Beyond the familiar shores of Desolation Sound lies a world of untamed wilderness and awe-inspiring landscapes — the heart of our 7-day expedition tours into Toba Inlet.
Join us as we take a closer look at these remote destinations: the logistical considerations, the challenges and difficulties, and the natural wonders that define this epic adventure – and determine whether this trip is right for you!
The Epic Landscapes & Features of Toba Inlet:
Colossal Coast Mountains: Toba Inlet is a rugged environment where towering Coast Mountains meet the pristine waters of the Pacific. The peaks surrounding this iconic fjord, sculpted by tectonic and glacial movements over millions of years, create a dramatic backdrop as we paddle deeper into the mountains. High above, retreating glaciers have left behind immense amphitheatre-like cirques in the alpine, while closer to sea-level the cliffs of these mountains plunge sheer and direct into the ocean.
Thundering Waterfalls: All the snow and ice stored on these peaks in the winter comes crashing down into the inlet throughout the spring and summer, and the steep cliffs of Toba create spectacular torrents into the fjord from high above. While the early and mid summer trips will naturally have greater volumes of water at these falls as you tour deeper into Toba, even in late summer there are a number of places with spectacular and forceful displays.
Hidden Camps: As you journey further, and the terrain becomes more and more unforgiving, you will start to wonder where you will possibly be able to stop for a break – let alone a camp to spend the night. Rest assured, however, we know the best – and at times only – hidden camps and bays along the route. These remote places allow our guests to connect with nature in its purest form, and the untouched beauty that defines this inspiring corner of the British Columbia coast.
Rich Biodiversity: Toba Inlet and its surroundings boast rich flora and fauna – both on land and in the sea. Ancient forests provide habitat for wildlife ranging from bald eagles to black bears, deer and otters. Seals, sea lions, and intertidal invertebrates are constantly encountered, and our guides are always on hand with eagle eyes to spot wildlife that would otherwise potentially be missed, as well as explain how each cog in the ecosystem relates to the whole (with a whole lot of cool facts thrown in as well).
And if you’re lucky, your group may cross paths with humpback whales or a pod of orcas as they forage in these rich waters; while the deep, inaccessible valleys of Toba itself (such as at Brem Bay) sometimes offer glimpses of Grizzly Bears living their lives as far from civilization as they can be.
Logistical Considerations Amidst this Remote Wilderness:
Navigating through such remote and rugged terrain requires meticulous planning and attention to detail. The logistics of our Toba Inlet kayak tours are a marvel in themselves.
Camp Setup and Take-Down: Moving camp every day is a process. Setting up and taking down camp is a part of the daily routine; but it is a team effort, and guests need to be aware that hauling gear and kayaks, setting up and taking down tents, and pitching in to help with the dishes after another amazing meal is part of the adventure. Each campsite has its unique attributes – its advantages and challenges. However, you can be rest assured that all come with unbeatable views that frequently take your breath away.
Maintaining Quality Cuisine in the Wilderness: We’ve been known for more than 20 years for our unbelievable camping menu, and despite the remote setting, our expedition tours boast the same quality of gourmet meals made from locally sourced ingredients. To do this, however, we need to bring a lot of food, fuel, and kitchen equipment along for the ride. This means landing and launching at camp entails a period of hauling of gear – the payoff, of course, is plentiful and nourishing meals that fuel your adventure and keep you energised day after day.
Mountain Winds and Unpredictable Weather: As in all wilderness trips, weather is unpredictable. This is doubly so when we leave Desolation Sound and travel further into the coast mountains. Anabatic and katabatic winds, no cell reception, and unpredictable mountain weather make our guides’ decisions and trip planning especially important to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the entire group. Guests need to be aware of this, and specifically that the best laid plans in these environments are always up for revision and alteration. Enjoyment of the process, instead of a fixation on a final goal, is especially important on these tours.
Getting Home: The conclusion of our 7-day adventure involves a water taxi pickup in Toba Inlet, allowing us to travel much farther than ever before. This arrangement not only ensures a smooth return but also offers a final opportunity to absorb the breathtaking views of Toba Inlet from a unique vantage point!
Challenges and Setting Expectations:
Some have been mentioned above, but we need to reiterate that pulling off an all-inclusive, self-sufficient guided tour for 7-days in this part of the coast naturally presents challenges that all participants – both guides and guests – need to overcome.
Physical Challenges: The rugged terrain demands a good level of physical fitness from our guests. While paddling distances and times are typically a little longer than our vacation tours (and obviously over a week-long period of time) it is more often the land-based portion of the trip – particularly carrying kayaks and gear from the through the intertidal zone from the waterline to camp – that provides guests with the biggest challenges day after day.
Assistance Is Sometimes Required: Guests on these trips must appreciate that this trip is a group effort. While our incredible guides will facilitate the adventure, all guests are expected to help where they can – from carrying gear, to setting up their personal camp, to taking the lead with another round of dishes while your guides make dessert after another wonderful meal.
Weather Considerations: As always, coastal weather can be unpredictable, and guests must be prepared for a range of conditions, from blue-bird sun to rainy days with headwinds and choppy seas. Our guides provide essential information, make decisions, and equip guests with the knowledge to adapt to changing weather patterns, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience; but as mentioned above, weather is always changing in the mountains, and guests should always expect that conditions may change quickly and not only provide some discomfort, but also potentially change routes and plans. Following our packing list to the letter is also always a good idea, just in case!
Remote Camps: As we paddle further from civilization our camps become more spectacular but also increasingly less furnished. Camps in Desolation Sound are – relatively – well-used compared to those up Homfray Channel and Toba Inlet. While we have made improvements over the years to key sites within our control, at its heart this is a wilderness camping excursion and guests need to be prepared to do without some regular luxuries. Tent sites may not always be on completely even ground, bathrooms may be non-existent, and access up and down the ‘beach’ will become rocky and treacherous without the right footwear.
Our 7-day expedition tour into Toba Inlet is not merely a kayak trip; it’s a journey into the heart of British Columbia’s wilderness. From the Coast Mountains to the secluded fjords and the logistics that make it all possible, our expeditions are a celebration of this part of the world – we hope you can join us!
Learn more about our expeditions here.
