Instructional Expeditions
Exploring the coastal waters through skill building, adventure and challenge.
Not your average guided excursion. Nuchatlitz
Experience unspoiled sandy beaches, an abundance of marine, bird & intertidal life, paddle around sea stacks & sea caves, camp on a secluded beach surrounded by dense coastal bush, and witness amazing sunsets. Nuchatlitz Provincial Park encompasses the very northwest tip of Nootka Island and a large number of small island groups.
We start the expedition launching from Little Espinosa (near Zeballos) and journey to the Islands on the north tip of Nootka Island. From here, we continue amongst the maze of islets and reefs, exploring the intertidal life. Our expedition takes us into the beautiful Nuchatlitz Inlet and Mary’s Basin, a protected waterway with sandy camping beaches and wonderful waterfalls. These remote islands offer both exposed coast and protected waters for paddling, providing an excellent location for this instructional expedition.
Skill Level: (Paddle Canada Level 2 Certification)
This expedition is suitable for paddlers who are ready to challenge the Paddle Canada Level 2 Skills curriculum and those who wish to refine and refresh their current PC L2 or equivalent skills. Participants are to be proficient but not highly-skilled paddlers, you should be familiar with the core paddling strokes and able to perform a wet exit and rescues if required. We could be exposed to wind, waves and open swell on this trip. Participants should have prior experience on day trips or short multi-day journeys and should be comfortable with:
- Paddling distances of 10–12 nautical miles per day (3nm per hour)
- Launching and landing through small surf.
- Performing self- and assisted rescues in calm to moderate conditions.
- Camping for several nights on remote beaches
This trip emphasizes both travel and skill progression, making it an excellent choice for paddlers looking to build confidence for longer expeditions like Kyuquot/Bunsby’s and Cape Scott
What’s Included:
"Bear Bones" Expedition - participants provide their own meals, stoves and cooking equipment. We provide one group tarp, water filter and expedition First Aid Kit & Communication
What’s Not Included:
Bare BonesExpedition-
- Transportation to Zeballos/ Little Espinosa
- Camping ($15 cash) the night before the trip starts at Cevallos Campground In Zeballos
- Camping fees during the trip.
- All food, water and camping gear.
Available for Rent:
- Fiberglass, skegged Nigel Denis Kayak (NDK), and safety gear ($300 for the trip)
- Drysuit ($200 for the trip)
- Carbon Paddle {Euro or Greenland ($100)}
- Helmet
- Camping Equipment (tent, mat, sleeping bag)
* If these aren’t selected at checkout we cannot guarantee availability and need a minimum of 4 weeks notice of any rentals.
-
The bare bones expeditions are ones where Blue Dog provides, the coaching team, group tarp and First Aid Kit. Participants provide their own meals, stoves and cooking equipment.
Coaching Team:
Lee Philips & Lisa Stafford
$1500 (plus tax & service fee)
Booking Terms
Clayoquot Sound
Blue Dog Kayaking invites you to explore the iconic west coast waters of Clayoquot Sound, a place where ocean wilderness, surf beaches, and temperate rainforest converge. This seven-day expedition blends skill development, adventure travel, and pure west coast magic, offering the perfect balance between challenge and relaxation.
The journey begins in Tofino, where we’ll load our kayaks and paddle across to Vargas Island. The first few days focus on refining paddling and surf landing skills, exploring the island’s pristine beaches, and building confidence in dynamic coastal conditions. Vargas provides the ideal classroom for developing sea kayak surfing techniques in a safe and supportive environment.
From there, we travel north through Clayoquot Sound’s island channels and open coastlines toward Hot Springs Cove. Along the way, we’ll paddle through spectacular scenery, including Flores and Vargas Islands, before reaching the legendary natural hot springs. Here, we’ll camp nearby and soak in the warm, cascading pools overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Our final leg follows the coastline back to Tofino, rounding out a week of west coast exploration, camaraderie, and growth on the water.
Skill Level
This expedition is suitable for intermediate paddlers with prior experience on day trips or short multi-day journeys.
Participants should be comfortable with:
Paddling distances of 10–15 nautical miles per day
Launching and landing through small surf
Performing self- and assisted rescues in calm to moderate conditions
Camping for several nights on remote beaches
This trip emphasizes both travel and skill progression, making it an excellent choice for paddlers looking to build confidence for longer expeditions such as the Brooks Peninsula or Cape Scott routes.
