Canada: BC Wilderness Rowing
Duration : 6 Days 5 Nights
Start Location: Victoria, BC
Travel Date : 19 Sep , 2023 - 24 Sep , 2023
Canada: BC Wilderness Rowing
For 2023, we will be offering four potential dates for this trip:
14 – 19 August, 2023 – AVAILABLE
19 – 24 August, 2023 – Will become available based on sales and interest.
19 – 24 September, 2023 – AVAILABLE
24 – 29 September, 2023 – Will become available based on sales and interest.
Row to the Edge of the Pacific
The west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada is famed for its rugged scenery. Big breakers roll in from the Pacific, drawing surfers to Tofino. Hikers test their mettle on the West Coast and Juan de Fuca Trails, which climb up and down steep hills, cross fast flowing streams and trace the edge of beaches. Whale watchers scan the waves from Ucluelet and forest gazers stand in awe of Cathedral Grove and Clayquot Sound. Kayakers explore Barkley Sound, paddling amongst the shelter of the myriad islands with mountains in the distance, or testing their skills on the swells of the open ocean. Now rowers can experience this Pacific Coast Mountain landscape, on our beautiful BC rowing tour.
A Unique Adventure
Much of our daily rowing takes place in an urban or semi-urban setting, not far from the dock and where we parked our bicycle or car. This rowing adventure takes us into the wilderness, albeit with the comfort of a roof over our heads at night. It takes some effort to get here, but you will be richly rewarded. Rowing is a new and unique way to experience this special part of super, natural British Columbia, and this trip also offers you the chance to experience a very different way to enjoy rowing, a long way from the dock.
Coastal Rowing at its Best
Sometimes shrouded in mist, sometimes bathed in brilliant sunlight, the waters of Barkley Sound on the far side of Vancouver Island are superb for coastal rowing. Our tours in 2019 and 2022 explored the harbours, channels and islands in the vicinity of Ucluelet as well as Sechart Channel. The experience of rowing from a wilderness lodge is so unique that we are now basing the entire tour on the edge of the Broken Group Islands of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. The big, stable boats are perfect for this type of tour. When the water is flat, as it can be, they are a treat to row. If waves and swells come up, the boats easily handle the conditions. Our guides are very experienced in coastal rowing. Ideally, participants will have previous coastal rowing experience, but if not, a solid base of flatwater rowing, and comfort in changeable conditions are required.
Trip Details
| Price Per Person | USD | CAD | EUR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rower | $3,195 | $3,995 | €2,795 |
| Single Supplement | $530 | $665 | €465 |
| Non Rower | $ TBD | $ TBD | € TBD |
GST of 5% will be added to the price on the invoice.
| Daily Distances | Boats | Group Size |
|---|---|---|
| 10-25 km per day | Coastal coxed quads, doubles or singles | Minimum 9, maximum 14 rowers |
!Important!: this trip is coastal rowing. We will be rowing on the open ocean, where wind and waves can be a factor, especially in the afternoon. We will not be supported by a motor boat. While we do not ask for prior coastal rowing experience, good level of rowing skill, strength and fitness is required for this trip.
Included
- 5 nights’ accommodation in a wilderness lodge. Note that Broken Islands Lodge (Formerly Sechart Lodge) does not have ensuite bathrooms – shared
- 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners
- 5 days of rowing
- Use of quality coastal rowing shells
- Guide services and tour support. Your main guide is Julien Bahain.
- Transportation from and to Victoria to the Secret Beach, within tour area and luggage transfers by boat
- Tip for Lodge staff
Note that water conditions, especially as affected by the wind, as well as weather and tides will determine the exact time and location of the rows. Safety is a priority. Thus, on some days, the actual program may vary from this description. Participants must be flexible and adaptable to changes, as well as being comfortable with and ideally experienced in coastal rowing.