Kingcome Inlet Paddle Route
Vancouver Island, British Columbia,
Canada
Kingcome Inlet paddle route involves navigating a mainland fjord for 17 kilometres! The scenic kayak route is located off the coast of northeast Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada in the Queen Charlotte Strait. The route is a rugged multi day kayaking adventure exploring canyons, cliffs, beaches waterfalls and historic First Nation villages and artifacts.
The closest Vancouver Island communities to Kingcome Inlet are Port McNeill and Campbell River. Port McNeill and Campbell River have marinas located within walking distance of stores and shops. The closest Gulf Islands are Alert Bay and Sointula.
The inlet is one of the least known kayaking adventures on the west coast partly because it is a very challenging route and access can be difficult due to weather and distance. Some kayakers boat out to the inlet and then wet launch from the boat near the entrance to the paddle route to save time.
One short coming of the Kingcome Inlet adventure is the lack of protected coves and bays along the route. Many sections of the route include high canyon walls and cliffs which provide amazing scenery and waterfalls but provide very little shelter from winds and opportunity to camp. Beach camping is limited on this paddle route. Most of the beach camping destinations are located at the mouth
of the rivers and streams.
The kayak route explores an area rich in First Nation history. The route passes by isolated villages, some abandoned
others occupied. The Village of Mamalilaculla is the best known First Nation community in Kingcome Inlet. Must ask for permission
to enter the village. Along the shoreline are native artifacts. Do not touch.
Many who kayak the inlet prefer to book a paddle with a tour group. This is a good idea if this is the first time kayaking on the west coast of British Columbia. A kayak tour group follows a trip plan and includes lessons, equipment and, most importantly, an experienced, interpretive guide.
Kayak guides also are prepared for unexpected weather, storms and trained in open water survival techniques. A guide also will provide commentary and information on the history, geography and wildlife in the region.
Not all paddlers hook up with a tour group. There are some on the water who enjoy self guided tours. Many of these kayakers are experienced paddlers and equipped with all the proper equipment like gps, tidal charts, rain gear and navigation charts.
It is important to plan your paddle route and have adequate supplies for the trip prior to your departure. Proper use of tidal and navigation charts is a must. All kayakers should check weather conditions as the inlet is prone to developing gale force winds.
Some of the highlights of Kingcome Inlet include Spring Passage, Moore Bay, Reid Bay, Shawl
Bay, Retreat Passage and the village of Health Bay in Health Lagoon. Baker and Eden Islands are further north on the way to Echo Bay. Echo Bay
has a store and a pub and other services.
The Kingcome area is laden
with wildlife and it is , pretty much a given, that you will come
across a wide variety of wildlife like Black Bears, Wolves, and Grizzlies.
