Adventuress is open from March to the end of September with covid-safe guidelines in place for the safety of our guests and staff. So if the weather is fine and you feel like paddling, give us a call! If you wish to kayak on an alternative date from those listed, feel free to call and reserve a time more suitable for you.
Book your own private tour, no additional cost! Bring your friends, family members, or work buddies and create your own tour. People are already starting to book their 2023 multi-day tour for their group. It is best to reserve early to get the dates you want for your group’s availability and the dates are still open with Adventuress….the season goes fast!! Call Jan to reserve 250.755.6702 or 1.866.955.6702 (toll free) or adventuress@shaw.ca.
March 2023
This month is especially good to come on a Sea Lion Tour. The herring are running and sometimes we can see up to 300 sea lions (and more!) on the haul-out. They cavort and play and swim the waters to feed on herring. A great family tour! As always, Adventuress adheres to wildlife viewing protocols keeping our distance to minimize impact. Rentals are also available starting this month if you have ocean kayaking experience.
Along with our sea lion tours, we also have our 3.5 hour Mistaken Island Tour where we paddle around the Island to view an islet where the Pacific Harbour Seals haul-out. We stop at a local park and people bring a lunch and we enjoy the views. Training starts the season off with our Discover Kayaking lesson… a 2.5 hour gentle introduction to the sport of kayaking on March 12. We have brought back our 15 hour Seamanship & Trip Planning Course to meet in person on 5 Wednesday evenings 6:30-9:30 in Nanaimo. This in-depth course covers weather, tides & currents, chart reading, navigation and trip planning. Come join fellow paddlers and get a head start on planning your kayaking trips this summer.
It is still early in the season, so feel free to e-mail and book your choice of tour if it is not listed or to paddle on days that a tour is not listed.
Sea Lion Kayaking Tour
1 Sea Lion Tour
1 Seamanship & Trip Planning Course #1
2 Sea Lion Tour
3 Sea Lion Tour
4 Sea Lion Tour
5 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
6 Sea Lion Tour
7 Full Moon Howl
7 Sea Lion Tour
8 Sea Lion Tour
8 Seamanship & Trip Planning Course #2
9 Sea Lion Tour
10 Sea Lion Tour
11 Sea Lion Tour
12 Discover Kayaking Lesson
13 Sea Lion Tour
14 Sea Lion Tour
15 Sea Lion Tour
15 Seamanship & Trip Planning Course #3
16 Sea Lion Tour
17 Sea Lion Tour
18 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
19 Sea Lion Tour
20 Sea Lion Tour
21 Sea Lion Tour
22 Sea Lion Tour
22 Seamanship & Trip Planning Course #4
23 Sea Lion Tour
24 Sea Lion Tour
25 Sea Lion Tour
26 Sea Lion Tour
27 Sea Lion Tour
28 Sea Lion Tour
29 Seamanship & Trip Planning Course #5
29 Sea Lion Tour
30 Sea Lion Tour
31 Sea Lion Tour
April 2023
We can have wonderful weather here on Vancouver Island in April. Getting a head start on Spring. Our launch locations are tidal dependent, so times will vary according to when the tide is high. As well, these are suggested tours each day. If you would like another tour on a particular day, please call or e-mail to arrange. If that tour is not already booked, we can change it to another tour. Celebrate Easter with your family and join us for the Sea Lion Tours April 16th. Double kayaks are available for parents to paddle with younger ones in the front.
Time to gear up for lessons and training. We begin our lessons with the 2.5 hour Discover Kayaking lesson on 15th… a gentle introduction to the sport of kayaking. On April 22nd, we offer our full day Paddle Canada Certified Course for Beginners. See Lessons for more details.
