British Columbia's Coast is bordered by the U.S. state of Washington to the south and by the state of Alaska to the north. North to south, this 600 hundred mile (approx. 1000 kilometers) stretch comprises of thousands of bays, inlets, islands, fjords and beaches. If this coastline were stretched out in a straight line, boaters could travel 4,000 miles (approx. 7,000 kilometers) and still not see it all. The outermost and largest of the islands, Vancouver and the Queen Charlotte group, along with hundreds of smaller islands, protect the boater from the brunt of the open sea. Cruise ships travelling along the fabled Inside Passage to Alaska have long travelled through some of British Columbia's most beautiful wilderness. Although passengers may have glimpsed some of the more than 6,500 islands and islets, few have ever been fortunate enough to personally explore them. Along the coast, mountains rise close to shore forming a rather formidable barrier to the valleys of the interior. The altitude of these mountains ranges from seven to thirteen thousand feet (two to four thousand meters). In the inlets often called fjords, these peaks may be very close to the shore producing sheer cliffs and very deep water. There are many lakes and rivers joining the the sea producing tidal marshes and the prevalent muskeg regions.
			Along the Central and North Coast, islands facing the open ocean often have beautiful white beaches while the more protected ones may be very rocky with thick undergrowth down to the water's edge. The big tidal changes expose wonderful sandy beaches at low tide, but often provide little if any camping place for small boater or kayaker at high tide. Salt spray and high winds during winter storms produce tortured and fascinating vegetation on the smaller outer coast islands. In the mild Summer months, their beaches provide beachcombers with treasures from the ocean floor and from across the Pacific. Japanese fish buoys, fishing nets, the occasional pacific oyster along with beautiful urchin, scallop and abalone shells mix with the intertidal life along the water's edge. Many of the islands have lakes and streams which provide fresh water for the animal life and boater. On some islands and along the mainland coast hot springs find their way to the surface. The locations of these hot springs are well known to those who travel in this area. Sections of this diverse and beautiful landscape have been set aside as parkland. The Hakai Recreational Area between Calvert Island and Bella Bella contains hundreds of islands and islets offering weeks of exploration. Other areas containing irreplaceable natural and cultural wonders await their fate. Logging and development are already apparent in the few valleys easily accessed by water. Environmentalists are working to save these precious eco systems. Others see forests awaiting harvest.   The majority of this remote region is accessible only by private or chartered boat or float plane. Pacific Encounters offers customized charters for small groups. For more transportation information visit our Getting There pages and for more information on our personalized charters visit our Charter pages.
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