Below is a sample itinerary and exact routes will vary depending on possible wildlife sightings, currents, tides and weather.

Day 0:

Plan to be in Port McNeil the night before the trip departs, as there is an 8:00 pm pre-trip meeting with your guides at the Haida-Way Inn. We’ll provide you with an overview for your trip, distribute dry-bags to pack your gear in, and answer any questions you may have.

Meals Included: None

Day 1:

Meeting at 7:30 am in the lobby of the Haida Way Inn, we’ll head down to the marina to load our water taxi.  It’s just a short walk from the hotel, and all your equipment can be transported by our van.  Vehicles and extra bags can be left at the Haida Way while you’re on the trip – just ask at the front desk.

The hour-long water taxi ride takes us to our campsite, where we’ll settle in.  The guides will provide a site orientation, a paddle briefing, and you’ll have time to set up your tents.  The first day is generally spent getting familiarized with the camp, wilderness kayaking and each other before heading out for a short paddle.

Meals Included: Lunch - Dinner

Days 2 to 5:

During this nomadic tour, we’ll normally break camp 3 – 4 times, exploring the area around each camp before moving on. 

The Broughton Archipelago is a literal maze of islands, and no day’s paddle will be the same.  If the weather conditions allow, we’ll paddle along the edge of the Archipelago in Queen Charlotte Strait, home to sea bird colonies, sea lions, and a view equaling the west coast. Turning into the sheltered waters of the Archipelago, we can explore this mystical area and it’s first nations sites, hidden bays, and rich rainforest.

Along the way, we may stop at the small community of Echo Bay and visit Billy Proctor’s museum, where he has gathered up thousands of artifacts from the area.  As well, we may plan a stop at the ancient native village of Meem Quam Leese and explore its decaying totems and long houses.

Each trip is different, and your guides will change the itinerary from daily based on weather, tides, and group interests.  But rest assured, exploration, wildlife viewing, and relaxing are a part of every trip.

Meals Included: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

Day 6:

On our last day, we’ll linger over breakfast, snap a few last photographs, and enjoy one last short paddle before our journey ends.  After lunch, we’ll pack up camp, and board our water taxi for the return journey to Port McNeil, arriving by about 3:00 PM.

We usually arrive back in Port McNeil in enough time for you to fly out of Port Hardy or catch a late ferry back to the mainland, but delays do happen.  We suggest that our guests spend the last night in Port McNeil, enjoy the hot showers, and slowly transition out of vacation mode.  Most guests choose this, and we often get together for a no-host farewell dinner at the Haida-Way Inn.

Meals Included: Breakfast - Lunch

What to expect on our Broughton Archipelago tours:

On our Broughton Archipelago trips we supply a mixed kayak fleet of singles and doubles, and each guest will have an opportunity to try both.  Our groups are kept small; there is a maximum group size of 8 guests with 2 guides accompanying.

No paddling experience is necessary to join our trips but experienced paddlers will not be disappointed. We usually paddle for 4 – 5 hours per day, with breaks for lunch, snacks and shore exploration.  If you’re looking to challenge yourself, try our ‘expedition style’ trips or simply ask one of the guides for some extra skills instruction.

What is provided on all of our tours:

We provide you will all the necessary kayaking and camping equipment, including: kayaks, paddling jacket, life jacket, group shelters, tents, sleeping pads, camp chairs and with enough notice, we can even provide sleeping bags, although most guests bring their own. A comprehensive list of required personal items can be viewed here. 

All meals from lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day are provided and prepared.  We’re proud of our menu that includes abundant fresh fruits and vegetables, a wide variety of international dishes, and freshly baked treats.  Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated given sufficient prior notification.

Transportation is all-inclusive from the Haida-Way Motel in Port McNeil.  Our network of vans and water taxis will transport you to and from your journey in comfort.

What is not included on our tours:

We do not provide transport from your home to Port McNeil, nor do we provide airport transfers.  Any meals outside the kayak portion of the tour are your responsibility.  Travel insurance for accidents or emergency evacuation is not provided; we recommend you purchase a policy before leaving home.  The trip price does not include guide gratuities; should you feel that the service was exemplary, it is always appreciated.  We suggest 5 to 10% of the trip cost, based on the service and attention provided.