Fabulous Friends Weekend
1 Trip Planning 101 for Paddlers #1
2 Sea Lion Tour
3 Sea Lion Tour
4 Sea Lion Tour
5 Sea Lion Tour
6 Full Moon Paddle
7 Sunset Paddle
8 Trip Planning 101 for Paddlers #2
8 Sunset Paddle
9 Sea Lion – Happy Easter!
10 Sea Lion Tour
10 Sunset Paddle
11 Sea Lion Tour
12 Sea Lion Tour
13 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
14 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
15 Discover Kayaking
16 Sea Lion Tour
17 Sea Lion Tour
18 Sea Lion Tour
19 Sea Lion Tour
19 Sunset Paddle
20 Sunset Paddle
21 Sunset Paddle
22 Paddle Canada Certified Basic Sea Kayaking Course
23 Sea Lion Tour
23 Sunset Paddle
24 Sea Lion Tour
25 Sea Lion Tour
26 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
26 Sunset Paddle
27 Sea Lion Tour
28 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
29 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
30 Sea Lion Tour
30 & May 1 Paddle Canada Level Sea Kayaking Course
May 2022 … working on 2023 dates…
The waters are warming up, so come and take the plunge and join our full day Paddle Canada Certified Basic Kayaking Course for Beginners on May 14, no experience necessary. To amp it up a notch, join Adventuress for the Level 1 .. a weekend of more skill development, more on-water practice and more fun!! April 30 & May 1, May 28 & 29th are the dates. For those who are new to kayaking, check out our Introduction to Day Paddling.. filled with lots of tips and know how (May 22).
Want to know the ins and outs of planning your own kayak trip? Join us for this virtual Trip Planning 101 for Paddlers session which runs for 2 hours on Sat. May 7 & 14th. And for those who want a taste of kayaking, check out our Discover Kayaking lesson… a 2.5 hour introduction to this amazing sport and past-time on May 21st. Join us for a Rescues & Safety Clinic. Now is the time to practice those skills (May 21st) so you feel confident on the water this summer. Feel free to book any of our skills courses or clinics for you and your friends or family on another date. See Lessons for more details.
Come howl with us on the Full Moon on May 15th! This is the last month for the Sea Lion Tours as they leave our waters for their mating grounds. So if you haven’t had a chance to come and enjoy the paddle across the bay to see them, now is the time. The tours here are suggested and can possibly be changed if not already reserved. If you have experience and want the freedom of exploring on your own, enquire about rentals of Adventuress’ boats and gear. See here for Rental Information.
Since many dates are open in May right now, feel free to book a tour of your choice on any day. Plan a 2 or 3 day Gulf Islands trip for you and your paddling buddies this month and we can run a private trip for you! Get a head start on the summer!
Nature’s Art Galley.. in the Gulf Islands
April 30 & May 1 Paddle Canada Level 1 Certified Basic Kayaking Course
2 Sea Lion Tour
3 Sea Lion Tour
3 Seamanship & Trip Planning Course #1
4 Sea Lion Tour
5 Sea Lion Tour
6 Sea Lion Tour
7 Sea Lion Tour
7 Trip Planning 101 for Paddlers (virtual) Class #1
8 Happy Mother’s Day – Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
9 Sea Lion Tour
10 Sea Lion Tour
10 Seamanship & Trip Planning Course #2
11 Sea Lion Tour
12 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
13 Sunset Paddle
14 Trip Planning 101 for Paddlers (virtual) Class #2
14 Sea Lion Tour
15 Paddle Canada Certified Basic Sea Kayaking Course for Beginners
15 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
15 Full Moon Howl
16 Sea Lion Tour
16 Sunset Paddle
17 Sea Lion Tour
17 Seamanship & Trip Planning Course #3
18 Sea Lion Tour
18 Sunset Paddle
20 Sea Lion Tour
21 & 22 Paddle Canada Level 1
21 Discover Kayaking Lesson
22 New!! Introduction to Day Paddling
23 Victoria Day – Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
24 Sea Lion Tour
24 Seamanship & Trip Planning Course #4
25 Sea Lion Tour
25 Sunset Paddle
26 Sea Lion Tour
26 Sunset Paddle
27 Sea Lion Tour
27 Sunset Paddle
28 & 29 Paddle Canada Level 1 Course
28 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
28 Sunset Paddle
29 Sea Lion Tour
29 Sunset Paddle
30 Sea Lion Tour
30 Sunset Paddle
31 Sea Lion Tour
31 Seamanship & Trip Planning Course #5
Contemplative Time in the Broken Group Islands
June 2022… working on 2023 dats…
Ahh.. summer is here… time for a much needed getaway? Try out Gulf Islands Getaway… 2 days of kayaking and one night at a marine Park. Dates are June 29 &30th. Fun trip… call us to book or email Jan at adventuress@shaw.ca. Tour details sent upon enquiry.
Welcome Families … we have double kayaks to accommodate younger members or to paddle with a friend. Open for day tours.. try our 2 hour Seaside Tour, Sunset Paddle or our 3.5 hour Mistaken Island Lunch Tour where we paddle over to see the Pacific harbour seals… you pick!
