Pacific Otters - British Columbia (Map)

The Nuchatlitz archipelago on the remote northwest tip of Nootka Island is the quintessential sea kayak tour destination. A myriad of islands and inlets provide a combination of open coast and protected water paddling, rich in culture and history, and undoubtedly the best wilderness camping on the west coast of Vancouver Island.

Named after an old native village, this park protects a number of archaeological sites and evidence that the area has been inhabited by the Mowachaht/Muchalaht first nations for thousands of years. The Spanish first came to the area in 1774; ergo many of the place names on the west coast are Spanish in origin such as Zeballos, Espinosa and Esperanza. The British followed closely behind in 1778 and initiated trade with the first nations for sea otter furs. The furs became highly valuable and sold for outrageous prices in China. This instigated hostile actions between the Spanish and British that were later resolved by the Nootka convention of 1790.

This provincial marine park is vital habitat for British Columbia's recovering sea otter population. Sea otters were hunted along the BC coast during the fur trade in 1800's and were extinct by the early 1900's. Eighty nine sea otters from Alaska were transplanted along the northwest coastal waters in 1969-1972. The present population is an estimated 2000 descendants, one of the largest sea otter populations in the world. They are a common sight among the rich kelp forests, often feeding on urchins and shellfish. It is not uncommon to see large 'rafts' of Sea otters in Nootka Sound.

This expedition style trip explores the maze of islets and islands that make up the Nuchatlitz group. On this remote wilderness sea kayaking tour, we have the opportunity to paddle through giant sea caves and shower in a crisp, natural waterfall.