“Kayaking holiday in Blackfish Sound's heart”
5 Day Wilderness Glamping and Whale Watching on Swanson Island, British Columbia
Swanson Island, Blackfish Sound, British Columbia, Canada
Remote Whale Watching in Canada
Imagine beautiful, big white tents set against the backdrop of towering fir trees, the blues and greens of the ocean lapping at your doorstep, the sounds of silence interrupted only by the occasional blow of passing whales, or the songs of the birds as they wake with the sun, extraordinary kayaking at the edge of the Broughton Archipelago, and exclusive boat access to a private Swanson Island location.
Key information:
- Private or group safari
- Maximum group size: 12 persons
- Children policy: Children are allowed to participate at the minimum age of 12 for group tours and 6 years old for private tours
- Starting point and ending point: Alder Bay, British Columbia, Canada
- English-speaking guide
- Park and land use permits are included
Highlights
- Expert guiding service
- All kayaking and safety equipment provided
- Water taxi transport to and from camp included
- Park and land use permits included
- 5% GST and 25 CAD per person environmental sustainability fee excluded
- Canvas tents, beds, and linens provided
- 4 nights accommodation
- All meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages (wine is included with dinners) included
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Styles
5 activity days
Group size: 6-12 participants
Accommodation
Check-in Time:
14:00
Check-out Time:
10:00
Facilities
- Hot tub / Jacuzzi
- Dining area
- Kitchen
- Tour assistance
Relax, recharge, and adventure responsibly
Spirit of the West Adventures' comfortable outdoor basecamp allows participants to enjoy stunning and remote locations - exploring by kayak by day, and relaxing in comfort every evening. If you are looking for the most comfortable camping experience, then this tour is your best choice.
The Whales and Wilderness Glamping provides large walk-in canvas wall-style tents, real beds with organic soy foam mattresses, pillows of various levels of firmness, cozy bedding, towels, and power for charging devices and lighting.
There are also private composting toilets, handwashing sinks at each tent, two shared hot showers with ocean views, an oceanfront hot tub, a large deck with a comfortable lounge, and outdoor covered dining in the Blackfish Sound Bistro.
These spacious tents are designed to fit two adults comfortably. Each one contains two single beds (with bedding included) that can be pushed together to make a king-size bed if you prefer one.
They do have folding cots with therm-a-rest mats that can be added if you would like to have your younger family members stay in your tent, or they also have some tents that are closer together, making them ideal for friends or families who want to be close, but not share a tent.
Inside the tents, there are additional comforts such as extra blankets, a lamp, handmade bedside tables, electrical outlets, coat hooks, and headlamps.
Tents are based on double occupancy. Spirit of the West Adventures has a total of eight guest tents at this camp. If you will be travelling on your own, they do their best to accommodate solo tent requests, but they are limited, so please reach out to their office to confirm availability before reserving.
Tents are large 10×12′ (3×3.6m), bright, and spacious cotton canvas tents complete with real beds, private outdoor toilets and sinks, and sweeping views of the forest and / or ocean. The tents are perched off the ground on cedar platforms spaced out throughout the forest for privacy.
The beds (twin or king-size bed settings available) each have a six-inch thick soya foam mattress, two pillows (one thick and one thin), crisp white linens, a warm duvet, and fleece blankets for those cooler nights.
The camp also has multiple hand washing sinks, two hot water showers, as well as a comfortable lounge and hot tub both overlooking the ocean.
When not on the water, you can use the yoga mats in the lounge to stretch, look through the library filled with books about the local area, or ask your guides to show you the small beach trail that goes to the opposite end of Freshwater Bay.
The setting
You will stay at a stunning private campsite on remote Swanson Island. Spirit of the West Adventures has exclusive rights to the use of this little piece of heaven. The site overlooks Blackfish Sound, which is renowned for its biodiversity, including being home to many humpback and orca whales.
This site offers extraordinary land-based whale watching, sunrises and sunsets, and diverse kayaking at the edge of the Broughton Archipelago.
Program
Spirit of the West Adventures is happy to share this award-winning glamping whale-watching experience with you. Where do they begin? Their Whales and Wilderness Glamping tour is award-winning and one of their most popular tour offerings!
Thoughtfully designed to cater to every type of paddler, this experience wows every guest who has the chance to visit. Established on the forested shores of Swanson Island with extraordinary views of Blackfish Sound in every direction, this basecamp is a stunning backdrop for your kayaking adventure.
