coast mountain expeditions - day trips

We rented kayaks from Coast Mountain at Discovery Lodge and it was an awesome experience. Although we had some experience kayaking, Beth was very thorough in going through the process and the things we would need to know about the area. The area was fantastic to see from a kayak perspective and we will definitely return to the area to go out again. We appreciated the last-minute arrangements they made for us. All equipment was top-notch and flawless to paddle. Surge Narrows is a bit farther away from most of the action on Quadra but the approx 30 min drive to the north end was well worth it.

Okisollo Explorer Kayak TourThis is a 3/4 day kayaking trip with lots of variety.From the moment we arrived at the Coast Mountain Lodge we were made to feel welcome.After an afternoon of instruction and assessment, it was back to the lodge for a delicious home prepared supper. There is no mains electricity so don't expect to be able to use a hair dryer or laptop. The proprietors strive for sustainable living and strongly support local initiatives to keep the area as unspoilt as possible.The whole area is so beautiful I kept being distracted - by the reflection of the mountains in the water or the kingfishers dashing by.Next morning, we packed up personal belongings (in waterproof packs) and shared out the tents, food, cooking gear etc we would need for the trip and paddled off into magnificent surroundings. Over 3 days the trip circumnavigated Maurelle Island with 2 nights spent camping on uninhabited islands along the way. We'd had a lesson the night before about the effects of tidal flow, which determined which way round we did the trip - anti clockwise in our case.We saw too much wildlife to list it all. Highlights included porpoises, harbour seals, loons, sapsuckers and bald eagles; special for me, being from the UK. The yodelling of the loons across the water was amazing. Vibrant sea life abounded too; coral and purple sea stars, ghost jelly fish in clouds.On the final afternoon we went for a hike on Quadra Island to Newton Lake where the beautiful calm water was too tempting to resist. We all had a quick dip before stepping up our pace to get back in our kayaks and be at Surge Narrows while tidal conditions were favourable.Apparently no previous paddling experience is necessary and I expect this is true if you are reasonably fit and an outdoor type but I was glad I had been in a kayak a few times before and at least already knew how to make it go in a straight line!Lots of different trips are offered, so other choices might be better for others. I shall certainly be back if circumstances permit.

We booked a 3 day kayaking/camping trip for our group of six. We are from Australia and had a very small window where our family were in Canada at the same time. Coast Mountain Expeditions were very happy to fit our group into a customised tour, mid week. The first night we stayed in their eco Discovery Lodge, which was an absolutely beautiful start to the trip and is perched right on the water. The next two days, we kayaked to different camp sites amongst the most fantastic scenery you could ever imagine. While setting up our tents each night, Sabina & Joy (our fantastic guides) were preparing our organic food for dinner, most of which is locally grown. Each morning, Sabina & Joy were up before us preparing our beautiful breakfast before setting off on another fabulous day kayaking. For us, being able to see Canada in its natural enviornment, see the amazing scenery during the day and even more amazing scenery at night (stars incredible) was an experience we will never forget! I'd highly recommend Coast Mountain Expeditions for your next kayaking trip!

A perfect day outing, beginning with the awesome drive through the pristine Quadra Island forest. This was only the second time for us in a kayak so we were very appreciative of the professional care and advice from our guide Gwen. She was wonderfully supportive for us and expertly guided us through the amazingly wonderful natural environment. Passing through the the Surge Narrows Marine Park for us was one of those rare experiences that make you forget about everything else. Seals, eagles, urchins, sea cucumbers and sea stars, assorted waterfowl, and fish leaping in the air, to say nothing of the absolutely stunning landscape. Great conversation and quiet times with Gwen. Even some fun with a bit of current. Equipment had us feeling comfortable all day. If you only have time for one kayak trip in the Quadra area, we highly recommend this one and this company. A superlative experience.

