West Coast Expeditions & Kyuquot Field Station

Base Camp Adventures

Create family or group memories

Our Spring Island Explorer packages spend 4 days, 5 days or 7 days in a spectacular remote west coast setting that is home to the sea otter and is the traditional territory of the Ka:'yu:'k't'h' (Kyuquot) people. These holidays are for first-time kayakers or seasoned paddlers. Most of our guests return - often several times - eagerly anticipating the diverse day tripping options from our comfortable base camp on Spring Island. Compared with expedition paddling, our established camp - the Kyuquot Field Station - allows more time to relax and explore each day, and makes night times more luxurious (particularly by camping standards!). We use single and double kayaks to access serene and spectacular nearby beaches, estuaries, islets, tide pools, geologic curiosities, old-growth forest walks, and rock gardens. At the end of the day, our guests feel the wonderful sensation of having experienced something special without having been too rushed to enjoy the moment.

Expedition Kayaking

Truly getting away

Our Bunsby Islands and Beyond (7 days) or Destination Brooks (9 days) kayaking trips, as featured in Men's Journal (May 2008), are indeed "real adventures for mere mortals". Either could be the trip-of-a-lifetime and both are designed for experienced paddlers. An ideal progression is to hone your paddling skills and comfort during one or more of our Base Camp Adventures or Instructional Kayaking packages (or other tours and instruction), then, once ready, join us for one of these more committing expedition-style trips through the rugged home territory of the Che:k:tles7et'h' (Checleset) First Nation.

Home to over 700 Sea Otters

Starting from our base camp on Spring Island, we venture through a mix of exposed and sheltered waters to access remote islands and expansive sandy beaches. This is the true west coast of British Columbia at its finest. Once near the Brooks Peninsula, we are most likely to share the ocean swell with diverse marine creatures - this can include Killer Whales, Minke Whales, Grey Whales, Humpback Whales, Harbour Porpoises, Stellar Sea Lions, Sea Otters, Tufted Puffins, Marbled Murrelets, and the giant Mola Mola (Sunfish).

Instructional Kayaking Programs

Practice new skills... or watch!

Our Novice (7 days) or Intermediate (5 days) Instructional Mission Group packages take full advantage of our base camp amenities to maximize the learning adventure of each day. Our Intermediate Instructional Expedition (7 days) uses the finest of west coast classrooms to build your kayak touring knowledge, skills, and judgement. All of these instructional programs are designed to make you a more competent captain of your own ship, which includes knowing when it's best to stay on shore, and how to resolve common kayak touring decision-making challenges. Each day's lessons are interwoven with practical opportunities to apply the learning while touring and fully experiencing what this world-class paddling area has to offer.

By request, we can arrange for group training that includes Paddle Canada skills certification, or guiding certification programs through the Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of British Columbia.

Kyuquot Field Station

Weather lesson

Customize a Family Reunion or Event with a modified Base Camp Adventure package that takes full advantage of our base camp on Spring Island as a platform for beach, forest, kayaking, and campfire adventures for all ages. Our Kyuquot Field Station facilities have been enjoyed as the perfect setting for family gatherings with toddlers, tykes, teens, twenty-to-sixty-somethings, matriarchs and patriarchs. The sheltered beach, waterfront tent sites, kitchen structure, comfortable private outhouses, propane heated shower, resource library, kayaks, trails, and island separation from black bears and cougars makes our site well-suited to a diverse and relaxing holiday with options for everyone. 

Similarly, consider booking our facilities and services for Leadership Training, Specialty or Themed Retreats (e.g., yoga and kayaking), or Field Study Courses (through secondary or post-secondary institutions). Researchers may also find our Kyuquot Field Station facilities to be the perfect affordable base while pursuing studies in marine or forest ecology and biology, geology, protected areas and conservation, or social sciences.