What’s Included:
Bare Bones Expedition-
- Experienced sea kayak instructors/ coaches with previous experience of running expeditions to this location.
- Group tarp & Ropes
- First aid for the group
- Kayak repair kit
- Water Filter
- Communication devices (VHF Radio and Garmin Inreach)
- Water taxi transportation to Rosa Island
- 3:1 minimum participant to Instructor ratio.
What’s Not Included:
Standard Expedition-
- Transportation to Tofino & From Tofino
- Camping or Accommodation before & after the trip
- Parking fees in Tofino
- Food and drinks.
- Park entry fees for Macquinna Marine Provincial Park (Hot Springs Cove)
- Water Taxi Evacuation (if needed)
Available for Rent:
- Fiberglass, skegged Nigel Denis Kayak (NDK), and safety gear
- Drysuit
- Carbon Paddle (Euro or Greenland)
- Helmet
- Camping Equipment (tent, mat, sleeping bag)
* If these aren’t selected at checkout we cannot guarantee availability and need a minimum of 4 weeks notice of any rentals.
-
Expedition ONLY.
Bare Bones
$1850 (plus tax & service fee)
Booking Terms
Kyuquot & The Bunsby’s
Embark on an unforgettable unsupported sea kayaking expedition through one of Vancouver Island’s most spectacular and remote coastal regions. This journey offers a perfect balance of adventure, raw wilderness, cultural connection, and self-reliance, a true west coast classic for paddlers seeking challenge and beauty in equal measure.
Our adventure begins with a picturesque paddle from Fair Harbour, tracing a route through sheltered inlets before emerging into the exposed coastline en route to Rugged Point, where towering headlands and pristine beaches mark the gateway to the open Pacific. From there, we work our way north along a breathtaking stretch of coast, weaving through sea stacks and surf-swept channels toward Spring Island and Kyuquot Sound. The journey culminates in the legendary Bunsby Islands, a remote and wild archipelago renowned for its white sand beaches, abundant wildlife, and stunning campsites framed by rainforest and ocean swell.
This expedition is about more than just paddling. It is about immersing yourself in the rhythm of the ocean, connecting with the land and waters and experiencing the raw beauty of Vancouver Island’s outer coast in its most authentic form.
Skill Level:
This is a remote, self-supported expedition, suitable for paddlers with prior sea kayaking experience and solid foundational skills. You should be comfortable in dynamic coastal conditions, including wind, waves, and swell, and capable of performing self- and assisted rescues if required.
Paddle Canada Level 2 skills (or equivalent) are recommended.
A strong forward stroke and the ability to maintain 3 nautical miles per hour are key.
Expect at least two longer travel days covering 12 nautical miles or more.
Previous experience with backcountry camping and expedition travel will enhance your comfort and enjoyment.
This journey into the heart of Vancouver Island’s wild west coast is an extraordinary opportunity to test your skills, deepen your connection with the sea, and experience a part of the world few ever get to see.
What’s Included:
Standard Expedition-
- Experienced sea kayak instructors/ coaches with previous experience of running expeditions to this location.
- Group gear for the expedition (tarp, dragonfly stovers, cooking utensils, pots to cook with)
- Breakfast and Dinner, as well as a spice kit.
- First aid for the group
- Kayak repair kits
- Water Filter
- Communication devices (VHF Radio and Garmin Inreach)
- 3:1 minimum participant to Instructor ratio.
"Bear Bones" Expedition - participants provide their own meals, stoves and cooking equipment. We provide one group tarp, water filter and expedition First Aid Kit.
What’s Not Included:
Standard Expedition-
- Water Taxi
- Transportation to Fair Harbour
- Camping ($20 cash) the night before the trip starts in Fair Harbour (we will book it).
- Parking fees in Fair Harbour ($55)
- Lunches, personal snacks and drinks.
Available for Rent:
- Fiberglass, skegged Nigel Denis Kayak (NDK), and safety gear
- Drysuit
- Carbon Paddle (Euro or Greenland)
- Helmet
- Camping Equipment (tent, mat, sleeping bag)
* If these aren’t selected at checkout we cannot guarantee availability and need a minimum of 4 weeks notice of any rentals.