Paddle into the Sunset… come join us for these beautiful, relaxing tours…. most evenings… call to book. June 20th marks Adventuress’ special Solstice Evening Paddle, where we will mark the longest day of the year. Bring Dad out kayaking on Father’s Day. Make it a family affair… Sunday, June 19th. Howl at the Moon on June 14th.
Start the summer off with adventure! Join us for our 3 day Gulf Islands Escape June 25-27.
To be determined for 2022… For all of you adventurous women… check out Adventuress’ Women in the Wild Kayaking Skills and Paddling Adventure. This 5 day trip is based in the fabulous Broken Group Islands in Pacific Rim National Park. We have paired an intensive Kayaking & Camping Skills and Seawomanship component with a Paddle Canada Certification in either Basic or Level 1 Sea Kayaking, depending on your skills and experience. Take your learning to a whole new level. This is also open to complete beginners who are adventurous and want to learn in real ocean conditions!! As of this time, we still do not know if the Broken Group Islands will be open this year, as it was closed last year in respect of First Nations. If interested, please email Jan at adventuress@shaw.ca to keep you updated. We may change locations and to later in the season if this year if BGI remains closed. See here for more info.
In Adventuress’ Skills Department: Now is the time to get yourself out there and learn so you can enjoy the rest of the paddling season. More lessons to be had. Try our full day Paddle Canada Certified Basic Course for Beginners (June 11 or 12th) or our fun, introductory 2.5 hour Discover Kayaking lesson on June 11 during the day or we have switched to early evenings so more people can take advantage of it (14, 16 & 28). Take it up to the next level! For those with some skills and experience already, sign up for our Paddle Canada Certified Level 1 Sea Kayaking Course done over a weekend… more skills & knowledge, more on-water practice, more fun!! Offered on the weekend of June 18 & 19th. Looking to hone in on some specific skills? Adventuress is offering a 4 hour in-depth Rescues & Safety Clinic on June 5th. Keep safe out there! Always a good thing to practice your wet exits and re-entries. We have lots to share and you have lots of time to practice! How about taking those navigation skills from theory to the water? Join our On-Water Navigation Clinic on June 4th. Or new this year… combine a Paddle Canada Basic Certification with a Camping Skills designation on June 21 & 22. See Lessons for more details.
1 Sunset Paddle
2 Seaside Tour
2 Sunset Paddle
3 Seaside Tour
3 Sunset Paddle
4 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
4 On-Water Navigation Clinic
5 Seaside Tour
5 Rescues & Safety Clinic
6 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
7 Seaside Tour
8 Seaside Tour
9 Seaside Tour
10 Seaside Tour
10 Sunset Paddle
11 Discover Kayaking Lesson
11 Sunset Paddle
12 Paddle Canada Certified Basic Sea Kayaking Course for Beginners
12 Seaside Tour
12 Sunset Paddle
13 Seaside Tour
13 Sunset Paddle
14 Discover Kayaking Lesson (early evening)
14 Full Moon Howl
15 Sunset Paddle
16 Seaside Tour
16 Discover Kayaking Lesson (evening)
17 Seaside Tour
17 Sunset Paddle
18 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
18 & 19th Paddle Canada Certified Level 1 Sea Kayaking Course
19 Father’s Day Family Fun
20 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
20 Solstice Evening Paddle
21 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
21 Sunset Paddle
22 Seaside Tour
23 Seaside Tour
23 Sunset Paddle
24 Seaside Tour
24 Sunset Paddle
25 & 26 NEW THIS YEAR! Paddle Canada and Camping Certifications… 2 for the price of 1!
25 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
25 Sunset Paddle
26 Seaside Tour
26 Sunset Paddle
27 Seaside Tour
27 Sunset Paddle
28 Seaside Tour
28 Discover Kayaking (early evening)
29 & 30 Gulf Island Getaway
29 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
29 Sunset Paddle
30 Seaside Tour
30 Sunset Paddle
July 2022… working on 2023 dates
The days are hot and the paddlin’ is fine! Bring out your local friends and family to enjoy our West Coast lifestyle…on the ocean! Come howl at the moon on our Full Moon Howl on July 13. We schedule a Sunset Paddle most evenings as generally the winds are down and the sky lit up in those beautiful West Coast colours of blues and pinks. Tours leave daily… call to reserve. These are suggested tours, so feel free to call and arrange the one you want if they aren’t already booked. Tours are tidal dependent so times vary according to the tour and the day you choose. Have paddling experience and know how to self rescue? Check out our rentals and explore the area on your own… comes with laminated chart showing where the wildlife and beaches are and dry bags for your swim suit and lunch.
