ORCA CAMP KAYAKING & GLAMPING TOUR
Overview
Plan your escape to Wildcoast’s exclusive glamping base camp on Vancouver Island. Situated next to the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve, an area established to protect key habitats for killer whales.
Take your camping to the next level as you enjoy spacious safari tents in the remote rainforest and delicious gourmet meals. In addition to daily sea kayak excursions, guests also enjoy hikes, hot tub and evening campfires.
Whether you are up early watching for orcas from the camp’s beach or heading out kayaking on a morning, afternoon or sunset paddle you will have many opportunities to seek out the region’s abundant wildlife.
Each trip is customized to suit the group’s paddling ability and interests.
*Please note that travel insurance is strictly required to go on this tour. Contact us to help you arrange return flights from anywhere in the world and comprehensive travel insurance through Uniglobe Specialty Travel.
Itinerary
Please note that this is a sample itinerary and is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, such as weather or unexpected closures.
Arrive Campbell River
- Check in at YVR for your flight to Campbell River
- Arrive in the quant seaside town of Campbell River with the chance to explore
- Check into your centrally located hotel
Depart for Orca Camp
- 7:30 am Arrive in Campbell River and check-in with Wildcoast Adventures.
- Depart on a 2 1⁄2 hour boat ride to camp which is located in the Johnstone Straight
- Your boat ride passes through the Discovery Passage and the infamous ‘Seymour Narrows’. Sightings of porpoises, dolphins, and whales are common even before reaching camp.
- After a delicious lunch, there will be time to settle into your tent
- This afternoon, take part in a kayak orientation.
Orca Camp
- Full day of kayaking, exploring the coastline, listening and looking out for whales and other wildlife and venturing ashore to stretch your legs and discover beautiful waterfalls.
- Your guides will provide details about the resurgence of wildlife in this remote part of the coast as well as the ongoing threats to this critical habitat.
- Venture inland to a beautiful waterfall where you can go for a dip in the glacial waters.
- Back at camp, there will be time to relax in the wood fired sauna and hot tub or relax on the beach looking out for passing whales.
Orca Camp
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Weather permitting, we will paddle across the Johnstone Strait to explore the coastline opposite camp. Look out for bears foraging along the beaches.
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Back at camp, there will be time to relax in the wood fired sauna and hot tub or relax on the beach looking out for passing whales.
Campbell River
- Enjoy a last sunrise paddle before breakfast.
- Afterwards, you can relax on the beach, soaking up the final moments of your wilderness adventure
- Lunch will be enjoyed on the boat during your return journey to Campbell River.
- Upon your return to Campbell River, fly back to Vancouver
FAQs
Am I guaranteed to see whales on this trip?
We base our trip dates on historically good times to see Whales and other Wildlife in this area. Of course they are wild animals, so opportunities and frequency are left to them.
Your opportunities to see Orcas, Humpback Whales, Dolphins, and Bears begin from the moment you board the water to taxi to camp, to the sunrise, afternoon, and sunset paddles each day.
Whales and other wildlife often swim directly in front of our beach at Orca Camp, so even hanging out on the beach has possibilities for viewing wildlife.
Do I need prior kayaking experience to join this tour?
No experience is required to participate in this kayaking tour. We do recommend that you are in good physical shape and enjoy being on the water. Our kayaks are stable, and safe to paddle. Wildcoast guides provide kayak instruction and safety procedures prior to your first launch, and give helpful tips while out kayaking.
Can you provide vegetarian or special dietary options?
Yes we provide excellent alternates for guests requiring a special menu. These modifications don’t compromise on the quality, freshness, or portion sizing of each meal (this may require an additional fee to cover the menu modification costs for your specific dietary requirement).
How much kayaking is provided each day?
Our guides determine the length of each days’ paddle based on the weather conditions, sea conditions, and group paddling skill/dynamic. Early morning and sunset paddles are offered each day in addition to the longer afternoon paddle. Orca Camp is a basecamp experience, so while kayaking is the main activity, you can skip a day if you like and hang out on the beach and at camp.
Are there any age restrictions for this tour?
Our trips attract a range of ages, but we generally prefer participants to be 10 years of age and older. We require one adult for every child 15 or younger. If you have a family member under 10 but who has a good deal of kayaking experience contact us about the best options for booking. We can assess if this is the best trip for your family and try to book you with other families.
Now accepting bookings for 2026
Duration
Size
Double
Single
Highlights
- Glamp in comfort in safari tents with real beds, cozy duvets, and ocean views
- Paddle daily through killer whale territory, guided by expert sea kayak instructors
- Spot orcas, humpbacks, bears, and dolphins from your kayak or the camp’s beach
- Relax in a saltwater hot tub and wood-fired sauna after a day of wilderness adventure
- Dine on gourmet coastal cuisine freshly prepared by the on-site camp chef
- Explore waterfalls, remote inlets, and beaches in Johnstone Strait’s rich ecosystem
Inclusions
4 nights at Wildcoast’s Orca Camp - Roundtrip flights from Vancouver to Campbell River
- Boat transfers to and from Orca Camp
- All freshly prepared meals at camp
- Daily guided sea kayaking excursions
- Admission to:
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
Admission to:What to Bring:
- Light and warm layers – weather can change quickly on the coast
- Waterproof jacket and rain pants – essential for kayaking and staying dry
- Comfortable, quick-dry clothing – avoid cotton; bring synthetic or wool
- Water shoes or sandals with heel straps for kayaking
- Sturdy footwear (like hiking shoes) for shore excursions
- Swimsuit for the hot tub or a refreshing dip
- Towel (quick-dry preferred)
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen – sun reflects off the water
- Bug repellent – especially for evenings
- Reusable water bottle
- Small daypack for outings
- Camera and binoculars – for capturing unforgettable wildlife moments
- Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)
- Personal toiletries (eco-friendly preferred)
- Travel insurance is required. We can help you arrange different packages through Uniglobe Specialty Travel
