Sea kayaking holidays off Vancouver Island
| country: | Canada |
| location: | Vancouver Island, British Columbia |
| departures: | 2008: 21 Jul, 28 Jul, 4 Aug, 11 Aug, 18 Aug, 25 Aug, 1 Sep, 8 Sep, 15 Sep |
| price: | From CA $1849 (5 days) excluding flights, plus 6% tax. Price includes accommodation, meals/snacks (day 1 lunch-day 5 lunch), escorted Grizzly bear tour, 3 days sea kayaking with Orcas, 1 day boat based whale watching & return water taxi to lodge |
read 1 travellers review
the amazing things you'll be doing
Our Pacific Orca Lodge eco tour is fantastic! Grizzly Bears, Orcas, Humpback whales, Eagles and Dolphins are just some of the amazing creatures you will have the opportunity to interact with.
Your tour starts in Port McNeill on Sunday night with a pre-departure orientation session with our friendly, helpful guides. On Monday morning we will board our water taxi for an exciting journey through the emerald green waters of the Inside Passage, to the cozy Pacific Orca Floating Lodge. The lodge provides accommodation for a maximum of six people in an intimate and comfortable setting. There are bathroom facilities, as well as a fireplace and other creature comforts that you are sure to enjoy.
Using Pacific Orca Lodge as our home base we will spend three of our five days focused on paddling with the killer whales of Johnstone Strait and marine wildlife viewing. With a resident population of close to 300 Orcas, the Johnstone Strait area is quite simply the best place in the world to view Orcas, or killer whales, in the wild. Many of our past guests have described kayaking with the Orcas as spiritual!
Our wildlife eco tour wouldn't be complete without a visit to Glendale Cove. Glendale Cove, located approximately 40 miles up the majestic coastal fjord of Knight Inlet, is home to one of the largest concentrations of Grizzly Bears in British Columbia. It is not uncommon to see up to 30 bears in this area making for superior photographic opportunities throughout the season. Although the fall season is considered peak season for viewing the bears as they feed on migrating salmon, they are also present throughout the spring and summer as well. In the spring and summer viewing is done from the boat which allows you to get very close to the bears without disturbing them. An experience not to be missed!
Our last day, Friday, will be spent with one of the preeminent whale watching operators in the area, Mackay Whale Watching. After a hearty breakfast we will return to Port McNeill to board one of the most advanced whale watching boats in British Columbia, the Naiad (pronounced Ni-ad) Explorer. These educational and entertaining tours are approximately four to five hours in duration and lunch is provided. You will learn the latest information about the killer whales and be able to listen in on the whales’ vocalizations with our on-board hydrophone (underwater microphone). Launched in April 1999, the "Naiad Explorer", holds up to 48 passengers in comfort, with heat and washroom facilities. This stable vessel offers an excellent opportunity for photographers!
Kayak with Orcas - A Typical Day
We start off the day with a hearty breakfast prepared with great care by your guides. Every day we plan our kayak routes taking into consideration the movements of the Orcas, the always-present tidal currents, combined with varying wind and weather conditions. A typical kayak day involves a full day of paddling separated by a lunch break (usually 1 hour) and the occasional stop to stretch legs. We are usually away from the lodge for the full day. Using our VHF radios we stay in contact with a network of researchers and operators to ensure our best chance to kayak with the orcas. Our guides do carry a hydrophone (underwater microphone) so that we can listen to the voice of the orcas as they pass our kayaks.
Add a Day of Sport Fishing! British Columbia, and in particular the waters surrounding Vancouver Island, is home to spectacular fishing opportunities. Coho, Spring (Chinook or King salmon), Sockeye, Chum and Pink salmon are abundant in the waters of the Inside Passage throughout the summer months. The salmon here is the finest tasting salmon in the world, not to mention how fun it is to catch! The area is also home to halibut ranging in size from barn door (over 200 lbs.) to the incredibly tasty 30 pound 'chicken.' A zinging reel is sure to get your heart beating and the fish here are guaranteed to add some great action to your adventure!
