West Coast Expeditions
West Coast Expeditions
5
Multi-day ToursCultural ToursEco ToursNature & Wildlife ToursKayaking & Canoeing
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
~ CONNECT ~ EXPERIENCE ~ REFRESH ~ Join us to savour the best of base camp sea kayaking, professionally-guided kayak expeditions and family kayaking tours. Ocean kayak with sea otters while eagles soar overhead. Participate in local Indigenous cultural interactions. Located in Kyuquot, on the remote northwest coast of Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. Convenient transportation included from Courtenay, Comox and Campbell River. We have been established leaders in marine education since 1972, and focused on doing this through sea kayaking tours since 1990. We have been recognized by Destination Canada and Destination BC for offering a Canadian Signature Experience, and were the first sea kayak tour company in Canada to achieve the Sustainable Tourism Gold Award, upgraded to 'Platinum' in 2023!
Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
159 reviews
Excellent
150
Very good
6
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
2
Gabriel Bettey
Victoria, Canada5 contributions
Jul 2021
I only have good things to say about WCE. 9 of us (adults/students) were part of an Adventure Ed. Program and we have been invited over on the traditional territory of the Kyuquot people. We had the chance to meet, interact & share salmon with one extended local family. It was such an incredible & rich experience and I thank WCE for being able to facilitate for us,
Other than that, our kayaking OUT trip was 7 days, our guide Rowan was highly experienced & knowledgeable of the place. He grew up kayaking these waters, lots of stories to share about the place, the people & the wildlife.
The food was always such a gift of warmth and comfort, our Chef Ginie worked around the clock to make sure we were fed for our adventures around the base camp.
The Kyuquot sound (south of Pender) is an ecological reserve, located just north of spring island (where WCE is operating). It's a very powerful & impressive place. We paddled to the Bunsbies island and it took us 7 days to realize how big & magical the region is.
For more advanced paddling, the brook peninsula (class 4 waters) is pretty close NW of Spring island.
WCE Is living up to their own standards, their philosophie around sustainable tourism shows at all aspect: from the principles of leave no trace, to the relationship with the indigenous communities, as well as their care for the biodiversity of the land & water.
Other than that, our kayaking OUT trip was 7 days, our guide Rowan was highly experienced & knowledgeable of the place. He grew up kayaking these waters, lots of stories to share about the place, the people & the wildlife.
The food was always such a gift of warmth and comfort, our Chef Ginie worked around the clock to make sure we were fed for our adventures around the base camp.
The Kyuquot sound (south of Pender) is an ecological reserve, located just north of spring island (where WCE is operating). It's a very powerful & impressive place. We paddled to the Bunsbies island and it took us 7 days to realize how big & magical the region is.
For more advanced paddling, the brook peninsula (class 4 waters) is pretty close NW of Spring island.
WCE Is living up to their own standards, their philosophie around sustainable tourism shows at all aspect: from the principles of leave no trace, to the relationship with the indigenous communities, as well as their care for the biodiversity of the land & water.
Written July 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Gabriel - your group had the unique fusion of our base camp and expedition experiences! Some guests choose to book each of these trips back to back, and it was a treat being able to organized your group experience as such: the best of base camp and expedition travel! We appreciated your positive energy and openness to everything. Appreciated!
Written August 5, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CoachKerry1954
Victoria, Canada20 contributions
Aug 2021
We really enjoyed our kayak trip this summer. Dave is such a skilled guide and he made ocean kayaking accessible to all levels of experience in our group. It was also great opportunity to explore an area of Vancouver Island that is remote and pristine and learn about the indigenous, settler and natural history of Kyuquot Sound. The otters were amazing!
The trip was well coordinated from our pick up in Courtenay in a luxury van, the trip across the island on highways and gravel logging roads, to the water taxi to our destination on Spring Island. The special salmon dinner with and indigenous family from the village of Kyuquot across the water was amazing! We were very well taken care of the entire trip. I forgot my phone on the charger when we left and the team bent over backwards to get it to me when I got home. We would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a once in a lifetime wilderness kayaking experience.
