About West Coast Expeditions' Coastal Retreat & Sea Kayaking Tours

"You run a top quality tourism business. We were very impressed with everything. The accommodations are tastefully arranged, the meals are exceptional and the guides are kind, encouraging, polite and very knowledgeable. It was a pleasure vacationing with West Coast Expeditions!"
- Pat Nostbakken, Saskatoon, Canada
[ read more of our guests' comments ]

• Local First Nations ownership, services, and interaction

• Waterfront tents on Spring Island

  Respected industry professionals for educational nature tours
• Members of the Wilderness Tourism Association of BC, the Georgia Strait Alliance, and the Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC
• Long-term commitment to the area and our guests
• Unmatched base camp comforts and conveniences with low site impacts

Since 1972, West Coast Expeditions has introduced adventurous visitors to the wild places of Kyuquot Sound on the remote west coast of northern Vancouver Island. We've long been recognized as industry leaders for educational nature tours by kayak. Our kayaking guides, naturalists, and base camp staff excel in making you feel safe and comfortable, allowing you to relax, absorb and connect with all that the area has to offer.

Dale holding the moon

West Coast Expeditions has a long-established commitment to the local environment and community - the home territory of the Ka:'yu:'k't'h' & Che:k:tles7et'h' (Kyuquot & Checleset) First Nation. With local ownership, WCE is working toward significant lasting contributions to the economic and community development opportunities for the Kyuquot people and area. We cherish the friendship and trust that is shared with the residents and businesses of the area. We also work closely with conservation and government agencies to help foster understanding and stewardship of the local environment and associated protected areas. We've taken the time (and expense!) to ensure that our permits and permissions are in place. We are regularly a safety and information resource for residents and visitors alike.

We delight in introducing the wonderful world of kayak exploration to people who are completely new to paddling. And we love helping more experienced kayakers discover new things.

All of our guided sea kayak trips provide opportunities to:

• A refreshing waterfall shower!

  enjoy the moments without feeling too rushed;
• improve your kayaking comfort, confidence, and competence;
• visit locations rich in natural, geological and First Nations' history;
• learn about the diverse wildlife encountered, including the fascinating sea otters;
• experience the thrill of true west coast paddling under the guidance of highly qualified, experienced, and certified guides and instructors;
• find the right mix of paddling, land exploration (hiking and walking, sitting under a towering tree, or peering in a tide pool), educational opportunities, personal time, laughter, and relaxation;
• use your body, be mentally stimulated, socialize, reflect, breathe fresh air, eat healthy meals, have afternoon naps, and sleep well  - what more could you ask for!