We are happy to arrange the addition of an afternoon or full day of fishing to your adventure. You will be picked up at the lodge by a fully equipped power boat operated by a professional fishing guide. Included in the price is all bait and tackle as well as a box lunch. The cost is $80 per hour (maximum of four people per boat) plus 7% GST. You will also need to acquire a BC fishing license (approx. $30-80 depending on where you are from). Our lodge is available for private fishing group bookings from Friday to Monday throughout our schedule, just call or email for more information.
Your tour starts in Port McNeill on Sunday night with a pre-departure orientation session with our friendly, helpful guides. On Monday morning we will board our water taxi for an exciting journey through the emerald green waters of the Inside Passage, to the cozy Pacific Orca Floating Lodge. The lodge provides accommodation for a maximum of six people in an intimate and comfortable setting. There are bathroom facilities, as well as a fireplace and other creature comforts that you are sure to enjoy.
Using Pacific Orca Lodge as our home base we will spend three of our five days focused on paddling with the killer whales of Johnstone Strait and marine wildlife viewing. With a resident population of close to 300 Orcas, the Johnstone Strait area is quite simply the best place in the world to view Orcas, or killer whales, in the wild. Many of our past guests have described kayaking with the Orcas as spiritual!
Our wildlife eco tour wouldn't be complete without a visit to Glendale Cove. Glendale Cove, located approximately 40 miles up the majestic coastal fjord of Knight Inlet, is home to one of the largest concentrations of Grizzly Bears in British Columbia. It is not uncommon to see up to 30 bears in this area making for superior photographic opportunities throughout the season. Although the fall season is considered peak season for viewing the bears as they feed on migrating salmon, they are also present throughout the spring and summer as well. In the spring and summer viewing is done from the boat which allows you to get very close to the bears without disturbing them. An experience not to be missed!
Our last day, Friday, will be spent with one of the preeminent whale watching operators in the area, Mackay Whale Watching. After a hearty breakfast we will return to Port McNeill to board one of the most advanced whale watching boats in British Columbia, the Naiad (pronounced Ni-ad) Explorer. These educational and entertaining tours are approximately four to five hours in duration and lunch is provided. You will learn the latest information about the killer whales and be able to listen in on the whales’ vocalizations with our on-board hydrophone (underwater microphone). Launched in April 1999, the "Naiad Explorer", holds up to 48 passengers in comfort, with heat and washroom facilities. This stable vessel offers an excellent opportunity for photographers! Kayak with Orcas - A Typical Day
We start off the day with a hearty breakfast prepared with great care by your guides. Every day we plan our kayak routes taking into consideration the movements of the Orcas, the always-present tidal currents, combined with varying wind and weather conditions. A typical kayak day involves a full day of paddling separated by a lunch break (usually 1 hour) and the occasional stop to stretch legs. We are usually away from the lodge for the full day. Using our VHF radios we stay in contact with a network of researchers and operators to ensure our best chance to kayak with the orcas. Our guides do carry a hydrophone (underwater microphone) so that we can listen to the voice of the orcas as they pass our kayaks.
Add a Day of Sport Fishing! British Columbia, and in particular the waters surrounding Vancouver Island, is home to spectacular fishing opportunities. Coho, Spring (Chinook or King salmon), Sockeye, Chum and Pink salmon are abundant in the waters of the Inside Passage throughout the summer months. The salmon here is the finest tasting salmon in the world, not to mention how fun it is to catch! The area is also home to halibut ranging in size from barn door (over 200 lbs.) to the incredibly tasty 30 pound 'chicken.' A zinging reel is sure to get your heart beating and the fish here are guaranteed to add some great action to your adventure!