The trip was well coordinated from our pick up in Courtenay in a luxury van, the trip across the island on highways and gravel logging roads, to the water taxi to our destination on Spring Island. The special salmon dinner with and indigenous family from the village of Kyuquot across the water was amazing! We were very well taken care of the entire trip. I forgot my phone on the charger when we left and the team bent over backwards to get it to me when I got home. We would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a once in a lifetime wilderness kayaking experience.
Written September 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for joining us and sharing such warm reflections from your wilderness kayaking experience! Our team genuinely enjoyed all of the interactions and experiences together with you and your friends during this trip. Great that you found that everything flowed together well, making for a positive once-in-a-lifetime experience. Thank you for bringing a positive spirit of open curiosity to this trip, appreciating the amazing sea otters, community interactions, and paddling. We look forward to staying connected.
Written September 25, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Colum D
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK1 contribution
Aug 2022
It has taken me a while to write this, and be able to describe how amazing this trip was to Spring island.
We had been planning this trip for 3 years, it had been postponed twice through Covid and we had decided that we wouldn't go. We changed our mind and we are so happy that we did.
The staff are amazing, Dave and Caroline were supportive throughout the whole process, and made sure we got the same price as we had originally booked.
There are so many amazing things about the base camp and the whole West Coast expedition experience.
The kayaking: This was out of this world , we had 3 full day paddling and then a half day on both the first and last day. You are catered for if you are a beginner or an experienced paddler. There are a great range of boats from solo boats to tandem boats. The first paddle was a great opportunity to gauge the group and plans were made for the rest of the days after this.
The Food: This was the thing that myself and my wife were worried about. We love food and being away for 5 days we were worried that we may have times where we were hungry. We need not have worried as the food was some of the best I have ever had in my life. The chef in the time I was there was actually a Michelin star chef...If I had been a few years older I would probably have twigged who she was and know that she is a celebrity back in Northern Ireland, where I am from. There is so much food and there was never a time when we were hungry.
The location: This is amazing, the main purpose for this trip was to paddle in an area where we could clock out from life for a few days. You are in the middle of nowhere on basecamp and the scenery was spectacular, it is hard to describe if you haven't been there. It is so picturesque and it was like living on a deserted island for a few days.
The animals: Sea otters galore, bald eagles galore, lots of bird life and the odd harbour seal. Bring your camera, there is so much to see.
The staff and location are amazing. I cannot recommend a trip to West Coast Expeditions enough. If you are considering it, just do it you will not regret it.
We cannot wait for our next trip to Vancouver island.
We had been planning this trip for 3 years, it had been postponed twice through Covid and we had decided that we wouldn't go. We changed our mind and we are so happy that we did.
The staff are amazing, Dave and Caroline were supportive throughout the whole process, and made sure we got the same price as we had originally booked.
There are so many amazing things about the base camp and the whole West Coast expedition experience.
The kayaking: This was out of this world , we had 3 full day paddling and then a half day on both the first and last day. You are catered for if you are a beginner or an experienced paddler. There are a great range of boats from solo boats to tandem boats. The first paddle was a great opportunity to gauge the group and plans were made for the rest of the days after this.
The Food: This was the thing that myself and my wife were worried about. We love food and being away for 5 days we were worried that we may have times where we were hungry. We need not have worried as the food was some of the best I have ever had in my life. The chef in the time I was there was actually a Michelin star chef...If I had been a few years older I would probably have twigged who she was and know that she is a celebrity back in Northern Ireland, where I am from. There is so much food and there was never a time when we were hungry.
The location: This is amazing, the main purpose for this trip was to paddle in an area where we could clock out from life for a few days. You are in the middle of nowhere on basecamp and the scenery was spectacular, it is hard to describe if you haven't been there. It is so picturesque and it was like living on a deserted island for a few days.
The animals: Sea otters galore, bald eagles galore, lots of bird life and the odd harbour seal. Bring your camera, there is so much to see.
The staff and location are amazing. I cannot recommend a trip to West Coast Expeditions enough. If you are considering it, just do it you will not regret it.
We cannot wait for our next trip to Vancouver island.
Written October 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We were delighted that it worked for you both to join us, especially after such a significant delay with extended anticipation waiting through Covid! We're now embarrassingly delayed thanking you for this very thoughtful detailed review, which our team have long appreciated receiving. This is icing on the cake for the many great conversations and interactions shared with you on Spring Island. Your reflections here offer us even more insight into which elements stood out from your experience! Thank you again for joining us, and being such great partners in adventure! We hope you are well, and look forward to staying connected.
