Powell River Sea Kayak
Powell River Sea Kayak
5
Multi-day ToursScuba & SnorkellingEco ToursNature & Wildlife ToursKayaking & Canoeing
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About
Specializing in Desolation Sound, British Columbia - where warm Pacific waters teem with marine wildlife and the majestic coast mountains tower over idyllic islands. Join us on an all-inclusive multi-day camping tour, or at our uniquely wonderful eco-resort on an uninhabited island in the heart of Desolation Sound, enjoying locally sourced foods, cozy comforts and a perfectly tranquil setting. Kayak rentals and day tours are further options to experience Desolation Sound and whet your appetite for longer adventures. Snorkel with the STARS! in the unusually warm waters and experience colourful sea stars, sea cucumbers, spiny urchins and much more. Experience the adventure and explore Desolation!
Powell River, British Columbia, Canada
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
142 reviews
Excellent
131
Very good
8
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
2
ValerieSpeer
Calgary, Canada44 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
I’ve always wanted to do a kayak trip and booking through this company made it really accessible to get in and have a multi day experience on the ocean in a beautiful setting.
I was fortunate to be with a group of 10 women that included family and friends. MJ and Alex were awesome guides, thoughtful, personable and caring. Alex did a fabulous job of providing us tasty meals, that surprised and delighted us with presentation and flavours! On my daughters birthday Alex went out of his way to make a layered cake in the back country with an outdoor oven that works on a propane stove!!! How cool is that??
Each day we paddled a couple hours before and after lunch, and I sensed the guides made decisions on our destinations based on the entire group not just the strongest ones. We camped in beautiful spots and were treated to two days of being able to snorkel which was memorable! I would love to return and do another trip that’s longer so we can get out further and possibly see whales. This trip whet my appetite!
I was fortunate to be with a group of 10 women that included family and friends. MJ and Alex were awesome guides, thoughtful, personable and caring. Alex did a fabulous job of providing us tasty meals, that surprised and delighted us with presentation and flavours! On my daughters birthday Alex went out of his way to make a layered cake in the back country with an outdoor oven that works on a propane stove!!! How cool is that??
Each day we paddled a couple hours before and after lunch, and I sensed the guides made decisions on our destinations based on the entire group not just the strongest ones. We camped in beautiful spots and were treated to two days of being able to snorkel which was memorable! I would love to return and do another trip that’s longer so we can get out further and possibly see whales. This trip whet my appetite!
Written July 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John L
Calgary, Canada133 contributions
Aug 2021
We booked a 5-day kayak trip to the Cabana Eco Resort operated by Powell River Sea Kayak with six of our friends. Given past reviews, we had high expectations and these were consistently met and often exceeded.
100% of our interactions with the Adam’s team (booking, arrival, paddle out to island, etc) were professional and demonstrated their focus on great customer service. Everything was excellent: pre-trip info on web-site, arrival briefing, guided paddle out to Desolation Sound, accommodations at the Cabana Resort, meals, guided day trips, etc.
A special thank you to Jo (senior guide), Alex (guide) and Steve (our remarkable chef).
I highly recommend this company and this trip. We will definitely return to enjoy this beautiful part of BC with the expert guidance of Adam’s team.
100% of our interactions with the Adam’s team (booking, arrival, paddle out to island, etc) were professional and demonstrated their focus on great customer service. Everything was excellent: pre-trip info on web-site, arrival briefing, guided paddle out to Desolation Sound, accommodations at the Cabana Resort, meals, guided day trips, etc.
A special thank you to Jo (senior guide), Alex (guide) and Steve (our remarkable chef).
I highly recommend this company and this trip. We will definitely return to enjoy this beautiful part of BC with the expert guidance of Adam’s team.
Written August 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ExploreBC0707
2 contributions
Aug 2020
I have now been 2 trips with Powel River Sea Kayak and found both of them phenomenal. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this company. The first trip was in 2019 on their Eco Cabana (what I like to call glamping) trip. Kinghorn Island is a little paradise. We kayaked every day with guide Luke, exploring Desolation Sound, and had plenty of time left for swimming, paddle boarding, meditating, reading and watching sunsets. The food created by Chef Steve was extraordinary. We saw whales, dolphins, lots of seals and much more.
