Canada
Canada - Family kayaking tour with whales
Canada - Family kayaking tour with whales
Duration
4 days
Start/End
Port McNeill
Tour type
Group
Level
Simple
Accommodation
Base Camp (Canvas-Zelte)
Overview
For three days you paddle together through Johnstone Strait, one of the world’s best places for whale watching by kayak. Children share a double kayak with an adult, the pace is relaxed and you stay at a base camp reserved for families. For children aged 6 to 14.
Kayaking with orcas and humpback whales – a family adventure that kids will be talking about for years to come! The Johnstone Strait off the northeast coast of Vancouver Island is considered one of the most reliable places in the world to experience whales from a kayak. On this tour, you'll paddle together for three days through these wildlife-rich waters and spend three nights in a comfortable base camp reserved exclusively for families. The family camp is located in the heart of the coastal rainforest and only a few kilometers from the adult camp. From here, you and your guides will explore the various paddling areas in the region. Besides orcas and humpback whales, you'll often encounter seals, sea lions, porpoises, and bald eagles. At low tide, you can discover starfish, crabs, and sea anemones in the tide pools. In the evenings, you sit together at the camp for dinner, talk about the day's experiences and enjoy a warm shower – a real wilderness adventure that is easily manageable for the whole family.
Tour Code
Tour language
EnglishItinerary
Arrival
Arrival in Port McNeill
Travel to Port McNeill in northern Vancouver Island the day before the tour. You can reach Port McNeill by rental car or bus from Nanaimo or Victoria, or by plane to Port Hardy. Accommodation before the tour is not included in the tour price – we are happy to help you with booking.
Arrival in Port McNeill
Arrival
Travel to Port McNeill in northern Vancouver Island the day before the tour. You can reach Port McNeill by rental car or bus from Nanaimo or Victoria, or by plane to Port Hardy. Accommodation before the tour is not included in the tour price – we are happy to help you with booking.
Day 1
Take the water taxi to the family camp
Base Camp
In the morning, a water taxi will take you from Port McNeill to the family base camp in Johnstone Strait. After arrival, you'll settle into your canvas tents, and the guides will explain kayaks, paddling techniques, and safety rules. Then it's off on your first paddling trip together – perhaps you'll even spot some whales today.
Take the water taxi to the family camp
Day 1
Base Camp
In the morning, a water taxi will take you from Port McNeill to the family base camp in Johnstone Strait. After arrival, you'll settle into your canvas tents, and the guides will explain kayaks, paddling techniques, and safety rules. Then it's off on your first paddling trip together – perhaps you'll even spot some whales today.
Days 2–3
Kayaking to see orcas and humpback whales
Base Camp
4-6 h
Over these two days, you'll explore the diverse paddling areas around the camp – with plenty of breaks and at a leisurely pace. The guides choose the routes based on the weather, currents, and wildlife sightings. Besides orcas and humpback whales, you'll often see seals, sea lions, porpoises, and bald eagles. At midday, you'll enjoy a picnic lunch on secluded beaches, and at low tide, the children can explore the tide pools. In the afternoon, you'll return to camp, where a hot shower and a communal dinner await.
Kayaking to see orcas and humpback whales
Days 2–3
Base Camp
4-6 h
Over these two days, you'll explore the diverse paddling areas around the camp – with plenty of breaks and at a leisurely pace. The guides choose the routes based on the weather, currents, and wildlife sightings. Besides orcas and humpback whales, you'll often see seals, sea lions, porpoises, and bald eagles. At midday, you'll enjoy a picnic lunch on secluded beaches, and at low tide, the children can explore the tide pools. In the afternoon, you'll return to camp, where a hot shower and a communal dinner await.
Day 4
Return to Port McNeill
After breakfast, the water taxi will take you back to Port McNeill, where the tour ends – with many unforgettable experiences in tow.
Return to Port McNeill
Day 4
After breakfast, the water taxi will take you back to Port McNeill, where the tour ends – with many unforgettable experiences in tow.
Services
What's included
3 nights' accommodation in the family base camp in elevated canvas tents
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks)
English-speaking kayak guides
Water taxi to/from Port McNeill
Kayaks (single/double), paddles, paddling jackets and safety equipment
Camping equipment and bedding
What's not included
Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
Personal equipment and rain gear
Visa and vaccinations, if required (eTA for entry into Canada)
Tips
Overnight stay before and after the tour in Port McNeill
Character of the trip
Fitness
Simple
Altitude
Low
Culture / nature
Pure nature
This tour is specifically designed for families with children between 6 and 14 years old. No prior kayaking experience is necessary – children paddle together with an adult in a two-person kayak. You'll spend approximately 4–6 hours on the water each day, with plenty of breaks. The pace is leisurely and depends on wildlife sightings and the weather.
Everyone pitches in: Each person helps with loading and unloading the water taxi and carrying the kayaks on the beach. From the water taxi, a ladder leads down to the beach. Overnight stays are in the family's own base camp in elevated canvas tents – no need to pack up camp. There are no toilets along the way, but pit latrines are available at the camp.
Expect rain, wind, and cool temperatures, and bring a love of simple, natural conditions. Since you'll be traveling with other families, consideration, flexibility, and teamwork are essential.
Dates and prices
Group dates
Optional
Surcharge for vegan, gluten-free or lactose-free meals
€50.00
per person
Notes on the trip
Age of children
The tour is designed for families with children between 6 and 14 years old. The tour price is per person, for children and adults alike.
Wildlife observations
Wildlife doesn't adhere to travel schedules – sightings of specific species cannot be guaranteed. The resident orcas are usually reliably present in the Johnstone Strait from mid-July onwards. Tours in June and early July offer many other wildlife sightings and calmer waters.
Base Camp
You will stay in elevated canvas tents with bedding provided in your own family camp. There is an outdoor kitchen, a communal dining area, pit toilets, and a hot shower (rainwater, max. approx. 20 liters per person).
Weather
The weather on the coast of British Columbia is changeable. Even in summer, expect rain, wind, and cool temperatures, and bring good rain gear for the whole family.
Catering
Meals are freshly prepared at the camp. Vegan, gluten-free, or lactose-free meals are available for an extra charge.
Notice in accordance with EU Directive 2015/2302:
This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.