For a family trip to remember your whole life, with everything you imagined and more, I wholeheartedly recommend Coast Mountain Expeditions! (visit their website!) As others have said, correctly, it was amazing: beauty beyond belief, challenging physically, and expertly guided!We hadn't much, if any, experience with sea kayaks, but became strong and able in their sturdy, super well-built vessels. Our family of 7 had a blast, and we would all highly recommend this for the adventurous, healthy, even pregnant(!), active people, out there, wanting to interact with wilderness, gently, and on nature's terms, as much as possible. Thank you Coast Mountain for making this possible!

The Fjordlands Expedition was wild and wet and gorgeous. Invited by friends, I had no idea how beautiful and challenging this kayak trip would be. We started at "home base" on Read Island with organic gardens, sauna, hydro power and composting toilets. It is a Shangri La on an island that requires a boat to get there. We kayaked right out the front dock for several days of wilderness camping and kayaking supported by expert guides who could also cook fabulous food. (note: The Fjordlands Expedition is no longer available because of devastating clear cutting in that area.). It was the most challenging multi day kayak trip I had ever done and I was glad that the guides were so great to help me when I was out of my comfort zone. It all went fabulously and I am looking forward to my next trip: this time the Bears kayaking trip which partners with a First Nation community to kayak AND see grizzlies.I also visited their second site, Discovery Lodge on Quadra Island, which has both a B&B and day kayaking. it is perfect for families or mixed company when someone is not into kayaking and would prefer to sit by the water and read or hike the island while others spend the day on the water. I have a friend who wants to visit Discovery Lodge because back issues prevent multi day kayaking. I look forward to day trips, again, right out the door into the Canadian wilds.

This September I went kayaking on the Bears Trip (Bute Inlet) with Coast Mountain Expeditions (CME). This was my second trip with them and I thought it time to write up a review. The trip was amazing!! From the scenery and the 10 grizzlies we observed - to the yummy food, the knowledgable guides, and the campfire Robert Service poetry and Bill Reid stories. I can't say enough great things about the company and the experience. I would recommend trips with CME to anyone!

More than a day trip!In his book, "Delivering Happiness", Tony Hsieh says that life is not about the things you buy, it's about the experiences you share, so for Christmas 2012 I decided to share an unforgettable experience with my kids, and I booked a 6 day kayak trip through Desolation Sound with Coast Mountain Expeditions, and unforgettable it was! Lannie and Ralph are very gracious hosts. The lodge and accommodations are "rustic" and very beautiful set in the most gorgeous inlet you could imagine. Our guides Albert and Rorey were excellent throughout, even despite the weather and the different abilities of the 9 guests total. I would recommend this to anyone and would, and likely will, do another trip with them. Fair warning though...while this trip is rated as suitable for beginners, this particular trip can be challenging, so be prepared for an epic adventure. Also...while the meals were very good and nourishing, I would recommend that if you're a meat lover like me, you should pack some jerky along in your kit bag, I did and glad for it.

Starting form the Discovery Islands Lodge, paddlers are poised for a great paddling experience no matter which direction they go. The staff are passionate about kayaking and the area, make sure participants are comfortable and enjoying the trip. They provide safety orientations before the trip and paddling tips as you go. Equipment is all excellent quality and comfortable to use. They share their knowledge about the natural history and all in all its a great time out! The scenery and wildlife in the area are incredible and one can't help but feel refreshed and reconnected with nature, but also inspired for the trip back home.

It has been five years but this trip is still fresh in my mind. As a family we are well and widely traveled - we have been to Europe, Singapore, Malaysia, Africa... and the ultimate holiday was right here in Canada. Who would know. It is a bit of a task to get there - we flew to Comox, took a ferry to Quadra island, was met by a boat to Read island where we met up with the group and got our orientation. First night, we learned how to kayak and terminology and good manners and safety etc. Our guides were amazing people and so knowledgeable. Then we got unceremoniously dumped somewhere in the middle of the ocean the next morning and the adventure began.It is not fair to try and describe the vast beauty of Desolation Sound in a paragraph or two or three. You just have to go. All I will tell you is that you will be guided, you will be inspired and you will go back to civilization looking at it a little bit strangely at first.It is not the cheapest one week in your life, but it might be the most profound getting-back-to-nature experience you might ever have.I was forced to choose a time for my visit and I scrolled down as far as "July 2012" but I do believe it was in 06 or 07. I get emails and updates from the family who run Coast Mountain Expeditions and they are still the same wonderful people.

