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by: Jessica Valenzuela; travel vignette from up and coming pro-kiter Dominique Granger

Nitinaht Lake, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada photo courtesy, Dominique Granger

When a kite spot has distinct reliable thermal wind it immediately is dubbed “kite heaven.” There are a million definitions that describe thermal wind. According to Wikipedia, a well-known example of thermal wind is called the jet stream. It arises from the horizontal temperature gradient from the warm tropics to the cold polar regions. More about thermal wind here.

There are a few kite spots around the world blessed with thermal winds including Columbia River Gorge, Oregon, places in Cabarete, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Turkey, France, Morocco, Mauritius and many others. Lake Nitinaht in British Columbia, Canada hits the spot when you are planning a kiting adventure getaway mixed with a little bit of outdoors, history, wild life exploration and rugged romance. Yes it can be the perfect post-Valentine treat for you and your honey!

Ditidaht to Nitinaht Lake

Located deep in the rainforest of Ditidaht territory in the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada is Nitinaht Lake. It is approximately a 2-3 hour drive from British Columbia. Visitors will find themselves driving through “logging road” in ancient rain forest and gigantic trees. Dominique, our kiter adventurer recommends a 4×4 sports utility vehicle for a trek to Ditidaht territory. Magical Nitinaht Lake is located within the vicinity of a campground in Ditidaht First Nation.

Ditidaht is pronounced as “dee-tee-daht” at times you will hear the locals refer to it in its westcoast term “Nitinaht” or “Nootka,” the language spoken between Pachena Point and Cape Cook. In the late 1780s Ditidaht territory was comprised of an affiliate of 10 tribes. The territory is known for access to rich salmon, halibut and cod banks. There is an abundance of seafood including mussels, sea urchins and crabs. Meanwhile, in the forests you may catch a glimpse of a deer or an elk scurrying in the bushes past the hills covered with berries. A truly magical and bountiful place that offer a variety of outdoor activities for the kiter and non-kiter traveler.

The best place to stay and experience Nitinaht Lake is in the campground, but it does not offer the basics like electricity or water. For the less rugged experience you can stay in a comfortable motel that is part of the Ditidaht village and managed by the Nitinaht Visitor Center. General information can be found here. When camping, remember to place your food in carefully sealed food containers to keep the giant banana slugs and big bears away. And when you do eat a meal in the wild make sure to pick up after yourself and toss food scraps or evidence of food…unless you want to attract a black bear! Dominique shares that one of her memorable encounters during a weekend kiting trip included meeting a black bear. She laughs at the encounter and adds “Lake Nitinaht is definitely a place where one can discover something new everyday.”

Sunset rides and bonfires

Kiting Lake Nitinaht, British Columbia, Canada photo courtesy of Dominique Granger

Nitinaht Lake is 13 miles long with a narrow passage connecting it to the ocean. The summer months are when the thermal winds come. There are days when full-day sessions are possible with varying wind strength that starts from X and goes up to X. There are days when the wind comes at 11AM or 12 noon, which gives you half-day to ride then it fades away at 5PM or 6PM. Just in time for aperitif and bonfires. The coast usually lights up with bonfires from the camp goers. After the sun sets, notice Nitinaht Lake light up from the bioluminescence of the living organisms and the water.

The water is generally choppy and great in certain spots for flat water riding. It is always good to bring at least a full 4/3 wetsuit. As far as kites, Dominique flew the 7m Waroo and a 9m Slingshot during her visit, she is petite and tiny, so you may want to check with one of the local schools before packing your gear. When the high season in the summer hits and it gets warmer you will see riders in board shorts and thermal tops. For wind forecasts visit the local kiteforum Big Wave Dave.

Coming as a beginner kiter or with a beginner kiter? Not a problem. There are two kite schools highly recommended by Dominique including Elevation Kiteboarding managed by Marie Leclerc. She is fluent in English, French and Spanish and offers 3-day kite camps and exclusive girl/women kite camps and Strong Kiteboarding manage by Dwayne Strong. In addition to the basic kiting lessons, both schools also offer kiteboarding tours with transportation, camping, accommodation that come with fresh seafood dinners! For the non-kiter adventurer, Nitinaht Xtreme Adventures offer kayak rentals, jet ski rentals, wilderness tours, fishing charters, in addition to their kiteboarding lessons.

Around town

Need more information? The Nitinaht Visitor Center (NVC), is there to help you from camp ground information and permits, where to find cafes, convenience stores, the closest gas station, kite gear and other information you may need about this rustic magical town. Nitinaht Lake is certainly rich in outdoor adventure activities outside of kiteboarding. Dominique recommends to try the West Coast Trail, visit to the water falls, salmon fishing, whale waching, boat tours, hiking the Carmanah and Walbran and canoeing around the Nitinaht Triangle.

Dominique also shares while on Vancouver Island if you can, take a detour to visit Victoria and Tofino. There are great riding spots like Island View Beach for all levels of kiters and Dallas Road for more advanced riders.

I can’t wait to discover more of Nitinaht Lake, British Columbia, Canada and kite, kite, kite! Soon my love! More photos from Dominique in our Flickr set.

We’d love to hear about your kiting journey write to [email protected] to contribute to Just Kite It.

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