Learning To Love The Wilderness
Marvel the remoteness and beauty of Blackfish Sound, as you deepen your connection to nature. Experience the joy of device-free days, as iPhones take a backseat to orcas and ocean!
West Coast Family Adventure
Sharing Precious Time TogetherDisconnect from hectic every-day life, then reconnect with your loved ones on this incredible family wilderness adventure. Stay in beautiful safari tents amidst towering fir trees. Hear the ocean lapping at your doorstep and the occasional blow of passing whales. You’ll explore sea creatures great and small by day, then spend the evening around the campfire telling stories and sharing laughter.
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Starting From
$2,890 USD
per person -
Trip length
9 days
8 nights -
Hot Spots
Vancouver, Campbell River
Scenery To Refresh Every Spirit
Imagine – spending time as a family to a backdrop of towering fir trees, with the blues and greens of the ocean lapping at your doorstep. Share stories every evening around a crackling campfire, with the Milky Way shining overhead.
Whales, Bears & Eagles
This area is known for its biodiversity – an array of animals spend their days here feeding, socializing, and playing. As you paddle, listen to the beautiful songs nearby orca whales with an underwater hydrophone. Share the thill of spotting a bear foraging under rocks and watch as eagles as they catch salmon. You can relax - you’ll always be under the watchful eye of your experienced wilderness guides.
YOUR TRIP
DAY-BY-DAY
Think of this itinerary as just a starting point. Our experienced Canadian Insiders will create a personalized experience for you that matches your schedule, travel style and budget.
Arrive in Vancouver
Welcome to Vancouver – the home of Fresh Tracks Canada! One of the most beautiful cities in the world, Vancouver is surrounded by towering mountains and sparkling ocean.
Overnight at the Vancouver Airport
Overnight in a Deluxe level hotel, such as the Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel. In Deluxe hotels, you'll be staying in some of Canada's most iconic hotels and resorts. Enjoy outstanding locations, attentive service and world class amenities.
Vancouver to Quadra Island
Leave the mainland behind for roads less travelled as you journey by plane and water taxi over sea, islands and mountains on route to the beautiful community on Quadra Island
Flight from Vancouver Airport to Campbell River
(1 of 3 activities)
Enjoy a short but scenic flight over the Strait of Georgia as you make your way from Vancouver to Campbell River.
Airport Shuttle to Painter's Lodge
(2 of 3 activities)
Enjoy the convenience of a shuttle transfer from Campbell River airport to Painter's Lodge.
Water Taxi Transfer to April Point Resort
(3 of 3 activities)
Take a short but scenic water taxi transfer from Painter's Lodge in Campbell River to April Point Resort on Quadra Island.
Overnight on Quadra Island
Overnight in a Comfort level hotel, such as the April Point Resort. Our well-situated Comfort level hotels are typically rated at 3 stars. You'll enjoy clean and comfortable accommodations, plus great service.
activities
Whales and Wilderness Adventure Begins
Your kayaking adventure in the Blackfish Sound begins today as you make the scenic boat journey up Discovery Passage and safely through the Seymour narrows. Keep a close eye on the water for sightings of porpoises, dolphins, sea lions, and whales!
Arrival at Swanson Island
(1 of 1 activities)
After a scenic boat transfer, arrive at your remote wilderness base camp on Swanson Island. Once settled into your comfy glamping tents, head out on an afternoon paddle with your guide to get acquainted with the area. This evening, indulge in a fresh salmon dinner and enjoy the sunset from the hot tub before heading to bed for your first night in the wilderness.
