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ATLANTIC CANADA
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Nova Scotia
The ragged shoreline
of Atlantic Canada is a diverse collage of rocky harbours, soft beaches,
tranquil salt marshes and especially the offshore islands. During these
three, five and seven day tours we explore the nooks and crannies of
this scenic archipelago far from the summer bustle of the mainland.
Our meandering journey will take us to the sea bird and seal colonies,
over thick kelp beds and into idyllic hidden coves where few other vessels
dare to venture. We will also uncover the vanishing signs of our own
transient history when the early Europeans settled on these remote outposts,
as close to the water as possible. Nature has reclaimed what is rightly
hers in a juxtaposition of natural and human history, past and present,
that forms a compelling mix-an ideal sea kayaking tour for both beginners
and families as well as the inquisitive expert. (Read a paddling
article on the | 3 Day Tour | Dates: | May 17-19, June 20-22, June 28-30,4-6, 11-13, 18-20, July 22-24,, July 25-27, August 2-4, 8-10, August 12-14, 15-17, 22-24, August 30-Sept 1, Sept 19-21 |
| Fee: |
$560Cdn* | |
| 5 Day Tour |
Dates: |
June 28-July 2, July 25-29, August 2-6, August 12-16, August 30-Sept 3 |
| Fee: | $925 Cdn* | |
| 7 Day Tour | Dates: | August 2-8 |
| Fee: | $1225 Cdn* | |
| Departure: | Coastal Exploration Centre, Tangier, Nova Scotia |
THE PEGGYS COVE TRAIL
This five day tour takes us from the tranquil waters of St. Margarets
Bay to the bustling harbour city of Halifax, around an eclectic shoreline
of drumlin cliffs, boulder barrens and idyllic hidaways tucked into
the imposing granite walls. We will visit into traditional fishing villages,
including the romantic Peggys Cove, as well as the oldest lighthouse
in Canada at Sambro. The isolated islands will be our campsites, far
from the summer throngs that admire this destination from mainland -
so near and yet so far. This is an stark and compelling land/seascape.
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Dates: (5 Day Tour) |
July 16-20, Aug 26-30 |
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Fee: |
$995 Cdn* |
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Departure: |
Glen Margaret, Nova Scotia |
FORTRESS LOUISBOURG - SCATARIE ISLAND
This remote corner of Cape Breton Island is resplendid in natural beauty and steeped in history. Our five day sea kayaking journey will take us along an intriguing collection of sandy coves and rocky outcrops that have changed little since the French first settled here in the 1700’s. En route we visit the Fortress of Louisbourg, the former bastion of French power in on the continent and now the largest historical reconstruction in Canada. We will also circumnavigate, Scatarie Island, the most easterly point in Nova Scotia which had an active fishing community that once provisioned the French fortress. This deserted outpost has been left with a few ruins, an abandoned light station, and one the largest grey seal herds in the province. Read an article on Scatarie Island
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Dates: (5 Day Tour) |
August 12-16 |
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Fee: |
$1125 Cdn* |
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Departure: |
Louisbourg, Nova Scotia |
THE CANSO BARRENS
When an early Africa collided against North America millions of years ago, unimaginable forces opened the earths crust to the molten magma from deep below. Massive granite domes were formed and then pushed to the surface. During this six day tour we will discover the most isolated coastal region of the province with its stark and compelling landscape where huge glacial erractics are perched in strangepositions over the denuded landscape. The uninhabited coastal islands shelter our passage from the open ocean. This is a memorable journey. (Note: Check our Gourmet Tour which also explores the Canso Barrens)
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Dates: (5 Day Tour) |
August 2-6, 19-23 |
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Fee: |
$1025 Cdn* |
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Departure: |
Charlos Cove, Nova Scotia |
SHIPWRECKS AND BURIED TREASURE
Hidden on the bottom of our rock strewn coastline, invisible to all but the fish and a few divers, lie many a sunken ship. But one large freighter, skewered on a reef at the tip of Cape Gegogan, is in full view of the inquisitive sea kayaker and we can even paddle inside the hold. Driven shore during a hurricane in the mid 60’s its rusting hulk is slowly succumbing to the ravages of the winter storms. We will visit the nearby light station on Liscomb Island, abandoned along with it’s former settlelment. This was also a reputed site of Capt. Kidd’s booty and treasure hunters have dug a money pit on the edge of nowwhere. Where they successful? The rugged Eastern Shore is steeped with mystery and myth. Read an article on the Shipwreck.
