British Columbia Sea Kayaking
Nootka Sound

Sea kayakers seeking isolation should head to Nootka Sound, located on the rugged west coast of North Vancouver Island, approximately 45 miles (70 km) north of Tofino. The sound is a paradise for sea kayakers who want to go somewhere isolated and undeveloped. The closest pockets of civilization near the sound include Tahsis, to the north, and Gold River, to the southeast (click for Google satellite map of Nootka Sound area).

Isolation and remoteness is often experienced when sea kayaking the Nootka Sound area. Go Northwest! photo by Dave Dean.

If you are a sea kayaker and you want to really get away from civilization then the west coast of Vancouver Island is the place to go and the further north you go, the more remote you'll be. For this reason, Nootka sound is a destination for experienced expedition-oriented sea kayakers - or for adventurous kayakers who venture out with an experienced kayaking guide.

Nootka Sound is rich in history. In 1778, Captain James Cook was the first European to enter the Sound. Resolution Cove, located in the Sound is named for Captain Cook's ship the "Resolution."  Captain Cook traded furs with the First Nations people (Mowachaht), at Yuquot, better known now as Friendly Cove (click for area map).

Sea kayakers in Nootka Sound can look forward to discovery of small islands, sheltered coves, remote sandy beaches, and richly (rain) forested lands. Wildlife includes black bear, wolves, cougar and eagles. Marine life includes orca whales, gray whales, sea otters, seals and sea lions.

Kayaking Outfitters Serving Nootka Sound

Nootka Sound Kayaking. PO Box 254, Merville, BC V0R 2MO. Phone/Fax: 250-339-1181; Toll-free: 1-800-661-9393. E-mail

Sea to Sky. PO Box 1759, Squamish, BC V8B 0B2. Phone: 604-815-4202; Toll-free: 1-800-990-8735; Fax; 1-866-880-7151. E-mail

Zeballos Expeditions. 203 Pandora Avenue, Zeballos, BC V0P 2A0. Phone: 250-761-4044; Toll-free: 1-866-222-2235. E-mail

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