Wilderness Day Tours Adventures in Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler

Frequently asked questions

What weather should I expect?
How should I dress?
What happens if it rains?
Will I see wildlife?
What wildlife will we see?
Where will customers be picked-up?
Where do we go kayaking?
Do I have to be an expert kayaker?
What kayaks are used?
How often is the trip offered?
How long are the trips?
What’s for lunch?
Is the trip suited for small children?
What washroom facilities exist?What weather should I expect?

The climate of Vancouver is very changeable.
Summertime is reliably sunny and not hot, with temperatures averaging highs in the mid 20s Celsius (70 to 80 Fahrenheit). Frequent ocean winds keep the climate very comfortable and evenings can be cool.

During the winter the temperature seldom dips below freezing. Snow in the city is a rare occurrence and the little that falls does not stay long on the ground.

It rains a lot. An average of about 280 cm (110 ins) falls during the year. Most of it falls between November and March. Although it is not very cold, high humidity during the winter makes even mild temperatures feel uncomfortable.

How should I dress?

Be prepared for weather changes and bring layers of clothing.

In the summer wear light cotton pants, shorts, t-shirts. In spring and fall bring a sweater or a fleece along. Always bring a light rain jacket and don’t forget an umbrella.

Gortex jackets are great to wear during the rain because they allow air to circulate while protecting you from getting wet.

Vancouver is best seen on foot so wear comfortable walking shoes.

What happens if it rains?

Rain is a key ingredient of the rain forest on North West Pacific coast. It creates a very specific atmosphere and during the rain wild life sightings are more frequent. In the summer, rain is not a reason to cancel a trip. We provide full rain suits and hats.

When it is raining in early spring or late fall, we reserve the right to cancel if the temperature is too low for a comfortable trip.

Will I see wildlife?

The Pacific North West Coast has one of the richest bio diversity in the world (bio diversity = numbers of organisms living in a square inch). A multitude of rivers flow from the coastal mountains into the ocean. Every year during the spring when the snow melts in the mountains, the rivers discharge a multitude of nutrients into the coastal waters causing a rich growth of underwater vegetation, which attracts a multitude of invertebrates and fish that spawn here. Fish and invertebrates in turn attract mammals and birds that feed on them. Every year millions of Pacific salmon travel up and down the rivers along the Pacific Coast.

Finally, a substantial difference between low and high tide (up to 15 feet) exposes thousands of acres of nutritious seabed along the coast every 6 hours to the air attracting a myriad of birds. Many migrating birds choose their route to and from the Arctic along the coast because of this food supply. In fact, many of these birds over winter right here along the coast.

What wildlife will we see?

Sea mammals

Residing in the rivers and the inlets all year-round are harbour seals.

River otters live mostly along the shores of the Gulf Islands in the Georgia Strait, which separates the mainland, and Vancouver Island. Because these animals live close to the shore they are best viewed from a sea-kayak or canoe.

A migrating population of sea lions can bee seen in the Fraser River every spring between late March and May.

Orca whales come into the waters between the Mainland and Vancouver Island every year between April and October in search of migrating salmon. Because they are here all the time, sighting chances are 85-90 per cent.

Gray whales migrate along the West Coast of Vancouver Island every spring and fall.

Minke whales come into the area only on rare occasions.

Birds

Bald eagles, blue herons, Canada Geese, numerous species of gulls, terns and ducks can be seen all year feeding along the shorelines. During migrating season in spring and winter the number of duck and goose species goes up dramatically.

Where will customers be picked-up?

We pick up from all hotels, bed & breakfasts, residences and hostels in Vancouver, North Vancouver, the airport and Richmond. Clients traveling from further away but within access of the Skytrain network can be met at the Burrard Street station downtown. In addition we have 2 pick-up locations for clients traveling by car from further away. Visitors traveling by camper can be picked-up from the Capilano RV Park in North Vancouver under the Lions Gate Bridge.

Where do we go kayaking?

For the Wilderness Paddle we go to Indian Arm, Canada’s southernmost glacial fjord. This 20 km (13m) long inlet extends from English Bay deep into the mountains on the North Shore behind Vancouver. Expect breathtaking mountain scenery and the typically calm waters associated with inlets.

The Gulf Island trip takes you into the Georgia Strait, which separates Vancouver Island from the mainland. This is teaming with wildlife. Seals, river otters, bald eagles, and a myriad of shorebirds live here.

Do I have to be an expert kayaker?

You don’t have to be experienced or fit to come on our trips. At the start of the trip you will receive instructions boat handling and how to paddle efficiently without unnecessary effort. You travel in safe and comfortable 2-seater kayaks that are equipped with rudders for easy navigation. The paddling is shared between you and your partner. Group sizes are kept small and usually do not exceed 6 participants. You are accompanied by qualified guides at all times who will look after your comfort and make sure that the trip does not exceed your ability to keep up.

What kayaks are used?

On all trips we use comfortable, 2 seater kayaks.The are easier to paddle and offer added stability over single kayaks.

On the Vancouver Wilderness Paddle we use handcreafted, traditional wooden 2 seater kayaks with open cockpits that make entry and exit easy and do not require sliding in and out of uncomfortable manholes.

Regular fiberglass kayaks that are also rudder equipped are used on the Galiano trip.

How often is the trip offered?

All our trips are offered daily between March and October for a minimum of 2 participants except for the whale watching trip, which is only offered from April to mid October.

How long are the trips?Kayaking. The actual kayaking trips are about 4 hours long. 3 easy hours are spent on the water. One hour is spent on a beach where a a salmon barbecue is served. Including hotel pick-up and drop-off allow about 6 hours.

Whale watching. The length of the trip depends of where the whales are located. Usually, the boat trip is about 5 hours long. Add another hour for hotel pick-up and drop off. Total time is about 7 hours.

What’s for lunch?

The standard fare on the kayak trips includes fresh salsa and chips, fresh grilled Pacific salmon filet, pasta salad, roasted corn, and fresh berries with whipped cream. We substitute either chicken kebabs or Portobello mushroom burgers for those client who don’t wish salmon.

Children’s lunch alternatives include hot dogs.

Is the trip suited for small children?

The Vancouver Wilderness Paddle is suited for children as young as 4 years old. Small children travel in between their parents in the same boat.

On the whale watching safari children up to 3 years travel for free as long as they sit on the parents lap. Please be advised that the trip is usually up to 5 hours long and there are no changing facilities on board.

What washroom facilities exist?

Each whale watching boat is equipped with an enclosed, single marine head. There are also washroom facilities on the shore.

No washroom facilities are provided on the kayak trips. However, there are washroom opportunities before and after the trip.

Toll-free: 800-528-3531 Local Phone: 604-684-4922 Email: info@lotuslandtours.com

Vancouver exclusive day trips with hotel pick-up