Swanson Island Wilderness Base Camp
Nestled among the trees on Swanson Island located in Blackfish Sound, you will find the glamping base camp. The wilderness camp offers access to an outside shower and bathroom facility, hot tub, solar chargers, and a communal dining space to enjoy delicious home cooked meals. Fitted with real beds and cozy lines, your cavas tent set up on a platform in the forest makes for a wonderful retreat in the forest. A warm fire and common area is the perfect place to share stories from the day's adventure with your fellow travellers.
activities
Exploring the Coves of Blackfish Sound
Wake up to the sounds of waves lapping on the beach and birds chirping in the trees from your cozy tent in the forest. Ready to seize the day, you head out exploring the waters for sea life and taking in the beautiful scenery.
Adventure and Discovery in Blackfish Sound
(1 of 1 activities)
Jump in your kayak and set off on a glorious day of paddling and discovery of the beautiful coastlines of Blackfish Sound with your expert guide. Learn about what creatures call this area home and about the stunning forests that tower along the coastline. For the very brave, dip into the chilly waters of Blackfish Sound before heading back to camp. End your spectacular day on the water with a gourmet salmon dinner and restorative soak in the hot tub.
activities
Go Beyond - Exploring the Shores Less Travelled
Explore Blackfish Sound in places beyond the reach of the kayak. In a small covered vessel you journey in and out of the coves and along shorelines watching for whales and other magnificent sea life.
Ocean and Wildlife Exploration
(1 of 1 activities)
Trade in your kayak for a jet boat today to journey further into Johnstone Strait or Queen Charlotte Strait in search of wildlife with your expert guide, giving you the opportunity to explore the areas beyond the reach of your kayak. Return to base camp for a tasty home-cooked lunch and if you choose, a leisurely afternoon kayak.
activities
Island Leisure and Return to Quadra Island
Enjoy the morning relaxing and exploring the trails of Swanson Island or head off on one last kayak adventure before you return to Quadra Island later today.
Farewell to Blackfish Sound
(1 of 1 activities)
After a final morning paddle and opportunity to soak up the last bit of tranquility, you set off on your return scenic transfer back to Quadra Island and to the real world once again.
Overnight on Quadra Island
Overnight in a Comfort level hotel, such as the April Point Resort. Our well-situated Comfort level hotels are typically rated at 3 stars. You'll enjoy clean and comfortable accommodations, plus great service.
activities
Quadra Island Exploration
Quadra Island is yours to explore today, with an extensive activity menu you can choose from. Search for grizzly bears on a zodiac tour, rent a bike, go golfing, or wander the many spectacular trails around the islands and visit the local artisan shops.
Quadra Island in Summer
(1 of 1 activities)
The largest and most populated of the Discovery Islands, Quadra Island is nestled between Vancouver Island and the mainland of British Columbia. Quadra is a popular destination for visitors from around the world, and is best known for its natural and beautiful wilderness scenery, and its excellent salmon and freshwater sportfishing. The mild temperate climate, rural lifestyle, pristine environment and the friendly people who call this place home all add to the charm of Quadra Island.
activities
Quadra Island to Vancouver
Journey back to the mainland today by water taxi and plane. You will be flying over the islands, sea and mountains once more as you return to the vibrant coastal city of Vancouver.
Water Taxi Transfer to Painter's Lodge
(1 of 3 activities)
Take a short but scenic water taxi transfer from April Point Resort on Quadra Island to Painter's Lodge in Campbell River.
Shuttle Transfer to Campbell River Airport
(2 of 3 activities)
Enjoy the convenience of a shuttle transfer from Painter's Lodge to Campbell River airport.
Flight from Campbell River to Vancouver Airport
(3 of 3 activities)
Enjoy the scenic flight over the Strait of Georgia as you make your way from Campbell River on Vancouver Island back to Vancouver.
Overnight at the Vancouver Airport
Overnight in a Deluxe level hotel, such as the Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel. In Deluxe hotels, you'll be staying in some of Canada's most iconic hotels and resorts. Enjoy outstanding locations, attentive service and world class amenities.
activities
Depart Vancouver
With fond memories made, your Canadian adventure comes to an end.
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
Below you'll find examples of this trip's accommodation options.
Please call us for the full list or advice on how to customize your experience.
