Group Rates Available • Custom and Private Tours Available
Tours
Come explore the shoreline, wildlife and creatures in the Cowichan Bay estuary. The longer trip to the Gulf Islands to spy on the playful sea otters and seals is worth the time! If you're lucky you may even spot orcas! NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! WE SUPPLY EVERYTHING!
2 Hour Estuary Paddle
This tour is ideal for those new to kayaking. It gives you the chance to experience paddling in the serene waters of Cowichan Bay. Our guides will instruct you with basics of sea kayaking before heading out for a peaceful tour through the Cowichan Estuary. By the end, you might just find yourself hooked on paddling! $45.00
3 Hour Discover Kayaking
This tour gives you the opportunity to "Discover Kayaking" a little more in-depth. We will depart from our dock in Cowichan Bay and paddle around the estuary, following the gentle current through the diversity of wildlife that makes its home here. We'll then paddle the sloping shoreline of Mount Tzouhalem en route to the charming seaside village of Genoa Bay for a rest before heading back home. A satisfying experience for all levels of paddlers! $55.00
Sunset Paddle
What is more heavenly than a group of kayaks watching the sun's last rays as they are reflect in the water carrying your boat? Our Sunset Paddle combines the relaxing pace of a two-hour paddle with the added bonus of Mother Nature's light show. This tour is an experience you won't forget. Bring your camera! $45.00
Full Moon Paddle
Imagine slipping silently through the water, surrounded by the sparkle of bioluminescence (living light) and bathing in the blue glow of moonrise. Come and experience this magic for yourself on our Full Moon tour. This tour is only available 3 days per month, so book early. $45.00
Day in Sansum Narrows
Just for a day, on our Sansum Narrows tour you will feel like you've left the world behind. We leave from our dock front shop in Cowichan Bay for a leisurely paddle along the estuary and intricate shoreline eventually making our way into the wilderness of Sansum Narrows. Seals and river otters are of abundance in this area as well as bald eagles, great blue herons and cormorants. A feast on a hearty west coast lunch amongst the towering trees in this stunning wilderness setting will power us up for the trip home. $129.00
The Broken Group Islands (EB)
Moon Snails and Tide Pools
CDN$1,325 + 12% HST-5 days-Beginner to Intermiediate, Class 1/2
The Broken Group Islands , a unit of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, are a cluster of about 100 islands in Barkley Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island. The natural beauty, cultural and environmental significance of this location led to Parks Canada declaring The Broken Group Islands a protected area in early 1970Õs. The West Coast Trail and Long Beach make up the other two units of the park.
It is a truly magical experience to paddle in the lagoons and small, intimate harbors created by several small islands, hopping from one small group to another. These inner islands are home to a rich and vibrant selection of marine life, not seen in other areas along the coast.
| Dates |
|---|
| June 8-12, 2010 |
| June 20-24, 2010 |
| June 25-29, 2010 |
| July 3-8, 2010 |
| August 16-20, 2010 |
| September 2-6, 2010 |
| September 8-12, 2010 |
| September 15-19, 2010 |
The Deer Group Islands (EB)
Caves and Coves
CDN$1,395 + 12% HST-5 days-Beginner to Intermediate, Class 1/2
The Deer Group Islands are in Barkley Sound on the West Coast, just across a 4 mile wide channel from the Broken Group Islands. Although the Deer Group is not a part of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, the islands are just across a narrow channel from Bamfield, which is at the western end of the West Coast Trail.
The Deer Group is mostly crown land and is not part of a park. While there is some development on a few of the islands, they are still quite remote. These islands have a variety of caves and coves that make them an incredible place to visit. Both the Deer Group and the Broken Group were very important to First Nations peoples in the past. The waters here are incredibly fertile, and the protetection within Barkley Sound made them strategically valuable to a number of First Nations.
These islands form a line, with the southwestern end being more exposed than the northeastern. Because of the exposure and because the area is not maintained as a park, this set of islands takes a little more commitment than the Broken Group. It is a good place to see what a more remote trip would be like.
| Dates |
|---|
| August 5-11, 2010 |
Nuchatlitz Inlet (EB)
Endangered Species Tour
CDN$1,395 + 12% HST-6 days-Beginner to Intermediate, Class 1/2
The Nuchatlitz Inlet is on the west side of Nootka Island. Nootka Island is a fairly large island about midway up the west coast of Vancouver Island. The mouth of the inlet has many small islands that provide good protection from the larger swell of the Pacific, but provide the opportunity to "peek" out and get a real feel for Pacific waters.
The kelp beds around the mouth of the inlet are the main rafting areas of large groups of sea otters, which are an endangered species. The area is also on the migration route of many whale species, and the lucky get to see the occasional right whale pass through these waters.
