Multi-Day Tours
2024 Tours
NOVA SCOTIA
The 100 Wild Islands
3 Day Tour
Dates: June 24-26, July 10-12, 22-24, August 3-5, 16-18
Fee: $850 Cdn*
5 Day Tour
Dates: July 22-26, August 25-29
Fee: $1375 Cdn*
Departure: Coastal Exploration Centre, Tangier, Nova Scotia
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Read a paddling article on the Atlantic Coastal Islands.
Read about the 100 Wild Islands Campaign
Only an hour from metropolitan Halifax, along Nova Scotia’s ragged Eastern Shore, lies a fascinating and largely forgotten archipelago of wilderness islands. These isolated outposts of beach, bog, barren and forest have retained their pristine nature, changing little since Samuel de Champlain France sailed among them in 1607. He was the first European to chart this rugged and indented coastline. Recently, the Nova Scotia Nature Trust has launched a campaign to preserve this unique natural heritage for future generations.
During these 3-5 day tours we will journey among this exceptional island group as we interpret its unique biology, geology and human history. Our meandering path will take us to seabird colonies and seal haul-outs, along sand beaches and under exposed cliffs, and into idyllic hidden coves where few other vessels dare to venture. This is a sea kayaking tour for both beginners and families, as well as the inquisitive expert.
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If your preferred dates don't fit our schedule we can sometimes arrange another tour that will fit yours. Contact us for details.
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The Cape Breton Highlands
7 Day Tour
Dates: Not available in 2024
Fee: $2195 Cdn*
Departure: Pleasant Bay, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
During this five day tour we will paddle under the shadow of the Cape Breton Highlands, on the northern tip of the province, where imposing rock formations flank the Precambrian granite of the highlands, and sea caves and spires adorn the route. Ragged and precipitous cliffs isolate the shoreline rendering this route one of the most inaccessible in Nova Scotia. The narrow, steep valley and gullies, interrupted by waterfalls lead up to the barren plateau with its panoramic view of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Bald eagles nest on cliff ledges and are a common sight soaring high on the updrafts. Seals abound and we will often accompany pilot whales as they feed on the migrating mackerel and squid. This is one of the most spectacular sea kayaking areas in North America.
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Read an article on the Cape Breton Highlands.
Canso Archipelago
7 Day Tour
Dates: August 25-31
Fee: $1995 Cdn*
Departure: Charlos Cove
When an early Africa collided against North America millions of years ago unimaginable forces opened the earths crust to the molten magna from deep below. Massive granite domes were formed and then pushed to the surface. This is the most isolated coastal region of the province with a stark and compelling landscape where huge glacial boulders are perched precariously, overlooking the uninhabited coastal islands. Where areas of shallow water cover the white bedrock the sea becomes a brilliant turquoise more reminiscent of the Carabeean than the North Atlantic and light coloured sand beaches inhabit the protected coves. Even more impressive than the familiar Peggys Cove [but without the people], this is a memorable journey.
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Read a paddling article on the Atlantic Coastal Islands.
The Bay Of Islands
3 Day Tour
Dates: July 22-24
Fee: $850 Cdn*
Departure: Ecum Secum, Nova Scotia
The Bay of Islands was given its name by Samuel de Champlain over 400 years ago where he noted that they offered little shelter and were interspersed with numerous shoals. Indeed, they are smaller and further apart than the 100 Wild Islands but it is an ideal grouping to explore with the sea kayak and will appeal to those who seek the added allure of remoteness. Numerous seabirds make their summer home here including the Leaches Storm Petrel, rarely seen from the mainland since it nests in burrows exclusively on the islands and feeds far offshore. They return only at night to avoid predation by the gulls. Other nesting seabirds include Eiders, the Common Tern, Black Back and Herring Gulls, Cormorants and Guillemots.
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Additional highlights include Pumpkin Island with its spectacular panoramic view from the top, the large Grey Seal herd on the White Islands, and the Beaver Island lighthouse.
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Read a paddling article on the Atlantic Coastal Islands.