The second trip was this summer 2020 and was one of their kayak vacation tours, where the guides take you to different places in Desolation Sound to camp, providing food, tents and pads. Again it was such a pleasure. The two guides, Kyle and Des were interesting, knowledgeable, and created the most amazing meals every day (I took as many pictures of the meals as I did of the scenery!). We were again blessed with the sighting of a humpback whale breaching just off the island we were camping on.
I can't wait to go back in 2021!
The second trip was this summer 2020 and was one of their kayak vacation tours, where the guides take you to different places in Desolation Sound to camp, providing food, tents and pads. Again it was such a pleasure. The two guides, Kyle and Des were interesting, knowledgeable, and created the most amazing meals every day (I took as many pictures of the meals as I did of the scenery!). We were again blessed with the sighting of a humpback whale breaching just off the island we were camping on.
I can't wait to go back in 2021!
Written October 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wood B
Courtenay, Canada4 contributions
Sept 2020
The trip was everything and more my wife an I hoped for after cancelling a European trip due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dan our guide was excellent. He took care of all our needs and ensured we were well taken care of. The conditions weren't perfect due to smoke from the fires in the US, but that is the only real negative I can think of.
I had an up close experience with a large humpback whale and we encountered numerous other marine and land wildlife. The paddling conditions were excellent, although a little tired at the end of the day.
The camp areas were nice and we loved the camp on Townley island.
I must add, we had some dietary restrictions in our group and Dan did a fabulous job of providing wonderful meals that were not only nutritious but better then I have had in a lot of high end restaurants. I actually gained weight!
We look forward to booking with Powell Sea Kayaks in the future and plan on joining one of their expedition trips next year.
Craig & Sara (Comox BC)
Dan our guide was excellent. He took care of all our needs and ensured we were well taken care of. The conditions weren't perfect due to smoke from the fires in the US, but that is the only real negative I can think of.
I had an up close experience with a large humpback whale and we encountered numerous other marine and land wildlife. The paddling conditions were excellent, although a little tired at the end of the day.
The camp areas were nice and we loved the camp on Townley island.
I must add, we had some dietary restrictions in our group and Dan did a fabulous job of providing wonderful meals that were not only nutritious but better then I have had in a lot of high end restaurants. I actually gained weight!
We look forward to booking with Powell Sea Kayaks in the future and plan on joining one of their expedition trips next year.
Craig & Sara (Comox BC)
Written September 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wood B
Courtenay, Canada4 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
This was our second adventure with Powell River Sea Kayaks. Our first was a 5 day vacation kayak adventure and only wet our lips to try something more adventurous.
71 Nautical miles (133 kms/ 83 miles) in 7 days. We went last week of June 2021. Weather was record breaking hot. Fortunately lots of swimming breaks.
As for the experience. No disappointments. Desolation Sound and Toba inlet must be seen in person to truly appreciate the magnificent beauty of mountains rising 2000 metres directly out of the oceans. Wildlife was abundant. Seen many bears ( a couple of cute bear cubs), porpoises, Bald Eagles battling over fish at high altitudes and falling nearly into the ocean. The apex was a pod of whales that swam right below our tent on a high cliff and thrilled us with a display of full breaches just metres from our perch.
Our guides Dan and MJ did everything to make this a most memorable experience. Catering to all our needs. The food was plentiful and even after 6 days still providing us with fresh, delicious meals that surpass many high end restaurants.
This trip is not for the faint of heart. Some of the days were long (6 hours of paddling). If you are not fit or conditioned you may want to start with something easier. Many nights required wild camping, so being comfortable in the wild is recommended. PRSK will provide you with all required gear but we appreciated the option to bring our own personal gear ( tent, dry-sacs, sleeping bag/pad).
All in all amazing value for the price.
71 Nautical miles (133 kms/ 83 miles) in 7 days. We went last week of June 2021. Weather was record breaking hot. Fortunately lots of swimming breaks.
As for the experience. No disappointments. Desolation Sound and Toba inlet must be seen in person to truly appreciate the magnificent beauty of mountains rising 2000 metres directly out of the oceans. Wildlife was abundant. Seen many bears ( a couple of cute bear cubs), porpoises, Bald Eagles battling over fish at high altitudes and falling nearly into the ocean. The apex was a pod of whales that swam right below our tent on a high cliff and thrilled us with a display of full breaches just metres from our perch.
