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.
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 secrets of British Columbia’s rich and plentiful inter-tidal life while exploring magical emerald lagoons.
REMOTE CANADIAN WILDERNESS
You’ll get to paddle into secret bays, and hike through the ancient forest to hidden lakes to relax on secluded sand beaches. In some places you’ll be able to observe the calm channels turn to whitewater rapids.
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
- Be enveloped in the beauty of towering trees, remote beaches, and mountains of the Canadian wilderness
- Have close encounters with BC’s coastal wildlife; sea lions, seals, pacific white sided dolphins, otters, birds and some of the largest starfish in the world
- Be on the lookout for Humpback whales that have made a strong resurgence in the Discovery Islands
- Coastal cuisine designed by a local gourmet chef
- Quality expedition tents & warm sleeping bags all included in the price of the trip
- High Staff to Guest Ratio
- Small Group Size
- 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.
Pricing & Dates
Discovery Islands Expedition
6 days, 5 nights
Trip Dates
Jun 3-8
Jun 10-15
Jun 17-22
Jul 1-6
Jul 8-13
Jul 15-20
Jul 22-27
Jul 30-Aug 4
Aug 6-11
Aug 13-18
Aug 20-25
Aug 27-Sep 1
Sep 2-7
Sep 9-14
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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