Yearning to get some Nature therapy… take a breath and have some quiet? Then join us for the Gulf Islands Escape… 3 days of paddling the magical Gulf Islands and two nights camping. July 4-6.
Or for something more adventurous… join our inaugural God’s Pocket Paddling Adventure trip leaving from the northern part of Vancouver Island July 11-14. Wild and beautiful!
Adventuress’ Skill Department: The Discover Kayaking lesson on July 7th is a gentle introduction to kayaking 2.5 hours in length; a great way to start out. We are also offering evening times on July 18 & 26 for those who can come after work and enjoy the summer evenings. For those wanting to increase their kayaking skills, join us for a full day Paddle Canada Certified Basic Sea Kayaking Course for Beginners on July 1st, 2nd or 23rd. Take your skills up a notch and join us for the 2 day Paddle Canada Certified Level 1 Sea Kayaking Course on July 16 & 17. Next on our list to support those paddlers who wish to practice water safety, learn new techniques for rescuing themselves and others, is our 4 hour in-depth Rescue & Safety Clinic on July 9th. Give us a call 250.755.6702 or send us an e-mail adventuress@shaw.ca to reserve. See Lessons for more details.
Family Kayaking Fun!
1 Happy Canada Day! Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
1 Paddle Canada Certified Basic Kayaking Course for Beginners
1 Sunset Paddle Tour
2 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
3 Winchelsea Islands Tour
3 Sunset Paddle
4 Seaside Tour
4 Sunset Paddle
4-6 Gulf Islands Escape Tour
5 Seaside Tour
6 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
7 Seaside Tour
7 Discover Kayaking Lesson
8 Seaside Tour
8 Sunset Paddle
9 Rescues & Safety Clinic
9 Discover Kayaking Lesson
9 Sunset Paddle
10 Seaside Tour
10 Sunset Paddle
11-14 NEW THIS YEAR!! God’s Pocket Paddling Adventure
11 Seaside Tour
11 Sunset Paddle
12 Seaside Tour
12 Sunset Paddle
13 Seaside Tour
13 Full Moon Howl
14 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
14 Sunset Paddle
15 Sunset Paddle
16-17 Paddle Canada Certified Level One Course
16 Sunset Paddle
17 Seaside Tour
17 Sunset Paddle
18 Seaside Tour
18 Discover Kayaking (evening)
19-21 Gulf Islands Escape
19 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
20 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
21 Seaside Tour
21 Sunset Paddle
22 Seaside Tour
22 Sunset Paddle
23 Paddle Canada Certified Basic Course for Beginners
23 Sunset Paddle
24 Seaside Tour
24 Sunset Paddle
25 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
25 Sunset Paddle
26 Seaside Tour
26 Discover Kayaking Lesson (evening)
27 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
27 Sunset Paddle
28 Seaside Tour
28 Sunset Paddle
29 Seaside Tour
29 Sunset Paddle
30 Seaside Tour
30 On Water Navigation Clinic
30 Sunset Paddle
31 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
31 Sunset Paddle
August 2022 … working on 2023 dates…
August is busy!! So call to request your tour or join us on one of our daily tours. Want to Howl at the Moon? Just us for our Full Moon Paddle on August 11th. We have double kayaks for younger family members to kayak with an adult or if you just want to paddle with a buddy. If you have experience, rent kayaks and go exploring on your own… lots to see! Rentals come with instruction, your boat and gear, dry bags and a laminated chart to show you where all the beaches and wildlife are.
Multi-day Adventures…Need some time out and only have a couple of days to spare? Try our 2 day Gulf Islands Getaway… paddling the islands and camping with fabulous views to the mountains on Vancouver Island on August 30 & 31st… how good does it get!! Register now to save your seat(s).. bring your family and friends!
New this year – Women’s Transformative Journey by Kayak – August 24-27. Adventuress – Wilderness Adventures for Women goes back to her roots from 2008. Yes, that is when we first did this insightful and deep experience in the wilderness. Email Jan at adventuress@shaw.ca for more information.
Skills, Lessons, Courses and More…Are you Kayak Kurious? Want to see if you would like it? Try our Discover Kayaking lesson… a 2.5 hour gentle introduction to kayaking on August 10th in the evening or 16th during the day. Or book yourself in with some friends or family on another date. For something more in-depth Adventuress offers our full day Paddle Canada Certified Basic Course for Beginners on August 13 & 28th. Increase your skills and self confidence and join the 2 day Paddle Canada Certified Level 1 course. It is recommended for those with the Basic certification or skills and knowledge as a pre-requisite… lots to learn and lots of fun on August 28 & 29th. We also book additional dates for courses per request, so do check in with us as we may have additional dates. Upgrade your rescues and safety skills. Join us for a 4 hour clinic on August 3rd.
