ThePADDLER 20
Kitimat arm : 100 km
We encountered bad weather , with six days of continuous rain , making all our gear and tents damp . All my long canoe expeditions combined totalise over 500 days spent in the wilderness , but I had never experienced two straight days of rain . Surprisingly , it was not that unpleasant . We paddled in the Great Bear Rainforest , and we were pleased to rely on our MSR tents / Kokatat dry suits when it was pouring rain ( 50 mm daily ).
HUMPBACK WHALES We had the opportunity to paddle the Devastation channel amongst the giants . During two days in a row , for approximately one hour each time , we witnessed a group of humpback whales showcasing the true extent of their size while they were jumping out of the water ( breaching ), leaving us speechless . We were feeling so small . For the very first time in my life , I had a whale crossing and breathing just in front of my canoe before disappearing beneath the surface . I was both euphoric and scared .
We were also amazed by the countless coastal waterfalls . Sadly , we didn ’ t have enough time to explore them . It ’ s generally where we were getting our fresh water and filling our MSR dromedary bags . After six consecutive days of rain , the waterfalls were raging , and it was amazing to feel their power . The channels we paddled were filled with incredible wildlife , and it never ceased to amaze us . We felt privileged and grateful .
First Nation people travelled those canoe routes and admired the endless beauty long before us . Paddling a canoe is such a powerful feeling . It brings happiness , and it ’ s a source of enrichment . Once on the water , there are endless possibilities for all the beautiful sceneries we can see . Following our dreams led us to this little paradise on earth .
UNIQUE EXPERIENCE It ’ s remarkable to access a territory where there are no roads allowing people to get there . Being in the wilderness and exploring remote places is a unique experience . Everybody has their idea of paradise ; mine is out there in the wilderness , feeling the magic of a wooden paddle and the canoe ’ s movement . The paddle seems to be an extension of my body .
Rough days will happen , but it feels better when I experience them in nature instead of at work . Rivers and big open spaces are , for me , the highway to adventure . Adventure flows through me . Going off-the-grid on a multiday canoe adventure can sometimes be dangerous . It ’ s why I always bring a Garmin InReach device and a satellite phone with me . I ’ m not a brave adventurer , so it allows me to explore the unknown without the fear of the unknown .
It ’ s an understatement to say that we feel accomplished after this beautiful journey in the Inside Passage . It was an honour and a privilege to canoe the land of the Tsimshian and the Haisla First Nations . We were looking forward to learning about the sea , the channels , and their tides and currents – we loved it . All good things must come to an end . Wilderness will forever inspire us .