| Dates: | July 11-12, August 22-24 |
| Fee: | $595 Cdn* |
| Departure: | Liscomb, Nova Scotia |
THE CAPE BRETON HIGHLANDS
For five to seven days we will paddle under the shadow of the Cape Breton Highlands, on the northern tip of the province, where imposing rock formations flank the Precambrian granite of the highlands, and sea caves and spires adorn the route. Ragged and precipitous cliffs isolate the shoreline rendering this route one of the most inaccessible in Nova Scotia. The narrow, steep valley and gullies, interrupted by waterfalls lead up to the barren plateau with its panoramic view of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Bald eagles nest on cliff ledges and are a common sight soaring high on the updrafts. Seals abound and we will often accompany pilot whales as they feed on the migrating mackerel and squid. This is one of the most spectacular sea kayaking areas in North America. (Read an article on the Cape Breton Highlands.)
| 3 Day Tour | Dates: | July 5-7, 22-24, August 9-11, 19-21 |
| Fee: | $695 Cdn* | |
| 5 Day Tour |
Dates: |
July 5-9, 22-26, July 31- Aug 4, August 19-23 |
| Fee: | $1125 Cdn* | |
| 7 Day Tour | Dates: | July 31-August 6 |
| Fee: | $1550 Cdn* | |
| Departure: | Pleasant Bay/Cape North, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia |
THE BAY OF FUNDY (Cape Chignecto)
The Bay of Fundy is renowned for the greatest tides on earth which, when combined with the highest cliffs on mainland Nova Scotia, make region a spectacular sight indeed. Our route follows the boundary of a continental collision that thrust Africa against North America eons ago and has left us with a geological wonderland. We will weave among rock gardens, poke into sea caves and glide under towering spires draped with seaweed far above the kayaks. Dark volcanic basalt caps bright redish sandstones where agate, amythest and jasper await the rockhound. This is where the earliest dinasaurs roamed the planet. It is a remarkable coastline which changes by the minute with the ebb and flow of the Fundy waters, and a unique sea kayaking destination. (Read an article on The Bay of Fundy.)
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4 Day Tour |
Dates: |
July 24-27; August 4-7, August 28-31 |
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Fee: |
$875 Cdn* |
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Departure: |
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West Advocate, Nova Scotia |
THE TUSKET ISLANDS
During the last Ice Age enormous glaciers scoured the interior of the continent and deposited their massive loads of rock and soil off the southwestern tip of the province. The rising sea level has since isolated and moulded these hills into dozens of islands, islets and shoals. These are the Tusket Islands. The early native population congretated here in the summers to live off the rich marine life and the Europeans eventually settled some of them. They began a tradition that continues to this day with the bustling spring lobster fishery. In the summer, though, the seasonal fishery is over and only the sheep remain - along with deserted houses, cabins and wharves - a ghost settlement and a mesmerizing paddle. (Read an article on the Tusket Islands.)
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Dates: (5 Day Tour) |
Aug 26-31 |
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Fee: |
$1125 Cdn* |
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Departure: |
Pubnico, Nova Scotia |
Prince Edward Island
THE NORTH SHORE
In a dramatic change from the rugged and moody Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia, this five day sea kayaking voyage leads us along the sandy beaches and warm saltwater of Prince Edward Island's north shore. Beginning near the National Park, our sea kayaking journey alternates from beach to sandstone cliff, to protected inlet, and back again. A highlight is the barrier island chain which stretches over 35 km across the mouth of Malpeque Bay where not a soul disturbs the thousands of shorebirds that frequent the water's edge. Be sure to bring along your beach towel and swimsuit. (Read an article on Prince Edward Island.)
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Dates: (5 Day Tour) |
July 16-20 |
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Fee: |
$1125 Cdn* |
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Departure: |
New London, Prince Edward Island |
Newfoundland
BAY OF ISLANDS (NEWFOUNDLAND) ( NEW THIS YEAR) |
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| This four day journey into the heart of western Newfoundland
will touch on much that the “Rock” has to offer the inquisitive
visitor: sheer cliffs and gentle beaches, lighthouses and abandoned
settlements, sea caves and spires, and a captivating and diverse geology. We will explore the deserted island sentinels that guard the harbour and were first charted (and named) by Capt James Cook in the 1700’s. We may even be able to hike to the top of the Tablelands where the earth’s crust has been thrust upside down by continental collisions and the views are compelling. |
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GREAT NORTHERN PENINSULA ( NEW THIS YEAR) |
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During this early season tour we begin at Conche, a traditional
outport village on a coastline that has changed little since the
French had exclusive fishing rights well over a century ago. We
then head north under the striking cliffs of Newfoundland’s
Great Northern Peninsula, and a natural world that few have a chance
to visit.
The is the time of year when huge bergs drift slowly south from
the ice fields in the Arctic and the baleen whales visit in pursuit
of the migrating schools of capelin. The isolated islands of Hare
Bay are teaming with nesting seabirds (terns, kittywakes, puffins,
razorbills, guillemots, eiders) seals and the remains of long-abandoned
villages. We end the tour at St. Anthony, only a short distance
from L’Anse aux Meadows, the site of tne only Viking settlement
in North America. This is a challenging sea kayaking destination
and previous paddling experience is recommended. For those who plan
extra time after the tour, the wilderness of Labrador is less than
a 2 hour ferry ride away.
