug 13-18
Meeting Place:
Desolation Sound
Zeballos
Suitability:
All Experience Levels
Prior Multi-Day Recommended
Cost:
$1425
$2250
Desolation Sound: 4 & 5 Day Kayak Journey
We are excited to welcome you to the beautiful area known as Desolation Sound. Desolation Sound is part of the traditional territories of the Tla’amin, Klahoose, and Homalco. The stunning scenery offered here is of mammoth mountains that dive into the sea, long fjords, snow capped mountain tops and hidden swimming holes. There are groups of islands to explore with some open oceans to navigate. The waters here are warmer than other places as this is where the ocean wraps around Vancouver Island from either side to connect. Wildlife here includes all the classics from Humpbacks to Orcas, seals, sealions, birds galore, Black Bears, the occasional Grey Wolf, and our frolicking Black Tailed Deer. Of course, the brilliance is knowing that they all are thriving where we paddle. Seeing them in their element is that extra bonus that we invite, that always feels like a gift, as we really never know what will reveal itself. We hope that the experience with Wild Root is also a highlight and encourage you to book and see.
Where We Paddle
We will start either in Lund or Okeover Provincial Park. This will be determined closer to the start date with weather for the upcoming days as a decision maker. The paddling range will include the possibilities of the Copeland Islands to Martin Island, the Curme Islands, and Tenedos Bay. Have a look at this map.
First Day
We will start the trip either in Lunk or Okeover Provincial Park. This will be determined closer to the start date with the weather for the upcoming days as a decision-maker. Collectively, we will load our kayaks with all of our personal and group gear. A kayak instructional will be delivered to ensure the group has a good understanding of paddling techniques and group travel. We will then either get going or eat lunch depending on group needs and timing. Depending on the weather we may choose a route following the Copeland Islands or up the Okeover Inlet. The first day will include 2-3 hours of paddling in the afternoon, before making our way to our first camp. All your meals, snacks, appetizers, and desserts for the trip will be prepared by the guides. You will have time to set up your tent and relax by the campfire, read a book, sip a glass of wine, or stroll the beaches upon arrival to our camp. We will have 3 person tents available with 2 person occupancy.
Mid Days
These will be full paddling days unless the weather tells us otherwise. Our days will include 2-3 hours of paddling before lunch and another 2-3 hours of paddling post lunch. The routes will vary as the guide considers the group, weather, and water conditions. We will likely switch camps twice to give the group a greater chance to see more of the islands and area. We will also likely have the opportunity to take in a short walk to a lake on one of our days.
Last Day
The final day will include a full morning paddle. We will have lunch, sort our gear back at our starting point. The trip will wrap up at 2-3pm (or as needed), with time to enjoy the rest of your day in the local community or catch a ferry to Vancouver Island or the Lower Mainland.
When & Where We Meet
We will meet at in Powell River the night before at 7pm at a given location. This meeting will take about 1 hour.
At this time we will review all pre-trip information, including morning departure – meeting place and time, appropriate clothing, itinerary, etc. We will also distribute dry bags, paddle jackets and water bottles for personal packing.
It is important for all participants to be present for the meeting. We find it very beneficial to the organization of the trip. We will also at this time fill out waivers and review any other medical concerns.
What is Included
- All kayaking and safety equipment
- Paddling jacket
- Camp chair
- Three dry bags for your personal belongings
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping mat
- All kitchen and fire gear
- All meals and snacks
Please ask about any extra rentals if needed
What to Bring
Clothing should include:
- 1 pair of water shoes - can get wet and most importantly have grip. They need to have ankle straps. I recommend runners, water shoes, Keen or Croc sandals. Closed toed shoes help against stubbing toes on rocks.
- A pair of rubber boots are optional. Perks include your feet staying dry entering and exiting the kayaks. Downside they can flood if a wave fills them. They can also be bulky to wear in a kayak or to store.
- 1 pair of land shoes – runners or another light weight shoe is great.
- 2-4 warm socks
- 2 shorts
- 1-2 pants
- Underwear
- 1 thermal underwear – like the underlays you might wear skiing.
- 3-4 shirts - a mix of short and long sleeve
- 1 sweater – a light/medium weight sweater while on water
- Evening sweater or puffy coat
- Rain jacket
- Rain pants – not necessary but nice to have
- Paddling gloves and on land mitts for those with generally cold hands.
- Buff - for neck warmth and sun protection
- Warm hat/beanie/toque – whatever you know it as! Wool or fleece ideally.
- Sun hat
- Swimsuit – optional
Check out MEC for some good options
No cotton or jeans. These materials can cause rapid transfer of heat away from the body, and do not dry easily.
Wool, or synthetics such as fleece or polyester are better options.
Other Items may Include:
- Sun glasses
- Glasses/Contacts and Solution - consider a back-up if one becomes lost or broken
- Small towel
- Toiletries and menstrual products– biodegradable soaps please
- Baby wipes - for personal cleaning
- A few Band-Aids
- Sunscreen/insect repellent - please spray away from others, not on materials like tents, life jackets and paddle jackets as it leaves stains and ruins the material over time.
- Lip balm – ideally with 15 SPF or more.
- Personal medications - bring extra doses of medication if is critical to you. Separate and duplicate, keeping one set with a partner or guide. A trip can be cut short if there is not enough medication to keep a client safe.
- Wide mouthed water bottle – plastic 1L Nalgene is ideal. They float and do not scratch kayaks. It’s nice to have a carabiner clip attached.
- Electrolyte tablets – these have added vitamins and minerals which can be nice while exercising in the sun especially.
- Book - keep in a Ziplock bag
- Spirits - alcohol may be consumed after the days kayaking only. No glass bottles please.