Boasting an onsite chef, a curated menu with locally-sourced ingredients, and comfortable amenities, you’ll quickly forget that you are ‘camping.’
If the accommodations, food, and team that provide this experience weren’t enough, the wildlife viewing and paddling routes from this camp are unparalleled. Enjoy awe-inspiring wildlife viewing opportunities right from the covered lounge and dining areas that look out over Blackfish Sound.
Orca, humpback, dolphin, and porpoise activity is frequent as they forage, gather in, and transit through this resource-rich area. Paddle through intricate channels, into sheltered bays, and around gorgeous islets while learning all about the natural environment from your expert guides with each new day.
Trip highlights
- This camp location provides a great chance to view orcas, humpbacks, bears, and all sorts of wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Explore the coastal environment responsibly and safely by kayak with Spirit of the West Adventures' wonderful, highly trained guides.
- Flexible paddling distances and speeds; paddle as much or as little as you wish or stay and enjoy the camp - you choose
- Hot tub overlooking the ocean
- Private toilets and hand-washing sinks right at your tent
- Outdoor hot showers with ocean views
- Delicious and locally inspired meals
- Attention is given to the smallest details to make for the perfect trip
- Large bright spacious tents, comfortable beds, warm duvets
- Responsible ecotourism, sustainably run operation that gives back to research and conservation in the area
- So much open space to relax and recharge - the supernatural beauty of BC is all yours to enjoy!
What to expect
Part of a team
The tours require everyone to work together as a team. Your assistance will be required to help unload luggage from the water taxi, as well as to help with carrying kayaks up and down the beach.
Kayaking
The area surrounding Swanson Island offers a wide variety of paddling options, meaning the trip can cater to all abilities. Day trips can range in length from two hours to eight hours on the water. Your guides will offer options for each day based on weather conditions and the interests / abilities of the group.
Please be aware that a minimum safety ratio of one guide is to five guests must be maintained. When kayaking, you will stay together as a group and move at the speed of the slowest paddler.
Kayaks
A fleet of good-quality fiberglass kayaks will be available for use. Guides will assign boats each morning, so expect to rotate through a variety of single and double kayaks during your tour.
Safety
Risk assessment and safety protocols are a big part of wilderness travel. Listen to the safety briefings to be given by your guides and follow the precautions put in place to keep everyone safe.
Experience required
This tour is designed to cater to all levels of experience and abilities, from the first-timer to the expert paddler. Spirit of the West Adventures' guides will be there with you every step of the way to provide encouragement and to ensure that you will get the most out of your kayaking adventure.
Paddling days on the water can be adapted to shorter or longer excursions depending on the group’s desire and abilities. Generally, the group will travel between four to six hours a day on the base-camping style tours. Your guides will set a pace that is enjoyable and attainable for all, with frequent breaks for stretching and snacks.
The first and last day will be shorter paddles due to water taxi transport and camp changeovers, with Days 2 to 4 of the tour being full days of paddling.
Your guides have extensive training in keeping all sea kayaking excursions safe and engaging and will always consult the group in terms of the weather and wind forecasts.
Endless paddling options
Kayaks are a great way to get outside together and explore. Your guides will share their love and passion for the coast and kayaking with you.
The days on the water will be flexible, based on the abilities and desires of each group. Longer explorations or shorter excursions will both be an option as long as participants maintain the guest-to-guide safety ratio. Your guides will always make sure to keep an eye on the weather conditions and help design each day’s activities appropriately.
You’ll head off in your kayak 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 and humpback whales.
Tour meeting location
On Day 1 of your trip, you will meet your water taxi driver in Alder Bay on Vancouver Island (approximately a five and a half-hour drive by car north of Victoria or four hours north of Nanaimo). Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow time to park, unload, and carry your luggage down to the launching spot.
- Where and when: Alder Bay Resort and Marina at 14:00 (Day 1)
Return time
Return time can depend on weather and travel conditions. Spirit of the West Adventures tries their best to get you back on time for your onward travels or to explore more of what Vancouver Island has to offer, but please give yourself extra time when planning.
- Where and when: Alder Bay Resort and Marina, by 11:00 - 12:30 (Day 5)
Itinerary
The adventure begins the moment you step off the docks and onto Spirit of the West Adventures' water taxi. Relax in comfort as they whisk you away to the scenic waterways of their remote wilderness camp in Blackfish Sound.
