Hello all,
My girlfriend and I are planning a kayak/ hiking trip to BC in August. Not knowing a thing about BC and its coast, I'm looking for advice and/or suggestions for the trip we are thinking about.
The trip would take us to Desolation Sound for kayaking, then change to our boots and do part of the Sunshine Coast Trail. There might be other options but this looks like an easy 2 week trip where we can relax. But I'm open to changes. Desolation Sound seems like a picturesque area to discover, wildlife (but no killer whales, darn) plenty of camping sites, protected waters and easily accessible. Hopefully not to crowded.
A little background on us. We are avid kayakers but by no means experts in the sport. We like to plan our trips solo. We try not to push the envelope, unless we have no choice (weather). Last year we spent seven days on the Allagash River in Maine and also spent 10 days on the MITA trail in Maine going from lobster-pound to lobster-pound.
So we think a 4 or 5 day trip kayaking in Desolation Sound would fit our idea of a relaxing vacation.
A few questions remain:
Water temp/ Air temp in August? What kind of exposure suit? Rating of sleeping bag?
Tides and currents. Something to be considered in this area?
Rain, Rain, Rain or are they calling this the Sunshine Coast for a good reason. Thunderstorms? Day long drizzle? or 30min everyday at 3:45pm (like clockwork)?
2 sea kayaks as carry-on might be tough on airport security. Best place to rent kayaks, Powell River or Lund?
Need to find an outfitter for camping gear? or should I send my stuff Canada Post?
Most important; food/ alcohol. Where do we find a good place for groceries, Powell River or Lund?
What can I eat from the ocean? Seems that mussels and oysters are plentiful. Red tide in August? What about crabs? Fishing from the beach?
Mosquitoes on the Allagash took away my first born. Should I worry in Desolation Sound?
Can't find day rates or camping rates for Desolation Marine Park. What's the daily rate and where's the office?
Will need a chart of the area. Must be a place around that sells proper marine charts.
We will bring our own safety gear: PFD's,VHF's, FirstAid, compass, GPS, the girlfriends' SPOT (not the cat), but might need to leave knifes and flares back home (again airport security). Does Canadian Tire have them in BC? They're no longer available in Quebec stores.
In advance, thanking you for your help in making this trip possible.
Pierre
My girlfriend and I are planning a kayak/ hiking trip to BC in August. Not knowing a thing about BC and its coast, I'm looking for advice and/or suggestions for the trip we are thinking about.
The trip would take us to Desolation Sound for kayaking, then change to our boots and do part of the Sunshine Coast Trail. There might be other options but this looks like an easy 2 week trip where we can relax. But I'm open to changes. Desolation Sound seems like a picturesque area to discover, wildlife (but no killer whales, darn) plenty of camping sites, protected waters and easily accessible. Hopefully not to crowded.
A little background on us. We are avid kayakers but by no means experts in the sport. We like to plan our trips solo. We try not to push the envelope, unless we have no choice (weather). Last year we spent seven days on the Allagash River in Maine and also spent 10 days on the MITA trail in Maine going from lobster-pound to lobster-pound.
So we think a 4 or 5 day trip kayaking in Desolation Sound would fit our idea of a relaxing vacation.
A few questions remain:
Water temp/ Air temp in August? What kind of exposure suit? Rating of sleeping bag?
Tides and currents. Something to be considered in this area?
Rain, Rain, Rain or are they calling this the Sunshine Coast for a good reason. Thunderstorms? Day long drizzle? or 30min everyday at 3:45pm (like clockwork)?
2 sea kayaks as carry-on might be tough on airport security. Best place to rent kayaks, Powell River or Lund?
Need to find an outfitter for camping gear? or should I send my stuff Canada Post?
Most important; food/ alcohol. Where do we find a good place for groceries, Powell River or Lund?
What can I eat from the ocean? Seems that mussels and oysters are plentiful. Red tide in August? What about crabs? Fishing from the beach?
Mosquitoes on the Allagash took away my first born. Should I worry in Desolation Sound?
Can't find day rates or camping rates for Desolation Marine Park. What's the daily rate and where's the office?
Will need a chart of the area. Must be a place around that sells proper marine charts.
We will bring our own safety gear: PFD's,VHF's, FirstAid, compass, GPS, the girlfriends' SPOT (not the cat), but might need to leave knifes and flares back home (again airport security). Does Canadian Tire have them in BC? They're no longer available in Quebec stores.
In advance, thanking you for your help in making this trip possible.
Pierre