Muir's Tours
 Canada - Whales & Kayaks

Whale Watching - Sea Kayaking - Off Vancouver Island BC

Orca, grey and humpback whales of Broughton Archipelago



6 days kayaking for those who want an easier paddle and plenty of wildlife to watch.

Johnstone Strait and the Broughton Archipelago offer some of the best wildlife exploration opportunities anywhere on the British Columbia coast, particularly if it is orcas or humpbacks you wish to see. Whale viewing opportunities abound during our paddles and on most days we get to see a number of pods of resident orcas.  When the humpback whales are around, we generally see several during the day and we are frequently come across one or more of the local Minke whales.

You do not need to have previous kayaking experience for this tour. We supply a mixed fleet of kayaks - some singles and some doubles and each of you will be able to try both.

If during the trip you feel like being challenged we can provide some additional skills training.


Itinerary

Day 1 We meet outside the hotel and board the bus to the marina at Port McNeil for the one hour boat trip to our first camp. We get to know the camp layout and surroundings before we set off for a short paddle in the sea kayaks. L, D. 

Days 2 - 5  This nomadic style sea kayaking tour involves 3 or maybe 4 different camps so that you see as much of the area as possible.  The Broughton Archipelago is a maze of islands and no 2 days will be the same as we paddle amongst terrific natural scenery, First Nation ancient sites as well as plentiful wildlife. 

We may stop at Echo Bay for a visit to Billy Proctors museum, which houses a vast display of local artifacts. In addition we expect to spend some time exploring the remains of Meem Quam Leese, a First Nation village that has been abandoned for many years.  We will see an amazing amount of wildlife - guaranteed.

The guides will take account of prevailing weather conditions and will devise the best route plan to ensure you have maximum enjoyment of this sea kayaking tour. L, D. 

Day 6  On our last day we will have a short paddle in the morning and then after lunch we will board the water taxi to get back into Port McNeil by about 15:00 hours. Most guests choose to stay over and enjoy a farewell meal together. B, L.



 We will provide the following:
All necessary kayaking and camping equipment (camp chairs & sleeping mats inc), safety equipment including group shelters. With plenty of notice we can also provide sleeping bags. We will provide a detailed kit list too. Most dietary needs are catered for. 2 very experienced kayaking guides to 8 guests.

Join the tour at Port McNeil in the north of vancouver Island. We can give details of great flight deals (to UK residents only) and plenty of help to ensure you reach Port McNeil without problems.

Group Size: 4 - 8
Grade: Easy to moderate paddling –  About 3 to 4 hours of paddling per day, plus hikes on land.
Ref: KWA6BA

 

Dates: June 8-13, 15-20, and 22-27 2008



Price Per Person: GBP1116 / USD2226 / CAD1600  

The base currency is the Canadian Dollar and payments in any other currency are subject to possible adjustment for current exchange rates.

What is Included
All camp meals; sleeping pads, dry bags, kayaks, paddles, lifejackets and safety equipment; group camping equipment (including tents); group first aid kit; and professional guides.

What is Not Included
Transportation from your home to Port McNeil; hotel accommodation. Insurance of any kind; tipping of guides or town meals and beverages.

Delays: If the trip is delayed because of bad weather, cancelled or delayed flights or delays on other modes of transport, sickness or other situations which are outside of our control, we will provide whatever is possible within the limitations imposed upon us by nature and these previously referred to external factors and our staffing / equipment resources. We are not liable for any consequential cost of delays.

Qualifications: This trip is designed for novice to intermediate kayakers who are flexible, active people who have a healthy dose of curiosity and enthusiasm for nature and the world. Most important are a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. A comprehensive sea kayak orientation and training session will take place at the beginning of the trip, and there is ongoing coaching as the trip progresses.

Note: Itineraries are intended as guidelines only, as we will capitalise on any opportunity to see the whales and other wildlife. We may need to change the itinerary without advance notice at the discretion of the guides, due to weather conditions or other general or logistical situations at the time of the trip.

Travel Insurance (for UK residents)
Comprehensive personal insurance, including search and rescue is required on this trip. For UK clients we recommend the policies of the British Mountaineering Council, for their expertise in evacuation from remote areas worldwide. Details at www.thebmc.co.uk