-
Expedition only, paddle & paddle out.
NO CERTIFICATION AVAILABLE
$1850 (plus tax & service fee)
Water Taxi not included.
Booking Terms
Cape Scott
Blue Dog kayaking offers you an amazing and challenging sea kayaking adventure around Cape Scott. This is a truly magnificent area of rugged coastal wilderness that is located at the northwestern tip of Vancouver Island, 563 kilometres from Victoria. Cape Scott is characterized by more than 60 nautical miles of scenic ocean coastline, including incredible sea stacks and about 15 nautical miles of pristine sandy beaches. The area remains one of the most beautiful relatively untouched parts of our coast.
This twelve day unsupported expedition will start at Port Hardy and finish at Cole Harbor. Over the first eight to ten days we will paddle around the cape exploring the rocky promontories and jagged headlands punctuated by the fine-textured, white-sand beaches. Some of these beaches will serve as our rest stops and camping sites; including but not limited to, Nels Bight, San Josef Bay, Guise Bay, Experiment Bight, Lowrie Bay and Nissen Bight. The final two days are reserved for the paddle back through Quatsino Sound from Winter Harbor to Cole Harbor where we will pick up our shuttle back to the cars at Port Hardy.
Skill Level (non-negotiable):
This is a challenging unsupported expedition, the group will carry all the expedition kit, food and water. Participants should have a minimum of Paddle Canada L2 skills and ideally L3 skills or equivalent paddling experience. Previous multi-day trips in a sea kayak is the first firm prerequisite for joining this trip. This is an exposed rugged coastline so paddling in waves, swell and wind should be expected. Surf landings are a distinct possibility so participants should have previous experience of landing in tricky situations. The ability to paddle for up to 17 nautical miles in one day, and maybe more, at a reasonable speed (3 Knots) is the second firm prerequisite for joining this trip. Changing weather may dictate some very long days with early starts; the leadership philosophy is to paddle early and bag the miles while conditions permit. Often a long day will be followed by a rest day. One very challenging day comes towards the end of the trip when we will need to navigate a 13 nautical mile stretch of rugged coastline with few if any good landing places. This may result in a 5 hour paddle with breaks taken on the water. The final two days are reserved for the paddle back to Coal Harbour through Quatsino Sound. Paddlers can expect strong outflow winds and strong currents. The ability to power up to make ground again the wind/current and deploy an effective forward stroke is third firm prerequisite for joining this trip
What’s Included:
Standard Expedition-
- Experienced sea kayak instructors/ coaches with previous experience of running expeditions to this location.
- Group gear for the expedition (tarp, dragonfly stovers, cooking utensils, pots to cook with)
- Breakfast and Dinner, as well as a spice kit.
- First aid for the group
- Kayak repair kits
- Water Filter
- Communication devices (VHF Radio and Garmin Inreach)
- 3:1 minimum participant to Instructor ratio.
"Bear Bones" Expedition - participants provide their own meals, stoves and cooking equipment. We provide one group tarp, water filter and expedition First Aid Kit.
What’s Not Included:
Standard Expedition-
- Transportation to Port Hardy
- Camping the night before the trip starts (we will book it).
- Parking fees while on Expedition.
- Lunches, personal snacks and drinks.
- Water Taxi Evacuation (if needed)
Available for Rent:
- Fiberglass, skegged Nigel Denis Kayak (NDK), and safety gear
- Drysuit
- Carbon Paddle (Euro or Greenland)
- Helmet
- Camping Equipment (tent, mat, sleeping bag)
* If these aren’t selected at checkout we cannot guarantee availability and need a minimum of 4 weeks notice of any rentals.
-
Expedition only.
NO CERTIFICATION AVAILABLE
This is a bare bones expedition, participants are required to provide their own food.
$2600 (plus tax & service fee)
Booking Terms
The Coast of Giants, Exploring the Brooks.
Blue Dog Kayaking invites you on an extraordinary 15-day sea kayaking journey around the remote and awe inspiring Brooks Peninsula the largest headland on Vancouver Island and one of the wildest stretches of coastline in British Columbia.