The whole Nootka area has a very brief but significant history. It was a major stopping area for Captain Cook and a focal point of negotiations between the British and Spanish when the west coast was explored by Europeans. This area is rich in history, diversity of sea life, and awe-inspiring beaches. It is a favorite among many experienced sea kayakers and guides.
| Dates |
|---|
| June 21-26, 2010 |
| July 3-8, 2010 |
| July 13-18, 2010 |
| September 8-13, 2010 |
Nootka Sound
230 Years of Controversy
CDN$1,395 + 12% HST-6 days-Beginner to Intermediate, Class 1/2
Nootka Sound is nestled behind the steep forested hills of Nootka Island and opens up to the Pacific Ocean at Yuquot, also known as Friendly Cove. One of the last remaining manned lighthouses stands watch here, warning mariners to sail clear of the rugged cliffs that line the wild west coast.
The sound is relatively protected from the ocean by Bligh Island and the Spanish Pilot Group, a cluster of Islands that offers interesting opportunities for exploration, as well as excellent salmon and halibut fishing. Humpback, Minke and Orca whales often find their way into the sound. Gold River, at the end of Thasis inlet, in Nootka Sound is where the world famous orca calf, Luna, became separated from its pod.
Shrouded in natural beauty and steeped in history, this kayaking trip takes you back in time, depicting the European exploration and trading of the late 1700Õs. Evidence of English and Spanish exploration and peace negotiations are documented in the stained glass windows of the church at Friendly Cove. Colourful wood-carved totem poles also ornament the interior of this church, giving it a very unique feeling. The Mowachaht/Muchalaht peoples inhabited this region for over 4,000 years before the Europeans landed. Their history is all around you when you visit Nootka Sound.
| Dates |
|---|
| June 8-13, 2010 |
| June 21-26, 2010 |
| July 3-8, 2010 |
| August 15-20, 2010 |
| September 7-12, 2010 |
Johnstone Strait
Kayaking with Orcas
CDN$1,295 + 12% HST-6 days-Beginner to Intermediate, Class 1/2
Johnstone Strait, off Vancouver Island, is the ideal location to go kayaking with orca whales and observe and photograph one of nature's truly magnificent mammals.
The sleek, beautiful ebony and ivory orcas congregate in Johnstone Strait during the summer to feed, socialize and rub themselves on pebble beaches. On our kayaking with orca whales trip we will be on the lookout for orca pods while exploring the strait. Although there can be no guarantees, our dates represent the most opportune time to sea kayak and have an encounter of the orca kind.
Combine the exhilaration of kayaking beside these breaching, spouting, power swimming orcas, with rugged coastal scenery, magnificent west coast rainforest, and you have the ultimate personal and coastal kayaking experience.
| Dates |
|---|
| July 12-17, 2010 |
| Jul 26-31, 2010 |
| Aug 9-14, 2010 |
| Aug 16-21, 2010 |
| Aug 23-28, 2010 |
| Aug 31-Sep 5, 2010 |
The Gulf Islands
Rainforest's Edge-Arbutus and Sandstone
CDN$525, $700, $875 + 12% HST-3, 4 or 5 days-Beginner to Intermediate, Class 1/2
The Southern Gulf Islands are partly situated in the Gulf Island National Park Reserve, partly privately owned, partly First Nations Reserve, and partly provincial park. The diversity of experience possible in the Gulf Islands is very broad. In the rain shadow of the Vancouver Island mountains, the eastern side of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands enjoy a much drier climate than most of the rest of the province.
The landscape is a mixture of sandstone and arbutus, both of which give a rich experience of shapes and colors. Interesting currents flow between some of the islands, providing a little rush of excitement to those who are up to it.
The southern set of islands has more current areas and more boat traffic. The landscape here is very beautiful and dynamic. The northern group of islands has calmer waters and less traffic. Both areas are full of wildlife and beautiful land and seascapes.
3 Day Tours-CDN $525 + 12% HST
| Dates |
|---|
| April 23-25, 2010 |
| May 7-9, 2010 |
| May 14-16, 2010 |
| May 28-30, 2010 |
| July 12-14, 2010 (also as a Combination Tour) |
| July 27-29, 2010 (also as a Combination Tour) |
| August 10-12, 2010 |
4 Day Tours (EB)
CDN$700 + 12% HST
| Dates |
|---|
| May 21-24, 2010 |
| June 4-7, 2010 |
| June 15-18, 2010 |
| August 5-8, 2010 |
| August 22-25, 2010 |
| August 27-30, 2010 |
| September 3-6, 2010 |
5 Day Tours (EB)
CDN$875 + 12% HST
| Dates |
|---|
| July 15-19, 2010 |
| July 30-August 3, 2010 |
Combination Tours
CDN$1,260 + 12% HST (This saves 10% on the two)
3 Day Gulf Islands Kayak Tour with a 5 Day Juan de Fuca Trail Hike
| Dates |
|---|
| Combination Tour July 12-14, 2010 Kayak July 15-19, 2010 Hike |
| Combination Tour July 27-29, 2010 Kayak July 30-August 3, 2010 |
Tour Booking Form
Pricing subject to change