Overview:
The Nuchatlitz
tour departs from the town of Zeballos on the West Coast of
Vancouver Island. The Spirit of the West staff will be departing
from Quadra Island and Campbell River on the morning of the
tour, and drive the 3 hours to Zeballos. If you are traveling
without a vehicle and need transportation to Zeballos, just
let us know and we can help make arrangements.
Day Prior: If
you are unable to check in at our office on Quadra Island, please call
us the day before to confirm the exact departure time and location,
and if there are any last minute details.
Day 1: Leave
Quadra Island and Campbell River early morning to meet the rest of the
group in the town of Zeballos, a scenic 2 1/2 - 3 hour drive. To avoid
a long and strenuous first day paddle we will transfer out to the
Nuchatlitz by water taxi. This will take approx. 45 min. Once arriving
at our private dock we will pack our kayaks and go over the kayaking
basics and essential safety procedures before heading off on our
journey. Our first night will be spent somewhere out on one of the
remote islands within the marine park.
Day 2 -4: On
the Nuchatlitz tour there is no set itinerary, as we have plenty of
time to explore. The route will depend on weather conditions and the
groups desires. Our days will be spent exploring the picturesque
islands, lagoons, sea caves hidden behind cascading waterfalls, and
possibly a visit to the ancient burial caves of the Nuchalnulth
peoples. We will also take some time out for walks, beach combing, or
simply lounging and absorbing the magnificent surroundings. If we are
fortunate we will end our day with one of our famous West Coast
sunsets.
Campsites are
plentiful and scenically situated on either sand or pebble beaches,
grassy knolls or beneath the canopy of ancient rain forests.
Known for its
concentrations of wildlife, the Nuchatlitz will surprise sea kayakers
around every bend. The Nuchatlitz is a popular home for the adorable
sea otter. Not too many years ago the otter became almost extinct, and
yet today you can find rafts of up to 150 members. Although not
present on the small islands, Black Bears can be seen foraging the
shores of the larger islands. Wolves are rarely seen, but it is not
unusual to hear their howls in the dark of the night.
Day 5: This is
our last day to enjoy the marine environment of the West Coast. After
our morning paddle and lunch, our boat transport will pick us up and
take us back to Zeballos. Approximate return time to Campbell River is
7pm.
Getting Here
The Nuchatlitz tour
starting point is from the town of Zeballos on the West Coast of
Vancouver Island. If you are traveling without a vehicle you just need
to get to Campbell River on Vancouver Island, or Quadra Island our
home base, and we can transport you to Zeballos on the morning of the
tour. To get to Campbell River see our getting
here page.
From Campbell
River / Quadra Island to Zeballos
Travel north on route 19 towards Port Hardy. Once past the small
village of Woss, you will find the turn off to Zeballos approximately
20 miles/32km to the north. Travel along the well maintained logging
road to Zeballos. You will be sharing this road with large logging
trucks so drive with caution. Be sure to travel with your lights on at
all times when traveling on logging roads, and just as importantly, be
sure to turn them off on arrival. The total drive should take 2.5 hrs.
to 3 hrs.
Please note: For
detailed travel information, such as flights, ferries, buses, and car
rentals, see our brochure. You can also contact our local travel
agency, Uniglobe Travel if you need assistance with your travel
arrangements. They can be reached in North America at 1 800 567-6511
or by email at wc.rivercity@uniglobe.com
Quadra Island
Ferry: Return ferry cost to Quadra is approximately $15.00 for
driver and vehicle. Additional person is $4.50. Ferries to Quadra
Island leave Campbell River every hour on the half our. Sun - Thurs,
6:30am -10:30pm. Fri & Sat 6:30am-11:30pm. Exceptions are 6:40am,
5:25pm, 6:15pm. Sunday there is no 7:30am ferry. Note Tuesday there is
no 10:30am ferry to Quadra and no 4:00pm ferry to Campbell River due
to dangerous cargo run. Ferries back to Campbell River leave on or
around the hour.
