Sea Kayak Tour Outfitter on Vancouver Island
We specialize in outfitting self-guided sea kayaking groups of 8-12 people from around the world for multi-day trips to The Broken Group Islands, The Deer Group Islands and Clayoquot Sound on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, Canada. Just arrive with your outdoor clothing. We take care of all the details and are ready for your arrival so that you can get right into nature.
Note: Minimum booking is 8. This is not a guided tour & we do not rent kayaks or gear.
We supply highly rated Seaward Sea Kayaks. All Coast Guard required gear is provided.
No matter what the weather, you'll be warm and dry in our tents. Group tarps too.
Our professional kitchen gear can easily serve groups of 12. Stoves and fuel are provided.
Our menu features fresh food and can easily accommodate food allergies and intolerances.
Tell us about your paddling group and we can make destination and specific camp recommendations
First and last night at our acreage B&B. Available 24/7 if there is a change in weather or plans.
There’s enough anxiety in trying to plan a sea kayaking trip, let alone a remote trip hundreds if not thousands of kilometres away. Expedition planning involves lots of gear, food and time. By choosing Batstar, you can focus on your travel plans and clothing and leave the details to us.
We provide professional quality outdoor gear and feature a nutritionally complete menu that utilizes as much local organic food as possible. Our local Alberni Valley is very fertile. We have everything ready for your arrival at our B&B. By reducing the stress around the gear, food, accommodation and planning we know that you'll be able to relax faster once you get here.
After booking, you can access your detailed pre-trip information on-line. This will help your group get oriented with the gear, menu and accommodation in advance of your trip. This makes our orientation when you arrive quicker so you can pack and get ready and still enjoy your evening.
We buy your food and prepare it in hand-made custom food bags to keep you organized. Your menu and recipes will guide you through the week. The snack bag alone is worth the trip. We can accommodate diets, food intolerances and allergies.
Your country accommodation is quiet and comfortable with lots of room to organize and pack your gear. Lakes and trails are 2-10 minutes away. No guests stay at the B&B while you're away so you can leave your travel gear in your room. If you encounter bad weather (rare) or someone feels ill, you can come back and do day trips. With accommodation for 8 hard to find in the summer, having a solid backup plan if circumstances change leads to better peace of mind and outcomes.
"There are over 1000 individual pieces of gear and food that go into a multi-night trip. Gear bags, food bags, cutlery bag, first aid kit, repair kit, snack bag: miss one item and it could be the difference between having a trip of a lifetime vs experiencing stress and changing your plans. By having the hundreds of details taken care of, you can get the most out of your much anticipated vacation sea kayaking on the West Coast of Canada."
Contains operational instructions, gear lists, menus, recipes, trip log and 24/7 emergency contact information.
We send out a small library of field guides for the Pacific Northwest. Plants, animals, oceanography, history, etc. and 2 charts.
We send out a guide-level first aid kit, VHF marine radio and rescue flares. Everything required by the Canadian Coast Guard.
We'll help you pick the right destination, customize your menu and help with detailed trip planning routes and highlights.
"In my 20 years of professional guiding, my number one observation is that people become more relaxed, connected and themselves by the third day of their first wilderness camping trip. This is when the anxiety about the activity, gear, food and bathroom fades away and ease in the environment starts. The relaxation process kicks in and your body's rhythm syncs with the sun and tides.
On subsequent trips, there is less anxiety and the therapeutic effects of nature start before the trip as anticipation of fun and relaxation peaks. We want our guests to get to the rejuvenation park of the experience as fast as possible."
The west side of Vancouver Island is rich in plant and animal life. While it’s exciting to see a whale majestically swim by, one can spend hours exploring the intertidal zone or watching the eagles swoop down and grab a fish. The forest is a great place to spend time observing the trees and verdant plant life.
While Black Bears, Wolves and Cougars are common on Vancouver Island, they are not at all common on the islands that you camp on. Practicing no trace camping and keeping a clean kitchen solves most animal conflicts. Mosquitos and flies are not a problem in this part of Canada.
When your group arrives everything is ready for your sea kayaking adventure. including:
• Sea Kayaking Gear
• Camping Gear
• Kitchen Gear
• All food supplied (with guest input)
• Trailer to transport sea kayaks.
• B&B Accommodation before and after your trip.
• Pre trip advice choosing a sea kayaking destination for your group.
• Forms to help organize your group.
• Group members can pay independently.
Does Not Include:
• Transportation on Vancouver Island
• Guides
• Alcohol
• Taxes
* Minimum booking is 8 guests. Maximum is 12 per trip.
Guests 9-12 pay $899/person as accommodation is not included.
We do not add guests to your trip.
You are responsible for your transportation while on Vancouver Island.
We highly recommend that you fly into Comox (YQQ) and rent a vehicle. Our B&B is just over an hour away from Comox. Depending on your destination, we can recommend the type of vehicle to rent. Rental companies only allow pickup trucks to be used on gravel roads.
We can help walk you through all of your transportation options.
So many highlights... exploring the islands (big tree, middens, rocks, shells, tide pools and critters), the seals and deer, awesome conditions, caves, fabulous food, to name a few.
Your preparations and quality gear made for outstanding comfort. The added bonus of this trips' 'firsts' & the cool experience of the eclipse.
We loved the chance to learn about First Nations, ecology and the local community. And, truly, the company of our group and laughter really created the warmth and memories that will stick with us.
Many thanks to you for your hospitality - opening your B&B to us to enjoy our time in Port Alberni. You have a lovely place and a sweet dog."
The next day and for the remainder of the trip the sun shone down upon our group of eight. We had many good laughs throughout the day and around the campfire. The list of wildlife and marine life was long and varied with a fabulous send off by the whales.
The food was amazing. For that kind of food to be produced in the camping environment is a feat in itself. The organization was such that everything flowed smoothly. I felt safe and comfortable at all times
I am leaving with much more knowledge than I came with and an even better understanding of the area and its wealth of nature that Brough peace and positive energy to me.
Thank you all."
It has been a pleasure meeting you and getting to know you. Blake, thanks for everything!"