Kayaking
Day Tours
Paddle in Paradise!
The protected waters of Heriot Bay and Drew Harbour along the coast of Quadra Island, British Columbia are great for those just learning or yearning for the easy-does-it paddling experience of sea kayaking.
Our certified kayaking guides teach the paddling basics that allow you to get out exploring and experiencing the Discovery Islands intricate living coastline.
- Kayaking is a fun & educational family experience
- Protected harbour is great for beginner kayakers
- Stunning Discovery Islands archipelago a magnet for sea kayaking
- We’re serious about safety: we have certified kayaking guides & instructors
Full Day Sea Kayaking Tour
10 am - 4 pm
$85 adults, $75 children
lunch included: sandwich buffet including meats, cheeses, veggies, hummus, fruit, cookies, chips and juice.
This is the ultimate Quadra Island sea kayaking experience... Enjoy a full day of kayaking, beachcombing, swimming and wildlife viewing. Getting out for a paddle on Quadra is a must do while visiting this island paradise. Don't worry if you have never kayaked before, this tour is great for first-timers. The tour starts with a kayaking lesson on the dock, ensuring everyone is comfortable and ready to go. Learn safety, proper paddle technique, and how to use your gear. Heading out on the water, the tour may go in several different directions depending on weather and interests.
The full day tour provides enough time to really explore the area. We stop on a remote island for a lunch break, where we have our picnic lunch, rest, swim, stretch, beachcomb, or just relax and take in the views. 
Half Day Sea Kayaking Tour
9 am - noon or 2 pm - 5 pm
$69 adults, $59 children
hearty snack included: crackers, cheeses, hummus, red pepper jelly, veggies, cookies, chips and juice.
This is an excellent option for people on limited time, or if you are hesitating on the full day tour. The horizon beckons... enjoy a half day tour, with morning and afternoon departures, making it easy to make arrangements to get out on the water.
The tour starts with a lesson, going over the elements of kayaking including safety issues, paddling techniques steering and stability tips.
On the half day paddle we usually paddle over to the Breton Islands and visit the local seal colony or paddle to Turtle Island and take the five minute hike to the top to enjoy the stunning view. Regardless of the destination, we always take a nice rest stop on shore, so we have a chance to stretch our legs and enjoy our hearty snack, along with the beautiful views.
Savour & Paddle the BC Sunset
time varies depending on sunset...
June & July: 6 pm - 9 pm; August: 5 pm - 8 pm
$59 adults, $55 children
hearty snack included: crackers, cheeses, hummus, red pepper jelly, veggies, cookies, chips and juice.
Paddle in the calm of the early evening, under the ever changing evening sky. As the sun sets, the whole world almost begins to glow, and it is truly a 'magical' time to paddle. As with our other tours, we begin with an intro lesson covering the basic safety elements of paddling & safety. We often paddle out to the Breton Islands or Turtle Island, though weather may alter our route. Whichever direction we go, we always enjoy a rest stop to get out on shore, enjoy our hearty snack and the spectacular views.
Introduction to Kayaking
No set time
$39 for adults & children
no snack included
If you are not sure kayaking is for you, why not try your first strokes with this intro to the wonderful world of kayaking? This is a two hour lesson & mini-tour that has no set departure time, and therefore needs to be organized in advance. There is a minimum of two guests to run this tour.
If you want to rent kayaks, you need to have experience with self and assisted rescues, and this is a great way to get that experience, with the guide able to focus . Or, if you want more focus on the lesson to feel comfortable on the water, this could be the intro for you!
This intro tour is generally limited to Drew Harbour, as it is focused on skill development.
What Wildlife Will You See?
Paddling here there is never a dull moment, with abundant marine, sea, intertidal and bird life. We see soaring eagles, red billed oyster catchers, great blue herons, cormorants, many varieties of gulls, ducks, and geese. Seals abound, huge sealions are often seen spring and fall, as well we occasionally see pods of porpoises and dolphins, and very occasionally even whales.
Stay & Play
Plan an island vacation and combine your sea kayaking trip with a stay on beautiful Quadra Island, the most convenient of the Northern Gulf Islands just a 10 minute ferry ride from Campbell River, Vancouver Island, BC.
Contact the Heriot Bay Inn, Quadra Island for packages that include accommodations along with sea kayaking tours and kayak lessons, whale watching tours, grizzly bear viewing tours, eco tours & adventure tours, wildlife viewing, fishing charters or… you name it! The Heriot Bay Inn also has an RV Park, oceanside campground, kayak rentals & bike rentals as well as hiking expeditions.
