Kayak Tours

Come and explore Vancouver Island in beautiful British Columbia, Canada.  Adventuress offers tours anywhere from 2 hours to 4 days in length. Pick your favourite... from fun local tours based out of the oceanside areas of Nanaimo, Nanoose, Parksville and Qualicum Beach to spectacular scenery on the West Coast to kayaking with the Orcas.  Find out why Vancouver Island has been rated as the Best Island, North America by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler 9 years in a row!  Adventuress is open year-round, so give us a call if you have a passion for paddling!

Do you want to come out and try kayaking for the first time?  Are you just in this area for a few days and one of the things you have promised yourself is to get out and paddle and experience the West Coast lifestyle?  Well, look no further.  Adventuress offers you tours to suit your level of experience and time schedule.  Take a look below and paddle away until your heart's content. 

Although this is an all-women's site, Adventuress welcomes everyone to come out paddling.  Couples, families, tourists all come out and kayak with Adventuress.  So if you are a man reading this, know that you are welcome or women bring your partners and families.  Do note though that some multi-day tours are specifically all-women tours.  Thank you.

DAY TRIPPIN'

Come paddle the many and varied islands off the coast of Vancouver Island with the Coast Mountains as a spectacular backdrop.  Comprised of more than 250 islands, the Gulf Islands offer a "Mediterranean type" of climate, more than 200 species of birds, and the best sandstone galleries on the coast.  Paddle past seal and sea lion haul-outs as they glide up to greet us.  Hear First Nation and local history.  Peer beneath your kayak to discover the rich diversity of marine life.  Daily tours.  Call to reserve.

Phone our toll-free number 1.866.955.6702 or 250.755.6702 (Nanaimo) or 250.248.4334 (Parksville) to confirm your dates. Gulf Island Getaways run from March to October and if it is a nice day, give us a call, we are open year round! Bring your friends and have a special trip just for your group.  No kayaking experience is necessary. A gear list of what to wear and bring is sent upon registration.  All tours include instruction, top-of- the-line fiberglass kayaks, and experienced, personable, certified guides.  Spectacular scenery is free!!

New this Year!                Mom & Daughter Connection

Do you want a deeper connection with your teen daughter?

In partnership with Angela Slade of EsteemedChics.com, Adventuress is offering a day where Moms and Daughters will participate in a day of play and introspection. You will strengthen your bonds and enable each other to transform independently.  We will explore trust, instinct, self-confidence and respect to help you move through transitions together and cherish and learn from changes. 

Esteemed Chics is dedicated to creating places and spaces where girls can come to learn to overcome poor body image and self esteem.  Adventuress is all about empowering women, no matter what their age, to build self confidence and push out of their comfort zone using the kayak as a vehicle to transform in the wilderness.  Together we have designed this day to help you learn about yourself, grow closer to your daughter and have some fun doing it!

When:  To be determined.

Cost:  $90 per mother-daughter includes kayak, gear, instruction, journal and creative materials, professional instruction and guidance for all activities.

Newcastle Island Day Tour in Nanaimo This little island has had five different lifetimes!  Paddle the island's circumference gazing above to spot bald eagles perched on the highest tree. Peer beneath your kayak to discover the rich diversity of marine life.  Hear the history as you paddle past towering cedars, the sacred tree of the Coast Salish.  No experience is necessary.  This 4 hour tour costs $65.00 and includes kayak, gear and basic instruction..

Link & DeCourcy Islands Day Tour Link & DeCourcy Islands was once home to the notorious Brother XII and his religious cult. Marvel at the sandstone art carved out of the cliffs by the relentless seas.  Glide by shell middens that tell of long ago days when the islands were home to First Nations.  No kayaking experience is necessary.  Tour includes kayak, gear and instruction Tour Length:  7 hours    Cost:  $89.95

Full Moon Howls

Experience the magic of floating on the ocean by the light of the Full Moon.  Swish your paddle to see the bioluminescence create a light show beneath the water.  Each Full Moon, call to reserve. Tour length:   2 hours   Cost:  $45.00

Sunset Paddle

The best way to unwind after a busy day!  Paddle into the sunset, gaze at the glow of the setting sun, breathe deep and relax.  Tour length:  2 hours  Cost:  $45.00.

MULTI-DAY ADVENTURES

Choose from two, three or four days of touring. Take a look and find what whets your adventure appetite!   Want a little luxury?   Try the Fabulous Friends Weekend, 1 night at a waterview B&B with 2 days of kayaking.  These trips are just too much fun and lots of excitement!!