Below, you will find their recommended or typical trip itinerary. Please remember that paddling times and distances may vary based on group desire and abilities. Your guides have extensive training and will let you know what is possible in terms of safety, weather, and sea conditions.
The first and last days of your tour will allow for a short morning or evening paddle while Days 2 to 4 will be full paddle days (weather permitting).
Day 1
At 14:00 (unless otherwise informed), meet the water taxi that will take you across Johnstone Strait into Blackfish Sound. Enroute, sightings of marine life such as porpoises, dolphins, sea lions, and whales are common. Your water taxi journey will be approximately 40 minutes.
After arriving, Spirit of the West Adventures' team will provide a thorough safety briefing and orientation. You will then settle into the camp and have a kayak orientation and paddle before dinner. After dinner, enjoy the sunset from the lounge or hot tub overlooking the ocean before retiring to rest for more exploration in the morning.
Days 2 to 4
After a hearty camp breakfast, participants will meet to discuss the plans for the day. The route and schedule will depend on weather conditions, wildlife viewing opportunities, and group preferences.
Generally, you will set out in your kayak 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 before dinner.
There will always be something to see and learn around the camp. On the way, you’ll take breaks for stretching and snacks, and always take lots of time to explore the intricate shoreline, rich intertidal world, and marine and land-based wildlife.
Day 5
This will be the last day of exploration. The group will have an early breakfast, and for those who are keen, they will have a morning paddle shortly after.
After a final debrief, a packed lunch will be prepared and the water taxi will arrive at approximately 10:30 to transport you back to the starting point. You should be back in Alder Bay by approximately 11:00 to 12:30 for your onward travels.
Note
Please know that Spirit of the West Adventures is working in wild areas and the timing can be variable due to factors such as weather conditions. Please account for extra time when planning onward travel.
Location
Wide open spaces, fresh sea breezes, and abundant wildlife
Want to get out camping, kayaking, and wildlife watching in the BC wilderness? Join Spirit of the West Adventures, kayaking and glamping on Swanson Island in the heart of Blackfish Sound.
Blackfish Sound (named for the distinctive black and white coloration of the killer whales that inhabit these waters) is the heart of orca and humpback territory on northern Vancouver Island and on the edge of the Broughton Archipelago.
Sandwiched between the mainland mountains and Vancouver Island, tidal currents stir up the water column and create an environment rich with nutrients and oxygen.
Abundant marine life of all shapes and sizes make their home there, from the smallest crustaceans to the largest whales. From the camp, you will have the opportunity to look out into the open waters of the Sound and paddle among the small islands and narrow passages, an ideal combination for the wildlife enthusiast.
The best place for whale watching in BC
In addition to orcas, Spirit of the West Adventures is lucky to share the ecosystem with humpback whales, 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 colorful intertidal life one can see below the surface.
Witnessing these incredible creatures in their natural habitat is truly breathtaking.
Food
Fresh, hearty, and locally inspired. Some of the perks that come with the basecamp site are a full-time chef and a well-established kitchen which allows Spirit of the West Adventures to prepare tasty food while easily maintaining food safety. Enjoy locally caught wild fish, fresh garden veggies, and so much more.
Meals will be enjoyed under a covered but open-air dining area overlooking the ocean or on one of the many beaches.
What you'll eat on a kayak trip with Spirit of the West Adventures
Food is an essential part of any camping trip and wow, camping food has come a long way. Move over hot dogs and canned beans, because fresh green salad, local and responsibly sourced lingcod, and roasted baby potatoes are ready and waiting to be served.
Top it off with locally baked treats or fresh fruit skewers with chocolate drizzle for dessert and you get the picture! It'll be a pleasure to share these tasty meals with you while savoring some of the most beautiful scenery around.
The meals
Spirit of the West Adventures likes to say, “We can’t control the weather or the wildlife, but we can control the food!” On their tours, you can look forward to hearty, healthy, fresh, and satisfying food. While specific meals vary based on tour, please see a sample of some of their typical options below.
