... Discovery Expeditions kayak tours ... Discovery Expeditions kayak tours ... Discovery Expeditions kayak tours
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Q/ What about safety?
Safety always put first. Our guides are go through pre-season training for the industry with two agencies, Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of British Columbia and the Wilderness First Aid Association of British Columbia. Further to this training we require that our guides for the upcoming season do a training period with us on familarization of area, tides, currents, weather and evacuation. The training involves paddling and hiking in the area well before the season gets started. As an added backup we have our own transport boat that is within reach if we have a situation and further to this we have a coast guard vessel location on 24 hour stand-by in Telegraph Cove. We are also a member of the coast guard auxillary for the area.
Q/ Is there any kayaking experience required to join your trips?
No. Anyone, regardless of his or her level of experience and abilities, can enjoy our tours. We offer kayaking instruction and safety procedures before setting out on our adventures. Many of our guests are first-time kayakers and our guides are experts at helping everyone relax and enjoy their journey. We also offer some trips for kayakers with higher fitness levels. Those tours that require a higher level of fitness are noted in the tour details.
Q/ What are the physical requirements?
Average physical health is required. Most of our adventures are not strenuous or physically demanding and do not require a high level of fitness. You should be capable of a few hours of moderate exercise each day. Still, these trips are adventurous, every day is different and on certain days it might be a little harder to paddle than on others. If you have any health problems, let us know when you are making your reservation so that we will be able to accommodate your needs and abilities.
Q/ What are the age requirements?
Please check the itineraries of each trip for minimum age requirements. The individual fitness level is more important than age.
Q/ How many hours per day do you paddle?
Depending on the destination, the group's abilities and desires. Some groups like to paddle a lot, some don't. Our guides will adapt to the groups performance. Our trips include short rain forest walks, wildlife and plant interpretation and education, bird watching, swimming, camp fire, snorkeling, enjoying great food, beachcombing, and, of course, time to rest, relax and enjoy the scenery.
Q/ How stable are the kayaks? Can they flip over?
The kayaks we use on our tours are very stable and designed for comfort and the likelihood of a capsize is minimal. Before we embark, we go over safety procedures, which includes preparation for rescues. If for some reason your kayak flips over, our experienced guides will help you get upright quickly and efficiently.
Q/ What Kind of Food is supplied on your Tours?
The foods supplied on our tours include:
In addition meats such as Chicken, Fresh Beef may be served when possible. For those with allergies or special diets that is no problem.
Depending on your tour selected will also determine what gear is required.
For tours into Johnstone and other locations on the West Coast of Canada you will find that usually the temp is quite mild through the months of June thru to Sept. However since this is the West Coast you will also find that storms do happen, and with those storms there is most often wind and rain. It is best to be prepared for all weather types and this should include suitable warm clothing.
Discovery Expeditions has prepared a short list that will help you with your gear requirements and what items should be packed. For those that are traveling into Telegraph Cove by car there are several good stores in Nanaimo - Comox and Campbell River were additional gear can be purchased.
For those that are wishing to try fishing please remember that you will need to purchase a fishing license. Discovery Expeditions can provide information on the license that is required to fish the oceans of the West Coast of Canada. You are also welcome to bring your fishing gear and we have excellent fishing locations just minutes from our base camp location in Johnstone Strait. Pink Salmon is the main species and usually they are approx 3 to 4 pounds in size. West Coast fishing is known for unique gear so advice is best sought from the local tackle shops.
Layering is the best way to regulate body temperature and maintain warmth. We suggest avoiding cotton (except for those hot days). Cotton has no insulation value when wet. An inner material that wicks moisture from the body and gives a comfortable dry feeling even while wet is the best first layer (Polypropylene, Lycra, Nylon, Polyester). A synthetic material such as fleece or pile makes the best second layer to provide warmth. Wool is also suitable. It is always a good idea to bring an entire spare set of clothes each day while out in the kayaks.
Rain jacket, pants and hat - For the unexpected nasty weather. The rain jacket and hat is most important.While Rain Pants are optional it is recommended and you will find that rain pants add to your comfort while kayaking.
Warm hat - wool or fleece hat will come in handy for cooler days and evenings.
For those hotter sunny days nothing beats a brim hat. You will find that a good summer hat while make you feel very good even on the sunniest days. While baseball caps are okay they still do not measure up to a good brimmed hat.
Light windproof jacket – optional
Long pants - 1 pair of fleece or warm comfortable pants, 2 lighter pair such as a quick dry fabric, and 1 pair long underwear. Jeans are NOT recommended for paddling. It should be mentioned that fleece pants are the most comfortable for those cool nights and colder days.
Sweaters - 2 warm fleece or wool (one may be all you need but if one gets wet you have an extra)
Vest - fleece or wool (keeps the body core warm and allows the arms to breath)
Gloves - these might help on cold days and some people feel that they help while paddling.
Long-sleeved quick dry (non cotton) shirt - 2 to 3 quick dry shirts
T-shirts – 2
Shorts - 1 or 2 quick dry nylon
Socks - 3 to 5 pair (1 warmer pair for around camp)
Undergarments
Personal Gear
Sleeping bag - To be prepared for varying weather a 3 season bag is a good idea. Each of our tents are also equipped with a spare wool blanket. Discovery Expeditions can provide a suitable sleeping bag if needed.