Written February 9, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marion P
2 contributions
Aug 2021
The kayaking experience overall was great, nice protected spots and islands to enjoy. The food for the week was a disappointment, and not close to what you'd expect for $500 per day per person. It was basic, catered to teenage tastes and greasy. A burrito does not qualify for a dinner. The salmon dinner was the highlight and really only quality protein served, which was also repurposed for the next 2 days. We choose this trip as a recommendation from our friends, who joined us, and also agreed the food was no where near the quality they had in their first experience. After a day of activity the one thing you should be rewarded with is a good healthy balanced meal. If a quality meal is important to you then we don't recommend this excursion.
Written September 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for joining us on the recommendation of friends. We're happy that overall you enjoyed the kayaking experience and variety of outings in this remote part of the coast, and that the salmon dinner was also a highlight!
It's unfortunate, and admittedly difficult and surprising to read that you were otherwise disappointed with the meals/food and perceived value. We fully agree that food is important and fuels people for active days. Guests usually describe our variety of meals as healthy, creative, 'amazing', and a highlight of their experience.
Food is one of several significant expenses for our inclusive small-group adventures in a remote off-grid wilderness location. A lot of time, energy, and cost goes into planning a menu that can be adjusted across a spectrum of dietary needs, ordering and transporting the food to Spring Island, keeping the food properly cooled/stored, and having our camp chef and staff diligently adapt the menu around individual and group needs. With sustainability in mind, we also make a point of minimizing waste: guests are typically delighted when there is enough of the fire-BBQ'd salmon from dinner to be integrated into the next days' breakfast or lunch.
It's rare and disappointing when expectations don't align, especially when referred by friends - that can be awkward. We appreciate that you and your friends joined us, that you appreciated the kayak outings, and that we now have this feedback as an opportunity to continue learning and adjusting around food. Thank you.
Written September 12, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Theresa K
3 contributions
Jul 2022
I have never taken a trip anywhere as extraordinary as this one with West Coast Expeditions. The coast and islands and waters on the Pacific side of Vancouver Island in BC are stunning all ion their own, but what made this trio even mire remarkable was the organization, down to every detail, the warmth and expert support of all who do the work of these expeditions, from planning kayak routes that matched winds, currents and weather conditions, keeping us safe on the open ocean, feeding us grandly and finding stunning picnic spots on island after island. So many members of this organization are extraordinary: the guides Dan and Kellan, with strong assists from Morgan and Hannah, Jeannie the chef extraordinaire, the leadership of Caroline, Dave, Bev and Lana, whose community created a salmon fest and explained the ritual and cultural significance of the region as an ecological and indigeneous preserve where the otter population (otters and otters and otters!) has swelled after decades of determined slaughter for commercial purposes--mostly fur pelts.
Written August 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Our team really appreciated and enjoyed reading your review and feedback - thank you! We feel very grateful for the mix of staff and guests that together make for a winning recipe of activity, relaxation, and reflection in a stunning and evocative location. Each trip has it's own mix of energy, and is always special - thank you for being a part of making this one so!
Written August 29, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lynn F
7 contributions
Aug 2022
I was fortunate to be on a West Coast Expeditions trip to the Brooks Peninsula in August, 2022 guided by Andy and Hanna. Our guides were exceptional in all ways - in their knowledge, skill, kindness, and ability to support a diverse group of paddlers and kayak campers. As Glenn S detailed in another review from our trip, we had remarkably beautiful weather in an area of the west coast not typically known for sunny days. However, the good weather only added to the joy we all felt as we built a community of friends and adventurers in such a beautiful and remote location. We enjoyed celebrating each other's excitement as we paddled through rock gardens and visited sea caves when conditions permitted, and we exceeded our own expectations on two wonderful days exploring the Brooks Peninsula. We loved our Brooks home beach and savored end of the day "spa" treatments in our fresh water stream. A lunge feeding humpback whale, bear sightings, and wolf tracks as evidence of their visits on our beach gave us magical moments. It was a dream of a trip!
