Frequently Asked Questions
We pride ourselves on small group sizes, allowing close personal attention and minimal impact on the environment and the wildlife we view from our kayaks. Our base camp tours have a maximum of ten guests and three guides, while our explorer tours have a maximum of eight guests with two guides.
In addition to minimizing our impact on the land we find the smaller group size allows us to better manage our groups around wildlife giving us better viewing opportunities.
All of Kingfisher’s kayak guides are certified with the Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of British Columbia. Each of our guides are chosen for their ability to lead and instruct, their knowledge of the local area and wildlife, and their ability to ensure everyone fully enjoys their trip. Most of our guides have been with Kingfisher for a number of seasons and it is because of them that we have many guests returning year after year. Visit our About Us page to learn more about our team.
Even with little or no kayaking experience, you can join our Base Camp tours. Our Vancouver Island Explorer tours are suitable for beginners with a sense of adventure.
Due to the length of our Haida Gwaii tours and their remote location they are also best suited to people with some previous kayaking experience.
Our Great Bear Rainforest expedition is designed for kayakers with a moderate amount of previous kayaking experience and is our most challenging trip
While whales are often viewed on all of our kayak tours, the Base Camp and Whales and Wildlife Explorer kayak tours have by far the most reliable sightings of both orcas and humpback whales.
Please keep in mind that while these tours offer great viewing opportunities we are still dealing with wildlife and we cannot guarantee any particular sightings.
The northern resident (fish-eating) orcas are most reliably seen around northern Vancouver Island from mid-July through September. They may be seen in June and early July, along with the transient (mammal-eating) orcas, however, sightings become more consistent later in the summer. As they are wild, we cannot guarantee any particular sightings.
There is a lot of different wildlife along the British Columbia coast year round. However, we find that the greatest and most diverse wildlife is often found off northern Vancouver Island from mid-August through September.
We pride ourselves on the wholesome hearty meals we provide on our tours. The effort that goes into planning, organizing, and executing our wilderness menus is quite extensive. We are happy to accommodate many dietary restrictions on our tours but each restriction adds to the complexity of this planning and adds additional costs. Below are some of the common restrictions we can accommodate on our base camp tours and any additional costs associated with it that you will be charged.
- No red meat – no additional cost
- No seafood – no additional cost
- Vegetarian – no additional cost
- Vegan + $75 to $300 depending on trip length
- Gluten intolerant + $75 to $300 depending on trip length
- Lactose intolerant + $75 to $300 depending on trip length
- If you have dietary restrictions not listed above (for example, you hate onions and are unwilling to pick around them in a meal), or have allergies or medical conditions (like celiac disease, egg, soy or peanut allergies) that prevent certain foods from being enjoyed by other guests on the trip, please contact our office to discuss whether we can accommodate your needs.
- Some dietary needs that we cannot accommodate include nightshade allergies (potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers) or keto and paleo diets.
While we enjoy tours with younger children we also recognize that not all our guests want to be spending their vacation around children. At Kingfisher we limit participants to fifteen years or older on most of our tours. For families with children aged six to fourteen we have our Family Kayak With Whales and custom kayak tours.
The Base Camps feature roomy canvas tents raised off the ground on wooden platforms, are situated throughout the forest with views of the ocean. The tents provide ample room and are outfitted with wooden beds with the thickest and widest Therm-a-rest mattresses available. Sheets, fleece blankets, full-size pillows, warm barrel-style sleeping bags, and hot water bottles are all provided. A recharging station for digital cameras, an extensive library of natural history books, a safari style bucket shower, and a large covered kitchen and dining area made from locally milled red cedar make for a very comfortable camping experience.
These tours camp at wilderness locations with little or no improvements; in some cases we may be the only people to camp there all year. These tours require more group participation in setting up and taking down our camps than our base camp tours.
We provide high quality three-season tents. For couples we provide three-person tents and for solo travellers a slightly smaller tent. Therm-a-rest sleeping pads and warm mummy-style sleeping bags with liners are also provided. A library of natural history books is on every trip.
