Vancouver Island and Broughton Archipelago Sea Kayak Expedition

Sea kayaking through Canada’s Broughton Archipelago offers an unforgettable chance to paddle through some of the most wildlife-rich waters in North America. This week-long expedition begins at Telegraph Cove and explores a remote marine park known for its orcas, sea lions and incredible coastline.

Key Details

• Duration: 7 days (6 nights wild camping)
• Instructor ratio: 1 guide to 6 paddlers
• Location base: Telegraph Cove, Vancouver Island, Canada
• Options available: Fully Inclusive (catered) or Trip Only (self catering)

What to Expect

Setting off from Telegraph Cove, you'll kayak deep into the Johnston Strait and Broughton Archipelago Marine Park, travelling between remote islands each day. Paddling times vary depending on conditions and the group’s pace, but you can expect several hours on the water each day, with breaks to explore on land, watch wildlife and set up camp. The area is well known for orca sightings and also offers the chance to encounter bald eagles, black bears, sea lions and porpoises. Your guide will share local knowledge along the way, helping you get the most from each day, whether that’s spotting wildlife or improving your technique.

Evenings are spent wild camping at secluded shoreline sites, surrounded by natural forest and driftwood beaches. The Fully Inclusive option includes all meals and shared cooking duties, while the Trip Only option allows more independence for those who prefer to self-cater. Campsites are basic but atmospheric, often with firewood available for a small evening campfire. Days are spent travelling with all kit packed in your kayak, and routes are planned to allow for flexibility depending on weather and group ability. Return to Telegraph Cove is on Day 7 after six days of paddling and five nights camping.

Location

The expedition starts and ends at Telegraph Cove, a small coastal village on the northeast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. It’s known for its quiet charm and close access to the Johnstone Strait, making it one of the best launch points in the region for sea kayaking. The marine environment here is protected and home to several orca pods studied extensively by researchers, meaning sightings from a kayak are a real possibility.

You’ll explore the Broughton Archipelago Marine Park, a cluster of forested islands and remote channels offering excellent shelter and scenic variety. The terrain includes rugged shorelines, quiet bays, and beaches ideal for landing and wild camping. With minimal development and few other visitors, it’s a place that feels genuinely wild.

Accommodation

Accommodation during the expedition is entirely wild camping at designated or established informal sites along the coastline. Each night is spent in a tent, typically on beaches or near sheltered forest edges, with campsites chosen for their location and comfort.

Facilities are minimal, but most sites have access to driftwood for small fires and flat ground for tents. You’ll bring all necessary kit with you in the kayak, including sleeping gear and personal items. There is no fixed campsite infrastructure—this is remote, off-grid camping as part of the adventure.

Prerequisites

Participants must have a good base level of fitness and be comfortable with sustained upper body effort over multiple days. Previous sea kayaking experience is required, though the level of skill needed depends on whether you're in a single or double kayak.

Those with 3-star-level equivalent skills (certification not essential) and some experience in rougher water can request a single kayak. Less experienced paddlers will be placed in doubles. All participants should be comfortable loading and paddling a fully equipped kayak.

Why Choose Us

The guides on this expedition don’t just lead the trip—they live and work full-time in the areas they guide. Their local knowledge of wildlife behaviour, weather systems and coastal terrain adds real depth to the experience, while their skills as instructors mean support is always on hand when needed.

Having offered sea kayaking expeditions since 1995, the team provides a high level of care and experience in remote areas. With two pricing options—Fully Inclusive or Trip Only—there’s flexibility to suit your preferred way of travelling. Delicious fresh meals, knowledgeable guides, and the opportunity to experience a rarely visited part of the Canadian coast all make this a memorable and rewarding expedition.