Canada: BC, God’s Pocket – Sea Kayak Adventures Offers a Family Kayaking Adventure with Teens. Created for parents who wish to share time with their children and to experience Canada’s legendary Inside Passage in comfort and style, this lodge based trip offers  all the wilderness benefits but without tents or inflatable air mattresses. Daily excursions include paddling into the intricate network of waterways surrounding the many islands that make up God’s Pocket Provincial Park.

 
I have had the good fortune to kayak God’s Pocket with a teen – pristine and quieting the spot is stress-free and loaded with discoveries to be made. Each day began with fog cloaking the inlets and covering the shoreline making the atmosphere surreal. As Mother Nature eased in to the day we were always rewarded. We skipped stones, climbed rocks to get the best view, and enjoyed to wind whispering through the trees. The water is clear along the rocky shoreline making it easy to observe sea life. We saw bright orange sea urchins, and iridescent fishes, gregarious sea otters, porpoises jumping waves, and seals watching our every move. It was definitely “wild kingdom” times ten so the trip offered by Sea Kayak Adventures, Inc. will not disappoint. You will see more shades of green and blue than can be imagined and no two days will be the same so there is no risk of being bored.

Sea Kayak Adventures, Inc. has pioneered exclusive, wilderness lodge-based sea kayak trips in this area, making God’s Pocket Resort in God’s Pocket Provincial Park – Canada’s newest park- the vacation base.  The “Families with Teens” itinerary planned for July is ideal for teens 13 and older who are at least 5 feet tall and if that exact date does not work for your schedule other June-August dates available as well.

If you and your family want to try kayak touring but have no desire to camp out, you’ll find God’s Pocket Resort’s quaint accommodations appealing.  You will stay in a private room complete with ensuite bathroom at a rustic 7-room lodge, located on a remote uninhabited island in the heart of God’s Pocket Provincial Park, just off the northern tip of Vancouver Island.  From Port Hardy, a boat takes you there on an unforgettable cruise through breathtaking scenes of rugged mountains, forested islands, and the pristine waters of Queen Charlotte Strait.

Paddling this area combines the adventure of exploration by sea kayak with the amenities of lodged accommodation. Daily excursions take you into the intricate network of waterways surrounding the many islands that make up the park. From a kayak you will have the opportunity to see this diverse marine life, whales, sea otters, porpoises, seals, sea lions and bald eagles frolicking in their natural habitat. Hiking trails take you into the island’s lush rainforest. This area is also famous for its diving and fishing. Bonus points: Jacques Cousteau rated this park as the world’s best cold water dive site. During the daily excursions energetic guides will entertain and teach teens about this unique environment, while making sure parents have a chance to truly relax and unwind.

After a day of kayaking, hiking, and wildlife watching, you will be back at the lodge to enjoy a hot shower in your room or hot tub on the deck and a delicious dinner.  The meals are outstanding; featuring locally caught seafood and local wines - prepared fresh daily by the resort's private chef.  Enjoy fresh baked breads, cookies and cinnamon rolls - all baked daily at the lodge.  Indulge in the warmth and hospitality of your hosts while you watch the sunset and stars from a spacious deck above the water.  Bonus points: If weather is calm a night paddle watching bioluminescence is the icing on the cake.  Then sleep blissfully in a comfortable bed.

God’s Pocket is also ideal for simply relaxing. You set the pace; a day off from kayaking is always your choice; motorboat excursions always an option. People of all experience levels will find this an excellent introduction to sea kayak touring. This is the perfect place for a multi-generational family reunion – they have had grandparents, parents and teens together equally enthralled here. Youth ages 13-17 receive 10% off on this tour. This unique tour will fill fast - call soon to book your space.

Trip includes: all kayaking and safety equipment, basic kayaking instruction, neoprene booties, water taxi transport to God’s Pocket Resort, lodging and meals, professional certified guides.  Not included: 5% GST tax, breakfast on the first day, accommodations or meals in Port Hardy, transportation to airport, airfare to BC Canada.In addition to this lodge based junket several camping trip departures for families are also offered by the company each summer.

Make it happen. Sea Kayak Adventures, Inc. Toll-free 1-800-616-1943 or www.seakayakadventures.com

 

  
Comments by Nancy Nelson-Duac, FTF founder and editor. Content and images provided by Sea Kayak Adventures, Inc. Copyright 2010.