Whales, Wildlife & Wilderness Expedition
By Boat, By Paddle, Into the Wild.
A 5-day wildlife boat tour and sea kayaking expedition from Quadra Island, BC: a 4-hour wildlife boat tour into remote waters beyond the reach of kayaks, followed by three days of sea kayaking and camping through the Discovery Islands.
Departures June – August | 5 Days | From $1,978.21 CAD + GST
About the Adventure
The best of both worlds: explore by boat and kayak.
Start with a night at a beautiful Quadra Island resort, then head out on a 4-hour wildlife tour by covered boat or zodiac into remote areas of the coast beyond the reach of our kayaks. These waters are home to orcas, humpback whales, dolphins and seals, with bears and eagles along the shore, and the tour is a thrilling way to begin your adventure.
While you explore, your kayak guides set up camp and prepare dinner on the remote island where your paddling journey begins. After a delicious wilderness feast, enjoy an optional evening paddle before heading to your tent for a peaceful night’s sleep.
The next morning you begin three days of paddling down the coast through the Discovery Islands region, where remote islands provide an escape into the British Columbia wilderness. This trip is ideal for all adventurers with a good level of fitness.
Highlights
- A night at a Quadra Island resort before you set out
- 4-hour wildlife boat tour into remote waters beyond the reach of kayaks
- Three days of sea kayaking down the coast
- Wilderness camping on remote islands
- Orcas, humpback whales, dolphins and seals to watch for
- Fresh, local food at every meal
- Quality expedition tents and warm sleeping bags provided
- Small groups of up to 10 guests, with at least 1 guide per 6 guests
- No kayaking experience required, though experience and good fitness are recommended; ages 12 and up
2027 Departure Dates
Green = spaces available. Grey = sold out.
Duration
5 days (4 nights)
Guide Ratio
1 Guide / per 6 Guests or better (2 guides), with a maximum of 10 guests
Start Point
The Wildcoast Shop, 685 Heriot Bay Road, Quadra Island – a short distance by foot or by car from the BC Ferry Terminal in Quathiaski Cove.
Impact
Protecting this ecosystem is central to everything we do. We follow a strict code of conduct and all marine wildlife regulations, ensuring wildlife is viewed from respectful distances and given the space it needs to thrive. Your price includes a $25 sustainability fee, which is donated directly to local conservation initiatives. Wildcoast Adventures is proudly owned by the Wei Wai Kum First Nation.
2027 Trip Price
$1,978.21 CAD per person
Prices include a $25 sustainability fee and are subject to 5% GST.
Skill Prerequisites
Experience recommended, not required · Ages 12+ · Max 10 guests · 1 guide per 6 guests
Paddling Intensity: 3/4
No experience is required, but we recommend that you enjoy a challenge, have a positive mindset and are in good physical shape. After the boat tour you’ll spend three days paddling down the coast, and your guides provide kayak instruction and safety procedures before your first launch and help refine your technique along the way.
Camp Comfort: 1/4
No previous camping experience is required. We provide quality expedition tents, warm sleeping bags and dry bags, including your own tent if you’re a solo traveller. Campsites are in remote wilderness settings with limited facilities, and your guides help you set up camp and make it as comfortable as possible.
Wilderness Immersion: 3/4
From the boat tour into remote waters to nights camping on remote islands, this trip takes you well off the grid, with limited cell service once you leave Quadra Island.
Guests should be comfortable with the quiet of the wilderness and the unpredictability of nature, from the weather to the wildlife sightings.
Feeling unsure? Please contact us, we are happy to answer your questions!
About the Discovery Islands
This trip takes you into the remote waters of the Discovery Islands, one of the most scenic stretches of the BC coast, where forested islands, tidal channels and coastal mountains meet the sea. The wildlife boat tour extends the journey to areas beyond the reach of our kayaks, maximizing your time in waters known for orcas, humpback whales, dolphins and seals.
Every inch of this coastline is home to wildlife, from marine mammals in the water to bears and eagles on shore, and the kayaking days bring you closer to the rich intertidal life along the way. Wildlife is unpredictable and sightings are never guaranteed, and we always view wildlife from respectful distances.
On the traditional territory of the Liǧʷiłdaxʷ peoples.
Your Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival on Quadra Island
Check in to your resort at your leisure and explore Quadra Island. Try some beachcombing or check out some of the local artisans. Breakfast is included the next morning.
Day 2
Into the Wild
After breakfast at the resort, meet us at our shop on Quadra Island for a morning briefing. We provide you with a dry bag for your belongings and prepare you for your adventure, then it’s down to the dock to board your covered boat or zodiac. Spend about four hours exploring the coast in search of whales, dolphins, seals and other wildlife, in areas beyond the reach of our kayaks. After this exhilarating tour you’re dropped off on a remote island to begin your kayaking adventure, where your guides have camp set up and dinner prepared. After a wilderness feast, enjoy an optional evening paddle before bed.
Day 3 – 4
Exploring the Coast
After a hearty breakfast, soak in your surroundings as you begin kayaking down the coast. From whales to intertidal life, each day has plentiful experiences, and your comfy tent is a welcome sanctuary for rest and reflection each night.
Day 5
Journey Back
On the last day you paddle back to our home base and are transported to the Wildcoast Shop on Quadra Island by mid-afternoon. It’s a relaxing end point where you can hang out, grab a coffee and repack your belongings before heading to your next destination.
