Kayaking & Surfing

Kayaking in Nootka Sound

The First Nations people once ranged up and down the coast in cedar canoes, whaling, fishing and moving to and from their winter and summer homes. In the same water borne way a growing numbers of kayakers now absorb this rich aboriginal history, as they visit the coastal communities, the abandoned villages and remote islands of the “Land of Maquinna”, one of the world’s finest sea kayaking areas.

Seek out a kayak tour company for all-inclusive packages or, if competent, go with friends -- going alone can be dangerous because of the changeable weather and adverse conditions.

Many kayakers load their vessels on the Uchuck III at Gold River and sail on her out to the outer coast where, using a pallet attached to the ship’s boom and a winch, the crew lowers them, in their kayaks, into the water. Arrange with the Uchuck III for return pick-up.

An absolutely splendid wild wilderness awaits paddlers: uninhabited beaches; dense old growth rainforests populated by wolves and bears; waterfalls; deep fjords, and coves, secluded and sheltered.

Supernatural! Wildlife galore: orca and gray whales, sea lions, black bears, cougars, and bald eagles. Most kayakers want to view the sea otters and rafts with a hundred of them not a rarity here. In all about 1500 of these adorable creatures live here, descendents of 89 sea otters re-located from Alaska between 1969 and 1972, and ranging from Brooks Peninsula south to the Broken Islands. Paddle Kyuguot Sound, sheltered Esperanza Inlet or Nuchatlitz Inlet -- and Nuchatlitz Marine Park -- Nootka Sound and Bligh Island Marine Park in between. Unparalleled!

For something even more exhilarating and challenging, try whitewater kayaking on some of the many rivers cascading down from the nearby mountains.

Surfing Nootka Sound

The giant rollers and pounding Pacific surf attacking Vancouver Island’s west coast makes the ‘killer’ waves beloved by surfers and windsurfers. Often up to 25’ in height, these waves have turned this coast into a surfer’s paradise. Although Long Beach, in Pacific Rim Park near Tofino, is considered the ‘Malibu of the North’ and the ‘Surf Capital of Canada,' record numbers of tourists and surfers make for crowded condiditons. Now some surfers have discovered the magic of Nootka Island....

For the ultimate in Canadian surfing and windsurfing, a company operating on Nootka Island offers accomplished surfers and wind-surfers the opportunity to ride waves in the least crowded of circumstances.

Guests live in tree houses and are transported by rugged Zodiac watercraft to empty surf where they become absolutely “stoked” while carving and jumping waves to their heart’s content.

Steady offshore winds make any part of the coast, and a number of lakes, perfect for windsurfing.

Please visit the Operators page for a list of providers.

	Fishing & Tours Marine Cruising Kayaking & Surfing Wildlife Viewing Caving & Rock Climbing Hiking & Biking Camping & Picnicking Golf Skiing & Boarding Operators	Kayaking & Surfing Kayaking in Nootka Sound The First Nations people once ranged up and down the coast in cedar canoes, whaling, fishing and moving to and from their winter and summer homes. In the same water borne way a growing numbers of kayakers now absorb this rich aboriginal history, as they visit the coastal communities, the abandoned villages and remote islands of the “Land of Maquinna”, one of the world’s finest sea kayaking areas. Seek out a kayak tour company for all-inclusive packages or, if competent, go with friends -- going alone can be dangerous because of the changeable weather and adverse conditions. Many kayakers load their vessels on the Uchuck III at Gold River and sail on her out to the outer coast where, using a pallet attached to the ship’s boom and a winch, the crew lowers them, in their kayaks, into the water. Arrange with the Uchuck III for return pick-up. An absolutely splendid wild wilderness awaits paddlers: uninhabited beaches; dense old growth rainforests populated by wolves and bears; waterfalls; deep fjords, and coves, secluded and sheltered. Supernatural! Wildlife galore: orca and gray whales, sea lions, black bears, cougars, and bald eagles. Most kayakers want to view the sea otters and rafts with a hundred of them not a rarity here. In all about 1500 of these adorable creatures live here, descendents of 89 sea otters re-located from Alaska between 1969 and 1972, and ranging from Brooks Peninsula south to the Broken Islands. Paddle Kyuguot Sound, sheltered Esperanza Inlet or Nuchatlitz Inlet -- and Nuchatlitz Marine Park -- Nootka Sound and Bligh Island Marine Park in between. Unparalleled! For something even more exhilarating and challenging, try whitewater kayaking on some of the many rivers cascading down from the nearby mountains. Surfing Nootka Sound The giant rollers and pounding Pacific surf attacking Vancouver Island’s west coast makes the ‘killer’ waves beloved by surfers and windsurfers. Often up to 25’ in height, these waves have turned this coast into a surfer’s paradise. Although Long Beach, in Pacific Rim Park near Tofino, is considered the ‘Malibu of the North’ and the ‘Surf Capital of Canada,' record numbers of tourists and surfers make for crowded condiditons. Now some surfers have discovered the magic of Nootka Island.... For the ultimate in Canadian surfing and windsurfing, a company operating on Nootka Island offers accomplished surfers and wind-surfers the opportunity to ride waves in the least crowded of circumstances. Guests live in tree houses and are transported by rugged Zodiac watercraft to empty surf where they become absolutely “stoked” while carving and jumping waves to their heart’s content. Steady offshore winds make any part of the coast, and a number of lakes, perfect for windsurfing. Please visit the Operators page for a list of providers. Back to Top