This expedition offers a rare opportunity to explore both the northern and southern shores of the peninsula, discovering towering sea cliffs, hidden coves, and expansive beaches that few ever visit. Beginning in Coal Harbour or Port Alice, we’ll paddle west through the intricate waterways of Quatsino Sound before venturing into the open Pacific. As we round Brooks Peninsula, we’ll experience the raw power and beauty of Vancouver Island’s outer coast, a landscape shaped by wind, wave, and time.
Our journey concludes in Zeballos, with opportunities to explore the sheltered passages and rich marine life of Kyuquot Sound on the return. Expect an unforgettable blend of wilderness, challenge, and deep immersion in one of the most remote and spectacular marine environments on the coast.
Skill Level (non-negotiable):
This is a challenging and exposed expedition, designed for experienced sea kayakers. The Brooks Peninsula is renowned for its rugged conditions, unpredictable weather, and long stretches without safe landing zones.
Minimum Requirements:
Paddle Canada Level 3 or equivalent strongly recommended
Extensive multi-day sea kayak expedition experience
Ability to manage surf landings, strong swell, and headwinds
Competence navigating remote and committing coastlines
Capability to paddle 18+ nautical miles per day at an average speed of 3 knots
Participants must be physically fit, mentally prepared, and confident paddling in dynamic coastal conditions. The Brooks demands respect and rewards those ready to meet its challenge.
What’s Included:
Bare Bones Expedition-
- Experienced sea kayak instructors/ coaches with previous experience of running expeditions to this location.
- First aid for the group
- Kayak repair kit (recommended to carry your own for your specific kayak)
- Water Filter
- Communication devices (VHF Radio and Garmin Inreach)
- 3:1 minimum participant to Instructor ratio.
- participants provide their own meals, stoves and cooking equipment.
What’s Not Included:
Standard Expedition-
- Transportation to Location
- Camping the night before the trip starts (we will book it but you pay).
- Parking fees while on Expedition.
- Food and drinks.
- Water Taxi Evacuation (if needed)
Available for Rent:
- Fiberglass, skegged Nigel Denis Kayak (NDK), and safety gear
- Drysuit
- Carbon Paddle (Euro or Greenland)
- Helmet
- Camping Equipment (tent, mat, sleeping bag)
* If these aren’t selected at checkout we cannot guarantee availability and need a minimum of 4 weeks notice of any rentals.
-
Expedition only.
NO CERTIFICATION AVAILABLE
This is a bare bones expedition, participants are required to provide their own food.
$3550 (plus tax & service fee)
Booking Terms
Broken Group of Islands, Barkley Sound
The Broken Group of Islands consists of over 100 islands, islets and rocky outcrops scattered in the centre of Barkley Sound, between Loudoun Channel and Imperial Eagle Channel, and totals 10,607 hectares, of which only 1,350 hectares is land. This maze of islands protected by the Pacific Rim National Park is a paddlers paradise offering one of the top kayaking destinations on the planet with unprecedented paddling opportunities for experienced and new paddlers. At times you’ll definitely feel the motion of the ocean swells, but the better part of our paddling journey through Barkley Sound is not exposed.
We begin our exploration by launching at Secret Beach and paddling to Gibraltar Island which is our first campsite; after a few night there, we make our way through the chain of islands, stopping at one of the outer Islands that makes for our second campsite. From here we embark on day trips visiting some of the surrounding islands.
Skill Level (non-negotiable):
The Broken Group is not very exposed and new paddlers will enjoy the experience. A Paddle Canada L1 skills or equivalent is quite adequate to join one of our Broken Group Expeditions, a wet exit and knowledge of both assisted and unassisted rescues is a non negotiable requirement.
What’s Included:
Standard Expedition-
- Experienced sea kayak instructors/ coaches with previous experience of running expeditions to this location.
- Group gear for the expedition (tarp, dragonfly stovers, cooking utensils, pots to cook with)
- Breakfast and Dinner, as well as a spice kit.
- First aid for the group
- Kayak repair kits for rental kayaks
- Water Filter
- Communication devices (VHF Radio)
- 4:1 minimum participant to Instructor ratio.
"Bear Bones" Expedition - participants provide their own meals, stoves and cooking equipment. We provide one group tarp, water filter and expedition First Aid Kit.
