In light of the COVID pandemic we are offering limited tours for the 2020 season. Discovery Islands Kayaking Expedition will not be operating in 2020, however our Whales & Wildlife Kayaking Expedition and our Explorer Kayaking Trip are excellent alternatives – check them out.
DISCOVERY ISLANDS KAYAKING EXPEDITION
Tour Overview
Included in National Geographic Canada’s 50 Places of a Lifetime, the Discovery Islands are a sea kayaking paradise, and as you will discover, one of the West Coast’s best kept secrets. You’ll find no better sea kayaking vacation throughout remote islands on BC’s central coast.
Comprised of a dozen islands in the Discovery Passage between Vancouver Island and the mainland in British Columbia, we will take you kayaking throughout this sparsely inhabited remote group of islands on this kayaking tour.
Wildlife including humpback whales and dolphins have made a resurgence in this region over the last few years.
Paddling around the islands provides the ideal way to get close to nature and be completely enveloped in the beauty of towering trees, remote beaches, and mountains. Discover the wildlife that inhabit this region and the secrets of British Columbia’s rich and plentiful inter-tidal life while exploring magical waterways.
REMOTE CANADIAN WILDERNESS
Each day you will paddle into secret bays and each evening as you take in the spectacular view towards the British Columbia Coast or Vancouver Island Mountains, campfires will warm your soul as you recount the day.
Wildlife: Humpback Whales, Seals, Dolphins, & More
In the last few years, Humpback Whales have made a strong resurgence in the Discovery Islands and have often been seen on our kayak trips. Given their wild nature, you can never be guaranteed to see a whale, but many of our recent trips have had amazing encounters. Check out one humpback encounter on this trip that was covered by news station worldwide.
During your sea kayaking vacation you’re bound to have close encounters with a variety of BC’s coastal wildlife. This region is known for its sea lions, seals, pacific white sided dolphins, otters, colourful birds and some of the largest starfish and clams in the world.
Humpbacks and dolphins aren’t the only marine mammals in this region, if you are very lucky, you may even get to see transient killer whales (orcas) who have also been spotted at times by kayakers during this sea kayaking vacation.
Tour Highlights
- Towering trees, mountains, and remote beaches
- Humpback whales, sea lions, seals, and dolphins
- Some of the world’s largest starfish
- Small group size
- Great trip for solo travelers
- Coastal cuisine designed by a local gourmet chef
- Quality kayaks, expedition tents & warm sleeping bags
- High Staff to Guest Ratio
- Accommodations on Quadra Island the night before you launch at one of Quadra’s beautiful resorts
Tour Itinerary
MEETING LOCATION: Wildcoast Adventures is located at 685 Heriot Bay Road just a short distance by foot or by car from the BC Ferry Terminal in Quathiaski Cove. An afternoon briefing is held on the day of your arrival. During the meeting we will provide you with a dry bag for your belongings and tell you everything you need to know before launching on your kayaking tour early the next morning.
Your arrival day!
Your first night is at one of Quadra’s beautiful Resorts. A relaxing start and an opportunity to enjoy Quadra Island as you prepare for the days you will spend kayaking and camping throughout the Discovery Islands.
Your adventure begins
Your trip launches from the breathtaking Rebecca Spit Provincial Park located in Quadra Island’s Heriot Bay.
Each kayak trip is customized to suit the group’s paddling ability and interests. With the variety of islands to explore each trip is unique.
Magical days & nights
Days in the wilderness will have you kayaking amongst the islands, walking through ancient forests, swimming in fresh water lakes, and honing our paddling skills. Evening campfires and stargazing will round out each day.
Your expert guides each add their own flair to the trip providing an experience unlike any other.
The Journey Back
On your last day you will paddle back to your launch point and be transported back to the Wildcoast shop by early-afternoon. A relaxing end point where you can hang out, grab a coffee and repack your belongings before heading onto your next destination.
Discovery Islands Expedition
6 Days / 5 Nights
2020 Trip Dates
Due to the impact of Covid-19, for the 2020 Season we are offering a limited number of expedition-style trips to “social bubble” groups of up to 6 people
For more details: Contact Us
5 Frequently Asked Questions About This Trip
The impact of Covid-19 on every aspect of life means we all must do things a little differently. To determine if it is advisable to run trips in 2020, Wildcoast is following the directions provided by the British Columbia Provincial Health Officer. It’s important to note that restrictions are continually subject to change and can impact the ability to run scheduled trips. Regular updates can be found on our Covid-19 Updates page.
Social Bubbles consist of a tightly restricted group of people who are regularly in close physical contact such as families or friends, who socialize exclusively with each other.
While no experience is required to participate in this kayaking tour, we recommend that you enjoy a challenge, have a positive mindset and that you are in good physical shape. Our kayaks are stable, and safe to paddle. Wildcoast guides provide kayak instruction and safety procedures prior to your first launch, and assist during your kayak tour with tweaking your technique. Learn more
Yes we provide excellent alternates for guests requiring a special menu. These modifications don’t compromise on the quality, freshness, or portion sizing of each meal (this may require an additional fee to cover the menu modification costs for your specific dietary requirement).
On this trip, we equip you with high-quality tents and sleeping bags that are ideal for the climate and expedition kayak camping – at no extra cost. This is so we can be assured you are best outfitted for the climate and conditions. This also prevents our guests from having to travel to our location with cumbersome camping gear.
If you are traveling with a friend or partner we will have you share a tent. If you are a solo traveler you will get your own tent and not be “bunked” with a stranger.
We provide our kayak vacation guests with a durable dry bag to pack your personal items into, and answer any last-minute questions you might have, during your morning briefing.
Follow our helpful PACKING LIST to be sure you come best prepared!
Our guides determine the length of each days’ paddle based on the weather conditions, sea conditions, and group paddling skill/dynamic. As this is an expedition style trip you will be kayaking between campsites and spending up to five hours a day on the water. Each day’s paddle is broken up by a lunch stop, and opportunities to see & learn about the wildlife along the way.
Testimonials
“Our guides were extremely professional, attentive and cooked us some awesome gourmet food. They provided us with expert description of the wildlife as well as tips for optimal kayaking.”
“We were lucky enough to be part of the 5-day Discovery Islands kayaking expedition that got humpback whales breach really close to us… I would have rated the expedition 5 stars even without the whale encounter.”
“I was fortunate enough to go on the Discovery Islands kayaking trip early this June and can honestly say that I have nothing but praise for Wildcoast.”
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