God's Pocket Rustic Wilderness Resort - Sea Kayak Tour for Families BC, Canada

GODS POCKET RESORT LODGE-BASED TOUR

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. You and the kids will settle in to this island sanctuary, enjoying locally caught seafood meals prepared by the lodge's resident chef. Adults may partake in a selection of regional wines while the kids will love the variety of fresh baked goods!

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 and your youngsters 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. Other enjoyable activities include natural history talks, a short night paddle, games and natural history videos in the game room/library.

The God's Pocket Wilderness Resort kayak trip begins in Port Hardy, BC. 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.

Click here for a detailed guide [.pdf download] about travel to Port Hardy for your kayak tour.

Attention families: Passports are required for non-Canadians. Minor children traveling with one parent must have a notarized letter of permission from the other parent to cross the border with the one parent and obtain medical care in emergency, as well as signed permission from BOTH parents to attend our trip.

Accommodations in Port McNeill: North Shore Inn (800) 956-3373, www.northshoreinnph.com Let the hotel know you are on a Sea Kayak Adventures tour.

Please review our FAQ section for general questions and details about our BC kayak tours. See below for specific questions relating to this particular tour at God's Pocket Resort.

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 for reading, hanging out, or playing games. This is perfect for families in the evening after kayaking!

What are typical meals like at God's Pocket Resort?
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, and kid friendly food as well. Baked goods and hot drinks are available any time of day if you need a little something, or if the kids want a snack  We make every effort to accommodate vegetarians, food preferences and allergies.

Do we all have to kayak every day?
That’s the beauty of this trip! There are plenty of hiking trails on the island for those who wish to have a different experience, and you're welcome to sit on the dock with a book and relax. This tour accommodates the many styles and personalities of a family.

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 packing list of clothing and other recommended items for your kayaking trip.

What does the trip cost include?
Our tours are fully-catered, fully-guided, and fully supplied. Besides your stay at the lodge, kayak use, and supplies, your kayak tour includes skilled professional guide services from highly-trained and certified, charismatic, guides. All meals from lunch on the first day to breakfast on the last day are prepared for you from the on-site chef, as well.

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

GOD'S POCKET RESORT 5-Day Lodge-Based Family Sea Kayak Tours:

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

Day 1: Your family can have a comfortable breakfast in town on your own before an early morning orientation meeting. We will begin at the dock near North Shore Inn where you'll meet your guides, and be driven by boat out to the lodge at God's Pocket Provincial Park. Another orientation will familiarize your family with your new surroundings and give you time to check in to your room. After lunch, the guides will take care to thoroughly orient your family with kayaking and safety protocols before a short paddle that afternoon. Enjoy happy hour on the sun deck and a scrumptious dinner, followed by games or entertainment in the common room and a warm bed. 

Days 2-4: After a freshly prepared breakfast by the resident chef, 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 shore, and spend another 2 hours in the kayaks before returning to the comforts of the resort.

This itinerary allows for many interests to be accommodated. If family members would prefer to take a day of hiking instead of paddling, they can opt to explore the many island trails and search for signs of Bigfoot. Happy hour with wine for the adults and snacks for the kids is served on the sun deck, followed by dinner, campfires, and activities.

Day 5: 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.

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 or inclement weather.