Marine Adventure
Departure city: Port McNeill, Canada
End city: Port McNeill, Canada
Marvel at the amazing marine wildlife near the picturesque village of Telegraph Cove on this unforgettable kayaking tour! Go paddling in the breathtaking Robson Bight Orca Preserve to spot orcas and whales and learn more about these marine mammals in the nearby Whale Museum.
Settle into Basecamp and Kayaking
Please arrive one day before your journey, as you will need to attend an orientation meeting with your guides and you will get the opportunity to meet your fellows and receive your drybags and neoprene booties. Most guests book a night at the Haida Way Motor Inn, where the orientation meeting takes place (please book this directly on your own). Port McNeill, located off of northern Vancouver Island, is a waterfront fishing village just a short drive from our launch site for this kayak itinerary that includes Robson Bight Ecological Reserve.
Your first day will begin early in the morning. We'll transport you from the hotel in Port McNeill to our kayak launch site and the friendly town of Telegraph Cove. This charming harbour is well-sheltered sheltered from the wind and hosts a gently sloping dock, ensuring that you will have a smooth launch. Moreover, your guides will offer thorough kayaking and safety orientation so that everyone feels comfortable and confident on the water. They will also assist you with paddling techniques and skills on the water. You'll have a chance to try your hand in a short morning session at our favourite lunch site. After lunch, you will paddle to our signature base camp in the heart of the orca loop. We see orcas on 98% of our tours, however when killer whales are not present there is always a high chance of spotting other whales, eagles, seals, porpoises or other marine mammals or seabirds at any moment. Our guides use hydrophones when the orcas are in view so that you can thrill to the orcas vocalizing to each other underwater! You'll settle into camp and enjoy happy hour including local wines and hors d’oeuvres while the guides prepare a salmon bake for dinner. Recap the day's highlights over fresh-baked dessert around a crackling campfire and gaze at the starlit sky or the glowing blue bioluminescence of the ocean before snuggling into your tent to sleep. Orcas blowing offshore makes for a spectacular lullaby.
Meals: L, D
Sea Kayaking and Whale watching
Enjoy a series of excursions from the base camp to fascinating areas in the Strait. The boundary of Robson Bight Orca Preserve is a popular destination, though our guides have a plethora of paddling destinations to show you. Each beach holds hidden treasures above or below the waves. Wildlife will be ever-present, from porpoises to sea lions to endless varieties of sea birds. How many bald eagles can you count? Of course, the orcas usually steal the show and can pass by at any time. They like to forage along the coastline, but can easily be found cavorting and playing in the middle of the Strait! Your guides will entertain you with natural history presentations, aboriginal legends, and good old-fashioned fun around a campfire. They will also serve as your chefs, preparing hot and tasty gourmet meals right on the beach!
Meals: B, L, D
Sea Kayaking and Whale watching
Enjoy the second day of kayaking through incredible destinations and get some stunning wildlife viewings.
Meals: B, L, D
Visit the Whale Museum and return to Port McNeill
After a final breakfast and breaking camp, you will paddle back to our take-out at Telegraph Cove, stopping for lunch along the way and a visit to the Telegraph Cove whale museum. A taxi will return your group to Port McNeill in the afternoon after unpacking the kayaks. We recommend that you overnight in Port McNeill and invite you to join us for a no-host farewell dinner with your group and guides. Basecamp tours run back-to-back. You might take a water taxi to or from the base camp depending on the schedule for the week. You will still paddle each day, weather permitting. We will do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above. However, the itinerary may change due to reasons beyond our control such as wind, waves or inclement weather.
Meals: B
It’s important that you arrive one day prior to your camp trip so you can attend the orientation. We highly recommend you book your accommodation at the Haida Way Motor Inn before and after your trip (this is where the orientation meeting and farewell dinner are held and is not included in the tour costs.) Please book this with the inn directly, on your own
What to Bring:
We will do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above and visit our base camps on three separate islands. However, the itinerary may change due to reasons beyond our control such as wind, waves or inclement weather. Please Note: Although there is a very good chance we'll see Orcas throughout the week, the frequency and proximity of sightings will ultimately be determined by the Orcas' travel patterns. Our guides know the best places to see these magnificent creatures.
Terms and conditions apply. Subject to change and availability. Prices are per person twin share and subject to currency fluctuation. (ba)