We are happy to arrange the addition of an afternoon or full day of fishing to your adventure. You will be picked up at the lodge by a fully equipped power boat operated by a professional fishing guide. Included in the price is all bait and tackle as well as a box lunch. The cost is $80 per hour (maximum of four people per boat) plus 7% GST. You will also need to acquire a BC fishing license (approx. $30-80 depending on where you are from). Our lodge is available for private fishing group bookings from Friday to Monday throughout our schedule, just call or email for more information.
day-by-day itinerary
| Arriving on Vancouver Island. Today (day 0) is meant for travelling to Vancouver Island on the Sunday before the start of the expedition. Upon your arrival in Port McNeill, we will meet at the Haida Way Inn at 19:00 hrs to join your fellow travellers and guides, and discuss the upcoming expedition. | |
| Day 1: | Arriving on Vancouver Island. This expedition commences from Port McNeill in the morning when you board our high-speed water taxi for a scenic voyage through the emerald green waters of the Inside Passage. After getting settled, the guides will conduct a kayak safety lesson and we will venture out and try our new skills. Accommodation: Floating Lodge. |
| Day 2: | Kayaking and Orca Viewing. We start the day off with a hearty breakfast prepared with great care by your guides. Whale watching will be our priority today and we will keep our ears and eyes open for any news of whales in the area. By listening to the hydrophone that our guides carry and by staying in touch with our network of whale researchers and watchers by way of our marine radios, we will be sure not to miss any chances to encounter whales, porpoises, or dolphins that may be in our vicinity. Accommodation: Floating Lodge. |
| Day 3: | Grizzly Bear viewing tour. After an early rise we will enjoy breakfast, then set out with a high-speed water taxi up Knight Inlet to the world famous Glendale River for our grizzly bear viewing adventure. The day will be spent learning about and viewing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Don’t forget your camera! Accommodation: Floating Lodge. |
| Day 4: | Kayaking the Broughton archipelago. Today will be spent exploring the area by kayak looking for more whales and other wildlife viewing opportunities. We will enjoy the rugged coastline while we immerse ourselves in this incredible environment. Accommodation: Floating Lodge. |
| Day 5: | Whale watching tour and departure day. After another hearty breakfast, we will pack up our belongings and prepare for departure on the high-speed water taxi at 08:30 hrs. Once returned to Port McNeill we will join up with the Naiad Explorer and embark on a whale viewing adventure. The next 4-5 hrs will be spent learning more about these majestic mammals from the experts. We will return to Port McNeill at approximately 15:00 hrs to say our goodbyes! |
travellers' tales
The highlight was seeing orca whilst kayaking; close encounter with grizzly bears (more)
how this holiday makes a difference
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Our company is a Vancouver Island based, Canadian owned company. We are longtime residents of Vancouver Island and are connected to the communities we work in on many levels. We contribute to the neighbouring communities by purchasing all of our ingredients locally, using fresh organic items whenever possible.
 We take our commitment to environmental responsibility very seriously. We believe that everything we do has the potential to impact our world. Our goal is to not only provide kayaking tours that allow our guests the opportunity to form an intimate bond with Vancouver Island, but to do so through sustainable sea kayaking programs that promote environmental awareness and safety. Our commitment to sustainability means environmental stewardship is a primary focus for our company.Our company is dedicated to supporting our local First Nations through open dialogue, respect of First Nation culture, consultation and by hiring First Nations to work with us. Our goal is expose our customers to the rich and unique history of the local First Nations by having our guests join tours organized and operated by the First Nations people whenever possible. We continue to remain in contact with local First Nations, offering input to their consultants as well as to them directly when requested. All of our campsites have undergone a referral process with local First Nations involvement. We strive to reduce, reuse and recycle in all aspects of the operation of our business, and to reduce or eliminate the consumption of non-renewable resources whenever possible. Our office supplies are all made from recycled materials and all resources used on our kayaking tours are brought back and recycled at the end of our kayaking tours. As stewards of the land our goal of conservation is achieved by following the principles of low impact camping and environmental responsibility while we are on our kayaking tours. We dissuade the use of soap in freshwater streams and lakes, deal with human waste in the most appropriate manner and endeavor to lessen our impact by using established camps and trail networks. The Pacific Ocean is rich with a diverse range of Intertidal life and marine mammals, some endangered. Preservation of these unique habitats is a primary concern for our company and we achieve this by educating our guests on the importance of preserving these varied eco systems. Your involvement on our tours assists us in achieving our goals of raising awareness of these sensitive areas. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |