Canada
Canada - Kayaking with whales and grizzly bears
Canada - Kayaking with whales and grizzly bears
Duration
4 days
Start/End
Port McNeill
Tour type
Group
Level
Moderate
Accommodation
Base Camp (Canvas-Zelte)
Overview
For three days you paddle from your base camp on Hanson Island to orcas, humpback whales, dolphins and sea lions. To finish you head into Knight Inlet to watch grizzly bears in their natural habitat. No kayaking experience needed, good basic fitness is enough.
The Johnstone Strait off the northeast coast of Vancouver Island is considered one of the most reliable places in the world to observe orcas and humpback whales from a kayak. On this tour, you'll combine three days of kayaking among the whales with a very special finale: an excursion to Knight Inlet, where you'll experience grizzly bears in their natural habitat. Your base camp is located on Hanson Island, nestled in the heart of the ancient coastal rainforest. From here, you'll paddle daily through wildlife-rich waters – in addition to orcas and humpback whales, you'll often encounter seals, porpoises, minke whales, Steller sea lions, and bald eagles. At midday, you'll rest on secluded beaches, and in the evening, a communal meal and a hot shower await you back at camp. On the last day, a boat will take you to Knight Inlet, the traditional territory of the Musgamakw Dzawada'enuxw First Nation. First Nation guides will accompany you on a bear-watching excursion and share stories about the culture and history of their homeland.
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 assist 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 assist you with booking.
Day 1
Take the water taxi to Hanson Island
Base Camp
In the morning, a water taxi will take you from Port McNeill to the base camp on Hanson Island. After arrival, you'll settle into your canvas tent, and the guides will give you an introduction to kayaking and safety. Then you'll set off on your first paddling trip in the Johnstone Strait – with a bit of luck, you might even be accompanied by your first orcas or humpback whales.
Take the water taxi to Hanson Island
Day 1
Base Camp
In the morning, a water taxi will take you from Port McNeill to the base camp on Hanson Island. After arrival, you'll settle into your canvas tent, and the guides will give you an introduction to kayaking and safety. Then you'll set off on your first paddling trip in the Johnstone Strait – with a bit of luck, you might even be accompanied by your first orcas or humpback whales.
Days 2–3
Kayaking in the Johnstone Strait
Base Camp
4-6 h
Each day you'll paddle for approximately 4-6 hours with plenty of breaks through the Johnstone Strait, Blackfish Sound, and among the surrounding islands. The guides choose the routes based on the weather, currents, and wildlife sightings. Besides orcas and humpback whales, you'll often see seals, porpoises, Steller sea lions, and bald eagles. At low tide, you'll discover the colorful world of tide pools. At midday, you'll enjoy a picnic lunch on secluded beaches, and in the afternoon you'll return to base camp, where a hot shower and a group dinner await.
Kayaking in the Johnstone Strait
Days 2–3
Base Camp
4-6 h
Each day you'll paddle for approximately 4-6 hours with plenty of breaks through the Johnstone Strait, Blackfish Sound, and among the surrounding islands. The guides choose the routes based on the weather, currents, and wildlife sightings. Besides orcas and humpback whales, you'll often see seals, porpoises, Steller sea lions, and bald eagles. At low tide, you'll discover the colorful world of tide pools. At midday, you'll enjoy a picnic lunch on secluded beaches, and in the afternoon you'll return to base camp, where a hot shower and a group dinner await.
Day 4
Grizzly bears in Knight Inlet – return to Port McNeill
Early in the morning, a boat will take you to Knight Inlet, one of the best places in British Columbia to observe grizzly bears. At the beginning of the season, the bears forage for sedges, crabs, and shellfish along the beaches and are primarily observed from the boat. Later in the summer, when the salmon return to the rivers, viewing from land becomes possible. First Nations guides will share insights into the culture and history of their land. Afterward, you'll return to Port McNeill, where the tour concludes.
Grizzly bears in Knight Inlet – return to Port McNeill
Day 4
Early in the morning, a boat will take you to Knight Inlet, one of the best places in British Columbia to observe grizzly bears. At the beginning of the season, the bears forage for sedges, crabs, and shellfish along the beaches and are primarily observed from the boat. Later in the summer, when the salmon return to the rivers, viewing from land becomes possible. First Nations guides will share insights into the culture and history of their land. Afterward, you'll return to Port McNeill, where the tour concludes.
Services
What's included
3 nights' accommodation in elevated canvas tents at base camp
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks)
English-speaking kayak guides
Boat trip for grizzly bear watching in Knight Inlet with First Nations guides
Water taxi to/from Port McNeill
Kayaks (single/double), paddles, paddling jackets and safety equipment
Sleeping bag, liner and pillow
4 waterproof dry bags
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
Moderate
Altitude
Low
Culture / nature
Pure nature
This tour is designed for nature enthusiasts with a good level of fitness. No prior kayaking experience is necessary – you'll paddle in a single or double kayak, and you should also plan for some time in a double. You'll spend approximately 4–6 hours on the water each day, with plenty of breaks. The pace will depend on wildlife sightings, wind, and current.
The most physically demanding part is often carrying the kayaks and equipment on the beach. You'll also climb a ladder from the water taxi to the beach and help with loading and unloading. You'll spend the night in a base camp in elevated canvas tents – so you don't have to break 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 willingness to embrace basic conditions in the wilderness. Since you'll be traveling in an international group, flexibility and teamwork are essential.
Dates and prices
Group dates
Optional
Single tent supplement
€260.00
per person
Surcharge for vegan, gluten-free or lactose-free meals
€50.00
per person
Notes on the trip
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 sleep in elevated canvas tents with bedding provided. The camp has an outdoor kitchen, a communal dining area, pit toilets, and a hot shower (rainwater, max. approx. 20 liters per person). Sleeping bags, liners, and pillows are provided.
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.
Catering
Meals are freshly prepared at the camp. Vegan, gluten-free, or lactose-free meals are available for an additional charge. Unfortunately, some dietary requirements (e.g., keto or paleo) cannot be accommodated.
Notice in accordance with EU Directive 2015/2302:
This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.