Sleeping Pad - Discovery Expeditions can provide a suitable sleeping bag if needed
Non waterproof nylon stuff sac - If your sleeping bag does not already come with one, they are ideal for stuffing your sleeping bag in and using in conjunction with a garbage bag. Having the stuff sac on the outside prevents the garbage bag from ripping. They can be purchased at most outdoor and hardware stores.
Wet shoes - A pair that can get wet such as sandals. If you want extra warmth, rubber boots where you can wear socks are best. In the hot mid summer season you will enjoy wearing your sandals to cool off. Our guides tend to bring a combination of sandals and rubber boots.
Camp footwear/hiking shoes - A pair of runners or hiking boots will come in handy for our hike.
Sunglasses & sunscreen (stored in Ziploc) - A must for protection from sun and glare off water. Safety cords on your glasses are also a good idea.
Towel and bathing suit - Not too bulky of a towel.
Medication - If you are bringing medication please ensure that a) the name and expiry date of drug is on container b) you have the detailed instructions of dosage and frequency. c) they are packed in water and sun proof container. d) you bring a full extra dosage of your medication in a separate container and leave with head guide, in case you misplace or lose yours, or are weathered in.
Personal items - Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, washcloth, feminine hygiene products (non-perfumed items are less likely to attract bugs), hairbrush, etc.
Small hand towel
Mosquito repellent
Small flashlight -with the batteries
Water bottle - 1 or 2 filled water bottles. Bike bottles or Nalgene bottles work best.
Camera & film - In waterproof bag or case. You may use our dry bags that are at camp.
Binoculars (optional)
Garbage bags - As mentioned above we will provide you with dry bags to store items in your kayaks. A garbage bag may come in handy to transport out laundry, clothing that has gotten wet etc.
Beverages - We supply a wide range of teas and coffee as well as juices. You are welcome to bring soda pops, or alcoholic beverages for the evenings.
Book or journal
Discovery Expeditions will help you with further questions regarding you gear requirements.
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Johnstone Strait Tours
Our Johnstone Strait Tours start in Telegraph Cove Vancouver Island B.C. Typically our tours start with water transportation provided from Telegraph Cove. It is advised that you arrive in Telegraph Cove by 7:30 AM to allow ample time to arrange your gear for transport to our base camp location.
Getting to Telegraph Cove
There are several options for getting to Telegraph Cove on Vancouver Island . If you have the time driving to Telegraph Cove will be the most interesting as there are many points of interest to see along the way. Telegraph Cove is approx 2.5 hours North of Campbell River.
Airlines
Scheduled flights on Pacific Coastal Airlines arrive daily at the Campbell River and District Regional Airport from Vancouver and Victoria Airport (car rentals are available at Campbell River airport). Air Canada flies into Vancouver and Victoria. WestJet flights are available to Vancouver, Victoria and Comox (about 45 minutes south of Campbell River).
You can also fly into Nanaimo if you wish and rent a car. If you do choose to fly into Nanaimo try using Baxtair Airlines. Telegraph Cove is approx 4 hours from Nanaimo.
Air Canada
Tel: 604 688 5515 or toll free 1 888 247 2262 Website: www.aircanada.ca
WestJet
Tel: 1 888 937 8538 Website: www.westjet.com
Pacific Coastal Airlines
Tel: 604 273 8666 or toll free 1 800 663 2872 Website: www.pacific-coastal.com
Baxter Air Lines website: www.baxterair.com
Bus lines
Island Coach Lines serves Vancouver Island. Connect to Island Coach Lines from Vancouver with Greyhound or Pacific Coach Lines. You can get a bus into Port Mcneil. Discovery Expeditions will be more than glad to pick you up in Port McNeill.
Island Coach Line
Tel: 250 385 4411 or toll free 1 800 318 0818
Website: www.grayline.ca
Greyhound (by ferry between Horseshoe Bay in Vancouver and Duke Point in Nanaimo)
Tel: 604 482 8747 or toll free 1 800 661 8747 Website: www.greyhound.ca
Pacific Coach Lines (by ferry between Vancouver and Victoria)
Tel: 250 385 4411 or toll free 1 800 661 1725 Website: www.pacificcoach.com
Ferry Service
BC Ferries runs scheduled trips with both vehicle and walk-on passenger service between ports on British Columbia's mainland and Vancouver Island. Victoria Clipper, MV Coho and Washington State Ferries run trips from Washington to Victoria.
BC Ferries Information
Route and fare information: Tel: 250 386 3431 or toll free 1 888 223 3779
Reservations by credit card: Tel: 604 444 2890 or toll free 1 888 724 5223
Website: www.bcferries.com
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Contact Us
221 Ferntree Place Nanaimo B.C. V9T 5M1
Toll Free 1-888-756-0099 Ask for Larry
International Callers please call 1-250-756-0094
or
250-244-3484
Fax Number is 1-250-756-1908
Or you are always welcome to email info@orcaseakayaking.com