Kayaking

Paddling in the time of COVID-19: Discovery Islands, British Columbia

Posted on September 6, 2020 by carolinehelbig
Dinnertime in the Discovery Islands

It’s the end of another glorious day on the water in British Columbia’s Discovery Islands. I’m first in line for dinner. “Did you wash your hands?” There’s a smile in his eyes but his voice is serious. Our mask-covered, rubber-gloved kayaking guide has caught me dirty-handed. I slink back to the wilderness hand-washing station feeling like a naughty kid, but grateful for the precautions. Back in January, my friend Trish and I had booked a summer 2020 kayaking trip with Spirit of the West Adventures, before COVID-19 was on our radar. Miraculously, the trip went ahead, albeit a very different one from what we had signed up for.

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Categories: British Columbia, Canada, Kayaking | Tags: , , , | 38 Comments

Paddling the Broken Group Islands in Comfort at the Sechart Lodge

Posted on August 13, 2017 by carolinehelbig

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Relaxing in Sechart’s hot tub after a day of paddling—C.Helbig

“We’re the closest hot tub to the Broken Islands,” says Nancy, one of the managers at the Sechart Lodge on Vancouver Island’s Barkley Sound. That’s music to the ear for anyone who has kayaked through the frigid waters and often fog-laden air of this magnificent archipelago. Until recently, I had no idea that you could kayak the Broken Group Islands, part of Pacific Rim National Park, in warm, dry comfort. Last weekend, we had the pleasure of staying at Sechart Lodge. It’s the only viable non-camping option for kayaking the Broken Islands, and a haven for nature lovers and relaxation seekers. Continue reading →

Categories: Activities, British Columbia, Canada, Kayaking, Places | Tags: , , , , , , | 18 Comments

Northern Laos Part III: A Perfect Day in Muang Ngoi

Posted on April 20, 2017 by carolinehelbig

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Muang Ngoi’s spectacular riverside location—C.Helbig

We were loath to leave Nong Khiaw (see Parts I and II) and wondered whether Muang Ngoi, just an hour upstream on the Nam Ou, could hold as much appeal. It did, and perhaps even a tad more. Like Nong Khiaw, its riverside location and mountain scenery are stunning, but Muang Ngoi is smaller and even more basic and laid back. Mike and I agree that our favourite day of our travels through Cambodia and Laos was in Muang Ngoi: relaxing, hiking, caving, kayaking, and shopping for weavings (well, that last one was more up my alley).

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Categories: Activities, Kayaking, Laos, Places | Tags: , , , , , | 31 Comments

Kayaking in British Columbia’s Broughton Archipelago: The Sequel

Posted on September 26, 2016 by carolinehelbig

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Paddling in the Broughton Archipelago—C.Helbig

Some of you may remember a post from a year ago where I raved about a guided sea kayaking expedition in the Johnstone Strait/Broughton Archipelago (near the northern tip of Vancouver Island, British Columbia). Mike wasn’t able to come with me because of an injured shoulder. We decided to book the trip again with our friends Trish and Steve. I was a bit apprehensive. Could this trip possibly be as good as my first experience? It was! Six days of spectacular ocean kayaking and wilderness camping, awesome wildlife encounters, a dream group, and extraordinary guiding provided by Spirit of the West Adventures (SOW).

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Categories: Activities, British Columbia, Kayaking, Places, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , | 20 Comments

Kayaking and Camping Bliss at Isla Espíritu Santo, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Posted on May 25, 2016 by carolinehelbig

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Kayaking at Isla Espíritu Santo in Baja California Sur—C.Helbig

I nose my kayak toward a deserted beach. Well…deserted except for six tents, a tarp, and two of our guides who have been setting up camp while our group paddles through the turquoise water. Rumour has it, we’ll be having ceviche for lunch. Afternoon options will include snorkeling, paddle boarding, hiking, and relaxing on the beach. Appetizers, margaritas, and easy conversation will follow. We’ll  dine on something scrumptious like fish tacos or chicken mole. A full moon will cast an outrageous sheen on the ocean and desert hills. We’ll stumble, happily exhausted, into our tents. Then, we’ll blissfully repeat it all again the next day. But first, there’s café y heuvos. That was the rhythm of our 5-day kayaking excursion to Isla Espíritu Santo with  ROW Sea Kayak Adventures. Continue reading →

Categories: Activities, Kayaking, Mexico, Places, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

Top Moments from La Paz to Loreto—Baja California Sur, Mexico

Posted on May 6, 2016 by carolinehelbig

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Paddle boarding at Playa Balandra, Baja California Sur, Mexico—M.Sharp

I just got back from a family vacation in Baja California Sur, Mexico. We were only gone for two weeks but our experiences were so grand it felt like we were away for much longer. I checked off one of my top bucket list wishes—swimming with whale sharks. I danced an underwater ballet with friendly sea lions. I discovered the most beautiful beach on earth. I kayaked through impossibly turquoise water and camped on secluded, desert-backed beaches. I was seduced by the laid-back, friendly cities of La Paz and Loreto (see map at end). I’m sorting through hundreds of photos and have plans for at least four posts dedicated to special places and amazing nature activities. For now, I want to share a few of my favourite moments. Continue reading →

Categories: Kayaking, Mexico, Places, Scuba Diving/Snorkelling, Wildlife Viewing | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , | 20 Comments

Kayaking with the Whales: Broughton Archipelago, British Columbia

Posted on August 22, 2015 by carolinehelbig

A captivating moment with the orcas in Blackfish Sound—C.Helbig

A captivating moment with the orcas in Blackfish Sound—C.Helbig

I’ve had a lot of amazing experiences in some really beautiful places. Kayaking with the whales in the Broughton Archipelago ranks right up there with the best of them. The spectacular scenery in BC’s largest marine park, off Vancouver Island’s northeast coast, is alone worth the visit. But paddling through waters with orcas (killer whales), and waking up to the sound of spouting humpback whales puts it over the top.

I’m not a seasoned kayaker, nor do I own the necessary equipment. So, I decided to sign up for a 6-day kayaking expedition with Spirit of the West. Great decision! Sadly, Mike couldn’t join me; his back was out. Too bad, I’ll have to go again! Continue reading →

Categories: British Columbia, Kayaking, Wildlife Viewing | Tags: , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

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