Kitimat Visitor Center

Our first stop in late afternoon was to the Visitor’s Information Centre where we met Laurel and Mercedes, who offered maps and intel about the area and rented us sea kayaks, paddleboards and all the accompanying safety equipment.

Minette Bay

Minette Bay is a quiet gem, offering the perfect introduction to Kitimat’s wild beauty. Sheltered from the winds of the Douglas Channel, its calm, green waters weave through a maze of marshy inlets—ideal for easy exploration. We paddled past half-sunken stumps where bald eagles perched overhead, while kingfishers, red-winged blackbirds, and gulls filled the air with motion and sound. Harbor seals peeked at us curiously before vanishing with a splash, and small fish broke the surface with soft “bloops.” With no wind but a ripple, and wildlife all around, Minette Bay felt like a secret sanctuary

Two Peaks Brewing

Our après-paddle stop didn’t disappoint. Two Peaks Brewery, named after the twin peaks of Mount Elizabeth, is downtown Kitimat’s go-to hangout. With ten taps of small-batch beer, a sunny patio, a beach volleyball net, and even beer golf, it’s easy to stay awhile. We grabbed tasting flights and swapped paddling stories between sips and games. Open just over a year, and already a local favourite hangout.

Kitimat Lodge

At the end of the evening we pulled up to Kitimat Lodge for our stay, where we chatted with one of the local staff on site and got some local info about the area and our plans.

Kitimat River Paddle (Lower Bridge to Lower Dyke)

We started the day with coffee on the deck, surrounded by cedar and hemlock, already feeling the summer heat. With time before our marina departure, we grabbed our paddleboards and hit the Kitimat River, launching just upstream of the lower bridge for a mellow Class II ride.

In shorts, PFDs, and helmets—no thermal gear needed—we floated through cool glacial waters under a blazing sun. Despite satellite maps hinting at industry, we were surrounded by towering trees, gravel bars, anglers, drift boats, and locals cooling off. A perfect mix of nature and community.

MK Bay Marina & Boat Charter to Jesse Falls

We hired a boat to shuttle us—and our fully loaded kayaks—out to Jessie Falls, with thoughts of possibly camping nearby. The boat ride itself was half the adventure, offering stunning views as we approached the falls from a distance.At first, the waterfall appeared as a slender line in the shoreline, like a crack in the cliffs. But as we drew closer, the sound and scale grew dramatically. We soon heard the deep roar of water pounding into the ocean, saw foaming swirls and ocean boils at its base, and felt the raw energy of the place. Fed by Jessie Lake, the falls plunge an impressive 30 feet straight into saltwater. We launched our kayaks for a closer look, paddling into the mist and thunder. Up close, it was nothing short of awe-inspiring—nature at full volume.

Camping Overnight at North Cove

We debated camping at Jessie Falls but opted to paddle closer to Kitimat, landing at North Cove on the west side of Douglas Channel—just 7.5 km from MK Marina. We arrived just before dark, unloaded our kayaks onto the rocky shore, and waved goodbye to our water taxi.

Morning brought calm seas, salty air, and a peaceful forest backdrop. We slipped back into our kayaks to check the buoy and were treated to a show—three bald eagles squabbling over a fish, a mink scouting our crab trap, and harbor seals peeking curiously from the water. Birds called from the treetops, seaweed popped underfoot, and the magic of the coast lingered in every moment.

Paddle back to MK Bay Marina

Our return paddle hugged the wild west shore of Douglas Channel, winding through hidden bays, rocky outcrops, and quiet beaches. We lingered in spots, exploring cliff walls and soaking in the afternoon light before crossing the inlet and making our way back to the marina.

At one point, we drifted into a loose flock of seabirds, their calls echoing around us before they dipped underwater and disappeared down the channel. Having paddled mostly around Vancouver Island, it’s always striking how untouched and curious the wildlife feels up here—unfamiliar with kayaks, many animals paused to study us before gliding away.

As we pulled into the marina, tired but exhilarated, we couldn’t help but smile—perfect weather, unreal scenery, and the kind of trip that already has us planning the next one.

Back to Two Peaks Brewery

We grabbed a table on the sunny patio, with mountain views and the hum of local chatter all around. The menu was small but solid—think gourmet grilled cheese, soft pretzels, and shareable snacks made to pair with their house-brewed beers. We sipped cold pints, played a round of beer golf, and soaked in the laid-back Kitimat vibe. The perfect fuel for a day on (or off) the water.