Sea Kayaking Vancouver Island. Kayak Trips & Tours in British Columbia.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much previous experience do I need  to join one of the trips?_
What's included in the cost of the tour?_
What are your guides like?_
How big are the groups?_
What can I expect the other guests to be like?_
What is the average age?_
I'm traveling alone, is that OK?_
Is there an age limit and are children allowed?_
Is it safe?_
Do you do custom tours?_
Is there a group discount?_
Do I have to be physically fit?_
What's easier... canoeing or kayaking?_
What if I want vegetarian meals... Do I have to bring my own food?_
What kind of meals can we expect?_
What should I bring?_
How much paddling will we do in a day?_
When is the best time to go?_
What are the campsites like?_
Where do we wash?_
What can I expect for weather?_
What are the chances of seeing whales? (Orca Encounters)_
What are the chances of seeing wildlife? (Ontario)_
What about bugs? Ontario Tours_
What about bugs? British Columbia Tours_
When do I need to arrive?_
How do I get there?_

How much previous experience do I need  to join one of the trips?     ÝBack to Questions
Our expeditions are designed to be safe and fun for both novice and expert alike. Our guides are qualified and experienced and will teach you all you need to know. Whether you're a first time adventurer or have been on expeditions around the world you'll feel at home with our complete instructional sessions and our concern for the safety and comfort of our guests.

What's included in the cost of the tour?   ÝBack to Questions
All our tours include professional guides, permits, gourmet meals and top quality gear. We don't include sleeping bags (rentals can be arranged), accommodations for before and after the tour, transportation to and from our base or launch site.

What are your guides like?   ÝBack to Questions
Our professional guides have been elected for their extensive experience, outdoor skills, back counrty chef abilities, reliability and outgoing personalities, just to name a few. Our guides are devoted to making sure that you have a comfortable, safe and enjoyable vacation.

How big are the groups?   ÝBack to Questions
Our average group size is 6 - 10 guests on all our tours except for our Algonquin Park, Ontario tours where our maximum is 8 guests. Larger groups can be arranged on custom tours. Please contact our office to discuss this.

What can I expect the other guests to be like?   ÝBack to Questions
Everyone is on vacation and as such we find that the general atmosphere is festive, friendly and involved. Our guides provide a sociable and encouraging environment in which many lasting friendships are made.

What is the average age?   ÝBack to Questions
Most of our guests range in age from mid twenties to late fifties, however we have no maximum age limit and quite often take out older persons who have enjoyed the tours so much they have returned again.

I'm traveling alone, is that OK?   ÝBack to Questions
We welcome solo paddlers and will try to accommodate you with your own tent.

Is there an age limit and can I bring my kids?   ÝBack to Questions
We recommend a minimum age of 12 years for our multi-day kayak trips as younger children may find paddling for extended lengths of time tiring.   As for the top end of our age scale,  we feel you are never too old to enjoy the wilderness. We encourage families and ask that you call our office to discuss what trips are suitable for children. All our canoe tours in Algonquin Park are excellent for families with younger children.

Is it safe?   ÝBack to Questions
Yes. In 9 years we have never had a serious injury on any of our tours. Our number one concern is the safety of our guests. Our guides are trained in Wilderness First Aid and carry extensive First Aid kids. We carry VHF marine radios on our tours in Johnstone Strait, Georgian Bay and Lake Superior. We also have an emergency plan in place for all our tours.

Do you do custom tours?   ÝBack to Questions
Custom tours can be arranged for groups of 5 or more. You should make plans well in advance to ensure that we can accommodate your group. Call our office to discuss your vacation.

Is there a group discount?   ÝBack to Questions
If you are booking for your group of five or more, you are entitled to a 10% discount off the regular tour cost. Book for groups of 8 or more and receive a 15% discount. Not applicable with any other discounts or on custom tours.

Do I have to be physically fit?   ÝBack to Questions
No. You do not have to be in top shape to join one of our trips but a good level of physical fitness will go a long way. As our trips take place in the wilderness we sometimes cannot avoid the wind and occasional brisk paddle. You can expect a daily moderate workout while paddling. If you have concerns about your level of fitness or any health concerns just give us a call.

What's easier... canoeing or kayaking?   ÝBack to Questions
All of our trips include paddling instruction to ensure you get a chance to learn to paddle either a canoe or kayak properly. Each of the two have their advantages and disadvantages. The canoe is perfect where portages are required therefore trips that have portages are only offered using canoes. All of our tours offered in British Columbia are sea kayaking trips as it is best suited to ocean travel. Kayaks are better suited to the coast because they lack the tall sides the canoe has that catches wind and have a covered deck that sheds water. It is impossible to say one is always easier than the other but if a person were to plan to paddle solo with no previous experience, the kayak would be easier to move in the required direction with less training than the canoe.

