Overview:

The Nuchatlitz tour departs from the town of Zeballos on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. The Spirit of the West staff will be departing from Quadra Island and Campbell River on the morning of the tour, and drive the 3 hours to Zeballos. If you are traveling without a vehicle and need transportation to Zeballos, just let us know and we can help make arrangements.
Day Prior: If you are unable to check in at our office on Quadra Island, please call us the day before to confirm the exact departure time and location, and if there are any last minute details.
Day 1: Leave Quadra Island and Campbell River early morning to meet the rest of the group in the town of Zeballos, a scenic 2 1/2 - 3 hour drive. To avoid a long and strenuous first day paddle we will transfer out to the Nuchatlitz by water taxi. This will take approx. 45 min. Once arriving at our private dock we will pack our kayaks and go over the kayaking basics and essential safety procedures before heading off on our journey. Our first night will be spent somewhere out on one of the remote islands within the marine park.
Day 2 -4: On the Nuchatlitz tour there is no set itinerary, as we have plenty of time to explore. The route will depend on weather conditions and the groups desires. Our days will be spent exploring the picturesque islands, lagoons, sea caves hidden behind cascading waterfalls, and possibly a visit to the ancient burial caves of the Nuchalnulth peoples. We will also take some time out for walks, beach combing, or simply lounging and absorbing the magnificent surroundings. If we are fortunate we will end our day with one of our famous West Coast sunsets.
Campsites are plentiful and scenically situated on either sand or pebble beaches, grassy knolls or beneath the canopy of ancient rain forests.
Known for its concentrations of wildlife, the Nuchatlitz will surprise sea kayakers around every bend. The Nuchatlitz is a popular home for the adorable sea otter. Not too many years ago the otter became almost extinct, and yet today you can find rafts of up to 150 members. Although not present on the small islands, Black Bears can be seen foraging the shores of the larger islands. Wolves are rarely seen, but it is not unusual to hear their howls in the dark of the night.
Day 5: This is our last day to enjoy the marine environment of the West Coast. After our morning paddle and lunch, our boat transport will pick us up and take us back to Zeballos. Approximate return time to Campbell River is 7pm.

Getting Here

The Nuchatlitz tour starting point is from the town of Zeballos on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. If you are traveling without a vehicle you just need to get to Campbell River on Vancouver Island, or Quadra Island our home base, and we can transport you to Zeballos on the morning of the tour. To get to Campbell River see our getting here page.

From Campbell River / Quadra Island to Zeballos
Travel north on route 19 towards Port Hardy. Once past the small village of Woss, you will find the turn off to Zeballos approximately 20 miles/32km to the north. Travel along the well maintained logging road to Zeballos. You will be sharing this road with large logging trucks so drive with caution. Be sure to travel with your lights on at all times when traveling on logging roads, and just as importantly, be sure to turn them off on arrival. The total drive should take 2.5 hrs. to 3 hrs.

Please note: For detailed travel information, such as flights, ferries, buses, and car rentals, see our brochure. You can also contact our local travel agency, Uniglobe Travel if you need assistance with your travel arrangements. They can be reached in North America at 1 800 567-6511 or by email at wc.rivercity@uniglobe.com

Quadra Island Ferry: Return ferry cost to Quadra is approximately $15.00 for driver and vehicle. Additional person is $4.50. Ferries to Quadra Island leave Campbell River every hour on the half our. Sun - Thurs, 6:30am -10:30pm. Fri & Sat 6:30am-11:30pm. Exceptions are 6:40am, 5:25pm, 6:15pm. Sunday there is no 7:30am ferry. Note Tuesday there is no 10:30am ferry to Quadra and no 4:00pm ferry to Campbell River due to dangerous cargo run. Ferries back to Campbell River leave on or around the hour.

Meeting Location - Departure day

If you are staying in Zeballos 
Meeting time: 9:45am 
Where: Masons Motor Lodge 
Getting there: Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Zeballos is accessible from the Island Highway (Highway 19), which runs from Port Hardy in the north, to Victoria in the south. You'll find the Zeballos Turn off just north of Woss off Hwy. 19.

If you are staying on Quadra Island 
Meeting time: 5:45am 
Where: at our office the Yak Shack. 
Getting there: Once on Quadra Island, you will see purple and yellow signs (Kayak & Bike Rentals/Tours) en route to our location. Also follow signs to Heriot Bay and Cortes Island ferry. Once in Heriot Bay, turn R just past the Quadra Market onto Heriot Bay Rd. We are located ¼ mile (.4 km) up on the left side.

If you are staying in Campbell River 
Meeting time: 6:30am 
Where: at the Visitor Centre in the Tyee Plaza 
Getting there: The Tyee Plaza is considered the centre of Campbell River. If you are traveling north along 19, continue into down town Campbell River and turn right shortly after passing through the first set of traffic lights. If you are traveling south on Hwy 19 continue until you see the Plaza on the right hand side, just past McDonalds.

Accommodations while on tour

We provide high quality expedition style tents. Generally we have enough tents to accommodate both singles and doubles with their own. We will do our best to match you up with a suitable partner if we need to.

Accommodations before/after tour

We have included a list of places to stay for Zeballos, Campbell River and Quadra Island.