For our base camp tours, the camps have two out-houses made from locally milled cedar. The outhouses incorporate a holding tank and cedar sawdust to cover the waste. The tank is replaced every few days. Guests often comment on the cleanliness of our system. We pack out all holding tanks to be properly disposed of at a sewage disposal station. When away from camp during the day we use the inter-tidal area for low impact toilet use.
For our explorer tours, we generally use the inter-tidal area for low impact toilet use. These tour run in wilderness areas and there are limited or no facilities in the areas we visit.
All of our kayak tours take place in wilderness locations with varying degrees of remoteness. Our Haida Gwaii and Great Bear Rainforest kayak tours are the most remote and see the least number of other kayakers and boaters.
Our Haida Gwaii tours take place in Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage site that has strict limits on the number of tour companies and visitors enter the area.
In the Great Bear Rainforest we have kayaked for more than a week without seeing any other people or boats!
Each of our kayak tours operate in the traditional territories of many different First Nations and we try to incorporate interpretation of their culture and history into our trips.
Our Haida Gwaii tours have the strongest First Nations aspect as we visit many of the parks Haida cultural sites, including a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ninstints on most tours.
Our Great Bear Rainforest tours start with a tour of the Klemtu Big House and we may visit an ancient cultural site during the trip.
On our Broughton Archipelago tours we sometimes visit the ancient village of Meem Quam Leese which is slowly being reclaimed by the forest.
For our Base Camp and Orca Waters Explorer tours we work with three local First Nations to lease campsites. These tours include rainforest hikes to view culturally modified trees.
We highly recommend our Vancouver Island guests visit the Umista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay and our guests in Haida Gwaii visit the Haida Heritage Centre in Skidegate to learn more about the local First Nations culture.
At Kingfisher we provide premium kayaks and equipment and all equipment is included in the cost of the trip.
We use both single and double kayaks made by Vancouver Island’s Seaward Kayaks. On a full base camp trip with ten guests and three guides we use seven single and three double kayaks. On full Explorer tours with eight guests and two guides we use six single and two double kayaks. The mix of single and doubles allow you to spend time in each type. Our kayak paddles are lightweight carbon/vinyl paddles made by Werner Paddles. A Kokatat paddling jacket and neoprene paddling mitts are provided to keep you warm and dry while kayaking. We also provide personal floatation devices.
We provide all camping and cooking equipment. We also provide dry bags to pack your gear in. All you really need to bring are your clothing and toiletries.
If you prefer to stay in a double kayak for the duration of the trip, that can be arranged. If you prefer a single kayak you will likely be in a single for at least half of the trip, but we rotate guests so that everyone who wants to spend time in a single has the opportunity, so you will have to spend time in a double as well. If other guests on your trip prefer to be in a double kayak for the duration of the trip this may increase the amount of time you spend in a single kayak.
A comprehensive list of what you should bring for each tour is included under the “Preparation” tab of each tour. The packing list is also provided in the guest handbook that is emailed to you when you book.
We have a solar-powered charging station for camera batteries at the Base Camps that have both 110v and USB charging outlets. Please bring your chargers with you. For international visitors please bring an appropriate plug adapter. On explorer tour we do not have a charging station, so you will need to pack extra batteries. Visit our blog for more information on kayak photography.
If you require a CPAP machine overnight, you can join our Base Camp tours. We have a solar-powered charging station at the Base Camps that have both 110v and USB charging outlets, and is backed up by a generator. We can run a power cord to your tent overnight. If you have spare batteries, we do recommend bringing them, just in case. Please contact us to notify us that you require this setup when booking.
For our tours departing from Port McNeill (Vancouver Island):
You can leave your vehicle at your accommodations if you are staying at the Black Bear Resort or Haida Way in Port McNeill. If you are staying elsewhere, you can park your vehicle at the Kingfisher Office while on tour. Ask your guides at the pre-trip meeting where to park.
If you are driving an RV, you can park it at our office as long as it less than 30 feet long. If longer than that we can help arrange something.
