Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Clayoquot Sound is sandwiched between a temperate coastal rain forest and the open Pacific Ocean. Next stop Japan! This area came to the world's attention in 1993, when logging threatened to destroy old growth trees. While protecting this magnificent place over 600 people were arrested, forming Canada's largest civil disobedient act. Since then Clayoquot Sound has become well know for its high-energy coastline, rocky shores, lush rainforest, and open sandy beaches. Our six-day trip focuses on the untamed and dramatic seascape of Meares, Vargas & Flores Island.

After meeting in the town of Tofino Sunday morning at 10:30 am, we'll unload our boats and gear. Then after an orientation session and lunch we pack up, put in, go over paddling techniques, navigation and safety, before beginning our paddling journey through the West Coast waters of Clayoquot Sound.

On route throughout our week we'll visit the Big Tree trail on Meares Island where we'll see trees that are over a thousand years old. We visit trees so large that it takes nine people linking hands to encompass them. Some are so huge that hollows in the living trunk are like hobbit rooms. We'll also discuss and view examples of the flora and fauna of a west coast temperate rainforest. Vargas Island has magnificent open west coast sandy beaches that we'll wander and explore, while searching for treasures that can wash up from as far as Japan. The ultimate prize is the glass ball, which fishermen in Japan use to float their nets. We'll see eagles' nests; eagles are numerous in Clayoquot Sound, and they perch from seemingly every tree. We've heard wolves howling from the hills nearby at night. Cougar, bear, whales and porpoise are among the residents of the sound. And Clayoquot Sound has some of the best birding on the coast.

Friday morning after breakfast we pack up one last time and head back to Tofino. We'll lunch on route, returning to Tofino around 2:00pm.