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Highlights
Paddle through wildlife-rich waters on a breathtaking BC kayaking adventure.
Kayak through the orca-rich waters of Johnstone Strait.
Experience wildlife encounters with whales, bears, and marine life.
Enjoy luxurious glamping accommodations in the heart of nature.
Explore the stunning coastal landscapes of British Columbia.
Tour takes you on an unforgettable journey through the wildlife-rich waters of British Columbia. Paddle in Johnstone Strait, a prime location for orca sightings, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the coastline. Experience unique wildlife encounters, including orcas, humpback whales, and black bears, as you kayak through remote wilderness areas and enjoy the peace of nature.
Accommodations include luxurious glamping at Orca Camp, situated in the heart of whale territory. Stay in cozy safari tents with stunning views, enjoy gourmet meals prepared by local chefs, and unwind in the camp's wood-fired hot tub. With a combination of adventure and comfort, this tour is perfect for those seeking an immersive wildlife experience.
Tour takes you on an unforgettable journey through the wildlife-rich waters of British Columbia. Paddle in Johnstone Strait, a prime location for orca sightings, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the coastline. Experience unique wildlife encounters, including orcas, humpback whales, and black bears, as you kayak through remote wilderness areas and enjoy the peace of nature.
Accommodations include luxurious glamping at Orca Camp, situated in the heart of whale territory. Stay in cozy safari tents with stunning views, enjoy gourmet meals prepared by local chefs, and unwind in the camp's wood-fired hot tub. With a combination of adventure and comfort, this tour is perfect for those seeking an immersive wildlife experience.
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Whales & Bears Kayaking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Campbell River
Arrive in the charming coastal town of Campbell River and check in at your hotel after 3:00 pm. If you arrive early, enjoy a peaceful walk along the waterfront or explore the scenic Elk Falls on a hike.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Campbell River
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Wildlife Adventure Begins
Start your day with a delicious continental breakfast at your hotel. Your first wilderness adventure begins with a motorized boat wildlife tour. Guests visiting from June to August 22nd will enjoy a 6-hour wildlife tour aboard a zodiac or covered boat. From August 25th to September, the tour includes a full-day grizzly bear wildlife experience.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Campbell River
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 Journey to Camp
Embark on a scenic boat ride through Discovery Passage and the famous Seymour Narrows. Keep an eye out for porpoises, dolphins, and whales as you make your way to camp. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by the camp staff and settled into your wilderness accommodations. In the afternoon, a kayak orientation will get you ready for your first paddle adventure.
Overnight Location: Orca Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Coastal Kayaking and Waterfall Exploration
Enjoy a full day of kayaking along the stunning coastline in the heart of killer whale territory. As you paddle, keep your ears open for the sound of orca blows and learn from your guides about the incredible wildlife resurgence and the environmental challenges facing this remote region. In addition to the breathtaking time on the water, you’ll head inland to visit a beautiful waterfall—perfect for a refreshing dip in the icy glacial waters if you’re feeling adventurous.
Overnight Location: Orca Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 Bear Watching and Native Sauna Experience
Today you’ll cross Johnstone Strait to explore the island opposite the camp. As you kayak along its shores, keep watch for bears and their cubs foraging along the beach. After a rewarding day of paddling and wildlife viewing, unwind in the camp’s native sauna—a perfect way to relax and reflect on an unforgettable day.
Overnight Location: Orca Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6 Sunrise Paddle and Farewell to the Wilderness
Take one final opportunity for a peaceful sunrise paddle, soaking in the serenity of the wilderness one last time. Spend the morning relaxing on the beach before departing camp. You’ll arrive back at your hotel in the afternoon, carrying unforgettable memories of your adventure.
Overnight Location: Orca Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7 Departure Day
Wake up in the comfort of your coastal hotel and enjoy a relaxed morning as your adventure comes to a close. Check-out time is at 11:00 am—time to say goodbye to Campbell River and reflect on an unforgettable journey.