Check out Women's Transformative Journey by Kayak - a blend of adventure and soul searching within the gentle wilderness of the beautiful Gulf Islands.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Weekend

Share an adventurous weekend on the water with your girlfriends, Mom or daughter.  Laugh as only a group of all women can!  Kayak through coastal islands and over underwater marine gardens.  Camp nestled in the woods, go for a hike on the sea trail, or relax on the beach with a good book while dinner is cooking.  Tell tall tales around the dinner table as you make new friends.  No previous kayaking experience is necessary.  Tour includes kayak, gear, camping equipment, meals, snacks and beverages,camping fees, and instruction.  Tour Length: 2 days       Cost: $249.00

Trip Dates:  July 10 & 11, September 11 & 12, 2010

" A big thank you for all you did to create such a fun and exciting experience.  It was an amazing two days!  Your warmth, patience, and sense of humour made me feel like I found a new friend.  I have been telling everyone about my fun trip so be prepared for new clients!" Pamela C.

Women's Transformative Journey by Kayak

June 24 - 27th, 2010

The butterfly undergoes a major transformation process as part of its normal life cycle.  We too may be in a cocoon, hiding, or simply resting and reflecting on our Lives.  As we emerge and change and go through our self discovery, our gift is a new life, a chance to be reborn and re-create ourselves.

Begin your journey by joining Adventuress as we paddle into a voyage of discovery by kayak. This has been a long time dream ... to create an experience for women where we meld the power of adventure (using the kayak as its vehicle) with the deep healing and cleansing power of the Wilderness to transform our lives. 

This unique wilderness trip is designed to renew your connection with the wild world, while uncovering the meaning and power in your life transitions and challenges. Through the adventure of kayaking and contemplative exercises, you will tune into your sources of guidance and fulfillment.

You start your journey by bringing an intention of what you would like to see change in your Life. This could be clarity about a job situation, a decision about a significant relationship, or reconnecting with a part of yourself that has too long been neglected. Whatever your unique purpose, this journey of mind/body/spirit will be shared in confidence within the warm and supportive environment of a group of like-minded women.

Sometimes we need to step back and gain some perspective on our Lives. We need to take a breather, do something just for us, take a time-out of the busyness of our Lives. This Journey is a gift you give yourself. 

Joining me, Jan, on this trip with be Katy Lipkind. Along with being a sea kayak guide, Katy holds an MA in Counselling Psycholgy with a speciality in wilderness-based therapies. 

Together we have created this experience to support women through their journey grounded with their intention.  Our visions:  Katy's is to support people in uncovering their innate health through accessing the healing power that exists within the myriad wonders of the natural world. Mine is to support and encourage women to push their boundaries through facing the challenge of wilderness kayaking thus inspiring the confidence to change their lives.  Together we offer women a powerful journey that will reflect your intention and give deeper meaning to the process of transformation.

Cost:  $499 includes meeting the night before to begin grounding your process and meeting your co-journeyers, 3 days of kayaking and camping in the beautiful Gulf Islands, facilitated journey, kayak, gear, hearty and healthy meals & snacks, and camping equipment.   For more information and to begin your personal Journey, call Jan at 250.755.6702 or e-mail to receive your registration package with more details.

Kayaking by the sandstone sculpted cliffs in the Gulf Islands

Wild Women on the Water!     

This 3 day kayaking tour is for the adventurous woman; the one who wants to get out there and test the waters and have an adventure; take a little risk.  It's time to leave the work and stress behind.   Come on out and paddle with the girls; laugh, see wildlife (and I don't mean just us!), enjoy sunset beaches, campfires and take in as much fresh air as you can breathe.  We are goin' paddlin' in the Gulf Islands!  No kayaking experience is necessary.

This package ($499, no additional taxes, based on double occupany) includes:

• One night stay at Fiddicks Farm B&B, a 30 acre organic farm with fabulous views of the Gulf Islands from every room, a geothermal heated lap pool and a hot tub
• Welcome cocktailsl and appies
• 3 days of kayaking through the enchanting Gulf Islands
• Kayak Babe training in strokes, launching and exiting techniques & wet exits and rescues (oh come on you are adventurous!)
• Healthy, hearty and at times downright sinful food, beverages and snacks
• Kayak, gear, camping equipment & camping fees
• 1 night of camping in the woods or on the beach
• Hiking the islands or enjoying the beach, your choice!
• As much fun as you can handle
• For our out of town guests, free pick up from airport or ferry can be arranged.

Trip Dates: July 31 - August 2, 2010

Fabulous Friends Weekend

Now we know that you girls like the fun of kayaking, but you did all your camping stuff awhile back.  A comfy bed, a hot shower and a glass of wine on the deck overlooking a fabulous ocean view after your day on the water exploring the islands suits you much better.

So gather your best friends and come over to the Island and let Adventuress offer you a little luxury.

The Fabulous Friends package ($299/person based on double occupancy i.e. share a room) includes:

• One night stay at a fabulous waterview B&B
• Welcome cocktails and appies (and oh , we may sneak in some chocolate)
• 2 days of kayaking the Gulf Islands with basic instruction before the paddle begins
• kayak and gear
• yummy snacks, farm fresh breakfast, hearty dinner, deli lunches and beverages

Trip Dates: May 8 & 9, June 19 & 20, July 17 & 18, August 14 & 15

Gulf Islands Escape

Escape to the Islands for three days!  Geared for the Adventuress who wants to feel the wildness, surround themselves with quiet, and get away from the bustle of their busy life.  Paddle the channels and the open waters in the Strait of Georgia and enjoy breathtaking views of coastal mountains.  Exposed ledges reveal a favourite haul-out for harbour seals.  Kayak under magnificent sandstone cliffs and walk along white shell beaches.  Camp under the stars and enjoy hearty meals by the campfire.  All yours for the asking!