Zeballos

Masons Motor Lodge (our meeting location on day 1) 
Clean and friendly lodge located right in the heart of Zeballos. Right across the street from the river, where you can often view black bears feeding. 
Phone: 1 250 761 4044
Zeballos Mini Motel Phone: 1 250 761-4340
Zeballos Inlet Lodge Phone: 1 250 761-4294

Quadra Island - accommodations

April Point Resort 
The resort is situated at the oceans edge with views over the town of Campbell River. 
Website: http://www.obmg.com/ 
Phone: 1 800 663 7090

Tsa Kwa Luten Lodge 
Beautiful West Coast Native Style constructed lodge, overlooking Vancouver Island and mountains. Very peaceful in secluded location. Excellent value for first class accommodations. Hot tub, fitness room, sauna and dining room. Bookings made by Spirit of the West Note that the lodge is a 15-20 minute drive south of our base operations. For joining the pre trip meeting you will have to take a taxi to and from. Website: http://www.capemudgeresort.bc.ca/ 
Phone: 1 800 307-3982 
Email: spirit1@oberon.ark.com

Harbour House B&B 
Beautiful home above the ocean with the best island and Mountain View around! Close to beach, park, amenities, and our Kayak Shack. Hot tub. Hearty breakfast served. Accommodates up to 10. A great place to meet fellow kayakers. 
Website: http://www.harbourhouse.bc.ca/ 
Phone: 1 800 435 2556
Email: susan.wilson@sd72.bc.ca

Taku Resort
Quiet ocean side resort nestled in mature trees. Dramatic views of the Coast Mountains. Self contained A-frame cabins or terrace view rooms. Hot tub, tennis, basketball, bocci ball, stone house barbecue. Conveniently located right next to Spirit of the West and near restaurant. 
Website: http://www.takuresort.com/ 
Phone: 1 877 285 8258 or 
Email: info@takuresort.com

Otter House Beach Chalet
Beautiful 2 level luxury cabin, tucked amongst the cedars as close to the beach as it gets. Awesome mountain views. Private, sauna and minutes from amenities.
Phone: 1 250 285 3939 
Email: bicycle@oberon.ark.com

Heron House B&B and Boat House 
Self contained suite. Ocean views, quiet location. Boat house is a simple rustic cabin right at the beach. Spectacular views of Coast Mountains. 
Website: http://www.quadraislandretreats.com/ 
Phone:1 250 285-3874 
Email: theinrigs@connected.bc.ca

Campbell River - accommodations 
Coast Hotels - Discovery Inn 
Located right in the town centre across the street from marina, and Quadra Island ferry terminal. Next to shopping. Restaurant, Pub, Health Room. 
Website: http://www.coasthotels.com/ 
Phone: 1 800 663 1144 
Email: coastd@vquest.com

Best Western Austrian Chalet 
Fully serviced hotel across the road from the beach. Ocean and mountain views. With or without kitchenette. Restaurant, Pub, indoor pool/hot tub/sauna, small putting green, table tennis. 15 min. walking to town.
Website: www.vquest.com/austrian/ 
Phone: 1 800 667 7207
Email: austrian@vquest.com

Super 8 Motel 
Good value, clean, friendly place located along the highway with ocean view.. Indoor pool and hot tub. 15 minutes walking to town. 
Phone: 1 800 800 8000
Above Tide Motel 
Good value. Located on ocean side of highway . All ocean view rooms. Kitchenettes. Walking distance from town. 
Phone: 1 250 286 0290

Silkies B&B 
Fantastic setting on the ocean, overlooking world famous Seymour Narrows - 15 minutes drive north of Campbell River. Beautiful home that offers a relaxing ambiance and gourmet meals. The perfect quiet getaway. 
Website: http://www.silky.bb.com/ 
Phone: 1 877 603 2942
Email: stay@silky-bb.com

Pier House B&B
Conveniently located downtown. Large charming antique filled heritage home across the highway from ocean fishing pier and marina. 
Website: www.island.net/pierhse/index.html  
Phone: 1 250 287 2943

Haig Brown House B&B
Restored heritage home of well known local writer/conservationist, located in beautiful 9 acre gardens along the river. Educational seminars offered. 25 minutes walk to town. 
Phone: 1 250 286-6694
Email: haig-brownhouse@haigbrown.bc.ca

River Haven B&B
Friendly and nicely decorated B&B located high above the river in quiet residential area. 
Website: http://www.riverhaven.bc.ca/  
Phone: 1 877 286 8370

Camping

Quadra Island - Camping

We Wai Kai Campsite 
Spectacular setting and location. Situated at the edge of Rebecca Spit Provincial Park this ocean side campground has sites along the ocean or in the mature forest. Showers but no hook ups. 25 minute walk to stores.
Phone: 1 250 285 3111

Taku Resort 
Quiet ocean side resort. Sites are nestled in mature trees up behind main accommodations. Hook up, showers, laundry, hot tub, tennis, basketball, bocci ball, stone house barbecue. Conveniently located right next to Spirit of the West and near restaurant. 
Website: http://www.takuresort.com/  
Phone: 1 877 285 8258 
Email: info@takuresort.com

Heriot Bay Inn
Hook up, showers, laundry, restaurant, pub, GIFt shop, and marina. Centrally located in the community of Heriot Bay. 
Website: http://www.heriotbayinn.com/  
Phone: 1 250 285-3322 
Email: info@heriotbayinn.com

Campbell River - Camping

Salmon Point RV Resort 
Fully service RV sites or tenting in tranquil oceanfront setting. Spectacular mountain views. Marina, store, laundry, showers, playground, gamesroom, near restaurant and pub. 
Website: http://www.elp.gov.bc.ca/bcparks  
Phone:1 250 923 6605

Holiday Shores RV Park 
Full service RV sites along the oceanside. Sunny location-no trees, near seaplane landing. Recreation room, laundry, showers, washrooms, small store. Phone: 1 888 611 2142
Elk Falls Provincial Park and Campground 
Nestled in beautiful forest along the Quinsam River. Walking trails, small playground, dry and flush toilets. 
Website: www.elp.gov.bc.ca/bcparks  
Phone: 1 800 689 9025