Overnight Location: None
Meals: Breakfast
Whales & Bears Kayaking Tour Price and Dates
This is a fixed-departure tour where you would be joining a group. The prices below are per person. A Single Occupancy fee of CAD500 applies from July 11th – August 30th.Start
Finish
Duration
Spaces Left
Price
Mon, Jul 14
From Campbell River
Sun, Jul 20
to Campbell River
7 Days
5+
Spaces left
CAD$3299
Tue, Jul 29
From Campbell River
Mon, Aug 4
to Campbell River
7 Days
Sold out
CAD$3299
Mon, Aug 4
From Campbell River
Sun, Aug 10
to Campbell River
7 Days
2
Spaces left
CAD$3299
Wed, Aug 13
From Campbell River
Tue, Aug 19
to Campbell River
7 Days
Sold out
CAD$3299
Sat, Aug 16
From Campbell River
Fri, Aug 22
to Campbell River
7 Days
5+
Spaces left
CAD$3299
Tue, Aug 19
From Campbell River
Mon, Aug 25
to Campbell River
7 Days
5+
Spaces left
CAD$3299
Fri, Aug 22
From Campbell River
Thu, Aug 28
to Campbell River
7 Days
2
Spaces left
CAD$3299
Mon, Aug 25
From Campbell River
Sun, Aug 31
to Campbell River
7 Days
4
Spaces left
CAD$3599
Thu, Aug 28
From Campbell River
Wed, Sep 3
to Campbell River
7 Days
5+
Spaces left
CAD$3599
Sun, Aug 31
From Campbell River
Sat, Sep 6
to Campbell River
7 Days
Sold out
CAD$3599
Wed, Sep 3
From Campbell River
Tue, Sep 9
to Campbell River
7 Days
5+
Spaces left
CAD$3599
Sat, Sep 6
From Campbell River
Fri, Sep 12
to Campbell River
7 Days
Sold out
CAD$3599
Tue, Sep 9
From Campbell River
Mon, Sep 15
to Campbell River
7 Days
Sold out
CAD$3599
Fri, Sep 12
From Campbell River
Thu, Sep 18
to Campbell River
7 Days
5+
Spaces left
CAD$3599
Accommodation on Whales & Bears Kayaking Tour
This tour is based in hotel and glamping accommodations. You’ll spend the first two nights and the final night in a comfortable coastal hotel in Campbell River, and the middle portion of the trip at Orca Camp—an oceanfront wilderness camp featuring safari-style tents, real beds, and amenities like a wood-fired hot tub, sauna, and hot showers.
If you are a solo traveler, you get your own room at the hotel and your own tent at camp, you’re not bunked with anyone else.
What’s Included in the Whales & Bears Kayaking Tour?
Meals
6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 6 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for you and your luggage are included throughout the tour.
Also included
- English-speaking guide
- Excursions mentioned in the itinerary
- Kayak orientation and equipment
- Motorized boat wildlife tours for whale and bear viewing
- Boat ride to and from Orca Camp across Johnstone Strait
- Access to camp amenities including wood-fired hot tub and sauna
Not included
- Transportation to and from Campbell River
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- 5% GST
- Personal items and clothing
- Travel insurance
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions
- How hard is the Whales & Bears Kayaking Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?
- Are meals included on the Whales & Bears Kayaking Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Campbell River to start this tour?
- Is the Whales & Bears Kayaking Tour in English?
- Where does the Whales & Bears Kayaking Tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Canada?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Canada?
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. This is a moderate difficulty tour due to the combination of kayaking in remote wilderness areas, the possibility of wildlife encounters, and the physical demand of paddling in potentially challenging conditions. While the glamping setup and support from guides help make it more comfortable, participants should have some previous kayaking experience to fully enjoy the experience. The wildlife aspect adds excitement but can also be unpredictable, which may increase the challenge.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover all the activities listed on the tour. Get your travel insurance.
Fly from Vancouver directly to Campbell River Airport (YBL), or fly into nearby Comox Airport (YQQ) and drive about 45 minutes. Alternatively, take a BC Ferry from Vancouver to Nanaimo, then drive about 2 hours north. Bus services also operate on Vancouver Island.
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
The tour ends where it starts, in Campbell River.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
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