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THE SOUTH COAST ( NEW THIS YEAR) |
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At the head of Fortune Bay, we explore one of the most remote
coastal areas in Newfoundland. During our journey from Pools Cove
to Bay L’Argent a stunning landscape of
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coastal
cliffs, coves, caves, and waterfalls is broken by Long Harbour,
the deepest fjord in Newfoundland. At Rencontre East we will visit
one of the few remaining outports in the province, as well as
come across the vanishing remains of others. On the water we will
have a chance to spot whales and porpoises and on land we will
be blessed by some of the best hiking opportuninties on this side
of North America. The heavy metal rich, volcanic, ryolite is only
sparcely covered with vegetation (much like the Tablelands) offering
a stark moonscape with spectacular panorama, and unencumbered
rambling. Perhaps we will stumble across gold containing quartz
veins. During the trip we will stop at a rustic cabin for a clean
up under a warm shower. Fee includes accommodation in Pools Cove
and transportation to and from St. John’s (if necessary)
- as well as the sea kayaking gear and the usual gourmet meals
and entertaining guides.
THE WEST COAST |
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We begin this tour in the sheltered waters of Port au Port near
the last French speaking community in Newfoundland from where
we trace the path of Capt James Cook, who first charted this coast
in the 1700’s. Our route takes us under the highest hills
in Newfoundland (the Lewis
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Hills, whlich we hope to summit),flanked by waterfalls, sea caves,
and a diverse geology of igneus, metamorphic and sedimentary strata.
The “rock-hopping” among shoals which hug much of the
shoreline is superb. Near Corner Brook, we will paddle among the
lofty outposts of the Bay of Islands. At the end of our journey
we arrive at the world renowned Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO
heritage site. This is a challenging sea kayaking destination
and previous paddling experience is r ecomm ended.
BAY OF EXPLOITS |
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Nestled in Newfoundland’s northern coastline, the Bay of Exploits highlights a diverse archipelago that has offered sanctuary for travelers of the stormy Atlantic Ocean for ages. Visited by the Dorset Eskimo over a thousand years ago, they became the last refuge of the indigenous Beothuk. With the arrival of the Europeans these islands harboured thriving fishing communities. Today they lay silent, their inhabitants having moved to the mainland, or even further afield. During our voyage we will explore the region’s cultural and natural history, as well as paddle among the enormous icebergs that drift into the bay this time of year | ||||||
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THE SOUTHWEST COAST
The rugged shores of Newfoundland, Canada's eastern most province have changed little since the first Europeans arrived over five hundred years ago. During our sea kayaking journey we discover deep fjords with abrupt, barren walls that alternate with the coastal islands to provide a captivating land/seascape. The rugged interior is a mixture of muskeg, glacial ponds and granite outcrops offering splendid hiking opportunities where we will encounter carniferous plants and the woodland caribou. In the isolated outports, which cling tenaciously to the exposed bedrock, we glimpse a threatened way of life as fishermen struggle to maintain their livelihood on a declining resource. (Read an article on the Southwest Coast)
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Dates: (8 Day Tour) |
July 23-30 |
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Fee: |
$1850 Cdn* |
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Departure: |
Burgeo, Newfoundland |
Quebec
QUEBEC’S LOWER NORTH SHORE
An intricate maze of deserted islands and inlets, bordering the eastern edge of the province of Quebec, is the setting for our most northern journey. It is also the summer home of sea birds, seals and whales which feed on the nutrient rich waters flowing down from the Strait of Belle Isle. We will camp in the isolated coves with stunning vistas of the massive Canadian shield. There are no roads here and our trip includes passage on the coastal boat that supplies the isolated villages.
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Date: (8 Day Tour) |
August 12-19 |
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Fee: |
$1950 Cdn* |
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Departure: |
Blanc-Sablon, Quebec |
ALL
WOMEN TOURS
In these sea kayaking tours catering exclusively to women, Gayle Wilson, an experienced coastal paddler will lead you among the offshore islands of the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia. You will explore the various points of interest that make this area the paddling gem of the region. During the tour, instruction will also be offered in the various strokes and rescue techniques to those interested in improving their paddling skills.
Dates: July 4-6, August 22-24
Fee: $560 Cdn*
Departure: Coastal Exploration Centre, Tangier, Nova Scotia
Trip Leader: Gayle Wilson: BCU and Paddle Canada Level II Sea Kayak Instructor
If you would like to register for one of Coastal Adventure's tours or courses, here is our registration form in ADOBE PDF format.
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