The Gulf Islands Escape package($459) includes:

• 3 days of kayaking, 2 nights of camping
• kayak, gear and most camping equipment
• healthy and hearty menu, beverages and snacks
• camping fees
• basic instruction before tour begins
• all the fresh air and quiet that you can handle!

Trip Dates:  May 22 - 24, July 21-23, August 20-22, 2010

Thank you for a fabulous kayaking trip.  How do you replace the "best kitchen in the world" and a sky bathed in shooting stars?  It was all absolutely wonderful.  Thank you for introducing us to Adventuress" Fran

Broken Group Islands

Situated in Barkley Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island, the Broken Group Islands offer spectacular paddling among countless islands and islets. Mature forests of Sitka spruce, western hemlock and western red cedar grow to towering heights. Paddle in the sheltered waters or go for the gusto and thrill to the open seas.

No previous kayaking experience is necessary.  Instruction is given before each tour begins.  Good health and a reasonable level of fitness is required. We paddle anywhere from 4 to 6 hours in a day with stops every 1 1/2 to 2 hours.  Bring your sense of humour and adventure for this once in a lifetime trip!

Tour Length: 3 days   Cost: $499.00
Tour includes kayak, gear, all camping gear (except sleeping bag and pad) and healthy and hearty meals, snacks and drinks.  Check out our photo gallery for pictures from our trips. 

Trip Dates:June 7-9, June 14-16 (full), 2010

Have you ever wanted to kayak with the Orcas, but didn't know how to go about it? Well, look no further - Adventuress offers you the perfect tour to visit the playground of these friendly giants. This is the home of the Killer (Orca) whales, one of THE best places in the world to view them in the wild. They gather here to feed in the rich salmon waters from May to October. What could be more of a thrill than to hear the whoosh of their breath and the splash of their bodies as they swim up the Strait in their ancestral fishing grounds. Adventuress always adheres to whale watching guidelines in order to minimize any disturbance to these "blackfish" (the Native term for Orcas).

Thanks so much for the wonderful trip.  It was such a treat to be waited on and not have to worry about meals and packing and routes.  The kayaking was fantastic - in retrospect - and the whales, sea lions and dolphins -awesome as always." Patti

Orcas are by no means the only wildlife to see here. Pacific white-sided Dolphins, black bears, eagles, minke and grey whales, and porpoises all make Johnstone Strait their home.

Our days are spent exploring clusters of scenic islands, paddling into majestic Coastal Mountain views, and stepping back into time as we wander through an abandoned native village.  Nights are spent enjoying hearty meals around a glowing campfire, swapping tall tales, and enjoying each other's company.

This tour is for an intermediate paddler due to challenging weather, wind and wave condition that we may encounter.  Instruction is given before each tour begins.  Good health and a reasonable fitness level is required.

We paddle anywhere from 4 to 6 hours in a day with stops every 1 1/2 to

2 hours. 

Trip includes kayak, gear, all camping equipment (except a sleeping bag and pad) and healthy and hearty snacks, drinks and meals.  Extensive pre-trip information is sent out upon registration.

Trip Dates:  To be determined.

Desolation Sound

The area was named Desolation Sound by Captain George Vancouver who first sailed here in 1792 and saw the silent and remote coast. It is the largest and perhaps best-known marine park in British Columbia and is considered by many boaters to be the one of the top three cruising grounds in the world -- along with Fiji and New Zealand's Bay of Islands.

The pristine waters of Desolation Sound are surrounded by steep evergreen mountains. Set back from the park to the north, east and south are the snowcapped peaks of the Coast Mountains that soar from the tideline to heights of 2,400 metres.

One of the prime attractions of these waters is their warmth in summer months, which makes them ideal for swimming and snorkeling. So bring your swim suits, because we paddle to a bay for lunch and then, after a short walk, immerse ourselves in a freshwater lake.

This is a marvelous place to explore by kayak, paddling among small coves, inlets and islands. Ashore, interesting tidal pools and marshes will enthrall you with an abundance of marine organisms, birds and waterfowl. We paddle over colourful marine gardens alive with giant sunflower stars, orange sea cucumbers, spiny red sea urchins and so much more.

This tour is scheduled for September when the rest of the boaters of this popular area have all gone home.   Trip includes kayak, gear, all camping equipment (except a sleeping bag and pad) and healthy and hearty snacks, drinks and meals.  Extensive pre-trip information is sent out upon registration.

Tour Length:  4 days  Cost:  $699. 

Trip Dates:  September 15-18, 2010

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