God's Pocket Resort Lodge-Based Sea Kayak Tours, Canada

Your kayaking and whale watching adventure starts with a stunning boat cruise from Port Hardy BC Canada on northern Vancouver Island past rugged mountains, forested islands, and the wildlife rich waters of Queen Charlotte Strait, before arriving at God's Pocket Resort.

The moment you step onto the dock you'll appreciate the charm of this rustic island resort, located in the heart of God's Pocket Provincial Park - one of Canada's newest parks. Its seven rooms provide comfort, private baths, all the amenities of home and ocean views that take your breath away.

Our guides instruct you in sea kayaking basics, and then we spend days paddling the sheltered waterways surrounding the many islands that make up the park while watching for humpback whales, orca, porpoises, seals, sea lions, sea otters and bald eagles, attracted by the prolific underwater sea life.  We cruise by the famous Browning Wall observing the spectacular invertebrate sea life from the warmth and comfort of our sea kayaks.  You can take a day off from kayaking anytime, or follow one of the hiking trails into the island's lush rain forest. Don't forget to greet the resort's resident octopus and river otters in the cove out front.

At the end of the day, you'll return to the resort to enjoy a hot shower in your room and fabulous dinner featuring locally caught seafood (try the smoked salmon), fresh baked goods and regional wines in the resort's main lodge - all prepared by the lodge's resident chef. Watch the sunset and relax by a campfire on a waterside deck. Then sleep blissfully in a comfortable bed.

Other enjoyable activities include natural history talks, a short night paddle, games and natural history videos in the game room/library. If you wish to experience wilderness kayak touring in Canada's Inside Passage without having to camp, you'll find our lodge-based trip at God's Pocket appealing.

“Spectacular scenery and varied wildlife sightings coupled with a comfortable lodge, wonderful host and, most importantly, knowledgeable, caring guides with great expertise and sparkling personalities combined to provide one of the best vacations we have experienced.” 
--John & Holly Polacek

The God's Pocket Resort kayak trip begins in Port Hardy. Port Hardy is located on northeastern Vancouver Island and is accessible by road from the south or by scheduled air service from Vancouver, British Columbia. Please call our office if you need assistance on deciding how to get to Port Hardy. We are familiar with traveling to Vancouver Island and we'll be happy to help you select the best way there.

Entry into Canada: Passports are required when flying into Canada, and starting in 2008, for any vehicle travel. No visa is necessary, but a tourist card will be issued during your flight. The USA passport agency is very backed up, so it may be worth it to pay extra to expedite.

Air Flights: Pacific Coastal Airlines (800) 663-2872, www.pacific-coastal.com, has scheduled flights daily from Vancouver to Port Hardy airport and North Island Taxi Service, 250-949-8800, will take you to the hotel.

Car: The approximate travel time from Seattle to Port Hardy is 11 - 12 hours (8 - 9 hours from Vancouver to Port McNeill) including the ferry ride. The driving time between Nanaimo and Port McNeill is 5 hours. You can view a road map of Vancouver Island online at www.hellobc.com/bcescapes/maps/maps_islands.asp.

Ferries: Vancouver Island is accessed by ferry service from the mainland. The most direct route is from the Tsawwassen BC ferry terminal south of Vancouver to Nanaimo. There is also service to Nanaimo from the Horseshoe Bay terminal in northwest Vancouver. BC Ferries schedule information (604) 277-0277 or check out their website at www.bcferries.com.

Car Rental: You can rent a vehicle on a weekly basis from any of the major car rental agencies located at Seattle International or Vancouver International airports. Free parking is available at the hotel in Port Hardy.

Bus and Shuttle Service: Island Coach Line (800) 663-8390 operates a daily bus service between Vancouver and Port Hardy. Quick Bus (800) 665-2122 operates a daily shuttle service between Seattle International airport and Vancouver International airport, including stops to hotels.

Extra things to do in the Port Hardy/Port McNeill area: For extra days in the area, we recommend the Copper Maker Native Art Gallery near Port Hardy, side trips to Alert Bay and the U'mista Cultural Center on Cormorant Island, or Sointula - both reached by short ferry ride from Port McNeill (40 min drive south of Port Hardy). Or an orca watching cruise with Mackay out of Port McNeill or Stubbs Island out of Telegraph Cove (1/2 hour south of Port McNeill). Also, check out the Whale Museum Interpretive Centre at Telegraph Cove.

Weather: Summers in Port Hardy are generally sunny with day-time temperatures averaging 68 to 78 degrees and night-time temperatures averaging 50 to 60 degrees. The summer months are usually drier than the rest of the year but precipitation can occur infrequently in the form of rain, showers or drizzle. Foggy mornings are common in mid-August and September. The water temperature averages 48 degrees.

What are the accommodations at the lodge like?
The resort includes 2 cabins – 4 side-by-side rooms per cabin with breathtaking views of the ocean.  Each room has two comfortable beds and a bathroom with toilet, sink, and shower.  Daily housekeeping is provided.  The resort also has a larger common room - we call the Clubhouse - for reading, hanging out, or playing games.


