This tour offers you the best of what sea kayaking can provide: fantastic wildlife encounters, and spectacular paddling destinations that include ancient First Nation villages. The many islands of the Broughton Archipelago act as a nursery for millions of fish that, in turn, attract many of the larger prey species. As you paddle through the islands and passages you'll have the opportunity to see Orca whales, sea lions, harbour seals, Minke and Humpback whales, eagles, bears and more. With more islands than could be explored in a month of kayaking, we have nearly limitless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Our journey will take us through the traditional territory of the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations where we'll see ancient pictographs, village sites, and the famous "clam gardens" of the northwest coast. Over 350 of these features have been discovered in the archipelago and they served, for thousands of years, as the economic basis of the largest population of non-agricultural people in North America. Draped in moss and shrouded in mystery, the islands themselves are stunning and form a dramatic backdrop to our daily adventures.

Day 1
We will gather in Port McNeill at 8:00 am and drive to Alder Bay to load gear and equipment on the water taxi. From Alder Bay, our taxi will take us to remote Insect Island deep within the Broughton archipelago. As you enjoy the boat ride your guides we'll provide fresh coffee, tea and snacks to nibble on. Keep a sharp look-out though because we regularly spot orcas, humpbacks, and porpoises from the water taxi. Upon arrival we'll unpack, set up camp, and have a wonderful gourmet lunch. After lunch your guides will provide you with instruction in safe kayaking techniques before setting off for a short afternoon paddle. Back at camp for the evening your only responsibility is to relax and enjoy. The guides will be busy preparing a delicious gourmet dinner and everyone will get a chance to socialize. The day ends with dessert and a discussion of the next day's adventure.

Day 2 – 5
Over the next four days, we'll paddle a labyrinth of islands that is one of the most amazing paddling experiences on the BC coast. During the course of our explorations, we will visit ancient Kwakwaka’wakw village sites. One such site is the world renowned village of Mimkwamlis on Village Island. There we'll explore the remains of the 4000 - 5000 year old village first photographed by Edward Curtis at the turn of the century. As we paddle through the Broughton's we'll keep a sharp lookout for the humpback whales that frequent the area in increasing numbers each year. As we cross Blackfish Sound and paddle toward Johnstone Strait we'll be entering the best location in North America for observing the charismatic orca whales. There's always the possibility of encountering these exquisite mammals as we paddle through this region.

Day 6
On the final day of our trip we'll enjoy a hearty breakfast, and a few more hours of paddling as we head back to civilization. Paddling north along the coast of Vancouver Island we often spot black bears so keep your eyes open! We reach Alder Bay near midday and have plenty of time to enjoy a final gourmet lunch together before heading back to Port McNeill. After saying farewell in Port McNeill you'll have enough time to travel down island and continue your own adventures. However, we highly recommend spending the night in Telegraph Cove and visiting the famous Whale Museum nestled among lovely historic homes on the towns quaint boardwalk.

On our Broughton archipelago Expedition you can expect to see many different marine and terrestrial mammals including Orca, Humpback and Minke whales, Steller sea lions and harbour seals, Pacific white sided dolphins, Dalls and harbour porpoise, eagles, black bears, mink and river otters. An incredible variety of intertidal creatures also thrive along the shorelines and include sea urchins, sea cucumbers, sea stars, crabs and chitons. Great balls of herring and jumping salmon complete this delightful wildlife experience.

The town of Port McNeill is 462 Km (287 miles) north of Victoria or 194 km (120 miles) north of Campbell River on Provincial Route 19 N (Inland Island Highway N). So, just take Route 19 north and follow the signs to Port McNeill. You can't miss it! For more information about driving, flying and reserving accommodations please visit our Travel Information page.