WE WATCHED OUR NEIGHBOR SNIFF AT THE NEW SCENT IN THE FOGGY OCEAN AIR.
www.tahemarine.com
GREAT BEAR
Trip Planner WHEN TO GO
Mid to late summer has the most stable weather with the least wind and rain. However, keep in mind you are in a rainforest—plan for wet weather. In the spring, runoff from creeks and rivers creates currents that can make getting into the inlets dangerous. Storms plague the region beginning in late September. Expect bugs almost any time of the year—a local told us the only insect repellent is winter.
DIFFICULT Y
Douglas Channel is renowned for wind and waves. Infrequent landings due to the surrounding cliffs compound the difficulty, making this an advanced route. The deep fjords and foul weather also make communication, even by satellite, unpredictable. Freshwater for drinking is available approximately every 10 kilometers.
ACCESS
The city of Kitimat is accessed by Highway 37 off Trans-Canada Highway 16. There is no recreational boat launch, as the Alcan plant takes up the city’s entire waterfront. The best option is to drive 20 minutes southeast on Minette Bay Road to Kitamaat Village and launch for free at MK Bay Marina. Parking is $5 per day. BC Ferries does not service Kitimat, the nearest ferry ports are Klemtu and Prince Rupert.
CHARTS/FORECASTS
Canadian Hydrographic Series chart 3743 (1:73,000). Find local wave heights and marine weather from the Nanakwa Shoal weather station at
www.weatheroffice.gc.ca.
GUIDEBOOK The Wild Coast Volume 2 by John Kimantas (Whitecap Books, 2006) is excellent and has detailed maps and information on many routes in the region.
GUIDED T RI PS Albacore II Charters offers mothership services »
www.seatreks.ca, (250) 847-9657
The Gitga’at Native community at Hartley Bay offers guided trips and accommodation »
www.gitgaat.net, (250) 841-2602
www.belugaworld.com www.adventurekayakmag.com 53
ILLUSTRATION: LORENZO DEL BIANCO
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