Kayaking from Telegraph Cove: 2-hour guided paddle

Double kayaks let complete beginners paddle safely among the islands on day one.

A 2-hour guided kayak tour from Telegraph Cove on Vancouver Island where you paddle stable double kayaks through Johnstone Strait and around local islands and coves. All kayaking equipment, spray skirt, paddles, PFD, dry bag and a comprehensive safety briefing are included. Children from age 5 are welcome. Expert guides lead groups suitable for all skill levels, from complete beginners to experienced paddlers.

Step-by-step itinerary

2-hour guided kayak tour

• Receive safety briefing and gear
• Kayak through Johnstone Strait
• Explore Telegraph Cove shoreline
• Observe local wildlife

The experience

Two hours on the water starts with a safety briefing and gear check at Telegraph Cove, then you're paddling a stable double kayak through Johnstone Strait and around the islands and coves that ring the area. The double kayak design means you're not balancing alone: a second paddler shares the work and the stability, which is why complete beginners can launch the same morning. All necessary equipment comes with you: spray skirt, paddles, personal flotation device, and a dry bag for anything that needs to stay dry.

The route follows the vibrant shoreline and marine life of Telegraph Cove, and the expert guides navigate the water while you focus on paddling. Because the tour suits all physical fitness levels and all ages from 5 up, families often book it as an introduction to kayaking without the usual learning curve. The serene waters and stable kayak design mean you're not fighting the equipment. You're just paddling.

What’s included

• Stable double kayak.
• spray skirt, paddles, and personal flotation device.
• dry bag for your belongings.
• comprehensive safety briefing before departure.
• expert guide leading the group through Johnstone Strait and around the islands and coves.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Jul 2027

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (14 to 80 years) · Youth (5 to 13 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

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 16 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by North Island Kayak

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're new to kayaking or paddling with a young child. The double kayak and expert guide make the 2-hour paddle manageable on day one, and children from age 5 can join without prior experience.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (5 to 13 years). Children under 5 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 the water like around Telegraph Cove when I'm paddling?

Johnstone Strait and the islands and coves around Telegraph Cove hold calm, sheltered water suitable for beginners. The route follows the local shoreline where marine life is visible, and the stable double kayaks keep you upright even if paddling is new to you.

Can my five-year-old paddle with me?

Children from age 5 are welcome on the tour. A double kayak seats two paddlers, so a child can share one with an adult, and the expert guides brief everyone on safety before you leave the cove.

What happens if I've never kayaked before?

The tour is designed for complete beginners. A comprehensive safety briefing covers everything you need to know, the double kayak is stable, and the expert guides lead the group at a pace that works for all skill levels.

What gear do I need to bring, and what's provided?

Bring a swimsuit and a towel. Everything else is included. The operator provides the kayak, spray skirt, paddles, personal flotation device, and dry bag, plus the safety briefing before you paddle.