kayak tours ucluelet

Kayak rentals

Multi-day tours, welcome to paddle west kayaking.

Kayaking on Vancouver Island with Paddle West offers you an experience of the west coast that is truly unforgettable! Our kayak tours out of Tofino and Ucluelet BC allow you to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Clayoquot and Barkley Sound, while getting up close and personal with the nature and wildlife that has made the west coast of Vancouver Island one of the worlds premiere kayaking destinations.

Operating out of two waterfront locations in both Tofino (Clayoquot Sound) and Ucluelet (Barkley Sound), Paddle West Kayaking offers a series of professionally guided kayak Day Tours, Multi-day Tours as well as kayak rentals and customized overnight tours designed for everyone from beginners to veteran paddlers.

Best Paddle Experience Yet!

We did a multi day paddle out of Tofino. Everything surpassed my expectations! The food with delicious, healthy, fresh and lots of variety and some of the best desserts I’ve had on a paddle trip. Both our guides were professional, personable and went above and beyond to make sure our group was having a great experience. PaddleWest equipment was also top notch making it all that much more enjoyable. From the initial contact with Ryan at Paddle West to the final day on the water it all went like a dream. I can’t recommend Ryan and Paddle West highly enough. And you are in the most beautiful area of the world. . .

Kayak trip to Meares Island rainforest – pure magic!

We joined the Meares Island Rainforest tour and went sea kayaking from Tofino. There were 360-degree views of snowcapped mountains, green-blue waters, ancient forests, colorful boats and islands dotting the landscape. Eagles were soaring high above and seals playing and splashing nearby. Landing the kayaks at Meares Island, we walked through the rainforest on a raised boardwalk, listening to stories about the land and history, checking out salamander eggs and gawking at the giant cedar trees all around us. It was pure magic! We’d never sea kayaked before and found it was really easy to learn, and had a great time.

Great Experience in Clayoquot

We had a wonderful time paddling in Tofino. We rented two doubles from Paddle West Kayaking, along with all the gear. The boats were in great condition and the gear was organized in a very thoughtful and useful manner. For example, a survival kit in a dry bag had been prepared ahead of time, and the owner of the company went through everything with us prior to launch. We were able to rent a VHF radio, too. We have rented boats from other outfitters, but PWK went that extra mile!

Fantastic Paddling on Vancouver Island

My wife and I had the good luck to join Paddle West for (separate) day paddles to Barkley Sound and to Vargas Island. Both six-hour tours provide the chance to paddle in pristine locations along the coast of British Colombia. Our guides were super knowledgeable and fun while being attentive to the safety of the group. All in all, these tours are among the best day paddles we’ve ever experienced.

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• Multi-day Tours

Kayaking Adventures in Ucluelet, BC

Kayaking in Ucluelet offers an incredible opportunity to explore the stunning coastal beauty of Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Ucluelet is renowned for its rugged coastline, pristine waters, and abundant marine life, making it a popular destination for kayakers of all skill levels.

Here’s what you can expect when kayaking in Ucluelet.

Scenic Beauty : Ucluelet offers stunning scenery with rocky shorelines, secluded coves, and ancient forests. Paddling through its tranquil waters provides panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding landscapes. Start your kayaking journey in the calm waters of Ucluelet Harbour for leisurely paddling and wildlife observation. For a deeper exploration, head to the captivating Broken Group Islands, featuring over a hundred islets amidst breathtaking coastal vistas. Barkley Sound beckons experienced kayakers with its rugged coastline and sheltered waters, promising challenges and rewards.

Wildlife Viewing : The waters around Ucluelet are teeming with marine life. Watch for whales, sea lions, seals, otters, bald eagles, and various seabirds. Some lucky kayakers may even spot pods of orcas or majestic gray whales during their paddling adventures.

Island Exploration : Ucluelet is surrounded by numerous small islands and islets, each offering unique charm and exploration opportunities. Kayakers can paddle to these islands to discover hidden beaches, sea caves, and tidal pools.

Kayak Tours and Rentals : Several outfitters in Ucluelet offer guided kayak tours and equipment rentals for visitors. These tours are led by experienced guides who provide safety instructions and insights into the local ecology and history. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced kayaker, options are available to suit your preferences. Ucluelet kayak rental services are widely available for those who prefer to explore independently.