Meeting Location -
Departure day
If you are staying
in Zeballos
Meeting time:
9:45am
Where:
Masons Motor Lodge
Getting there:
Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Zeballos is accessible
from the Island Highway (Highway 19), which runs from Port Hardy in
the north, to Victoria in the south. You'll find the Zeballos Turn off
just north of Woss off Hwy. 19.
If you are staying
on Quadra Island
Meeting time: 5:45am
Where:
at our office the Yak Shack.
Getting there:
Once on Quadra Island, you will see purple and yellow signs (Kayak
& Bike Rentals/Tours) en route to our location. Also follow signs
to Heriot Bay and Cortes Island ferry. Once in Heriot Bay, turn R just
past the Quadra Market onto Heriot Bay Rd. We are located ¼ mile (.4
km) up on the left side.
If you are staying
in Campbell River
Meeting time:
6:30am
Where: at
the Visitor Centre in the Tyee Plaza
Getting there:
The Tyee Plaza is considered the centre of Campbell River. If you are
traveling north along 19, continue into down town Campbell River and
turn right shortly after passing through the first set of traffic
lights. If you are traveling south on Hwy 19 continue until you see
the Plaza on the right hand side, just past McDonalds.
Accommodations
while on tour
We provide high
quality expedition style tents. Generally we have enough tents to
accommodate both singles and doubles with their own. We will do our
best to match you up with a suitable partner if we need to.
Accommodations
before/after tour
We have included a
list of places to stay for Zeballos, Campbell River and Quadra Island.
Zeballos
Masons Motor Lodge
(our meeting location on day 1)
Clean and friendly lodge located right in the heart of Zeballos. Right
across the street from the river, where you can often view black bears
feeding.
Phone:
1 250 761 4044
Zeballos Mini
Motel Phone: 1 250 761-4340
Zeballos Inlet
Lodge Phone: 1 250 761-4294
Quadra Island - accommodations
April Point
Resort
The resort is situated at the oceans edge with views over the town
of Campbell River.
Website:
www.obmg.com
Phone:
1 800 663 7090
Tsa Kwa Luten
Lodge
Beautiful West Coast Native Style constructed lodge, overlooking
Vancouver Island and mountains. Very peaceful in secluded location.
Excellent value for first class accommodations. Hot tub, fitness room,
sauna and dining room. Bookings made by Spirit of the West Note that
the lodge is a 15-20 minute drive south of our base operations. For
joining the pre trip meeting you will have to take a taxi to and from.
Website:
www.capemudgeresort.bc.ca
Phone:
1 800 307-3982
Email:
spirit1@oberon.ark.com
Harbour House B&B
Beautiful home above the ocean with the best island and Mountain View
around! Close to beach, park, amenities, and our Kayak Shack. Hot tub.
Hearty breakfast served. Accommodates up to 10. A great place to meet
fellow kayakers.
Website:
www.harbourhouse.bc.ca
Phone: 1 800 435 2556
Email:
susan.wilson@sd72.bc.ca
Taku Resort
Quiet ocean
side resort nestled in mature trees. Dramatic views of the Coast
Mountains. Self contained A-frame cabins or terrace view rooms. Hot tub,
tennis, basketball, bocci ball, stone house barbecue. Conveniently
located right next to Spirit of the West and near restaurant.
Website:
www.takuresort.com
Phone: 1 877 285 8258 or
Email:
info@takuresort.com
Otter House Beach Chalet
Beautiful 2 level luxury cabin, tucked amongst the cedars as close to
the beach as it gets. Awesome mountain views. Private, sauna and minutes
from amenities.
Phone: 1
250 285 3939
Email:
bicycle@oberon.ark.com
Heron House B&B and
Boat House
Self contained suite. Ocean views, quiet location. Boat house
is a simple rustic cabin right at the beach. Spectacular views of Coast
Mountains.
