Get away from the noise of the city and explore the many islands of the Oceanside area. Home to the pristine Bellanas Winchelsea Archipelago, this area is abundant with wildlife and features haul-outs for Pacific Harbour Seals and California Sea Lions.
Some of the best kayaking around is found right here in the Oceanside communities of Nanoose, Parksville and Qualicum Beach. Sweeping mountain vistas across the Strait of Georgia, islands to explore, curious harbours seals, colourful sea stars and boisterous sea lions are all here waiting for you. And Adventuress knows all the good places to paddle!
Lots of kayaking to choose from…. 2 hour tours to see the Sea Lions (in season) or the Seaside Tour, a Sunset Paddle or a Full Moon Howl. Want to be a little more adventurous? Come out for our 3.5 hour Mistaken Island or Winchelsea Islands tour, bring a lunch and we stop on the beach to enjoy a picnic. 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.
All of Adventuress’ tours include: a certified, professional kayak guide, kayak (choice of a single or double kayak), all regulation Transport Canada gear (pump, paddle, tow rope, lifejacket, whistle), an introduction to the kayak and safety equipment, and detailed instruction in paddling strokes and safety procedures. We also supply dry bags for your keys, lunch, camera, etc. at no additional charge.
Please reserve ahead to avoid disappointment! We want to accommodate everyone, but sometimes people call when the tour has already left or we are full. So please e-mail adventuress@shaw.ca or phone 250.755.6702 to confirm your dates and reserve your seats. See Trip Dates for tour date schedule. Thank you!
Mistaken Island Day Tour
This tour has us exploring the bays and rocky seashore by kayaks in Nanoose and circumnavigating Mistaken Island. Wildlife abounds! Majestic bald eagles soar overhead. At low tide, purple sea stars, crimson sea urchins and orange sunflower stars lurk beneath these clear waters. Seals and sea lions come out to greet us as we paddle by. We stop at a local park so bring a lunch and enjoy a picnic on the beach. Pack your swim suit and go for a dip after lunch. Please note that Mistaken Island is a private island and we do not land on it. Thank you for your consideration of the owners’ privacy. More Mistaken Island pics .
Tour Length: 3.5 hours
Cost: $89.00/person + 5% goods and service tax (gst)
Dates: Check out the Trip Dates page… this is a very popular tour or call to reserve one for your group.
Call Jan at 250.755.6702 or e-mail to receive your registration package with directions to the launch, what to wear and bring, etc.
Sea Lion & Seaside Kayaking Tour
Come paddle with us to see the California Sea Lions, who make Nanoose their home from September to May. They are especially good to watch in March when the herring are spawning in the bays and they cavort and splash as they feed. This tour is a real family favourite. Bald eagles, colourful sea stars and moon jellyfish complete our wildlife tour. Bring a camera… you won’t want to miss this! More Sea Lion Kayak Tour pics
During the summer after the Sea Lions have left, join our Seaside Tour… same great area .. wonderful family tour.. you can reserve a double kayak to paddle with a friend or a younger member of your group.
Tour Length: 2 hours
Cost: $69/person + 5% goods and service tax (gst)
Dates: Daily tours…check out the Trip Dates page for more information.
Call Jan at 250.755.6702 or e-mail to receive your registration package with directions to the launch, what to wear and bring, etc.
Winchelsea Islands Paddle
The Winchelsea Islands are part of nineteen islands that make up the pristine Ballenas-Winchelsea Archipelago and are recognized as having national and international significance for their biodiversity values. Come join us as we paddle through the Archipelago and stop for lunch at an ecological reserve.
The island is also a nesting and resting place for many species of birds, and California and Steller Sea Lions who frequently use the shores as a haul-out area. Spectacular views to the Coast Mountains, fresh sea breezes, exhilarating kayaking; truly a day to remember!
This is an intermediate paddling destination so it is suggested for those with kayaking experience. Others who haven’t got much experience will be paddling in double kayaks, which are more stable and you have 2 people to paddle if the winds come up.
Tour Length: 3.5 hours
Cost: $89/person +5% goods and service tax (gst)
Dates for 2024: Call to reserve a date for you and your friends.
Call Jan at 250.755.6702 or e-mail to receive your registration package with directions to the launch, what to wear and bring, etc.
Full Moon Howls
Experience the magic of floating on the ocean by the light of the Full Moon. Savour the last of the colourful sunset as the moon begins to rise. Howl out… Each Full Moon, call to reserve.
Tour Length: 2 hours
Cost: $69.00/person + 5% goods and service tax (gst)
Dates for 2024: March 25, April 23, May 23, June 21, July 21, August 18 Sept. 17
Call Jan at 250.755.6702 or e-mail to receive your registration package with directions to the launch, what to wear and bring, etc.
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. Sunset paddles are scheduled most nights in the summer. Times change according to the time of the sunset. More Sunset Paddle pics.
Tour Length: 2 hours
Cost: $69.00/person + 5% goods and service tax (gst)
Dates: See the Trip Dates page for paddle dates.
Call Jan at 250.755.6702 or e-mail to receive your registration package with more details.
Want to go longer? Check out our Multi-Day Adventure Trips.
