Paddle through the open swells in Barkley Sound from Ucluelet.

Duration

6 Hours

Enjoy approximately 4-5 hours on the water, and 1-2 hours on land.

Rates

CA$148 per person

About

Experience what it's like to paddle a kayak in the open ocean! Head out and feel the thrill of paddling in ocean swells while exploring the rugged shorelines and open coast islands of Barkley Sound. Great opportunities for viewing wildlife such as seals, sea lions and bald eagles (and if you're very lucky, even the occasional whale!). Includes a stop off on a secluded island or beach for lunch.

Fully guided by professional, certified sea kayak guides. Listen to stories and learn about the incredible wildlife, and natural environment of Barkley Sound.

Ucluelet kayak tours are available June 1st to September 30th

Additional Information

• Suitable to more experienced paddlers, or those confident in their ability to paddle for up to 5 hours.
• 4 passenger minimum to confirm tours.
• All passengers must be 8 years or older.

What is Provided

• Waterproof dry bag
• All necessary paddling and safey equipment

It is not necessary to bring a backpack with you. Anything that needs to stay dry can be packed into a dry bag, and all else is best stored in a a grocery bag. Backpacks can be accommodated and will be stored in a water-tight hatch that cannot be accessed while on the water.

1. Arrival and Check-In: Arrive at the Paddle West Kayaking (Jamie's Whaling Station in Ucluelet) office 15 minutes before the tour starts.

2. Safety Briefing: Receive a brief introduction to kayak safety and paddling techniques.

3. Launch: Begin the tour from Ucluelet Harbour, paddling through the sheltered waters.

4. Coastal Exploration: Paddle out into the open waters of Northern Barkley Sound, navigating through kelp forests and short ocean crossings.

5. Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including seals, sea lions, bald eagles, and possibly whales.

6. Beach Break: Take an extended break on a secluded beach or island to stretch your legs and enjoy the lunch you packed.

7. Return: Head back to the starting point, taking in the beautiful scenery along the way.

Scenic Beauty: Paddle along the rugged coastline of Northern Barkley Sound and cross over to the George Fraser Islands.

Wildlife Encounters: Spot a variety of wildlife such as seals, sea lions, bald eagles, and possibly gray, humpback, or orca whales.

Coastal Exploration: Experience the thrill of paddling in ocean swells and exploring kelp forests and intertidal zones.

Small Group Experience: Benefit from a more intimate and personalized adventure with small group sizes.

Please arrive at the Paddle West Kayaking office (Jamie's Whaling Station in Ucluelet) 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time to check in and prepare for the paddle.

What to Bring (The Quick and Dirty)

All info will be sent to you after bookingl

• Water, snacks, camera and make sure you are comfortable and prepared for the weather.
• Please do not bring any valuable items you do not want to be as a sacrifice to the ocean.

Clothing

• Light layer, warm layer and rain jacket (or wind breaker)
• Jeans and cotton clothing are NOT recommended. Synthetic and natural fibres that do not loose insulation when wet (ex. Merino wool and fleece) or other quick dry materials are recommended.

Sun Protection

• Sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses
• Due to glare off the water it is important to bring sun protection. Often overcast and foggy days are the nastiest days for UV exposure.

Footwear

• 6 hour tours: any comfortable footwear (sneakers, running shoes, sandals, etc)
• All of our tours launch from a floating dock allowing feet to stay dry on our 2.5 hour tours which do not involve getting out of the kayaks.
• We do our best to keep your feet dry but we do paddle in a marine environment so there is potential for your feet to get wet. The Big Tree Trail on Meares Island is mostly boardwalk but sections are a forest trail which can be challenging in flip flops.

Extras

• Snack, camera, water
• We recommend bringing a light snack (granola bar, piece of fruit, trail mix, etc) on the 4 hour tours and highly recommend something more filling to refuel with on the 6 hour tours. It takes energy to be on the water and explore for 4+ hours.
• Bringing a camera to capture your experience is highly recommended. However, cameras are brought at your own risk and Paddle West Kayaking does not guarantee any electronic devices will not get wet. We provide dry bags for your use and suggest limiting the number of electronic devices you choose to bring with you on the ocean.
• These tours allow you to explore further into the wilderness of Clayoquot and Barkley Sounds. Depending on the marine conditions there is an increased chance of getting wet and our guides are unable to keep your feet dry. On these tours, we recommend wearing clothes you do not mind getting damp, bringing an extra sweater and wearing shoes that you do not mind getting wet. In addition to getting wet feet, often the landings in Ucluelet are challenging with slippery rocks making flip flops not the best option.

• Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

• Tours may be rescheduled or canceled due to severe weather conditions for safety reasons.

• Paddle West Kayaking is not responsible for personal belongings lost or damaged during the tour.