Website:
www.quadraislandretreats.com
Phone:1 250 285-3874
Email: theinrigs@connected.bc.ca
Campbell River
- accommodations
Coast Hotels - Discovery
Inn
Located right in the town centre across the street from marina, and
Quadra Island ferry terminal. Next to shopping. Restaurant, Pub, Health
Room.
Website: www.coasthotels.com
Phone: 1 800 663 1144
Email:
coastd@vquest.com
Best Western Austrian
Chalet
Fully serviced hotel across the road from the beach. Ocean and
mountain views. With or without kitchenette. Restaurant, Pub, indoor
pool/hot tub/sauna, small putting green, table tennis. 15 min. walking
to town.
Website:
www.vquest.com/austrian/
Phone: 1 800 667 7207
Email:
austrian@vquest.com
Super 8 Motel
Good value,
clean, friendly place located along the highway with ocean view.. Indoor
pool and hot tub. 15 minutes walking to town.
Phone: 1 800 800 8000
Above Tide Motel
Good
value. Located on ocean side of highway . All ocean view rooms.
Kitchenettes. Walking distance from town.
Phone: 1 250 286 0290
Silkies B&B
Fantastic
setting on the ocean, overlooking world famous Seymour Narrows - 15
minutes drive north of Campbell River. Beautiful home that offers a
relaxing ambiance and gourmet meals. The perfect quiet getaway.
Website:
http://www.silky.bb.com/
Phone: 1 877 603 2942
Email:
stay@silky-bb.com
Pier House B&B
Conveniently located downtown. Large charming antique filled heritage
home across the highway from ocean fishing pier and marina.
Website: www.island.net/pierhse/index.html
Phone: 1 250 287 2943
Haig Brown House B&B
Restored heritage home of well known local writer/conservationist,
located in beautiful 9 acre gardens along the river. Educational
seminars offered. 25 minutes walk to town.
Phone: 1 250 286-6694
Email: haig-brownhouse@haigbrown.bc.ca
River Haven B&B
Friendly and nicely decorated B&B located high above the river in
quiet residential area.
Website:
www.riverhaven.bc.ca
Phone: 1 877 286 8370
Camping
Quadra Island
- Camping
We Wai Kai Campsite
Spectacular setting and location. Situated at the edge of Rebecca Spit
Provincial Park this ocean side campground has sites along the ocean or
in the mature forest. Showers but no hook ups. 25 minute walk to stores.
Phone:
1 250 285 3111
Taku Resort
Quiet ocean
side resort. Sites are nestled in mature trees up behind main
accommodations. Hook up, showers, laundry, hot tub, tennis, basketball,
bocci ball, stone house barbecue. Conveniently located right next to
Spirit of the West and near restaurant.
Website: www.takuresort.com
Phone: 1 877 285 8258
Email: info@takuresort.com
Heriot Bay Inn
Hook up,
showers, laundry, restaurant, pub, gift shop, and marina. Centrally
located in the community of Heriot Bay.
Website: www.heriotbayinn.com
Phone: 1 250 285-3322
Email: info@heriotbayinn.com
Campbell River - Camping
Salmon Point RV Resort
Fully service RV sites or tenting in tranquil oceanfront setting.
Spectacular mountain views. Marina, store, laundry, showers, playground,
gamesroom, near restaurant and pub.
Website: www.bctravel.com/salmonpoint
Phone:1 250 923 6605
Holiday Shores RV Park
Full service RV sites along the oceanside. Sunny location-no trees, near
seaplane landing. Recreation room, laundry, showers, washrooms, small
store. Phone: 1 888 611 2142
Elk Falls Provincial Park
and Campground
Nestled in beautiful forest along the Quinsam River.
Walking trails, small playground, dry and flush toilets.
Website: www.elp.gov.bc.ca/bcparks
Phone: 1 800 689 9025