What’s Not Included:
Standard Expedition-
- Transportation to Secret Beach
- Camping the night before the trip starts (Book Here -any site near kayak launch)
- Parking fees while on Expedition (Book Here)
- Tseshaht Beach Keeper Guardian Fee ($15 applied at checkout)
- Lunches, personal snacks and drinks.
- Water Taxi Evacuation (if needed)
Available for Rent:
- Fiberglass, skegged Nigel Denis Kayak (NDK), and safety gear
- Drysuit
- Carbon Paddle (Euro or Greenland)
- Helmet
- Camping Equipment (tent, mat, sleeping bag)
* If these aren’t selected at checkout we cannot guarantee availability and need a minimum of 4 weeks notice of any rentals.
-
Date dependant and group size, we can offer a private program to this location.
Booking Terms
Deer Group, Barkley Sound
The Deer Group is located in Barkley Sound, along with the Broken Group. Being less well known, this area offers a mixture of private, crown and First Nation land. Wild and unregulated camping on some of the most beautiful islands in the area. Orca and Humpback whales are often seen crossing Trevor Channel before reaching our first campsite. From here our expedition explores the rugged complex shorelines of Tzartus and Fleming Islands. Edward King Island offers the paddler exploration of some of the most magnificent sea caves and arches on the Island and hopefully, weather permitting, we can visit the Sea Lion colony on Folger Island at the far southerly end of the chain which can bear the brunt of Barkley Sound’s storms.
Skill Level (non-negotiable):
The Deer Group is a little more exposed than the Broken Group, however, there is plenty of sheltered paddling so less experienced paddlers will enjoy the experience. A Paddle Canada L1 skills or equivalent is quite adequate to join one of our Deer Group Expeditions. A wet exit and knowledge of both assisted and unassisted rescues is a non negotiable requirement.
What’s Included:
Standard Expedition-
- Experienced sea kayak instructors/ coaches with previous experience of running expeditions to this location.
- Group gear for the expedition (tarp, dragonfly stovers, cooking utensils, pots to cook with)
- Breakfast and Dinner, as well as a spice kit.
- First aid for the group
- Kayak repair kits for rental kayaks
- Water Filter
- Communication devices (VHF Radio)
- 4:1 minimum participant to Instructor ratio.
"Bear Bones" Expedition - participants provide their own meals, stoves and cooking equipment. We provide one group tarp, water filter and expedition First Aid Kit.
What’s Not Included:
Standard Expedition-
- Transportation to Poet Nook Marina or Bamfield.
- Camping the night before the trip starts.
- Parking fees while on Expedition.
- Lunches, personal snacks and drinks.
- Water Taxi Evacuation (if needed)
Available for Rent:
- Fiberglass, skegged Nigel Denis Kayak (NDK), and safety gear
- Drysuit
- Carbon Paddle (Euro or Greenland)
- Helmet
- Camping Equipment (tent, mat, sleeping bag)
* If these aren’t selected at checkout we cannot guarantee availability and need a minimum of 4 weeks notice of any rentals.
-
Date dependant and group size, we can offer a private program to this location.
Booking Terms
“I just completed this expedition with Amber and Dave in the Broken Group Islands (Aug 2017). To say that my expectations were exceeded would be an understatement. This is not a recreational, guided tour - this program is an empowering, challenging, fun, personalized opportunity to focus on improving your strokes, navigation, weather & tide interpretation, leadership skills, rescues and camp life. Amber and Dave are highly skilled kayakers and incredibly committed instructors. They observed my baseline abilities and were able to see where I was going wrong and make easily understandable suggestions for improvement. They give 120% and inspire you to up your game to make the most of their expertise. They are also wonderful folks and made the trip a whole heckuva lotta fun. I also achieved my L2 skills. I was looking forward to my next Blue Dog course before this one was even over!"
- Carrie McKellar
Private Programming
Our company thrives on providing the best sea kayak instruction, and coaching. Safety, creating challenging environments, fun and adventure are at the forefront of our programs. Meeting paddlers where they’re at and faciliatting learning to get them to where they would like to be, filling in the learning gaps along the way. Our private programming includes anything from skills refreshers to extended expeditions (certification or not). This programming requires a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum of 8.