For our tours departing from Sandspit (Haida Gwaii):
You can leave your vehicle at the Seaport B&B or Moresby Explorers office while on tour. Ask your guides at the pre-trip meeting where to park.
For our tours departing from Port McNeill (Vancouver Island):
You can leave your extra luggage at your accommodations if you are staying at the Black Bear Resort or Haida Way in Port McNeill. If you are staying elsewhere, you can leave it in your vehicle or inside at the Kingfisher Office while on tour.
For our tours departing from Sandspit (Haida Gwaii):
You can leave your extra luggage at your accommodations if you are staying at the Seaport B&B or Sandspit Inn while on tour.
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Best kayaking/whale adventure on Vancouver Island I took Kingfisher's 4-day whale watching kayak trip from Port McNeill, BC. I have taken wilderness adventure trips all over the world, and this is one of the best experiences ever.
Orca whales seemed to be everywhere, and I enjoyed their "Sh... read moreI took Kingfisher's 4-day whale watching kayak trip from Port McNeill, BC. I have taken wilderness adventure trips all over the world, and this is one of the best experiences ever.
Orca whales seemed to be everywhere, and I enjoyed their "Shaker" camp on Hanson Island in Johnstone Strait, which was beautiful and well-appointed for a wilderness camp, including canvas tents on platforms and a covered kitchen/dining area, although the weather was perfect.
We had 3 guides for 9 people, and they were highly competent on the water and in the kitchen. The trip exceeded my expectations. read less560allanm8/10/2021 -
Wow, just wow! We did the 6 day Whales and Wilderness Explorer trip very near the end of a 7 week long trip to Canada. We expected to like and enjoy the trip, but we didn't expect to be absolutely blown away by it! We had done lots of other outdoor adventures d... read moreWe did the 6 day Whales and Wilderness Explorer trip very near the end of a 7 week long trip to Canada. We expected to like and enjoy the trip, but we didn't expect to be absolutely blown away by it! We had done lots of other outdoor adventures during our trip, all of which we'd … read less
347liz10/01/2019 -
Amazing Memories on Sea Otter Explorer The Sea Otter Explorer trip was an amazing adventure. We travelled with a group of friends, accompanied by our wonderful guides Jen and Connor. The weather was not the best but they took good care of us. God's Pocket is such a beautiful area and w... read moreThe Sea Otter Explorer trip was an amazing adventure. We travelled with a group of friends, accompanied by our wonderful guides Jen and Connor. The weather was not the best but they took good care of us. God's Pocket is such a beautiful area and we enjoyed the sea otter sightings. We were also blessed with incredible sightings of a group of wolves on one of the islands. A true highlight!! Food was excellent (gluten-free catering) and the equipment provided was great (particularly liked the paddling jackets). Five-star from beginning to end including assistance from Wendy with administrative details. read less
travelbuddies397/18/2022 -
Best way to experience Vancouver Island's wild west coast My husband and I just returned from our second trip with Kingfisher - an expedition trip in the Nutchatlitz area: Kayaking with Sea Otters. It was even more fabulous than our first base camp trip in the Broughton Archipelago. We saw sea otters every ... read moreMy husband and I just returned from our second trip with Kingfisher - an expedition trip in the Nutchatlitz area: Kayaking with Sea Otters. It was even more fabulous than our first base camp trip in the Broughton Archipelago. We saw sea otters every day, tons of eagles and even … read less
Elizabeth C.7/01/2021 -
Two sea kayaking trips I have never sea kayaked before but did two back to back with them in August - one base camp and one wild camping. All the equipment was first class and the tour guides/leaders were excellent giving someone who was very nervous the confidence to hap... read moreI have never sea kayaked before but did two back to back with them in August - one base camp and one wild camping. All the equipment was first class and the tour guides/leaders were excellent giving someone who was very nervous the confidence to happily paddle a single kayak even when the water was choppy. Photos is short supply as wildlife not learnt the art of posing but lying in your tent at night either listening to the humpback whales or wolves in the distance is a never to be forgotten experience. Saw so much and learnt so much from the knowledgeable guides made it a holiday I will always remember. read less
Yvonne R.9/14/2019 -
Kayaking Haida Gwaii with the best Everything about our trip with Kingfisher was exceptional:
- planning and communication around COVID-19
- kayaks and the equipment provided was all excellent in new or near new condition. Great tents, thermarest sleeping pads and warm thermarest s... read moreEverything about our trip with Kingfisher was exceptional:
- planning and communication around COVID-19
- kayaks and the equipment provided was all excellent in new or near new condition. Great tents, thermarest sleeping pads and warm thermarest sleeping bags
- lots of nice extras like thermarest seat cushions for the kayaks and beach chairs
- delicious food including inventive appetizers pre-dinner and wonderful strong coffee ready as soon as we got up. They even baked a cake!
