The British Columbia ferry service is excellent.  Food on board is good.  Beginners always try the Nanaimo bar.  Veterans eat the salmon burger.

Onboard gift shops provide a surprisingly good assortment of field guides, if you have forgotten yours.

The tree in the foreground is alder, a very important tree to those who warm their houses with wood and eat smoked salmon.  First Nation people revere this tree.
Kayaking weather in the Northwest will change from day to day.  Bring clothes for two seasons.  Layers of clothing.  Water temperature was warm for us, but is typically cold.  You will need a paddling jacket and paddling pants, spray skirt, paddle float, bailing bucket.  Practice self rescue before you begin.  Stay close to shore.  Make open water crossing in only the best of conditions.  If you are paddling veteran, you know your limits and don't need to hear this from me, but if it's the first time...LISTEN UP!  Pack all clothes in quality, leak proof zip lock bags.  Bring enough fresh food for two days and enough dry food to last at least two days longer than your intended stay.  Why?  Weather can be fierce, you may get stranded on an island and have to wait out a storm.   If you don't play the tides and winds right your return trip may take longer than the time going out.  A compass is a must.  During a long crossing, fog may set in, the compass will save you.  Bring a loud whistle and at least one member of the party have a small loud pressurized gas driver boat horn (cont. below).      (Next page)

"Water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink."

Bring ample fresh water and a water treatment system, also some water purification tablets.  Expect to go through about 1.5 gallons per person for drinking and cooking. There are fresh water streams, falls and lakes along the way.  But on occasions we went 6 or 7 miles without seeing fresh water.  Keep fresh, potable water supplies topped off.  Not all campsites have fresh water available.  Be prepared.

Make certain you have a functional rain fly on your tent. 

Most camping in these wilderness areas is primitive.  Be prepared for night time visitors.  Keep food supplies high on a rope and away from the tent.  Animals in area include cougar, grizzly, black bear, wolves and raccoons.  BEWARE OF THE RACCOON! 

Clean up your campsite every day.  Leave no trace!

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KAYAK RENTAL

You can rent kayaks in Seachelt about 15 miles from the ferry terminal for about $75 dollars US per week.  Great boats, glass, Necky.  Made in BC to match BC conditions.  The outfitter is Pedals and Paddles.

We have our own plastic boats.  A bit heavier and less mobile than the new high tech composite and fiberglass boats.  But, hey!  we're cheap.  Plastic boats are tough, reliable and who cares when the barnacles scratch their cheap underbellies.  I love my plastic boat, and saved $1000 buying it. 

Don't skimp on life jackets, paddles, paddling jacket, safety rope throw bag.  Get top quality safety equipment that will perform when your life is in danger.