Day 1
Day 1
Arrival Day in Bella Bella
You will make your way to the Heiltsuk community of Bella Bella on the central coast of British Columbia. This trip is built around the BC ferry schedule that services Bella Bella from Port Hardy located on the northern end of Vancouver Island. You can also fly into Bella Bella from Vancouver with Pacific Coastal airlines. Once you have arrived you will make your way to Shearwater where you can check into your accommodations. We will meet that evening for a group dinner in Shearwater where we will get ready for the following morning departure.
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Day 2
Day 2
Departure from Bella Bella
We will be up early in Shearwater and after breakfast on your own you will then take the short shuttle to back to Bella Bella where we will start packing for our trip before departing later that morning. Our first day's paddling will be approximately 15 km depending on weather as we start to make our way into the heart of the central coast.
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Day 3-7
Day 3-7
Exploring remote outer islands
Day's three to five will be spent exploring the spectacular outer islands of the central great bear rainforest. We will visit rugged island archipelago's and camp on beautiful white sand beaches where we will enjoy magnificent sunrises and incredible sunsets. For much of the paddle we will have the protection of these islands as we explore. There will be some open water crossings as we make our way to more remote islands on the outer coast. It is here where we can experience the thrill and challenge of open water paddling. Our reward will be white sand beaches inhabited only by sea wolves.
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Day 8
Day 8
Final Day with Boat Shuttle Pick Up
We will start our final morning with a sunrise paddle. After breakfast we will be picked up Frank Brown in his water taxi and he will bring us back to Bella Bella. From there we will have a tour of the Heiltsuk Big House and cultural centre. You can depart that after by plane back to Vancouver, or by ferry back to Port Hardy or you can stay another evening in Shearwater to relax before departing the following day.
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Day 1

Arrival Day in Bella Bella

Norm Hann Expeditions

21 reviews

Norm has been a sea kayak, saltwater fishing, wildlife and paddleboard expedition guide for the last twenty five seasons on the coast of British Columbia. Adopted into the Raven clan of the Gitga'at people, he is passionate about protecting the Great Bear Rainforest through 1% for the Planet and connecting clients to our spectacular coastline. Originally from Sudbury, Ontario, Norm now lives with his family in Royston on the east coast of Vancouver Island.

This was my first surf camp with Norm, the camp exceeded all of my expectations. Norm and Chris’s coaching helped me progress to the next level of my surfing journey. Safety was paramount for Norm and Chris as we had a couple of big storms come in. Rancho and chef Jenny were fantastic. Met some amazing people on this trip. I highly recommend this camp if you want to progress your sup surfing skills.

By Julie R for Rancho Surf Camp on Oct 12, 2025

Such an epic trip! Rancho Surf Camp was the perfect mix of fun waves, awesome coaching, and great people. The food was unreal, the vibe was supportive, and every detail felt first class. Already stoked for the next one!

By Michelle G for Rancho Surf Camp on Oct 07, 2025

A great trip along a historic river! 6 guests, 4 guides, everything carried on our SUPs, no canoes. Weather was perfect- high in 70s, lows in 40s (F), and no biting insects. We even saw some phenomenal Northern Lights. Everybody got along great and we were all very evenly matched paddlers. I'll miss our epic card games at night!

By Lambert W for Yukon River Expedition on Sep 06, 2025

Hands down the best paddle trip I’ve been part of. Beginning to end it went off smoothly. I have nothing negative to say nor any constructive criticism. 5/5 stars.

By fraoch s for Yukon River Expedition on Sep 06, 2025

This was hands down the best adventure trip I've ever been on. Norm and his team were top notch. We spent 5 days stand up paddling down the Yukon river and it blew my expectations away. Between the paddling, camping, wildlife, food, etc, it was everything you could ask for. Do yourself a favor and book one of these trips!