The Central Coast, BC is a Paddler’s Paradise.

Kayakers can explore the central coast’s inlets, coves and beautiful sandy beaches. En route, watch for sea birds, whales and other marine mammals, as well as bears. From Klemtu, kayakers can explore the Great Bear Rainforest in search of the Kermode (Spirit) bear – a creamy-white coloured subspecies of black bear unique to this area. Also, more than 100 ancient cultural sites can be found here.

The ocean kayaking areas in this remote region can only be accessed via floatplane or boat. The Inside Passage ferry (which travels from Port Hardy to Bella Coola, taking about 12 hours) can even arrange a “wet launch” for kayakers – no ferry docking required!

Best Times for Paddling

For ocean kayakers, the best time to visit the Central Coast is from June to September – ferry service is seasonal, and weather and winds are more favourable during the summer months.(text courtesy of Hello BC)

1. Bella Coola
2. Tallheo Cannery
3. Bachelor Bay
4. Green Bay
5. Tallheo Hot Springs

6. Larso Bay
7. Croyden Bay
8. Hot Springs Beach
9. Eucott Bay
10. Mackenzie Provincial Park

11. Jenny Inlet
12. Ocean Falls
13. Rattenbury Point
14. Port John
15. Shearwater
16. Bella Bella

17. Codville Lagoon
18. Kisameet Bay
19. Hakai/Serpent Islands
20. Namu
21. Restoration Bay
22. Cathedral Point.

Bella Coola

1. Bella Coola

Provisions / Highway Access via HWY 20 / Accommodations / Ferry Stop / Fresh Water
52° 22.469′ N Notes: For a magnificent paddle, explore the Bella Coola Estuary during high tide.
126° 47.668′ W The Float House Inn: convenient lodging, secure kayak storage.

2. Tallheo Cannery

Historic Cannery Accommodations / Best Beaches in Bella Coola
52° 23.466′ N Notes: Reservations required.
126° 49.912′ W

3. Bachelor Bay

Safe Spot / Very Limited Camping
52° 22.108′ N

Green Bay Estuary & Campsite

126° 54.889′ W

4. Green Bay

Safe Spot / Camping / Cabin / Wildlife / Fresh Water / Beaches
52° 20.632′ N Notes: Our favorite overnight destination from Bella Coola.
126° 58.746′ W Kayak up the river at high tide and ride the rapids back down.

5. Tallheo Hot Springs

Camping / Fresh Water / Hot Springs
52° 12.292′ N Notes: Paddle to beautiful Tallheo Hot Springs. Just hours from Bella Coola!
126° 56.246′ W

6. Larso Bay

Camping / Trail to BC’s Largest Cedar / Wildlife / Fresh Water
52° 10.938′ N Notes: Large kayaking groups will find lots of space to camp in this park like setting
126° 51.703′ W Bring Bear Spray.

7. Croyden Bay

Safe Spot / Protection from Burke Channel Winds
52° 18.538′ N
127° 09.762′ W

8. Hot Springs Beach

Eucott Hot Spring

Camping / Fresh Water / Swimming
52° 21.946′ N Notes: Underwater hot springs off beach, nice campsite,
127° 13.990′ W For a rush, kayak right to the base of the huge waterfall

9. Eucott Bay

Camping / Wildlife / Hot Springs
52° 27.310′ N Notes: Nice but small campsite located near hot springs.
127° 18.712′ W

10. Mackenzie Provincial Park

Camping / Safe Spot / Historical Landmark
52° 22.699′ N Notes: Kayak Elcho Harbour & Cascade Inlet from here
127° 28.277′ W Ideal base camp for kayakers exploring Dean Channel

11. Jenny Inlet

Camping / Safe Spot
52° 14.037′ N Notes: Padders can find respite from the winds
127° 35.590′ W

12. Ocean Falls

Ghost Town / Minor Provisions / Camping / Ferry Stop / Fresh Water
52° 21.145′ N
127° 41.582′ W

Rattenbury Point

13. Rattenbury Point

Camping / Fresh Water / Old Growth Forest / Beaches
52° 14.724′ N Notes: Our Favorite campsite with many beaches to explore
127° 45.369′ W  (image courtesy West Coast Paddler)

14. Port John

Camping / Fresh Water / Beach
52° 07.515′ N
127° 50.264′ W

15. Shearwater

Provisions / Accommodations / Fresh Water / Ferry Stop
52° 08.817′ N
128° 05.362′ W

16. Bella Bella

Pink sand beach of Sagar Lake

Hospital / Provisions / Accommodations / Ferry Stop / Fresh Water
52° 09.785′ N
128° 08.565′ W

17. Codville Lagoon / Sagar Lake

Camping / Swimming / Beach
52° 03.696′ N Notes: No campsite in lagoon. Supplies must be packed up a short but muddy trail
127° 50.181′ W Camp & Swim on the pink sand beach of Sagar Lake

18. Kisameet Bay

Camping / Fresh Water / Safe Spot
52° 58.046′ N
127° 52.993′ W

Serpent Islands

19. Hakai Luxvbalis / Serpent Islands

Camping / Swimming /Whales / Beaches
52° 47.791′ N Notes: Paddlers will find one of the finest campsites here. Pounding surf on one side
128° 10.003′ W Quiet lagoon on the other. Lots of whales!

20. Namu

Camping / Fresh Water / Ghost Town / Old Cannery / Fresh Water
51° 51.651′ N Notes: Makes a great base camp for paddlers kayaking Fitz Hugh Sound
128° 52.061′ W

Restoration Bay

21. Restoration Bay

Camping / Beach / Safe Spot
52° 01.199′ N Notes: Tropical-looking beach with several rustic campsites.
128° 37.703′ W

22. Cathedral Point

Camping / Safe Spot
52° 11.260′ N Notes: Only safe spot kayaking between Kwatna Inlet and Croyden Bay
128° 28.256′ W Small but nice campsite located near weather station

KAYAK the Great Bear Rainforest, Central Coast, BC Canada – List Under RESOURCES
This information is intended for skilled & properly outfitted kayak enthusiasts. Watch for rapidly changing weather conditions & Always Use Caution.