Trip Itinerary
Outer Coast 2014 - 10+ Days
Two paddlers are invited to join each segment of this trip.
This advanced expedition is suitable for experienced kayakers only.
Personal Preparation
This expedition is unlike anything else. The journey is open to a small group of experienced kayakers who have previously paddled with us. To participate in Outer Coast 2014, please first join us on the Cape Freeman Expedition, or Evolution Expedition.
There are two segments to Outer Coast 2014; each segment consists of approximately ten days. The entire traverse is expected to take three weeks from Rose Harbour to Sandspit, along the exposed west coast of Moresby Island.
The weather and sea state are constant considerations during each moment of this advanced expedition. To accommodate changeable outer coast conditions, the itinerary remains completely adaptable. Paddlers on this expedition can expect to spend several days onshore, waiting for conditions to become stable enough for the next open coast traverse. Each expedition member must maintain an attitude of maximum flexibility in order to adapt to this challenging environment.
Segment One - Ten+ Days - Outer Coast 2014
Departs Sandspit on August 9, 2014
The journey begins with transport from Sandspit to Rose Harbour. For transport details, please see: Waters of SGang Gwaay
During the first few days of Outer Coast 2014, we explore the same region we kayak through during the Cape Freeman Expedition (see the route map). There is the opportunity to visit the ancient Haida village of SGang Gwaay.
Continue northward beyond Cape Freeman, kayaking along the edge of the continent. There are some extended paddling days during this portion, as we pass long stretches of exposed, rocky cliffs.
Explore vast Gowgaia Bay and visit fabulous Puffin Cove.
Traversing the outer coast of Moresby Island by kayak is an entirely humbling experience. We paddle when conditions permit and remain on shore when awaiting the next "window of opportunity." There is no way of accurately predicting how far up the coast we will paddle during this first segment of the trip.
Near the tenth day, we camp in an inlet suitable for a floatplane to land. Departing expedition members are transported to the floatplane base in Queen Charlotte City.
Segment Two - Ten+ Days - Outer Coast 2014
Departs Queen Charlotte City on August 18, 2014
The second segment begins with floatplane transport from Queen Charlotte City to an inlet approximately half-way up the west side of Moresby Island.
During the next ten days or more, we kayak northward along the outer coast, eventually turning east to pass through Skidegate Narrows.
Explore Tasu Sound and Englefield Bay. Visit the ancient Haida villages of Kaisun and Chaatl.
Food fishing is an important component of this extended expedition. We fish from the kayaks almost every day. It usually does not take us long to catch enough lingcod or rockfish to feed the group.
After several days of west coast adventures, the trip eventually arrives in Sandspit; we land on the beach in front of Seaport B&B.
For an unforgettable journey of a Lifetime, kayakers have the option of joining both segments of this expedition; paddling the entire distance from Rose Harbour to Sandspit.
A small and select group of highly experienced sea kayak guides are scheduled to lead this trip with Gord. Two additional paddlers will be invited to join each segment of the expedition.
The expedition price is CAD $4250 plus tax per person for one segment, or $5850 plus tax for the entire traverse.
To express your interest in joining this unique expedition, please contact Gord.
Routes and itineraries remain very flexible to accommodate changeable west coast conditions. Alternate boat or floatplane transport may be substituted.
