Broughton Archipelago
Kayaking Tour
In our hearts, we all live on the land. That is the real world. We take away the obstacles to experience what is real, to experience your bliss. We show you the way. That's Coastal Bliss Adventures.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT --OPERATIONAL IMPACTS OF COVID-19 ON COASTAL BLISS ADVENTURES
We Take Care Of You
We do the planning, logistics, and support. You do the experience and the fun.
All-inclusive Tour
From pickup to return, we cover everything you need, except your personal items. We take you to and from the trip start, and feed you well along the way. We can't guarantee weight loss on our tours.
Knowledgable Guides
Our guides get out into our areas. They know the ins and outs of the trip and provide exceptional interpretation of flora, fauna and history. You'll know more after you leave.
Supportive Preparation
We give you an entire packet of information on how to prepare, what to bring, how to pack, and a plan for training so you can fully enjoy the trip. Our care for you starts before you even arrive.
Broughton Archipelago
7-day Kayaking Tour†
The Broughton Archipeligo is one of the feeding grounds for one of the largest populations of orca whales, together with migrating humbacks and other marine life. The waters are rich in nutrients making it an excellent destination for a paddling marine safari. Due to the abbundance of marine life and rich forests offering sustenance, it has been a home for many first nations for thousands of years, many of whom still work and live in remote communities. Our tour will provide an opportunity to visit some of these communities and support first nation's enterprises.
†This tour may be provided by our sister company, Sea to Sky Expeditions
- KAYAKING DAYS: 5.5
- TRAVEL DAYS: 1.5
- RATING: MODERATE
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Dates And
AvailabilityBook Your Tour Now
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Itinerary
Itinerary
This is our typical itinerary for this tour. Because we are travelling in wilderness, itineraries can change. There are many factors that can affect how a tour actually runs. We confirm pickup times by phone, email or SMS at least 12 hours before.
This trip begins in Nanaimo, where we will arrange your pickup to drive to the location where we begin the activity.
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Day One
After picking you up at your Nanaimo accommodation we will depart in our van for Alder Bay Resort. Once in the resort, we will set up camp at the campsite and take time to orient you for the tour. You will have time to repack your gear into the dry bags we provide.
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Day Two
After an early breakfast we will pack our kayaks and head off on our expedition. Our first day will be spent crossing Johnston Strait to Hanson Island exploring the waters of Johnstone Strait and into the islands of the Broughton Archipelago. There is plenty of opportunity to enjoy the stunning views and wildlife while en route to camp for the night. For some tours your guide might choose to make the crossing to the Broughton's via water taxi.
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Day Three to Six
We will journey amongst the beautiful forested islands and protected passageways of the Broughton Archipelago. Here you will find yourself in an enchanted area that offers both scenic paddling as well as intriguing history, Bill Proctors museum at the tiny community of Echo Bay and First Nations culture, such as the ancient village site of Mamalilaculla and learn about the Kwakwaka'wakw First Nations people. Then visit the long house and colourful totems on the neighbouring village of Tsatsisnukwomi (New Vancouver) at Harbledown Island, learning about the people and traditions of the Da'naxda'xw/Awaetlala First Nation. We will have an opportunity to view the petroglyphs on the rocks at Berry Island. We will keep our eyes and ears on the lookout for the many marine including passing orcas and land animals that call this area home.
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Day Seven
This is our last day to enjoy the marine environment of Johnstone Strait and the Broughton Archipelago. Our boat transport will pick us up in the morning and bring us back to Alder Bay, where we will enjoy lunch. From here we will load equipment and ourselves back into the van and journey back to Nanaimo to say our goodbyes.
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What's Included
Included Not Included Transportation from and to the departure location (pick up and drop off) Your transportation to the departure location (from your home) All kayaking gear Water Boots or shoes Dry bags to keep your things dry Sleeping bags or mats (available for rent) All backcountry park fees and camping fees National Park entry fees (may change as Parks alters their policies) All meals (except on any travel days) Some food (on travel days) Professional guides Gratuities are not included. Recognizing your guide for their hard work and care is always appreciated; $10-20/day per guide is recommended. Tent (shared) A substantial preparation guide Gear rental options -
Getting There And
Where To StayGetting There
If you are travelling into the Vancouver, Victoria, or Nanaimo area from afar, you should arrive at the departure location (in Nanaimo) for your trip the day/evening prior to the trip start date and plan to leave the day following trip return.
You can fly to Vancouver (airport code YVR) or Seattle (airport code SEA) then connect to Vancouver Island using ferry, bus, or air, or arrange flights directly to Vancouver Island.
Flying to Victoria (Airport code YYJ)
Flying to Nanaimo (Airport code YCD)
Nanaimo Airporter shuttle service.
Servicing all of Vancouver Island from airports to ferrys to cruise ship terminals. Tel: 1 250 758-2133BC Ferries 1-888-BC FERRY (1-888-223-3779)
We will let you know the ferry to take for travelling to Vancouver Island, but if you want to check out times, you can go the the BC Ferries website at:
www.bcferries.com/schedules/Where to Stay
Naniamo Pick up & Hotels
Pick up: Departure Bay, Duke Point Ferry Terminal, or the following Accommodations:
Days Inn Harbour View Nanaimo
Address: 809 Island Hwy South, Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada, V9R 5K1
Phone (250) 754-8171
Website: www.nanaimohotel.com
Best Western Dorchester Hotel
Address: 70 Church, Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada, V9R 5H4
Phone: (250) 754-6835
Website: www.dorchesternanaimo.com
Painted Turtle Guesthouse
Address: 121 Bastion Street, Nanaimo, British Columbia CANADA, V9R 3A2
Toll Free: 1-866-309-4432
Phone: (250) 753-4432 -
Preparing
Preparing For Your Trip
How you prepare for your adventure is important. Being well prepared will enhance the quality of your experience. Because we are travelling in wilderness, it is very important for you and for the rest of your adventure group that you are fit enough to handle the level of difficulty and demand with no problems. Our guides know how to minimize the impact of these demands as much as possible, but they cannot remove them. The depth of your experience can only increase if you have made sure that you have prepared well.
Your preparation will be different for different activities. Preparing for a kayak trip is different from preparing for a hiking trip. We have provided some basic information that can be downloaded through the following links to pdf documents.
Use the links below to download some of the preparation files for this hiking or kayaking tour. When you book your tour, we will send you a complete preparation packet to help you get ready.Please take this seriously. Most people are unaware of the demands of a coastal environment, particularly with keeping dry and warm. Your preparation will really help make your coastal hiking or kayaking tour a great experience. -
Gear Rental
Need Gear?
We have gear available to rent if you don't want to buy a particular piece of equipment, or need to travel without it.
Look over the following list to help you decide whether you want to rent. If you decide to rent gear, you can tell us on the phone or book it online with your tour.
Item Price (per day) Sleeping Bag Rental $6.50 Thermarest Rental $2.25 Water Booties Rental $2.25 Wetsuit Rental $6.50 Helmet Rental $2.25