Q: How experienced do I have to be?
Dam Good Logistics focuses on self-guided trips and, as a result, we require our guests to have some previous paddling experience. Each trip is tailored to your group’s experience, skill and comfort level. We will find you that perfect trip. Have a look at our Experience Self-Evaluator page to see where you fit and better understand what we mean by Levels 1, 2, 3, etc. You can always add pre-trip instruction to improve your skills.
Q: Can I arrange for a guide if I want?
Absolutely. Your package will be customized to make you feel comfortable. You may also want to consider taking pre-trip training with a certified instructor to brush up on skills or take in new ones.
Q: What should I bring?
Dam Good Logistics will provide your group with kayaks, paddles and kayak safety gear, basic navigation and communication equipment, first aid kit and food. You should bring your own camping gear (tents, sleeping bags/mats, stove, cooking equipment, bowls/cutlery as well as personal and paddling clothing). If you need some camping equipment to be provided, let us know so we can build it into your trip plan.
If you are paddling on the north coast, you should have immersion gear (ie wetsuit/drysuit, or some kind of dry top). If you are paddling in Desolation Sound or near Vancouver you won’t need immersion gear. We will send you a suggested equipment and clothing list as part of your trip plan tailored for the area and conditions that you will be paddling in.
Q: What kind of wildlife will I see?
The west coast of BC offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the world. You will have the opportunity to see a wide range of birds, land and marine mammals, fish and intertidal invertebrates in their natural environment.
On the north coast you will most likely see Humpback whales, as well as the occasional Gray or Minke whales and Orcas (Killer whales). Learn more about whales and ongoing research on the BC coast. Also read about proper whale viewing etiquette. You may also see Pacific White Side dolphins, Harbor and Dahl’s porpoises. All five species of Pacific salmon (Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, Pink and Chum) migrate off the west coast of BC to spawn in the rivers of British Columbia and Alaska. You may also see Sea Lions and Harbour seals. If you are lucky you will get to see Sea otters and you may find Mink and River otters sneaking around your campsite. The coast is home to Grizzly and Black bears, and the Kemode (Spirit bear), a unique subspecies of the black bear, in which one in ten cubs display a recessive white coloured coat. Other land mammals include wolves, cougars and Coast Black Tail deer. Learn how to manage animal encounters.
You will encounter birds of all types: shorebirds, seabirds and marine waterfowl. You may see Golden eagles, Bald eagles, herons, cranes, cormorants, murrelets and ducks and grebes of all shapes and sizes. Find out more about BC coastal birds.
There is a rich intertidal environment, an endless carpet of layered life. Everyday you will starfish, sunstars, anemones, sea cucumbers, clams of every description, mussels, snails, crabs, urchins and much more. Learn more about what you will see.
Q: Is the wildlife dangerous?
Wildlife are wild and by their very nature are unpredictable. This is what makes them exciting and interesting. And getting to see large mammals in their natural environment is a highlight of any trip. Although animal encounters are plentiful on the west coast, they are very rarely dangerous. It is important to respect their space, not to interfere with them and to keep your campsite clean as not to attract them in the first place. Learn more about appropriate bear and cougar etiquette and how to manage animal encounters.
If we missed something or if you have additional inquires, please contact us at info@damgoodlogistics.com.