- Camera - small waterproof cameras are great. If you have a larger camera a hard case is a great way to keep it protected. Alternatively, a camera can be wrapped in a sweater and kept in a dry bag for protection.
- Battery pack/cables
- Ziplock bags
- Headlamp/extra batteries
- Ear plugs - if others are sleeping deeply nearby.
- Camp pillow
- Small pair of binoculars
- Sleeping bag and a 15L max compression stuff sack – Rental option available upon booking. Includes a -10º sleeping bag and liner for 5$ a day.
- Sleeping pad - Rental option available upon booking. Includes a comfortable sleeping mat for 5$ a day.
Please contact us with any further questions at info@nullwildrootjourneys.com
Come explore more of what Vancouver Island has to offer. You will love the open watersof Nuchaltitz, the smattering of islands, super neat geologic formations like sea stacks, caves and arches, the peace, greenery and wildlife. This trip offers variety, including spending time amongst islands, being in open swell, enjoying a beautiful inlet and feeling fairly secluded on multiple beaches. It is preferred that you come in with prior paddling experience on a multi day. There is a robust Sea Otter population here and bear, wolf, and cougar populations on Nootka Island. We look forward to paddling together this Summer.
Where We Paddle
Day 1
We will start the trip at the Zeballos government wharf. We will have 2 water taxis due to our group size. The first group with most of the participants, gear and kayaks will board. The others will drive a couple vehicles to our take out about a 15-minute drive away. After the first group arrives on Rosa Island, the guide will give demonstrations on gear packing etc. The second group will return from staging the vehicles and board the second water taxi. When we are all together again, it will be decided to either camp and get out for a day paddle or pack everything up and paddle to another island to make camp. Prio to paddling, a kayak instructional will be delivered to assure the group has a good understanding of paddling techniques and group travel.
Day 2-5
These will be full paddling days unless the weather tells us otherwise. Our days coulde include 2-3 hours of paddling before lunch and another 2-3 hours of paddling post lunch or alternatively days that will have all our paddling done by the early afternoon. This second option tends to be when the weather is likely to come in later in the day. The routes will vary depending on weather, water conditions and the guides’ decisions. We will likely have 3 camps over our 5 nights together.
Day 6
The final day will include a morning paddle with a possible stop for lunch and a short afternoon paddle. We will finish the trip at the Little Espinosa Inlet.
When & Where We Meet
We will meet at in Zeballos the night before bwtween 6:30 to 7pm at a given location. This meeting will take about 1 hour.
At this time we will review all pre-trip information, distribute dry bags for personal packing and sign waivers.
We find it very beneficial to the organization of the trip for all to be present.
What is Included
- Your certified guide
- All kayaking gear and safety equipment
- Paddling jacket
- Camp chair
- Four dry-bags for your personal belongings
- Tent
- All meals and snacks
- Water taxi one way
Please ask about any extra rentals if needed
What to Bring
Clothing should include:
- 1 pair of water shoes - can get wet and most importantly have grip. They need to have ankle straps. I recommend runners, water shoes, Keen or Croc sandals. Closed toed shoes help against stubbing toes on rocks.
- A pair of rubber boots are optional. Perks include your feet staying dry entering and exiting the kayaks. Downside they can flood if a wave fills them. They can also be bulky to wear in a kayak or to store.
- 1 pair of land shoes – runners or another light weight shoe is great.
- 2-4 warm socks
- 2 shorts
- 1-2 pants
- Underwear
- 1 thermal underwear – like the underlays you might wear skiing.
- 3-4 shirts - a mix of short and long sleeve
- 1 sweater – a light/medium weight sweater while on water
- Evening sweater or puffy coat
- Rain jacket
- Rain pants – not necessary but nice to have
- Paddling gloves and on land mitts for those with generally cold hands.
- Buff - for neck warmth and sun protection
- Warm hat/beanie/toque – whatever you know it as! Wool or fleece ideally.
- Sun hat
- Swimsuit – optional
Check out MEC for some good options
No cotton or jeans. These materials can cause rapid transfer of heat away from the body, and do not dry easily.
Wool, or synthetics such as fleece or polyester are better options.
Other Items may Include:
- Sun glasses
- Glasses/Contacts and Solution - consider a back-up if one becomes lost or broken
- Small towel
- Toiletries and menstrual products– biodegradable soaps please
- Baby wipes - for personal cleaning
- A few Band-Aids
- Sunscreen/insect repellent - please spray away from others, not on materials like tents, life jackets and paddle jackets as it leaves stains and ruins the material over time.
- Lip balm – ideally with 15 SPF or more.
- Personal medications - bring extra doses of medication if is critical to you. Separate and duplicate, keeping one set with a partner or guide. A trip can be cut short if there is not enough medication to keep a client safe.
- Wide mouthed water bottle – plastic 1L Nalgene is ideal. They float and do not scratch kayaks. It’s nice to have a carabiner clip attached.
- Electrolyte tablets – these have added vitamins and minerals which can be nice while exercising in the sun especially.
- Book - keep in a Ziplock bag
- Spirits - alcohol may be consumed after the days kayaking only. No glass bottles please.
- Camera - small waterproof cameras are great. If you have a larger camera a hard case is a great way to keep it protected. Alternatively, a camera can be wrapped in a sweater and kept in a dry bag for protection.
- Battery pack/cables
- Ziplock bags
- Headlamp/extra batteries
- Ear plugs - if others are sleeping deeply nearby.
- Camp pillow
- Small pair of binoculars
- Sleeping bag and a 15L max compression stuff sack – Rental option available upon booking. Includes a -10º sleeping bag and liner for 5$ a day.
- Sleeping pad - Rental option available upon booking. Includes a comfortable sleeping mat for 5$ a day.
Please contact us with any further questions at info@nullwildrootjourneys.com
