Whales & Wilderness Expedition

Our 6-day Whales & Wilderness Expedition is one of the most popular tours we offer. We like to think it has something for every paddler: from a diverse paddling route boasting dotted island chains and sheltered bays ripe for exploring throughout the Broughton Archipelago to more of the open waters of the Johnstone Strait and Blackfish Sound.  Both of these areas are well-known for a variety of rich and diverse wildlife ranging from seabirds, eagles, and bears to dolphins, porpoises, orcas and humpbacks. A one-way water taxi into the islands provides the opportunity to explore more of the area with no backtracking needed. This expedition starts or ends with a one-night stay at a floating eco-lodge nestled deep in the heart of the archipelago for an especially unforgettable coastal experience.

The Broughton Archipelago Marine Park is the largest marine park in British Columbia. The campsites in this area are spread throughout a collection of undeveloped islands and islets near the mouth of Knight Inlet off of northern Vancouver Island. In the larger waterways of Johnstone Strait and Blackfish Sound further south, the stunning landscapes continue to impress with views as far as the eye can see. These more open areas are where the larger marine mammals such as humpback and orca are more frequently seen.

When travelling through these areas, we seek out sites in secluded bays, rocky bluffs, or forest clearings. While we always aim to find sites that provide a feeling of solitude, there may be times (on occasion) when we encounter other paddlers throughout the expedition. Campsites will be chosen by our guides based on considerations such as weather and sea state forecasts, group size, and route options. 

On this particular tour, our first or last night (depending on which direction your tour travels) will be spent at the Paddler’s Inn, a rustic floating kayak lodge deep in the Broughton Archipelago.

The Paddlers Inn is a rustic eco-lodge nestled in Simoom Sound on the shorelines of Gilford Island between Vancouver Island and mainland BC. It was started by a local duo named Bruce and Josee McMorran and has been stewarded by them since 1990. Set against a spectacular backdrop of towering bluffs and tranquil water, it is the perfect place to begin or end your adventure with us. Comprised of a handful of floating buildings repurposed from old logging camps in the area, it provides a welcoming atmosphere with access to a central kitchen area within the main lodge, comfortable rooms, hot showers, a sauna, and a covered outdoor lounge area.

Our Whales & Wilderness Expedition can be suitable for paddlers of all skill levels and outdoor experience. This 6-day tour is one of the longer trips we offer and we recommend at the very least being comfortable in a wilderness environment and having a strong sense of adventure! Your guides will always ensure you are provided with clear direction, paddling techniques, and all sorts of tips to help you get the most out of your trip with us. 

Distance covered and time spent paddling will vary depending on each particular trip, group size, weather forecasts, sea conditions, and our intended destination each day. We always establish a pace that is pleasant and feasible for all with ample breaks to stretch our legs and explore the area. Generally, we cover a distance of  4-6 hours (6-8 nautical miles) a day on our expedition-style tours, not including meals and stretch breaks. The first and last days of a tour involves less time on the water due to water taxi travel and tour introduction/orientation. 

During your one-night stay at the Paddlers’ Inn, you will have access to hot showers and flushing toilets. 

Throughout the rest of the expedition, there is limited freshwater accessible in the areas we travel through. Many guests find wet wipes to be a great alternative for personal hygiene. If you would like to freshen up, salt water is also perfectly fine to use. To keep our impacts to a minimum, we ask that you please only bring environmentally friendly and biodegradable soaps and shampoo. 

Bathroom facilities are not common in most wilderness areas, although some sites do have pit toilets. We also carry a portable toilet system that we typically rely on in most cases. 

We understand that not everyone is aware of wilderness toilet etiquette and are here to help. Your guides will always designate a spot that is ideal for ensuring everyone’s privacy. We are very familiar with making sure guests feel comfortable and informed – please feel free to ask us any questions you might have, before or during your tour.

Tour meeting location: Alder Bay Resort & Marina at 11:30 am (Day 1)

On day 1 of your trip you will meet your guide team in Alder Bay on Vancouver Island (approximately a 5.5-hour drive by car north of Victoria or 4 hours north of Nanaimo). Depending on which direction your tour date travels, you will either hop on a water taxi up to Paddlers’ Inn or paddle out of Bauza Cove (our guides will provide a shuttle to the launch point from Alder Bay). Please arrive in Alder Bay 15 minutes early to allow time to unload, carry your luggage down to the dock, and arrange parking (if necessary) to leave your vehicle for the duration of your tour. 

Head to our main FAQ page for more Frequently Asked Questions.