What if I want vegetarian meals... Do I have to bring my own food?   ÝBack to Questions
No. We are very accustomed to preparing vegetarian meals for guests as well as catering to other special dietary needs and are pleased to do it. Please be sure to indicate any dietary concerns on your trip medical form well in advance of your trip.

What kind of meals can we expect?   ÝBack to Questions
Our meals have been developed and tested for several years and have passed trippers taste tests with flying colours. Our guides take great pride in preparing and serving delicious, gourmet meals. We serve the freshest and highest quality foods possible. Guests quite often ask our guides for our recipes, even saying that they eat better on our tours than at home!

What should I bring?   ÝBack to Questions
When we receive your trip registration we will send you a tour confirmation package that will include a list of personal items that you should bring. We supply tents, sleeping pads, food, guide/s, cooking equipment, dishes, group tarp, boats, PFD's, safety equipment and virtually all you will need other than your sleeping bag and personal gear (i.e. clothing, toiletries etc..) Sleeping bags are available for rent for those without.

How much paddling will we do in a day?   ÝBack to Questions
On average about three to five hours a day will be what is aimed for, with stops to rest and explore and enjoy a shore lunch. Paddling time will vary with the groups ability, desires and the type of trip you are on. Weather or other conditions may occasionally require more paddling time.

When is the best time to go?   ÝBack to Questions
All of our dates offer unique experiences from Spring to Fall. The tour dates have been chosen carefully and all offer excellent conditions. July and August are the busiest times on all our tours, while in May, June, September and October you'll see fewer people.

What are the campsites like?   ÝBack to Questions
Time spent in camp is a large part of the wilderness experience and as such we strive for sites that provide you with solitude and a view. All our campsites are situated in wilderness settings. Camps are set up in a well-organized manner, with comfort in mind. The kitchen area will be protected from the sun and rain by a tarp, creating a meeting area for the group.

Where do we wash?   ÝBack to Questions
The guides carry solar showers, and where freshwater is available on a sunny day you can enjoy a warm shower. We will also provide you with a wash basin in camp. We ask that you supply biodegradable soap products only.

What can I expect for weather?    ÝBack to Questions
Generally, the weather on both our tours in British Columbia and Ontario is agreeable in the summer months. In the Pacific Northwest you can expect average daily temperatures of about 20 C (70F) and mostly sunny days. Ontario summers boast hot temperatures sometimes reaching as much as 30 C or more (85 F)! Expect to enjoy sunny and sometimes humid days. However, inclement weather is always a possibility in both British Columbia and Ontario and we encourage you to come prepared for rainy days. Our What to Bring list in the Welcome Package will come with complete details and suggestions geared towards your comfort.

What are the chances of seeing whales? (Orca Encounters)   ÝBack to Questions
Johnstone Strait has a high population of approximately 300 resident Orcas and we see whales a number of times on most trips. Our success rate of whale sightings per tour is virtually one hundred percent. We have had whales swim right past our kayaks, however we do not harass the whales by chasing them.

What are the chances of seeing wildlife? (Ontario)   ÝBack to Questions
Traditionally, early mornings and evenings offer the best viewing times for wildlife. We have had great success with wildlife sightings and our guides extensive knowledge and experience with wildlife in the tour areas enhance your chances.

What about bugs?   ÝBack to Questions
Ontario Tours
Depending on the time of year we are likely to encounter some. Usually by the end of June the black flies are gone and then the more tolerable mosquitoes arrive on scene.  As summer progresses, mosquitoes generally come out for a few hours in the morning and a few hours at dusk. August is considered a "bug free" month as there are few mosquitoes around. We recommend that you bring some long sleeved shirts and pants as well as some bug repellent. Bug repellent should have some active ingredient known as Deet in it to be really effective. While we are on the water a light breeze is enough to keep even the worst bugs at bay.

What about bugs?   ÝBack to Questions
British Columbia Tours
On the coast we are lucky to have very few bugs! You may find a few mosquitoes come out just before dark depending on where you are, so it is handy to carry a little bug repellent with you but it's not a big concern.

When do I need to be there?   ÝBack to Questions
We recommend that you arrive in the area the night before the tour. We will send you a list of suggested accommodations for before and after the tour. We ask that you make contact with our office the day before the tour to confirm a meeting time and place.

How do I get there?   ÝBack to Questions
Our Getting Here page has travel details on it to help you plan your trip. Please feel free to contact our office for our assistance if needed.
 
If your answers are not found in this FAQ, please email, call or write us and we will be happy to answer. No question is trivial or silly, so feel free to query us.

Vancouver Island Sea Kayaking Trips in British Columbia, Canada

Copyright 2008 Out For Adventure Wilderness Tours

Telephone 250-285-3600