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Set in the home of British Columbia resident orca population, this trip provides the ideal combination of pristine coastal wilderness kayaking and spectacular wildlife viewing.

With the Columbia III onboard accommodation, we can easily travel to the untouched corners of the Broughton Archipelago (usually inaccessible by expedition kayakers) and position ourselves in the right place at the right time for the most unforgettable wildlife encounters.

 

We spend our first night on the Columbia III at the historic coastal village of Alert Bay. Here we get a chance to view the famous graveyard totems and visit the renowned U’Mista Cultural Center – which, for many guests, sets the tone for what we are about to experience as we venture into the wild beauty of the Broughton Archipelago.

Each day thereafter we continue our journey through the maze of islands steeped in First Nations history and back-dropped by the snow capped peaks of the Coast Mountains. Scheduling our day around a sea kayak paddle, usually beginning shortly after breakfast, we silently glide through the glacial fed waters keeping a watchful eye for both marine and terrestrial life.

Often the majestic bald eagle soars overhead while curious harbour seals swim close to check us out. If we are lucky we may spot a black bear foraging on the beach or a group of pacific white-sided dolphins playing in the waves. And of course we are always on the lookout for the mighty orca. We do our best to find them and we are rarely stumped. A stop for lunch in an interesting spot, such as an abandoned native village site or a grassy islet, precedes the afternoon paddle, after which we rejoin the mothership, Columbia III.

 

Back on board we refresh ourselves with a hot shower and get comfortable for an evening of gourmet food, laughter and relaxation. In this manner we move through this beautiful strait and archipelago creating each day around the needs and desires of our guests and anchoring each night in a new cozy cove each with its own stunning view. Walking in the rainforest, whale watching, visiting the local whale research station and simply relaxing on the deck of the Columbia III are all possibilities on this trip. And if the conditions are right, a night paddle may be an option where the truly magical phenomenon of bioluminescence can be experienced first hand. After an event filled week, the Columbia III returns to Port McNeill early Saturday afternoon.