Written August 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for joining us for that expedition with Andy and Hanna to the Brooks. Though delayed in replying here, I know that they and the rest of the WCE team greatly appreciated your wonderful reflections about the "magical moments" on your "dream of a trip"!
Written February 9, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kurt R
1 contribution
Jul 2023
Kayaking with Sea Otters was a trip of a lifetime! The remoteness of the location, the stunning scenery, the wildlife and the quality of the food coming out of the camp kitchen all combined to make this experience extraordinary. The kayaking guides are really professional; we always felt safe while kayaking and their introduction to our equipment was excellent. The cabins/tents we staying in were very clean (probably new), the beds were comfortable (no sleeping on the floor) and the view out the windows of the ocean, islands, mountains and forest was breathtaking and peaceful at the same time. As for the wildlife; we saw Bald Eagles, Sea Otters, Seals, Orcas, and Sea Wolves - the week we were there we shared the Island with two of them, saw one, saw their tracks in the sand and listened to them howl to each other on occaision.
Written August 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave
1 contribution
Jul 2021
SImply a great experience: beautiful setting, great food, plenty of otters, a friendly, supportive and educational team, and a unique opportunity to meet the First Nations community. Surpassed all my expectations. Having kayaked for 30 years on other parts of the West Coast and the world, it's no exaggeration that Kyuquot Sound is a unique and pristine setting. And the West Coast Expeditions team is clearly committed to making it a positive experience for all their visitors. Highly recommended even if you have just a little kayaking experience.
Written August 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Dave - we look forward to keeping in touch, and were so thrilled with how all the elements came together to exceed your expectations! All the best.
Written August 5, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Glenn S
Cupertino, CA7 contributions
Aug 2022
We did the Brooks Peninsula kayak expedition after doing the base camp version 7 years before, and it was all we had been looking forward to. It was a camping expedition but the worrying about food and other logistics was handled for us. The food was very good, especially considering it was carried with us, the kayaks and paddles were also in very good condition as were the tents and other camping equipment we rented. I would recommend bringing a kayak seat cushion if you have a favorite along with your preferred spray skirt.
The trip itself was wonderful, especially as we had uncharacteristically gorgeous weather. We saw a hump back whale lunge feed less than 50 meters away, lots of otters and seals, black bears, a mink, and other critters. There were cold streams, beautiful moons, and tide pool exploration, but my favorite parts were the longer paddles crossing over to the peninsula and then down the peninsula and around the end a bit.
In short, highly recommended but I was glad I had trained up for it beforehand.
The trip itself was wonderful, especially as we had uncharacteristically gorgeous weather. We saw a hump back whale lunge feed less than 50 meters away, lots of otters and seals, black bears, a mink, and other critters. There were cold streams, beautiful moons, and tide pool exploration, but my favorite parts were the longer paddles crossing over to the peninsula and then down the peninsula and around the end a bit.
In short, highly recommended but I was glad I had trained up for it beforehand.
Written August 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It was great having you and your wife back with us for a second adventure together. Thank you for sharing these thoughts and suggestions from your Brooks Expedition, which was filled with so many wonderful experiences from the flash of a whale feeding to the longer stretches of paddling remote coastline! We look forward to staying connected. Thank you.
Written August 29, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
L E
1 contribution
Jul 2021
This is a beautiful setting with engaged and knowledge guides. Some of the highlights were an early morning (5 a.m.) paddle to watch the sunrise from our boat, a 2 hour paddle with the fog rolling around us. An exceptional highlight was the visit by members the local First Nations who were longtime friends and who's owners into their family. We would return in a heartbeat. Every day on the trip revealed new vistas and scenery. Vigorously recommended! You will not be disappointed.
Written October 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sharing these highlights from your experience with us! We too love these same elements, and appreciate the open energy that you brought to the trip and group. We look forward to having you back!
Written October 30, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hello,
My husband, adult daughter and myself will be arriving in Vancouver beginning of July and are looking for some adventure for a week or so. Everything connecting us to the West Coast. What would you recommend?
Written November 14, 2019
Hello Dave
Thank you for your prompt response. My email address is
sheila.buemimoore@bluewin.ch
If you could send me your link to look into the Kayak Tours and your base camp that would be great.
All best, Sheila
Written November 15, 2019
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