A group of 7 women enjoyed a wonderful 4 night kayak trip off Read Island in June with 2 young knowledgeable, personable guides, fantastic food, great equipment and gorgeous scenery. We camped for 2 nights with tents supplied by Coast Mountain and superb food cooked by our guides. The kayaks were very good and a lot of attention was paid to safety. The beginning and final nights were at lodges which were very comfortable. Lanny and Ralph are very committed to protecting the environment and both the lodges we stayed in reflected that with use of solar power, composting toilets and lots of produce grown in their garden. We'll go back again to kayak on one of their other trips. Superb!!

We joined Beth and Kate for a great kayaking adventure. The lodge and the start of the trip are a bit remote which only adds to the experience. With the experience level of the group ranging from kids to beginner to experienced white water, I was impressed that the trip was equally enjoyable for all. Though the whales were not around the day we went, we did see seals, eagles, ducks, a mink, hundreds of starfish and sea urchins. A homemade salmon salad lunch, home baked bread, fruits, cheese, vegetables, and lemonade served on a log were perfect. A full day of fun with guides who share their passion for the sport the area and you having a good time make this a very worthwhile adventure. Must do.

We went with Albert and Kate on a day drip from the Lodge and thoroughly enjoyed our paddle around Surge Narrows marine park, despite very ominous weather at first and the hairy scary drive to the Lodge. You need a reality check to appreciate the precious location and privilege that is bestowed by the very fact of being here. To become complacent about seeing (more...) Bald Eagles, Porpoises, Seals, Harlequin ducks etc etc... speaks volumes. This unique habitat needs preserving and by coming here and having zero impact (pretty much) is rewarding beyond measure and unforgettable without doubt.

We are a mid life couple who just returned from Coast Mountain Expedition's impeccably organized Discovery Island Tour. Our group consisted of two family groups with young adult children, two women friends, an intrepid single woman in her 40's with no wilderness camping experience, and us, and everyone seemed to have a great time. What made this trip especially unique was that it was led by Albert, a recent university grad, accompanied by his father, Ralph, the outfitter, in the co-pilot role. Albert grew up on Reed Island, an island off an island, off an island in the middle of this remote, wilderness area where Ralph and his wife, Lannie, co-outfitter and provider of world class baked goods and wholesome, delicious meals in the bush, still live year round, having honed their skills over the last 30 years. They walk the walk of sustainable, homestead living, with hydro and solar power, organic gardening, and chickens. Albert and Ralph paid great attention to safety issues and the comfort of the group. We camped at awesomely beautiful beach sites with the shallows paved with oysters, swam with four loons in a mountain lake, saw eagles and seals, and ended each day under a vast canopy of stars. The fibreglass kayaks were first rate, the group sympatico, and the quiet grandeur breathtaking. We barely saw any other boats, alone with our thoughts and the graceful rhythm of kayaking.

Our trip to the Octopus Islands with Coast Mountain including two nights at Coast Mountain Lodge was the stuff that memories are made of. We thoroughly the company of our hosts Lannie and Ralph and the food (a subject dear to my heart) surpassed all expectations. The kayaking was thoroughly enjoyable and our guide, Albert worked very hard to ensure our every need was met.The marine life was abundant and beautiful - we even saw Orca which are not regular visitors to this area. Our next visit can't come soon enough and the Coast Mountain ethos has inspired us to be much more eco-friendly in our everyday lives.