Nuchatlitz Kayak Tours

Nuchatlitz

This isolated provincial park is located on the north-west side of NootkaIsland, facing Nuchatlitz Inlet on the west coast of Vancouver Island.  The 2,105 hectare park encompasses most of the small islands off NootkaIsland, lending itself to sheltered kayaking where one can enjoy winding through these postcard islands, exploring  rich intertidal life, quiet coves and a multitude of beaches, perfect for camping.

Paddling west will take you out of NuchatlitzPark where you’ll encounter sea caves, sea stacks , reefs and massive beaches on the north shore.  These attractions can come at a price as heavy winds and swells from the exposed west coast can blow your kayak onto the sometimes jagged shore. We highly recommend a professional kayaking guiding service your first time in this area.

Sea otters are the central attraction in this area. Hunted to extinction for their pelts from the 1790’s to the early 1900’s, the sea otter population was reintroduced in the 1970’s and are now a constant regardless of the weather. They can be primarily found bobbing upright in kelp beds and have restored the ecosystems of the western kelp forests. They also keep the sea urchin population in check.

Of course, this is the wild coast home to more than sea otters! Beginning each spring 20,000 Gray Whales travel up the western shore of Vancouver Island on their way to their summer feeding grounds in the Bering Sea. The area is home to seals, sea lions and a rich variety of bird life. And then there is the remoteness of this coastline. Black bears forage the beaches at low tide and, while you may not see them, you can often hear wolves howling at night.