We are the only tour that truly integrates the kayaking and wildlife experience with a deep exploration of Indigenous culture in the spirit of partnership and reconciliation.

1. We do three days of kayaking, using a base camp in the Johnstone Strait as our base. We don’t just kayak for a day. This is a truly immersive experience, with an opportunity to see a significant variety of wildlife.

2. We work with six different Indigenous partners, including artists, hotels, wildlife viewing operators, caterers, dance troupes and a unique cultural initiative that we visit. We don’t just watch a dance or visit a museum, we actively seek out Indigenous partners and we work with Indigenous guides who share their story with us on their terms.

3. We are the first and only tour to be welcomed to Nawalakw, an inspiring new cultural initiative on the traditional and unceded territory of the Ḵwiḵwa̱sut̓inux̱w in the Great Bear Rainforest.

Port Hardy. It’s the last town at the northern end of Highway 19, which runs the length of Vancouver Island.

Pacific Coastal Airlines runs direct flights from Vancouver to Port Hardy. Alternatively, you can fly to Victoria and rent a car (it’s approximately a six-hour drive). Or take BC Ferries from Vancouver to Nanaimo and drive to Port Hardy (4-hour drive).

We begin the tour at about 3pm. We recommend taking the Pacific Coastal Airlines flight that arrives in the morning. It gives you plenty of time to settle in at the hotel and grab a bite before we kick off. For departing, we recommend taking the same Pacific Coastal Airlines flight in the morning back to Vancouver.

The town of 4,000 has a small but informative museum with a good gift shop, and there is as a boardwalk by the water. Café Guido is great for fresh local fare as well as artisanal gifts and a well-curated bookstore.

Our tours run in August, when the average daily high is about 18C and dips down to 10C at night. Summer has the least amount of rain (8 days on average for August), but travelers should be prepared in case it rains.

karibu provides all your kayaking gear, however we recommend water shoes and gloves to avoid blisters while paddling. We do not provide waterproof pants, in case you want to bring them. Quick dry clothes are important, along with layers. A packing guide is included upon booking confirmation.

Some call it glamping, others call it very comfortable camping. Either way, our base camp is located on a beautiful island overlooking the Johnstone Strait. You will stay in one of our five spacious permanent tents, which are on raised platforms with beds. We have a kitchen and outdoor covered dining area where we serve up coffee, apps and all meals. We have an outdoor shower (warning it can get chilly!) and outhouses.

Yes. We have five tents at our base camp. If you are willing to share with another single traveler, then we can reduce the price. The tents are large and provide plenty of personal space. If you are interested in sharing a double room at the hotel in Port Hardy as well, we can offer you the full double pp rate. For more information please contact us.

Our North Vancouver Island trip is great for families. We have taken our children and they loved the wildlife and the first-hand connection to Indigenous people and their stories was an invaluable learning experience. We recommend the trip for youth 15+.