What’s included
- Hotel Night on Quadra Island – One night at a Quadra Island resort before your trip begins, with breakfast included.
- Wildlife Boat Tour – A 4-hour wildlife tour by covered boat or zodiac into remote areas beyond the reach of kayaks.
- Guide Services and Kayak Instruction – Expert, certified guides throughout your adventure.
- Kayaking Gear – Quality kayaks, paddles and dry bags for the whole trip.
- Camping Gear – Expedition tents, including a tent of your own if you’re a solo traveller, and warm sleeping bags.
- Wilderness Camping – Remote island campsites along your route.
- Gourmet Meals – All meals at camp, with a menu designed by a local gourmet chef and prepared by your guides. Dietary needs are accommodated at no extra cost.
What’s not included
- Travel to and from Quadra Island (flights and ferry)
- Accommodation before or after the trip
- Meals outside of the trip
- Trip cancellation or other travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal gear (see packing list)
- Tips for guides (optional but appreciated)
What Our Guests Say
“An unbelievable West Coast Adventure. Truly experience the nature and beauty of what this area of the world has to offer. Wildcoast didn’t just put together a kayaking trip for us; they knitted together a complete package of wildlife experiences including a whale watching tour onboard a Zodiac, swimming, hiking, and camping!
Always playing true and staying environmentally conscious of their surroundings. Felt incredibly comfortable and catered to in every way. Great way to spend my husband’s birthday; surrounded by some five-star friends as well! … It is definitely in our plans to return and experience Orca Camp.”
Christine, Whales, Wildlife & Wilderness guest
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Wildlife & Timing
Am I guaranteed to see whales on this trip?
We base our trip dates on historically good times to see whales and other wildlife in this area. Of course they are wild animals, so opportunities and frequency are left to them, and sightings are never guaranteed. The wildlife boat tour extends the trip to areas beyond the reach of our kayaks, maximizing your time in waters known for orcas, humpback whales, dolphins and seals.
What wildlife might I see?
Guests may see orcas, humpback whales, dolphins, seals and sea lions, along with bears and eagles on shore and rich intertidal life. We view all wildlife from respectful distances and follow all marine wildlife regulations.
The Trip Experience
Do I need prior kayaking experience to join?
No experience is required, but we recommend that you enjoy a challenge, have a positive mindset and are in good physical shape. Our kayaks are stable and safe to paddle. Our guides provide kayak instruction and safety procedures before your first launch, and help with tweaking your technique along the way.
What are the campsites like?
The campsites are located in remote wilderness settings. Some have sparse amenities, tent locations may be uneven and the beaches are usually rocky. There are limited washroom facilities. Your guides will help make this wilderness camping experience as comfortable as possible.
Gear & Food
Do you provide all camping equipment at no extra cost?
Yes. We equip you with high-quality tents and sleeping bags that are ideal for the climate and expedition kayak camping, at no extra cost, so you don’t have to travel to Quadra Island with cumbersome camping gear. We also provide a durable dry bag for your personal items. If you are travelling with a friend or partner you will share a tent.
What should I pack?
Follow our helpful packing list to be sure you come best prepared.
Can you provide vegetarian or special dietary options?
Yes. We provide excellent alternatives for guests with dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets as well as food allergies, at no additional cost. These modifications never compromise on the quality, freshness or portion size of each meal.
Group Size & Solo Travel
I’m a solo traveller, do I pay extra?
No! Our trips are an excellent way for solo travellers to experience a fantastic adventure with others. There is no single supplement, no limit on the number of solo travellers, and we don’t bunk you with a stranger – you will have your own tent.
What is the maximum group size?
For this trip we have a maximum of 10 guests with 2 guides.
What is the minimum age?
The minimum age for this trip is 12 years old. Guests aged 12 to 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Travel & Logistics
Where do we meet, and how do I get there?
After breakfast at your resort on Day 2, we meet at the Wildcoast Shop at 685 Heriot Bay Road on Quadra Island, a short distance by foot or by car from the BC Ferry Terminal in Quathiaski Cove. See our Getting Here page for details.
When does the trip return?
On Day 5 you paddle back to our home base and are transported to the Wildcoast Shop by mid-afternoon, so please plan onward travel accordingly.
What is the wildlife boat tour like?
On Day 2, after a morning briefing at the Wildcoast Shop, you board a covered boat or zodiac for about four hours exploring remote areas of the coast beyond the reach of our kayaks, watching for whales, dolphins, seals and other wildlife at respectful distances. You are then dropped off on a remote island, where your kayak guides have camp set up and dinner ready.
How is this different from the Discovery Islands Expedition?
Both explore the Discovery Islands from Quadra Island at the same price. This 5-day trip starts with a 4-hour wildlife boat tour followed by three days of kayaking, so it suits guests who want more time looking for whales. The 6-day Discovery Islands Expedition is a longer, all-paddling journey with a new island campsite each day.
Policies & Requirements
What are the payment terms and booking requirements?
Full payment is required at the time of booking to secure your spot. Each guest is also required to complete a waiver and medical questionnaire no later than 2 weeks before departure.
What happens if a trip is cancelled due to weather?
We operate in most weather conditions, and our guides are expertly trained to adapt daily itineraries for guest safety. In the rare event that safety concerns prevent a launch, our team will work with you based on our standard operating procedures and safety protocols.