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Whales & Wilderness Glamping (30.278)
| Location: | Johnstone Strait |
| Price: | $1995.00 |
| Duration: | 4 days/3 nights |
| Departs from/arrives at: | Quadra Island |
| Accomodations: | Camping |
| Tour Type: | Leisure Tour |
| Activity Level: | Novice |
| Nearest Town/Village: | Telegraph Cove |
| Inclusions: |
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| Exclusions: | Trips before July 16 and after and after August 24 are reduced to $1795 |
| Guest Parking: | Yes Details: |
| First Nations: | Nuu-chah-nulth |
| Additional Information: Blackfish Sound lies north of Johnstone Strait in between Hanson Island and Swanson Island. In addition to orcas, we are lucky to share this aera’s ecosystem with humpback whales, black bears (it is not uncommon to see black bears foraging along the shores for seafood during low tide), deer, cougars, shore and seabirds, minks, river otters, dolphins and porpoise – to say nothing of the abundant, vibrant and colourful inter-tidal life one can see below the surface. Witnessing these incredible creatures in their natural habitat is truly breathtaking. Our camp is situated in arguably one of the best areas for viewing whales on the coast. The humpback whales in all their glory are coming back to this area in truly impressive numbers after having been subject to intense hunting in years past. The population of humpback whales in the area now means that we are fortunate to view these gentle giants almost every tour (we never like to guarantee wildlife, as it is just that wild, but chances are good). This 4-day tour is really the premier way to experience the best of what Canada’s west coast has to offer. Travel by boat to our exclusive camp, kayak each day to experience the coastal beauty up close and get out there with a motorized whale watching tour to help ensure wildlife sightings. Each day your hosts and guides will share their love and passion for the coast and kayaking with you. The pre-trip meeting on Day 0 gives us a chance to answer any questions you may have and for you to meet your guides and fellow kayakers. Your guides will go over the logistics of the tour and answer any concerns you may have. If you cannot make it to the meeting just be sure to call the day before departure to confirm your arrival. This allows us to confirm the exact departure time and location, or to alert you if there are have been any last minute changes. After a hearty and healthy breakfast (and of course hot coffee and tea), we head off in our kayaks to explore the many nooks and crannies of the shoreline. Keep your senses alert for the tell-tale blow of some of the area’s more famous residents like orcas, humpback whales, Minke whales, dolphins and porpoise. On day 3 we’ll be picked up at camp for a 3-hour trip in a covered boat to look further afield for wildlife. Top off these perfect days in an idyllic setting with amazing food, laughter, good company and a soak in the wood-fired hot tub over-looking the ocean. Then head off to your spacious tent and comfortable bed for a good night’s rest. Of course, you can always roast a few treats over the glowing campfire before you head to bed, borrow a book from our extensive coastal library, play a board game with friends or chat with our friendly, knowledgeable naturalist guides. Tents are large 10×12′ (3×3.6m), bright and spacious cotton canvas made here on Vancouver Island. They are 8′ (2.4m) high at the peak so have ample room for standing up and moving around with ease. The screened windows and front door provide sweeping views of the forest and and/or ocean. The tents are perched off the ground on cedar platforms, helping to protect the delicate ecosystem below. Inside your tents are 2 twin beds which can be pushed together to make a king size if desired. These beds are handmade by our wonderful crew with locally milled red cedar and beach driftwood accents. The beds each have a 6-inch thick soya foam mattress, 2 pillows (one soft and one firm to ensure a good night’s sleep), crisp white linens, a warm duvet and fleece blankets for those cooler nights. Bedside tables, crafted from local wood, hold a lamp for reading and a hot water bottle to help take the chill off when you crawl into your bed to dream about what’s in store for the morning. |
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Itinerary
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Day
1The day prior, we meet at 6:00 pm to give you a chance to answer any questions you may have and for you to meet your guides and fellow kayakers. Your guides will go over the logistics of the tour and answer any concerns you may have. If you cannot make it to the meeting just be sure to call the day before departure to confirm your arrival. This allows us to confirm the exact departure time and location, or to alert you if there are have been any last minute changes.
On Day 1 you can meet either on Quadra Island or at Way West Coastal Ventures & Water taxi in Campbell River. If meeting in Campbell River, please call our office to let us know. Alternatively, you can meet us on Quadra Island.
Rise and shine ready for fun and adventure. After meeting our water taxi and a safety briefing, our captain takes us up Discovery Passage and safely through the infamous ‘Seymour Narrows’, renowned for its treacherous tidal flows and whirlpools. En route, sightings of marine life such as porpoises, dolphins, sea lions and whales are common. After the 2 1/2 hour journey we arrive at our remote wilderness base camp on Blackfish Sound. After settling into our new surroundings and having lunch we will have a kayak orientation and discuss safety procedures before setting off on an afternoon paddle. We will return in time for a fresh wild salmon dinner (alternatives of course for those who do not eat fish). Enjoy the sunset from the hot tub before retiring to rest for more fun in the morning.Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation: Camping
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Day
2After a hearty camp breakfast, we will meet to discuss our plans for each day. Our route and schedule will depend on weather conditions, wildlife viewing opportunities and group preferences. Generally, we set out in our kayaks after breakfast and paddle to one of the area’s many pocket beaches for a picnic lunch before paddling ‘home’ again in time for some relaxation time before dinner. On our way, we’ll take breaks for stretching and snacks, and we always take lots of time to explore the intricate shoreline. For the very brave there is always the option of a dip into the chilly waters of Blackfish Sound before a restorative soak in the hot tub!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation: Camping
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Day
3This morning we’ll be met by our covered vessel for a 3-hour journey further into Blackfish Sound, Johnstone Strait or Queen Charlotte Strait, giving you the opportunity to explore areas beyond the reach of our kayaks. We’ll return in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon kayaking the nearby waters and islands.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation: Camping
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Day
4This is our last day of exploration. After a final morning paddle we will pack up our things and soak up the last bit of tranquility before the water taxi arrives to transport us back to Quadra Island and the real world once again.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accomodation: Accommodation by Customer