Weather Considerations : It’s essential to check the weather and tidal conditions before embarking on a kayaking excursion in Ucluelet. Coastal weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for changing conditions and dress accordingly.

Safety Precautions : While kayaking is a relatively safe activity, it’s essential to prioritize safety on the water. Wear a properly fitting life jacket, stay within your skill level, and be aware of other watercraft in the area. Visit AdventureSmart to help you best prepare for your outdoor adventure.  

Overall, kayaking in Ucluelet offers an unforgettable outdoor experience, allowing visitors to connect with nature and explore the pristine beauty of Vancouver Island’s west coast. Whether seeking adventure, wildlife encounters, or a peaceful day on the water, Ucluelet has something to offer every kayaker.

Discover Kayak Tours in Ucluelet:

• Hello Nature Adventure Tours
• Majestic Ocean Kayaking
• Paddle West Kayaking
• Wild Root Journeys
• View More Kayak Experiences  

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Kayaking in Ucluelet, B.C. – Things to Know, Tours and Tips

Kayaking is one of the top things to do in Ucluelet, B.C. and its neighbour Tofino. Whether you’re trying it out for the first time, or are an old pro, there’s plenty to know about kayaking on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Find out the things you need to know, learn about tour options and take in some tips for your time out on Ucluelet’s waters.

Things to Know

Photo by: Allan Edwin

Barkley Sound  is where your paddling adventures will take you when you depart from Ucluelet, B.C. Located between the Broken Group and Deer Group Islands, there are over 100 islands and islets to hop between and explore. If the islands are too far away for an enjoyable paddle, the stunning harbour and closer waters make for a perfect day. Another launch point is Toquart Bay, which is just outside of the small town.

If you prefer to depart from Tofino, Clayoquot Sound is also an enjoyable paddle. There are tons of beaches that dot the islands and islets of the area, and even a quick paddle around the harbour can be fun.

Photo by: David Paul Crombie Photography

A multitude of west coast creatures exist within the waters of Barkley Sound. During your paddle, you’ll have the chance to see eagles and plenty of other seabirds, along with seals, sea lions, jelly fish, sea stars, otters and, if you’re lucky, whales and porpoises! You are also likely to see a healthy amount of seafoam. While the green tinged fluffy stuff might look a bit concerning, it’s actually a great sign! Seafoam occurs in agitated seawater that has a lot of dissolved organic matter in it.

There are plenty of outfitters in Ucluelet that will rent single and double kayaks for half days and overnight journeys! Many of them also rent extra gear you may need such as VHF radios, and have other fun water equipment like canoes and SUP boards.

Before heading out on any paddle, be sure to check out the tides, the weather forecast and ask about currents. Even on a sunny day, unexpected currents can pull the strongest paddlers off course.

Photo by: Howard M. Corneli

Ucluelet and Tofino both have some great kayak companies with organized tours. Sunset and day trips around the harbour are perfect for those a bit timid about their paddling skills. On the other hand, overnight expeditions into the Broken Group provide adventurers with a true taste of the rugged west coast. Some tours even provide a shore lunch – it’s important to keep up your energy out on the water!

SKGABC certified guides will ensure that guests of all skill levels are safe out on the water. Most outfitters do not require any previous experience for their trips. Guides are also typically equipped with CPR and have VHF radios on board!

Photo by: Martin Mielke

Kayaking guides are also incredibly knowledgeable about the area, and the wildlife! Trips will be both fun and informative, giving paddlers insight into life on the west coast of Vancouver Island .

Be sure to pick the length of tour best suited to your needs. Paddlers bringing along young children might want to consider shorter, half day trips, rather than full on expeditions to the islands. If considering an overnighter, be prepared for the kind of camping and paddling you’ll be undertaking and what the adventure entails.

