Experience the tidal coastline of British Columbia from our lodge or from the comforts
of the Active Pass, our mother ship.
Each time the tidal system changes, it creates
a virgin adventure and the numerous islands and channels become a wondrous exploratory playground.
Glide along with the orcas, as they teach their young the skills of life; watch the sea lions as they sun bathe on the rocks and reefs; play with the porpoises; take the time to feed the eagles, or go ashore
and enrich yourself in the history of the lost islands of the north.
If you are a kayaker who wants the luxury of a lodge each day (sauna, hot tub, tasty home cooked
meals) and the experience of nature, then Oona retreat is the perfect location for you. We offer land based kayaking with very little retracing of routes, and we are only limited by your imagination. You dream the dream and we will make it a reality. Launch your kayak, just 30 feet away from the lodge,
into Oona River and immediately start paddling among the salmon as they head up river to spawn
and photograph the eagles as they hunt the salmon.
Each excursion at Oona Retreat not only provides our clients the opportunities to see and explore the vast array of aquatic sea life but also the opportunity to review the history and the culture of the inhabitants of British Columbia 's coastline. There are also numerous island groups to explore to the north of Principe Channel, particularly around Porcher Island and the Kitkatla Territories.
Highlights: Routes along and through the islands of the Kitkatla territory.
Kitkatla is a small Tsimshian village situated approximately 5km S.W. of Oona Retreat ( Porcher
Island), on Dolphin Island. The Kitkatla (Laxklan) are one of 14 tribe's and Kitkatla has a population
of approximately 500.
Because of their proximity to Porcher Island, they have sometimes been called Porcher Island
Indians. The name Kitkatla derives from the Tsimshian name Gitkxaala, from git- (people of) and
kxaala (open sea), since they are the farthest from the mainland of the Tsimshian tribes.
Stories of encounters with the Europeans have stated that the Tsimshians were divided into clans, the Kitkatla were called the Killerwhale clan (Blackfish Clan), the Ganhada (Raven Clan) and the Laxsgiik (Eagle Clan).
Treaty negotiations with the British Columbian government have been suspended; therefore,
Kitkatla's large island territories are still the sovereign territory of the Gitxaala hereditary chiefs.
The village is accessible via Prince Rupert by regular float plane flights or by boat. A stop at the
village is always a planned route and provides our clients with the opportunity to experience the
culture, visit the art galleries and explore the works of some of the up and coming local artists and
world famous artist, Roy Henry Vickors.
The Active Pass is a 55-foot luxury vessel, which has been completely modernized for the more adventurous of our clients who still want the luxury of that warm, cozy bed, and the opportunity to
keep in contact with the outside world in the evening via their laptop or through the news media. This vessel has been fitted to accommodate 6 clients, offers all amenities, carries 7 kayaks and is fitted with a hydraulic lift for easy access for you and your kayak. The Active Pass also carries a 22 foot motorized boat for easy shore access and support for our clients throughout their adventures.
The Active Pass (our mother ship) adventures offer our clients the opportunity to explore guided and unguided kayaking routes throughout the many islands and fiords along the spectacular coastline and in the evening come aboard and enjoy: a hot shower, slip into something warm and comfortable, sip on a glass of brandy and dine on one of our chef's special cuisine. It also provides the opportunity: to plan the next days adventures; take a break from kayaking and go on a whale watching tour; (Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises love gliding along with us); go ashore in order to experience a new adventure-the coastline of the old growth magical rain forest; or maybe you would like for us to take you to a new kayaking destination while you sleep. Remember that you make the decisions at Oona Retreat.
The Active Pass captain and our guides have been exploring these coastal waters for decades, are permanent residents, are immersed in the culture and are well-trained professionals whose goals are to help you have the most comfortable and exciting experience of your lifetime.
Oona Retreat Adventures begin the moment that you contact us. We offer all inclusive excursions, which means that you need only to find your transportation to your local airport. We will send you the complete itinerary, including your preparation details and links for cultural and historical details about the adventure that you are about to embark upon. Please feel free to contact us about devising your package.
Excursions are available for the experienced and novice kayakers and our experienced guides will provide you with assistance and instructions, if required.