What are typical meals on the trip?
Three meals a day are provided, all prepared by the lodge's resident chef, served family style in the dining hall.  Dinners feature locally caught seafood (try the smoked salmon), fresh baked goods and regional wines. Baked goods and hot drinks are available any time of day if you need a little something.  We make every effort to accommodate vegetarians, food preferences and allergies.


"I felt like I was at a five-star resort eating meals at the lodge. The chef was especially accommodating to people with special diets". -- Barbara Yaschik, God's Pocket

What type of kayaks do you use on this trip?
Our fleet of kayaks on each trip is comprised of mostly double kayaks and one or two single kayaks shared among guests and guides. They are made by SEAWARD KAYAKS of fiberglass construction and ALL are equipped with rudders. Light weight Werner paddles, PFD's (Personal flotation device otherwise known as a lifejacket), nylon spray skirts, paddle floats and bilge pumps are all provided on our expeditions.


Is previous kayaking experience necessary?
No prior sea kayaking experience is necessary for this trip. Anyone in good health with a positive attitude can enjoy kayaking. Paddling a sea kayak is easy to learn and your experienced guides will teach you all you need to know.


What if I want to take a day off from kayaking?
That’s the beauty of this trip!  You don’t have to go kayaking every day.  There are plenty of hiking trails on the island or you can relax for the day with a good book.


Are there any physical requirements?
The amount of paddling is a good balance of challenge and ease for most of our participants. Expect a moderate workout every kayaking day. Pre-trip time spent in any activity that uses your upper body will help you enjoy your adventure with us. We do require that anyone over 70 or with any health or weight concerns consult us before signing up to make sure you are up to fully participating.


What is the minimum age limit?
The minimum age for most of our trips is normally 14 and is intended to insure that all our guests are capable of fully participating in the kayaking and other activities involved.  A child must be at least 5 feet tall and 100 lbs in order to participate in our sea kayak tours. We do make exceptions on occasion, so call us if you think your child is physically capable of kayaking and comfortable in an adult setting.


What if I'm by myself?
If this is your first adventure tour, and you are naturally a little apprehensive about going solo, we will support you each step of the way. We get a mixture of singles, couples, families and friends. Because the lodging is based on double occupancy, you’ll share a room with another single person of similar age and gender.


What about safety?
Your safety, comfort and enjoyment are our priorities. Any concerns about risks and physical abilities are handled with the greatest care by our office staff and trip leaders. Your guides are always in close proximity, well equipped with First Aid kits and specially trained in Wilderness First Aid to handle emergency situations. Your trip leader will provide a comprehensive kayak orientation and safety discussion before you begin paddling. We take your concerns or apprehensions to heart - to make kayaking a positive, fulfilling experience for you.


What is the weather like?
Summer on northern Vancouver Island can be warm with daytime temperatures of 70-75° F (21- 24° C), though there are often cool breezes off the water, and some overcast days.  Evenings are cool and dewy with temperatures near 62° F (14° C).  Extended periods of rain are unusual, but it’s common to have a rainy day or two, and mornings may be foggy.


What should I bring?
Because this is a lodge-based trip, you can bring your luggage with you.

Upon signing up, you'll get an informative trip handbook that includes a detailed list of clothing and other recommended items for your kayaking trip.


Do I need a passport to enter Canada?
Yes, passports are required to enter Canada.  Click here for the U. S. Department of State’s Passport Requirement page.


What do the trip costs include?
Skilled professional guide services, all meals from lunch on the first day to breakfast on the last day.


What is not included?
Pre- and post-trip accommodations and meals, airfare and gratuities.

Day 0: Overnight on your own in Port Hardy, on northern tip of Vancouver Island BC Canada

Day 1: We'll have an early morning orientation meeting at the dock near Seagate Hotel in Port Hardy where you'll meet your guides. Then, we'll take a boat for the shuttle to God's Pocket Resort. Upon arrival, there is a brief lodge orientation, settle into your room and quick hike if there's time. On the dock after lunch, the guides will give an orientation on kayaking and safety before leading a short paddling excursion that afternoon. Enjoy happy hour on the sun deck and a scrumptious dinner. Enjoy deep sleep.

Days 2-5: Each day, after a scrumptious breakfast in the dining room, we will depart on daily paddling excursions to explore the adjacent islands and passages of Queen Charlotte Strait and God's Pocket Provincial Park, where marine mammals abound. Typically we will paddle for 2 hours in the morning, take an hour or two to enjoy the gourmet lunch packed by our chef on a scenic island beach, and spend another 2 hours in the kayaks before returning to the comforts of the resort.

If you need a break from kayaking, you have the option to spend the day exploring island trails on foot or beach combing deserted beaches. Each afternoon we often have time for a short hike on the island and happy hour on the sun deck before dinner.  Each evening we offer campfires, nature talks and other activities.  For rainy evenings we have a common room with board games, library and nature videos and DVD's.

Day 6: After breakfast, we will check out of our rooms and board the boat for the return to Port Hardy, with one last look for marine mammals.

"The lodge was incredible. We loved every moment and would give this trip a 10 out of 10."
Sandy Williams

Note on Itinerary: We will do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above. However, the itinerary may change due to reasons beyond our control such as wind, waves, inclement weather or other variables beyond our control.