Canada
Canada - Kayak expedition to see the sea otters
Canada - Kayak expedition to see the sea otters
Duration
6 days
Start/End
Port Hardy
Tour type
Group
Level
Demanding
Accommodation
Tent (wilderness camping)
Overview
From Port Hardy a water taxi takes you into God’s Pocket Provincial Marine Park. For six days you paddle fully loaded kayaks from island to island through the western Queen Charlotte Strait, camping at different sites and getting close to the returning sea otters.
Sea otters were once nearly extinct off the coast of British Columbia – now they're back, and this kayaking expedition will get you up close to them. From Port Hardy in northern Vancouver Island, you'll paddle out into God's Pocket Provincial Marine Park and the western Queen Charlotte Strait, a remote archipelago of islands with rugged coastlines, sheltered bays, and abundant marine life. For six days, you'll paddle fully loaded kayaks from island to island, pitching your tent at up to three different locations. Besides sea otters, you can observe humpback whales feeding at the tide line, spot bald eagles, sea lions, and seals – and with a bit of luck, find fresh wolf tracks on the beach. In the evenings you sit with the group around the campfire, enjoy a hearty meal prepared by the guides and gaze out at the vast sea – pure wilderness, far away from everyday life.
Tour Code
Tour language
EnglishItinerary
Arrival
Arrival in Port Hardy
Travel to Port Hardy in northern Vancouver Island the day before the tour. You can reach Port Hardy by rental car or bus from Nanaimo or Victoria, or by plane from Vancouver. Accommodation before the tour is not included in the tour price – we are happy to assist you with booking.
Arrival in Port Hardy
Arrival
Travel to Port Hardy in northern Vancouver Island the day before the tour. You can reach Port Hardy by rental car or bus from Nanaimo or Victoria, or by plane from Vancouver. Accommodation before the tour is not included in the tour price – we are happy to assist you with booking.
Day 1
Take the water taxi to God's Pocket Marine Park
Tent
A water taxi will take you from Port Hardy to a remote island where your first camp will be set up. After a briefing on kayaking and safety, you'll embark on your first exploration of the islands within the marine park.
Take the water taxi to God's Pocket Marine Park
Day 1
Tent
A water taxi will take you from Port Hardy to a remote island where your first camp will be set up. After a briefing on kayaking and safety, you'll embark on your first exploration of the islands within the marine park.
Days 2–5
On the trail of the sea otters
Tent
4-6 h
Over the next few days, you'll paddle for approximately 4–6 hours daily through the channels and islands west of Port Hardy and into the Queen Charlotte Strait. You'll camp overnight at up to three different locations. Along the way, you'll observe sea otters floating in the kelp, humpback whales, sea lions, seals, and bald eagles. On land, with a bit of luck, you might even find wolf tracks. The guides will determine the route based on the weather, wildlife sightings, and the group's interests.
On the trail of the sea otters
Days 2–5
Tent
4-6 h
Over the next few days, you'll paddle for approximately 4–6 hours daily through the channels and islands west of Port Hardy and into the Queen Charlotte Strait. You'll camp overnight at up to three different locations. Along the way, you'll observe sea otters floating in the kelp, humpback whales, sea lions, seals, and bald eagles. On land, with a bit of luck, you might even find wolf tracks. The guides will determine the route based on the weather, wildlife sightings, and the group's interests.
Day 6
Return to Port Hardy
After a final stretch of paddling, the water taxi will pick you up and take you back to Port Hardy, where the tour ends.
Return to Port Hardy
Day 6
After a final stretch of paddling, the water taxi will pick you up and take you back to Port Hardy, where the tour ends.
Services
What's included
5 nights in a tent (wilderness camping)
Tents and group equipment
All meals during the tour (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks)
English-speaking kayak guides
Water taxi to/from Port Hardy
Kayaks (single/double), paddles, paddling jackets and safety equipment
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 in Port Hardy before and after the tour
Character of the trip
Fitness
Demanding
Altitude
Low
Culture / nature
Pure nature
This expedition tour is for adventurous people in good physical condition. Prior kayaking experience is advantageous but not essential – more important are stamina and the willingness to stay positive even in wind and rain. You will paddle approximately 4–6 hours daily in fully loaded single or double kayaks and must be able to handle winds up to about 20 knots, waves up to 1 meter high, and currents. Time spent in a double kayak is included.
On at least three of the six days, the camp is dismantled, loaded, and rebuilt at a new location. The most physically demanding part is often carrying the heavy kayaks and equipment across the beaches. There are no toilets along the way – the tidal area is used.
You'll be traveling in an international group where teamwork, consideration, and flexibility are important. The guides will adapt the route to the weather and conditions at any time; safety always comes first.
Dates and prices
Group dates
Optional
Single tent supplement
€195.00
per person
Surcharge for vegan, gluten-free or lactose-free meals
€75.00
per person
Notes on the trip
Wildlife observations
Wild animals do not adhere to travel plans – sightings of certain species cannot be guaranteed despite the experience of the guides.
Camping
Overnight stays are in tents at various wilderness sites without sanitary facilities. The camp is dismantled and rebuilt together on at least three days.
Weather
The weather on the coast of British Columbia is changeable. Even in summer, expect rain, wind, and waves, and bring good rain gear.
Catering
The guides cook hearty, fresh meals along the way. 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.