Kayaking and Whale Watching: Campbell River Discovery Islands

Paddle remote coastlines, then hunt for whales from the water

A full-day kayaking and whale watching tour in Campbell River combines guided sea paddling through the Discovery Islands with a dedicated marine wildlife search aboard a covered vessel. The tour includes all kayaking gear, lunch with hot beverages, and a certified naturalist guide who shares knowledge of the local ecosystem and wildlife behaviour. Children from age 10 are welcome.

The experience

Your day starts at the Float House in Campbell River, where you board the Wild 1, a 12-passenger covered vessel built for full-day expeditions. The boat has a heated indoor cabin, an onboard washroom, and an open-air viewing deck that wraps around for 360-degree sightlines. From there, your certified naturalist guide navigates to the Discovery Islands, a set of calm, sheltered waters known for sea kayaking and wildlife. You launch your sea kayaks and paddle remote coastlines, watching for colourful intertidal life and harbour seals that often surface nearby. The paddling section is the active half of the day. You're operating the kayak, reading the water, moving at your own pace through the route your guide sets.

After the paddle, you re-board the Wild 1 for lunch and hot beverages, then shift to the second half: a dedicated marine wildlife tour through the Salish Sea. The boat searches for humpback whales, orcas, Pacific white-sided dolphins, and Steller sea lions. Your guides continue sharing knowledge of ecosystem dynamics, animal behaviour, and local history as you watch from the covered deck or the open-air viewing area. The whole day runs about 9 hours from start to finish.

What’s included

• All sea kayaking equipment and a certified naturalist guide.
• private transportation to and from the Float House.
• lunch with hot beverages and snacks.
• access to the heated cabin and 360-degree viewing deck aboard the Wild 1.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 4 Jun 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (10 to 12 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Campbell River Whale Watching & Adventure Tours

Is this one for you?Small groups of up to 12 travelers share the covered boat and the paddle, so you're never alone but also never in a crowd. This works best if you want to actively kayak in the morning and then shift to watching from the boat in the afternoon. Two different ways of being on the water in a single day.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (10 to 12 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's included in the kayaking part of the day?

All sea kayaking equipment is provided, and your certified naturalist guide leads the paddle through the Discovery Islands. You'll explore remote coastlines and sheltered waters at a pace the guide sets, with opportunities to spot harbour seals and intertidal wildlife along the way.

What kind of whales might we see?

The Salish Sea is home to humpback whales, orcas (killer whales), Pacific white-sided dolphins, and Steller sea lions. Sightings depend on the season and where the animals are on any given day, but your guides know the waters well and search systematically.

Is there a bathroom on the boat?

Yes, the Wild 1 has an onboard washroom, and the heated indoor cabin provides shelter if the weather turns.

How physically demanding is the kayaking?

The paddle is suitable for all fitness levels. The Discovery Islands offer calm, sheltered waters rather than rough open ocean, and your guide adjusts the route and pace to the group. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.