West Coast Expeditions

Since 1972, West Coast Expeditions has been operating wilderness-based sea kayaking and base-camp retreats on the remote northwest coast of Vancouver Island, within the traditional territory of the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k:tles7et’h’ First Nations. The company offers multi-day guided sea-kayak tours and family-friendly base-camp experiences from Spring Island (Kyuquot Sound), combining marine ecology, old-growth forest trails, abundant wildlife (including sea otters and bald eagles) and Indigenous cultural engagement.

Guests can expect accommodation in a wilderness retreat style camp with raised platform tents, meals prepared by an on-site chef, and daily guided paddles or shoreline explorations. WCE emphasises small groups, flexible options for different experience levels, and conservation-minded practices: it was Canada’s first sea-kayak tour company to achieve the Green Tourism Gold Award.

Critically, access is remote (via water or regional connection from places like Courtenay, Comox or Campbell River) and the experience is suited to travellers willing to trade convenience for wilderness immersion. Those expecting luxury hotel-style amenities may find the camp-style accommodation basic; likewise, the seasonal window and logistics mean early planning is advisable. Overall, it remains a well-established operator with deep local ties, offering a distinctive west-coast British Columbia adventure.