Day tours everyday…email Adventuress@shaw.ca to book your favourite!
1 Seaside Tour
1 Sunset Paddle
2-4 Gulf Islands Escape
2 Seaside Tour
2 Discover Kayaking Lesson
3 Rescues & Safety Clinic
3 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
3 Sunset Paddle
4 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
4 Sunset Paddle
5 Seaside Tour
5 Sunset Paddle
6 Seaside Tour
6 Sunset Paddle
7 Seaside Tour
7 Sunset Paddle
8 Seaside Tour
8 Sunset Paddle
9 Seaside Tour
9 Sunset Paddle
10 Seaside Tour
10 Discover Kayaking Lesson
11 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
11 Full Moon Howl
12 Seaside Tour
13 Paddle Canada Certified Basic Sea Kayaking Course for Beginners
13 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
13 Sunset Paddle
14 Seaside Tour
14 Sunset Paddle
14 & 15 Paddle Canada Certified Level 1
15 Seaside Tour
15 Sunset Paddle
16 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
16 Discover Kayaking Lesson
17 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
18 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
18 Sunset Paddle
19 Seaside Tour
19 Sunset Paddle
19-21 Gulf Islands Escape Tour
20 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
20 Sunset Paddle
21 Seaside Tour
21 Sunset Paddle
22 Seaside Tour
22 Sunset Paddle
23 Seaside Tour
23 Sunset Paddle
24-27 NEW!! Women’s Transformative Journey by Kayak
24 Seaside Tour
24 Sunset Paddle
25 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
25 Sunset Paddle
26 Seaside Tour
26 Sunset Paddle
27 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
27 Sunset Paddle
28 Paddle Canada Certified Basic Course for Beginners
28 Seaside Tour
28 Sunset Paddle
29 Seaside Tour
29 Sunset Paddle
30 & 31 Gulf Islands Getaway
30 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
30 Sunset Paddle
31 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
31 Sunset Paddle
Paddling Beautiful BC
September 2022 …working on 2023 dates
Beautiful paddling weather.. a fine time of year to kayak a 2 or 3.5 hour day trip. The California Sea Lions are slowly making their way back to their fall and winter home here as the month progresses. Our last multi-day adventures for the season… don’t miss out! Join us for the 3 day Gulf Islands Escape on Sept. 2-4. We are paddling the fabulous Broken Group Islands in Pacific National Park Reserve Sept. 14-18. Join us for the once in a ilfetime trip!
Just a beginner and want to check out kayaking? Join us for this introductory Discover Kayaking 2.5 hour lesson on the 5th. No experience necessary. Didn’t get that training in this summer that you wanted to? We still have courses running… try our full day Paddle Canada Certified Basic Sea Kayaking Course for Beginners on Sept. 7th. and a Paddle Canada Level 1 on the 24 & 25th. Always need to practice those wet exits and rescues. Contact Jan and we will get you out there.
Tours upon request as well, so pick your fav and give us a call to reserve. These are suggested tours, so if not already booked, you can change to another tour. And most evenings, we can run a Sunset Paddle, so feel free to email us to reserve. Savour these last days of summer weather, enjoy our fabulous Nanoose and area views and wildlife.
Please note that due to a staff shortage, we are closing early this year. We hope to paddle with you another time.
1 Seaside Tour
1 Sunset Paddle
2 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
2 Sunset Paddle
3 Paddle Canada Basic Certified Sea Kayaking Course for Beginners
3 Mistaken Island Lunch Tour
3 Sunset Paddle
4 Seaside Tour
4 Sunset Paddle
5 Discover Kayaking Lesson
5 Seaside Tour
5 Sunset Paddle
6 Seaside Tour
6 Sunset Paddle
7 Paddle Canada Basic Certified Sea Kayaking Course for Beginners
7 Seaside Tour
7 Sunset Paddle
8 Seaside Tour
8 Sunset Paddle
9 Seaside Tour
9 Sunset Paddle
14 – 18 Broken Group Islands Paddling Adventure ( 1 seat left)
24 & 25 Paddle Canada Certified Level 1 Sea Kayaking Course (1 seat left)
We are now closed for the Season until March 2023. Happy Holidays Everyone!