Our guides Dan and MJ did everything to make this a most memorable experience. Catering to all our needs. The food was plentiful and even after 6 days still providing us with fresh, delicious meals that surpass many high end restaurants.
This trip is not for the faint of heart. Some of the days were long (6 hours of paddling). If you are not fit or conditioned you may want to start with something easier. Many nights required wild camping, so being comfortable in the wild is recommended. PRSK will provide you with all required gear but we appreciated the option to bring our own personal gear ( tent, dry-sacs, sleeping bag/pad).
All in all amazing value for the price.
Written July 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claudine H
2 contributions
Jul 2022
Wow!!! How can I begin to describe the epic expedition of 6 nights 7 days of Desolation Sound and Toba Inlet? Dan and Arianne are incredible guides. They are very knowledgeable, kind, supportive, well organized, humorous, and constantly going above and beyond ensuring everyone was safe and well taken care of. I do not have the words to describe how spectacular Desolation sound and Toba inlet are, this is something you have to experience. The food was plentiful and tasty, there was always appetizer when we got to camp and homemade baked goods throughout the day. The kayaks and camping equipment were of excellent quality. Thank you for this incredible opportunity, job well done!!
Written August 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JayPeeDoubleU
2 contributions
Aug 2020
A fabulous time on the water of Desolation Sound! Thank you Graeme and Des for an absolutely unforgettable trip. I went with two old friends and we joined a group that made 12 of us. My friends and I have our own boats and some paddling experience by ourselves and with other associations such as the Sea Kayak Association BC. This was our first trip with guides who also did all the cooking and meal preparation and it was incredible and wonderful. All the meals were amazing and more than delicious. I would recommend a Powell River Sea Kayak vacation tour to anyone who has a little or a lot of experience in a kayak and who would like to see some parts of Desolation Sound that they wouldn't know about. I would also highly recommend a vacation tour with PRSK to anyone who likes to enjoy gourmet meals while camping and paddling.
Written August 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kcwilliams61
2 contributions
Jul 2020
This 5 day kayak trip in Desolation Sound was perfect. We had a great group but the whole trip was made all the better by the guides Dan and Desiree. They made us feel safe and truly cared for. They were fun while at the same time being so professional. I can still hear Des's wonderful laugh. They worked so hard every day to make our trip memorable. To have them cook us such delicious meals every day was such a treat. I would highly recommend this company and the guides to anyone looking for a truly unique experience.
Thank you all so very much.
Thank you all so very much.
Written July 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen G
5 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
The new 7 day excursion into Toba Inlet is a fabulous adventure. Our guides, Marie-Pierre and Juan made this trip safe, exciting and memorable! They are so hard-working, hauling equipment, preparing great meals and constantly assuring that everyone is enjoying the trip. The progressive route for the full 7 days ensures that we see as much as possible - and the return on the landing craft at the end is a blast! What a great way to see a part of Beautiful BC that most people never get a chance to enjoy!
Written July 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cityNeil
Victoria BC51 contributions
Jul 2023
Just completed 7-Day Epic Toba & Waterfalls Expedition. Can't recommend enough. Luke and Camille were expert guides, advising what was a fairly experienced group of kayakers just enough to ensure safety, but at the same time acknowledging that people's thresholds varied. The food and cooking was without fault. The group enjoyed plentiful, good quality and healthy meals throughout the trip.
The actual trip was amazing. The scenery was at times literally breathtaking, and we actually spent the last two nights deep into the Toba Inlet.
The general trip was helped by the fact that the group gelled well and everyone did there bit, chipping in where necessary.
One thing to bare in mind is that a degree of fitness is required, there is a lot of kayak lifting, packing up, and moving gear. This did not hamper my enjoyment, but needs to be understood.
The actual trip was amazing. The scenery was at times literally breathtaking, and we actually spent the last two nights deep into the Toba Inlet.
The general trip was helped by the fact that the group gelled well and everyone did there bit, chipping in where necessary.
One thing to bare in mind is that a degree of fitness is required, there is a lot of kayak lifting, packing up, and moving gear. This did not hamper my enjoyment, but needs to be understood.
Written July 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience