Sea to Sky Expeditions is proud of our commitment to sustainability, professionalism, learning, and cooperation with local communities. Our commitment to these principles has won us recognition as one of the top adventure companies in the world by National Geographic. Sea To Sky Expeditions has been providing quality wilderness experiences for our customers since 1988. We offer 6 day sea kayaking expeditions along Vancouver Island’s west coast where you can enjoy kayaking with Sea Otters, Orcas and paddling in the wake of the explorer Captain Cook. All of our kayaking expeditions feature certified guides, excellent meals, and top of the line equipment. We look forward to providing you with the adventure of a lifetime.

Sea To Sky Sea Kayaking Expeditions:

• Sea Kayaking With Pacific Sea Otters – Photo Essay
• Sea Kayaking With Orca Whales – Photo Essay
• Sea Kayaking in the Wake of Captain Cook – Photo Essay

Island Escapades has welcomed thousands of paddlers to Salt Spring Island since 1990. Kayak through the Gulf Islands viewing the spectacular bounty of marine mammals, birds & intertidal life. The call of the wild is everywhere & the seascape is no less than magnificent. We traverse the shorelines & paddle into small coves and shallow inlets not accessible to most other watercraft. Porpoises, seals, river otters & mink are commonly seen; sea lions and orcas may also be spotted. Bird species that grace our islands include eagles, osprey, herons, oystercatchers, buffleheads, widgeons, & wood ducks.

We offer kayak tours & lessons, overnight expeditions, catamaran/kayaking lunch cruises, sailing excursions, accredited wilderness youth camps, school/group programs & guide courses.

Whether you want to kayak out on the open ocean, or prefer a quiet inlet for your paddling, the Pacific coast has it all. Nearly 26,000 km long, there are more than 40,000 islands along the coast, giving you an almost limitless number of kayaking spots. Jervis Inlet, Queen Charlotte Islands, Sunshine Coast, Indian Arm and Clayoquot Sound are just a few popular locations.

Not only will you enjoy the beauty of the ocean, but the coastline is spectacular. You can see the heavy forests, rocky shores, and the distant mountains. And for a little added excitement, you could plan your trip to one of the known whale habitats and do a little whale-watching too. The Vancouver Island area is known for its pods of Orca, or Killer Whales.

Some places such as Knight Inlet and Glendale Cove offer opportunities to see wild grizzly or black bears that are on the shores. If whales and bears aren’t enough, you are also likely to see sea otters and possibly bald eagles and great Chinook salmon.

Photo Courtesy of Fran Solar - Guest of West Coast Expeditions

If you’re not familiar with kayaking, it’s a little different than going out on the water in a canoe. With most kayaks, your legs are enclosed, and you paddle with a single paddle with blades at both ends. They are much more maneuverable than a canoe, and great for more exciting travel.

You can go kayaking for a few hours, or join a group that will take you up the coast for several days. It’s not uncommon to find packages for 5 to 7 days of boating and camping. Some of the more remote stretches of coastline may require you to fly to your destination before you hit the water. Not as convenient but you can see some of the most beautiful and untouched wilderness in Canada when you travel beyond the roads. It is particularly peaceful to go paddling in uninhabited areas.

Tour operators provide the kayaks, and usually all the equipment that goes along with them (life jackets etc.). They should also provide a lesson on how to paddle in a kayak, which allows even the newest of novices to enjoy one of these boating treks. The most important thing to learn is how not to flip your kayak! Guided tours offer coaching in how to stay upright, and what to do in the unlikely scenario of your kayak flipping – the guides will work with you to re-enter your kayak and get going again!

Some of the coastal inlets are pretty narrow, and can create as much rough white water as any of the inland rivers and waterfalls. Not all kayaking trips are suitable for first-time boaters, so you should always let your tour operator know what your experience level is before planning a route. Some of the more peaceful spots would be suitable for a trip with children as well.

Given the length of the coast, the conditions climate vary from place to place. Generally, the best times for kayaking trips is summer starting in June. Some places may be available year-round. The weather can be unpredictable, and rainfall is very common especially around the Great Bear Rainforest area.

Overview

Jasper National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Rocky Mountain Range of Alberta and is spread out over 10, 000 square kilometers (4,200 square miles). Set against the Rocky Mountain Range is the Athabasca Glacier, Miette Hot springs, gorgeous waterfalls, pristine forests and sparkling lakes. Visit the wonders of the park by road or be whisked away on the Jasper Tramway to enjoy any of the wonderful sites and activities this incredible park have to offer.

Water Trips

White water rafting is possibly the most popular summer sport in the park. Many companies offer you a chance to plunge through the foamy water in exhilarating day trips or longer overnight trips. There are trips available for all experience levels and on site lessons for beginners. Swim in a secluded lake after a day of trekking around the foothills or just bask on one of the beaches for nap before dinner.

Whitewater Rafting in Jasper Park - Photo courtesy of Jasper Raft Tours

Motorized Tours

Van and van-assisted or motorcycle tours are available for sightseeing in the park. They offer you a chance to get out and closely explore areas you may not have seen otherwise. A helicopter can be hired for incredible sight seeing above the park or to deposit you in a private spot for a heart pounding heli-hiking experience. Choose a local company to take you on a guided tour of the Athabasca Glacier in one of their Ice Explorers.

Muscle Power

Guides can be hired for many of the activities you want to experience however, self guided tours are also popular. Spend some time walking, hiking or backpacking over some of the 1,200 kilometers of trails available. Many of these routes were used by Indigenous people and later by explorers as they traveled through these areas. There are climbing and mountaineering options, cycling and mountain biking expeditions and horse back riding tours available everywhere. Be sure to register or get any of the permits required for your chosen activity.

Mount Edith Cavell, Jasper National Park - Photo courtesy of Jasper Adventure Centre

Spend The Night

Whether you prefer the comfort of a lodge or hut, a tent amongst the trees or a primitive site off the beaten track, there is something for everyone. Spend a couple nights in one of over 1000 sites campsites to choose from. If you wish to have a fire to brighten up your campsite be aware that they are not allowed at all sites and pay attention to any fire bans that may be in place in your area.

Historical Sites

When it became clear, in 1907, that two railroads would be built through the Athabasca Valley the Canadian Parliament declared valley as a forest reserve. In time the reserve became known as the Jasper National Park and besides the scenery and wildlife the park also holds four National Historic Sites. The Jasper Information Centre was built in 1914 and showcases the value of building with local resources. This was the first substantial building built in Jasper and is the first to greet visitors arriving by train. The Athabasca Pass, Yellowhead Pass and Jasper House are also National Historic Sites within the park.

West Coast Adventures For The Whole Family
Sea Kayaking Tours & Wilderness Retreat in Kyuquot, BC

Truly get away – off the beaten path! Experience the joy, wonder, and discovery of a remote west coast Vancouver Island adventure kayaking destination rich in marine biology. And like many of our guests, keep returning to Kyuquot for idyllic kayaking options and a refreshing eco tourism vacation with professional guides!

Relax with the unmatched comforts of our Base Camp Kayaking tours, savour the remote and rugged beauty while on one of our Expedition Kayaking trips, or connect on a Wilderness Retreat that is customized for you and your group.

From family vacation packages with Aboriginal tourism experiences, to more focused instructional kayaking tours, our dynamic wilderness adventures are tailored to satisfy diverse ages, interests, and abilities. Come sea kayak with the sea otters in Kyuquot and the Bunsby Islands – some of Canada’s finest adventure travel with West Coast Expeditions!


For more information, check out these links to West Coast Expeditions:

• West Coast Expeditions’ Team & Story
• Kyuquot Base Camp Kayaking
• Expedition Kayaking on Vancouver Island
• Booking Details
• Getting To Kyuquot and our Spring Island Wilderness Retreat
• Photo Gallery
• Video Gallery

Treat yourself to an unforgettable holiday! Kayak British Columbia’s stunning coastal wilderness from 68’ luxury heritage vessel, COLUMBIA III. Paddle steep-sided fjords, island mazes and remote sandy beaches. Experience eagles, dolphins, orcas, bears, and wolves. Family-run multi-day tours. 10 passengers. Certified guides. Hot showers. Cozy staterooms. Gourmet cuisine!

Adventure in the Canadian Rockies, BC. This Paddle & Hike trip is based out of a luxurious lodge in the Kootenays. It is a combination of beautiful hikes in the alpine areas, exploring the wetlands by kayak, observing wildlife and birds and canoeing the scenic Kootenay River for three days.