The Bay of Fundy (Apple River to Parrsboro)
The Bay of Fundy is renowned for the greatest tides on earth which, when combined with the highest cliffs on mainland Nova Scotia, make for a spectacular sight indeed. Our route follows the boundary of a continental collision that thrust Africa against North America eons ago and has left us with a geological wonderland. We will weave among rock gardens, poke into sea caves and glide under towering spires draped with seaweed far above the kayaks. Dark volcanic basalt caps bright redish sandstones where agate, amythest and jasper await the rockhound. This is where the earliest dinasaurs roamed the planet. It is a remarkable coastline which changes by the minute with the ebb and flow of the Fundy waters, and a unique sea kayaking destination.
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Read an article on the Bay of Fundy.
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5 Day Tour
Dates: Not available in 2024
Fee: $1650Cdn*
Departure: West Advocate, Nova Scotia
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Low Tide
High Tide
The Cape Breton Southeast Coast
Dates: July 20-27
Fee: $2395 [$1995 with own kayak]
Departure: Grand River, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
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The destination for our 15th Annual Alumni Expedition is the East Coast of Cape Breton Island. We begin our journey on the Grand River by the village of the same name from there we make our way out to the sea and north along one of the most remote coastlines in Nova Scotia. Underlain by dark volcanic bedrock, the loose sand and cobble left by ancient glaciers have been distributed along the shores forming impressive spits along the mouths of rivers and bays. This has created a maze of inland waterways where we can meander among parallel to the coast if the ocean is too rough.
Highlights of our journey include a large grey seal colony, spectacular drumlin cliffs - the highest in the province, the idyllic St. Esprit Island, the abandoned light station on Guyon Island, and the deserted fishing village of Gull Cove.
NEWFOUNDLAND
The South Coast
8 Day Tour
Dates: Not available in 2024
Fee: $2895 Cdn*
Departure: Bay l'Argent, Newfoundland
During this tour we explore one of the most remote areas along the coast of Newfoundland, Fortune Bay. Our journey that will take us from Bay l’Argent [on the Burin Peninsula] to Pool’s Cove [on the Connaigre Peninsula] and will include a ferry trip either be at the beginning or at the end of the tour, depending on the weather at the time [mainly the wind direction]. Along route we will visit Rencontre East, one of the last outports accessible only by sea and Long Harbour, a narrow fjord which runs deep into the interior where an islolated graveyard marks the promentory at the entrance. A hike up upon the rugged plateau leads to a fascinating primitive cart track that winds over the barren bedrock connecting the remnants of two early settlements - and offering a panoramic view up the coastline.
Notre Dame Bay
8 Day Tour
Dates: Not available in 2024
Fee: $2895 Cdn*
Departure: Botwood, Newfoundland
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Nestled in Newfoundland’s northern coastline, Notre Dame Bay highlights a diverse archipelago that has offered sanctuary for travelers of the stormy Atlantic Ocean for ages. Visited by the Dorset Eskimo over a thousand years ago, they became the last refuge of the indigenous Beothuk. With the arrival of the Europeans these islands harboured thriving fishing communities. Today they lay silent, their inhabitants having moved to the mainland, or even further afield. During our voyage we will explore the region’s cultural and natural history, as well as paddle among the enormous icebergs that drift into the bay this time of year.
Read an new article by Scott from Sea Kayaker Magazine on the Northeast Coast of Newfoundland
The Southwest Coast
8 Day Tour
Dates: August 11-18
Fee: $2895 Cdn*
Departure: Rose Blanche, Newfoundland
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The rugged shores of Newfoundland's Southwest coast have changed little since the first Europeans arrived over five hundred years ago. Deep fjords with abrupt, barren, walls alternate with the coastal islands to provide a captivating land/seascape. The rugged interior offers splendid hiking opportunities where we may encounter moose and woodland caribou - and the most glorious wilderness campsites in Atlantic Canada.
We will encounter few other travellers along this remote coastline. In the isolated outports we savour an enduring hospitality that belies an uncertain way of life as fishermen struggle to maintain their livelihood on a declining resource. On the last day of the tour we will return to our departure point via the coastal supply boat.
Read an article on the Southwest Coast of Newfoundland
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SPECIALTY TOURS
Do you have a group with a special destination in mind? Do our dates not coincide with your vacation plans? Or are you looking for a particular focus (e.g., the biology or geology, cultural history, photography, etc)? Perhaps we can organize an itinerary outside our regular schedule.
We can run a trip for as few as 4 participants and as many as 20 and have lead tours for groups of friends, university classes, the military, as well as other outdoor companies. Contact Us for suggestions.
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