Octopus Islands Adventure ~ 7 Day

Abundant intertidal wildlife, island camping, hiking, and marine park exploration – this trip has it all.

Cost

$2400 cdn*

(* Subject to 5% gst and $35 Environmental protection & Indigenous land use fee)

Why We Love This Trip

The Octopus Islands Tour is a great choice for those who are having trouble deciding on a trip – It has a little bit of everything! Full days of paddling mixed with relaxing exploration, stunning island campsites, excellent marine-life viewing, a hike to a forested emerald lake…The 7 day Octopus Islands Expedition ratchets up the adventure even more. An extra day of paddling and camping makes this trip a great choice for those looking for a long trip that is not too challenging; it also increases the odds of spotting whales.

About the Area

The Octopus Islands are a mosaic of rocks and islets that beg to be explored by kayak. Forested shorelines offer superb natural camping sites and the chance to see plenty of terrestrial wildlife and bird species. But some of the most spectacular sights are found when you look down. Our kayaking route takes us through several areas that boast boast clear, nutrient rich waters and an abundance of marine organisms. At times we may share our journey with seals, sea lions, porpoises, and dolphins. Humpback whales, once hunted close to extinction have made a dramatic resurgence in recent years, and sightings are likely, though not a certainty on this trip.

The powerful tidal rapids that this trip crosses (at calm, slack currents) form a boundary between the traditional territories of the Kwak’waka’wakw and Coast Salish First Nations peoples. At times during this trip we paddle in the traditional territory of the Klahoose, Xwemahlkwe, and Lekwiltok regional bands. Little remains of their original settlements in the islands, but observant paddlers will spot shell middens and pictographs (rock art) along the shorelines. Ancient “clam gardens” can also be spotted during low tide in the Octopus Islands.

Trip Itinerary

The Octopus Islands Expedition begins with a boat ride to Coast Mountain Lodge on Read Island. After settling into sleeping cabins, we’ll enjoy a comprehensive kayak skills lesson and pre-trip briefing. We’ll follow up the exercise with a soak in our wood-fired hot tub or creekside sauna, and a gourmet dinner featuring local seafood and garden produce.

Next morning we’ll pack up kayaks and begin our journey. We’ll travel self-supported; supplied with deliciously healthy lodge-packed meals, snacks, and Lannie’s famous cookies of course! Our paddling journey will take us along diverse forested shorelines and through the Surge Narrows Marine Park where we’ll have excellent opportunities to observe marine mammals. After choosing our favourite island campsite in the Octopus Islands, we’ll plan to stay for two days to fully experience all that the area has to offer. We’ll explore the islands by kayak, hike to and swim in a forested lake, and make sure to spend a little time relaxing as well.

Upon departing the Octopus Islands, we’ll paddle the steep, forested shores of Hole in the Wall Channel, then paddle south through Calm Channel and the Rendezvous Islands. One final paddling day to explore the islands and search for whales before being picked up and transported by boat back to Coast Mountain Lodge. We’ll spend our final night in the comforts of the lodge, before departing by boat the next day back to Quadra Island. 

This trip begins and ends with a lodge night at Coast Mountain Lodge on Read Island, with 4 nights of kayak camping in-between.

Trip Details

• Trip begins 1:00pm first day, drop-off noon last day.

• Maximum 10 participants with 2 kayak guides.

• Single and double kayaks.

• Challenge: Moderate to strenuous.

• Paddling: 3 to 5 hours of kayaking per day (10-17 km (7-10 mi)).

• Sea conditions: usually calm, rising to max 0.5 metre (1.5 ft)

• Beaches: low sloping sandy gravel and rocky islets; may be slippery when wet. Good balance and mobility required.

Fitness Requirements

Challenge: Moderate to strenuous: Suitable for most fit people. We recommend these trips for those who exercise regularly, and have good fitness. Participants should be able to help carry loaded kayaks over uneven terrain (imagine carrying a 25lb weight in one hand). Prior paddling experience is an asset, but not required. Paddling days are longer (10-17km/day), routes are more exposed to wind and waves. Beaches may be steep, rocky, slippery, and more challenging to move on. Camping spots are well-established, but mostly undeveloped. We can sometimes accommodate participants with physical limitations on these trips; please inquire prior to booking.

What’s Included

• All kayaking equipment

• Group camping gear and shelter

• Tent (you choose single or double)

• Therm-a-Rest inflatable sleeping pad

• Dry bags for personal gear

• All meals & snacks

• Professional skills training & guiding

• Boat transportation to & from CME Lodge

• Boat pickup from end of tour

You Provide

• Personal clothing and accessories (see our packing list)

• Sleeping bag (available to rent)

• Sense of adventure!

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More Information

We’d love to answer any more questions you might have about this tour, and are also happy to chat if you’d just like to get to know us. We’re looking forward to sharing our island home with you!

(250) 285-2823
kayak@coastmtn.com