Photo by: Ken Sparks

• Be prepared for the weather! Sunscreen, hats, dry bags and rain gear should all be on board! Even on a sunny day, fog and rain can set in and be quite chilly.
• Camp in designated camping sites.
• Bring along a GPS and be sure to consult charts before departure – having a waterproofed chart with you is never a bad idea.
• Bring all your safety gear. This includes a life jacket, whistle and water pump for your boat.
• Be aware of where the Indian Reserves are (marked IR on charts) and do not beach a kayak in those areas without permission from the band office.
• If camping, be sure to remove all garbage and be careful with food – there are plenty of bears and wolves in the area.
• If booking a tour, make sure the guides are certified, the equipment and standards are safe and that you know what to expect from your tour! Book something that meets your needs.
• Be aware of other boat traffic and rules, especially near the Ucluelet Harbour and in the main waterways.

Kayaking is a fun way to explore and partake in life in Ucluelet. Once you have the basics covered to ensure you have a safe paddle, the ocean is your oyster! Whether you’re taking on a trip yourself, or want the stories and knowledge of a seasoned guide, there’s a kayaking expedition waiting for you on the West Coast of Vancouver Island.

Contributed by: Laurissa Cebryk

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Multi-Day Kayaking Tours

Join Paddle West Kayaking on fully guided, multi-day tours!

• Hour Glass 2 nights • 3 days
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3-Day Vargas Island Kayak Camping Tour

If you are looking for the opportunity to escape and explore for longer than a single day, the pristine waters of Clayoquot Sound are the place to be.

• Hour Glass 4 nights • 5 days

Paddle to Hot Springs Cove – 5 Day Sea Kayak Camping Tour

Embark on a thrilling 5-day kayak expedition from Tofino to Hot Springs Cove, navigating pristine waters along the white sand shores of Vargas and Flores Islands.

• Majestic Ocean Kayaking Closure Announcement

Sep 2023 | Hello Nature Adventure Tours Update

Please see the message below from Majestic Ocean Kayaking announcing their closure at the end of September 2023.

Dear Adventurers,

With a mix of emotions, we announce the closure of Majestic Ocean Kayaking, a chapter filled with unforgettable moments and breathtaking experiences. We are immensely grateful for the opportunity to have shared these adventures with each and every one of you. However, as one door closes, another opens, and we are excited to recommend Hello Nature Adventure Tours as your go-to destination for future kayaking escapades in Ucluelet and the stunning Broken Group Islands .

What makes Hello Nature Adventure Tours the perfect choice for your next kayaking adventure?

• A Seamless Transition: The connection between Majestic Kayaking and Hello Nature Adventure Tours runs deep. We are proud to introduce you to Kevin and Alicia Bradshaw, the owners of Hello Nature Adventure Tours. Kevin worked at Majestic Ocean Kayaking for 14 incredible years. With Kevin’s expertise and passion for kayaking, you can trust that the spirit of adventure lives on in Hello Nature Adventure Tours.
• Unparalleled Guided Experiences: Hello Nature Adventure Tours boasts a team of experienced and knowledgeable guides who are deeply passionate about nature. With their guidance, you’ll explore the crystal clear waters of the Broken Group Islands, feeling safe and inspired every step of the way.
• Commitment to Conservation: Just like Majestic Ocean Kayaking, Hello Nature Adventure Tours is committed to preserving the pristine beauty of our natural surroundings . By choosing them, you actively contribute to eco-friendly tourism and the conservation of our planet.
• Tailored for You: Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or new to the sport, Hello Nature Adventure Tours offers customizable trips to suit your preferences and skill level. Prepare for an unforgettable journey that caters to your unique sense of exploration.
• The Hello Nature Adventure Tours Family: From the moment you step into their world, you’ll be greeted with warm smiles, helpful advice, and a genuine sense of belonging. Join the Hello Nature Adventure Tours family and create lasting memories with fellow adventurers.

While we bid farewell to Majestic Ocean Kayaking, we assure you that the same sense of wonder and excitement awaits you at Hello Nature Adventure Tours. Embrace this new opportunity, and let your thirst for adventure be quenched in the most spectacular way possible.

Thank you for being a part of the Majestic Ocean Kayaking family. We extend our heartfelt wishes for countless unforgettable kayaking adventures with Hello Nature Adventure Tours!

Warm regards, The Majestic Ocean Kayaking Team

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