God’s Pocket Sea Kayak Resort

WILDERNESS ISLANDS & GOD’S POCKET RESORT SEA KAYAKING

Why this trip: Sea Kayak Adventures is the lone outfitter to tour these remote islands. Port Hardy, British Columbia — Sea Kayak Adventures, based in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, has added a new wilderness paddle destination to equal the heady mix of wildlife encounters and stunning scenery they have found on British Columbia’s Johnstone Strait.

Wilderness Islands. Participants paddle tandem kayaks for six days among the sheltered bays and islands of Queen Charlotte Strait, a wild archipelago full of humpbacks and bald eagles, with B.C.’s snowcapped mountains in the distance. After dodging the whale flukes, seals, sea otters and curious porpoises, they’ll set up camps on the pebbly, driftwood-strewn beaches of secluded islands like Bell, Hurst, Nigei and Vansitart.

Other activities include exploring tide pools filled with vibrant sea stars and anemones, trekking into lush rain forests, and visiting islands rich in native history.

Trips depart from Port Hardy on Vancouver Island every Monday from August 13 through August 25, 2007. The cost is $1,050 USD and includes kayaks, camping equipment, water taxi, meals and guides. Airfare and GST tax is extra.

God’s Pocket Resort. Travelers who prefer to sleep in a lodge instead of in a tent can take SKA up on their offer of $100 off the price of six-day kayak trips departing July 2, 9 and 16 from Port Hardy. The lodge is on a remote island in the heart of God’s Pocket Provincial Park near northern Vancouver Island.

Each day, guests paddle kayaks through the park’s waterways and islands, looking out for whales, seals, porpoises and eagles. And each evening, they’ll return to the lodge for hot showers, hot tub and delicious dinners. People of all experience levels are welcome.

The cost is normally $1,750 USD per person, double occupancy, including kayaks, boat transport to God’s Pocket Resort, lodging and meals, kayaking instruction and professional guides. Airfare and GST tax is extra.

Contact: Sea Kayak Adventures; (800) 616-1943, www.seakayakadventures.com