Breakfast
Breakfasts are warm and hearty. Breakfasts served may include:
- Scrambled eggs, bacon, and fruit
- Yogurt, granola, and fruit salad
- French toast with fresh fruit
- Hot cereal with dried fruit and toppings
- Pancakes with peaches and syrup
Lunch
Lunches are simple and delectable, most often eaten on one of the coast’s many pocket-beaches after a morning of paddling. They may include:
- A sandwich spread with seasonal fruit and cookies
- Pita, hummus, and tzatziki with protein bars and fruit
- Quinoa salad with fresh veggies
Appetizer
Appetizers are always a welcome treat at the end of a day of paddling. Appetizers may include:
- An assortment of artisanal crackers and cheeses
- Tortilla chips and fresh salsa
Dinner
Dinners are full of flavor, filling, and variety. There is always a sweet treat to follow. Dinners may include:
- Pan-seared lingcod fillets (locally and responsibility sourced) with herbed potatoes and green salad
- Thai curry with tofu, jasmine rice, and naan bread
- Mediterranean pasta with olive bread and salad
- Mexican bowls with corn salad and guacamole
Sample menu items are based on the expedition tour menus. Basecamp tour offerings will vary slightly.
Snacks
Snacks are also available for quick, on the water nourishment. Your guides will have trail mix, fruit leathers, granola bars, sweet and savory treats (such as jerky or pepperoni), as well as chocolate available for snacking. You are also welcome to bring along your favorite snacks for while you are kayaking.
Coffee, teas, and other yummy drinks
Spirit of the West Adventures are very fortunate to have world-class coffee roasters on their little island, importing ethically produced and sustainable coffee. Helene and Peter of Aroma Roasters supply them with freshly roasted, fair trade, organic, shade-grown beans produced by a women’s cooperative in Mexico or Peru.
Fruit juice, black and herbal teas, hot chocolate, and coffee are also all provided for your drinking pleasure. You are welcome to bring wine, beer, and spirits for enjoying responsibly with your meals.
Dietary restrictions
Have dietary needs? Spirit of the West Adventures are happy to accommodate many dietary restrictions, if possible in their wilderness camp environment. However, dietary restrictions add additional complexity and costs to preparing for your tour. Please see below for some of the dietary restrictions they can accommodate and the associated costs for substitutions.
75 USD fee:
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-free
- Vegan
- Nut-free (please note: their kitchen is not a nut-free environment)
No additional cost:
- Vegetarian
- No red meat
- No fish
- No seafood
If you have dietary restrictions or allergies not listed above, please send an inquiry to discuss if Spirit of the West Adventures are able to accommodate your needs and any additional charges. They take great pride and pleasure in serving you the best food they can for your adventure. Happy eating!
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Snacks
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
- Alcoholic beverages
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Organic
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
- Lactose Free
- Other dietary requirements on request
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation
Things to do (optional)
- Motorized whale watching tour
- Camping
- Sightseeing
What's included
- Professional guiding service
- Park and land use permits
- All kayaking and safety equipment (including kayaks, PFDs, paddles, pumps, ropes, dry bags, and sponges)
- Water taxi transport to and from camp included
- Spacious tents
- Comfortable beds
- All linens
- Towels
- Private toilets and sinks
- Hot showers
- Flashlight / headlamp
- A library of natural history books
- Camp binoculars
- Use of camp hot tub
- 4 nights accommodation
- All meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages
- Wine for dinner
What's not included
- Flights
- Airport transfers, ferries, taxis
- Accommodation before or after the tour
- Alcoholic or carbonated beverages
- Personal items (toiletries, clothing, etc.)
- Gratuities (if you feel you had exemplary service)
- Rain gear (can be rented in advance, at the time of booking)
- Travel / medical insurance
- 5% GST tax and optional 25 CAD sustainability fee
How to get there
Recommended Airports
YBL
Campbell River Airport
124 km
Transfer not provided
YVR
Vancouver International Airport
296 km
Transfer not provided
YZT
Port Hardy Airport
47 km
Transfer not provided
Arrival by airplane
Please book your flight to arrive at Campbell River Airport (YBL) or Port Hardy Airport (YZT). Transfers from and to this airport are not included. Campbell River Airport (YBL) is a two and a half to three-hour drive to Alder Bay, BC. Most guests opt for a rental vehicle.
Arrival by taxi
If you fly into Port Hardy, Alder Bay is a short 30-minute taxi ride away.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 25% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookAllSafaris.com. All major credit cards supported.
64824
Similar Safari Holidays you might like
Why choose BookAllSafaris.com
Largest Selection
Friendly Customer Service
Offers for every budget
Best Price