- incredible campsites with beautiful beaches
- awesome guides, Alyssa and Jen who kept the group safe, aware of the plan, our environment and created a upbeat atmosphere that made the trip so much fun
We were a couple that joined 2 singles and another couple. The group was fun, interesting and witty -lots of laughs and it felt like we’d always known them.
We would strongly recommend Kingfisher Wilderness adventures. We’ll be booking another trip with them. read lessDKMBC8/24/2021 -
What a trip Wonderfull Kayak trip around basecamp.
On our 1st day we already saw orcas and humpback whales from basecamp, sitting whit a beer watching the sun go down
We kayaked every day and met whales and sealions.
Last day they picked us early, and we went... read moreWonderfull Kayak trip around basecamp.
On our 1st day we already saw orcas and humpback whales from basecamp, sitting whit a beer watching the sun go down
We kayaked every day and met whales and sealions.
Last day they picked us early, and we went on a bear watching tour we saw grizzly and black bears
Sleeping in a tent where you can here the whales breath at night when the are passing,Wonderful
Great guides, they make the best breakfast ,lunch and diner!
Its a must do when you visit Vancouver island! read lessIvar197010/24/2018 -
Outstanding company with focus on safety and enjoyment - loved it We nearly booked a tour with another company but so glad we went with Kingfisher. We also booked our accommodation (Black bear resort) and the separate grizzly tour through Kingfisher and more than happy with both of those. Kingfisher is very profess... read moreWe nearly booked a tour with another company but so glad we went with Kingfisher. We also booked our accommodation (Black bear resort) and the separate grizzly tour through Kingfisher and more than happy with both of those. Kingfisher is very professional, extremely well organised and very respectful of the wildlife. We also felt very safe and comfortable at all times. My husband and I (both late 50s) are regular kayakers at home but this was a very special experience in a beautiful area. The wildlife is everywhere (seals, sea lions, dolphins, eagles and even a mink spotted one time) although whales are mostly some distance from the kayaks. That did not worry me. I loved just being in their territory and seeing and hearing them surface. The seals and sea lions are beautiful to watch in the water and they often followed us. We had a small humpback surface briefly and unexpectedly very close to us and I still cannot believe that happened. All the equipment was great including the camp setup. The kayaking is fairly leisurely but I was pleased at how much we did over the four days We were lucky to be in a wonderful group of people and have three terrific guides - Sabina, Cam and Tess thank you for all your hard work and great cooking. We had a month in Canada but this was definitely the highlight. read less
NewcastleKiwigirl10/06/2018 -
AMAZING - MAGICAL - POWERFUL Adventure Myself and 5 friends just returned from an AMAZING 4-day base camp "Kayak with Whales" adventure. The adventure was sooo much more than kayaking with whales. We saw and heard lots of different marine and wild life (Orca and Humpback whales,... read moreMyself and 5 friends just returned from an AMAZING 4-day base camp "Kayak with Whales" adventure. The adventure was sooo much more than kayaking with whales. We saw and heard lots of different marine and wild life (Orca and Humpback whales, Sea Lions, Seals, Eagles, Porpoises, … read less
parm08/01/2020