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WORKING TOGETHER
- Let's personalize this trip idea with your own flair so that it's unique to you.
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INSIDER EXPERTISE
- We're always here to open up possibilities and clear up uncertainties.
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HELP ON HAND
- We're with you every step to help you plan and enjoy your trip, and get you home safely.
WORKING TOGETHER
INSIDER EXPERTISE
HELP ON HAND
HERE'S WHAT YOU GET
To make sure that your holiday is full of only good surprises, here's a comprehensive list of what is (and isn't) included in your package.
Accommodations:
- 2 x hotel nights in Vancouver
- 2 x hotel nights on Quadra Island
- 3 x glamping nights on Swanson Island with shared shower and bathroom facilities
Whales and Wilderness Glamping Package Experiences:
- Welcome orientation at the Heriot Bay Inn pre-arrival
- Safety instruction upon arrival on Swanson Island
- Kayaking tours in Blackfish Sound and the Broughton Archipelago
- 3 hour covered boat wildlife viewing tour
Meal Inclusions:
- 3 night glamping package includes food and drinks from morning snack on day one to lunch on day four (except alcohol)
Transfer Inclusions:
- Shuttle transfers between Campbell River airport to Painter's Lodge
- Water taxi between Painter's Lodge and Quadra Island
- Roundtrip air between Vancouver and Campbell River
- Sightseeing transfer between Quadra Island and Swanson Island
Other Inclusions:
- Expert guiding service during Whales and Wilderness Glamping package
- Sustainability Fee
- Provincial/National Park and Land use permits
- Kayak and safety equipment
- Electronic Travel Documentation package
- Fresh Tracks Canada customer service – from the time you book, you are assigned your own personal Vacation Coordinator whom you can reach out to with any questions or requests.
- Meals other than those mentioned
- Alcoholic or carbonated beverages
- Gratuities for water taxi and shuttle service staff
- Gratuities for Whales and Wilderness Glamping hosts and guides
- Airfare
- Trip Cancellation and Travel Medical Insurance (highly recommended, please ask for a quote)
- Canadian Sales Taxes
SEASONAL RESTRICTIONS
- Quadra Island water taxi operates from late May to late September.
PRICES & DATES
This trip is available for departures between June and September.
Starting From
$2,890 USD
per person
based on double occupancy, June 2020 departure and our base class.
We offer a range of packages across all four seasons. Please speak with one of our travel advisors about personalizing your trip and getting a comprehensive quote.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
9 reviews
![Berge & Family]( "Berge & Family")
Berge & Family
NSW, AUS
08 Aug 2018
Everything was well thought out
We appreciated the thoughtful and then smooth co-ordination. Everything was well thought out.
![Scott, Tana, Max & Dexter]( "Scott, Tana, Max & Dexter")
Scott, Tana, Max & Dexter
TX, USA
13 Aug 2016
Our trip was great!
Our trip was great! Our favourite part was the beautiful country and fun activities. Fresh Tracks did a great job. Very helpful and responsive.
![Joyce & family]( "Joyce & family")
Joyce & family
IL, USA
21 Jul 2016
We had a fabulous time
We had a fabulous time. Everything was great. My one granddaughter said it was the best trip ever! Everyone was very responsive to our concerns as we planned the trip, and we did not need to call about anything while on trip. Our favorite parts were the Stampede show and the drive to Jasper.
![Rochelle & Scott]( "Rochelle & Scott")
Rochelle & Scott
AZ, USA
13 Jul 2015
All of the activities you helped us plan were phenomenal!
We had an amazing vacation! We saw so many awesome things and experienced so many exciting adventures! The scenery was even more beautiful than we expected and the weather was perfect. Thank you for helping us plan such a great vacation! Everything you gave us was so organized and so easy to follow, that everything went very smoothly. All of the… Read More
![Linda & Nick]( "Linda & Nick")
Linda & Nick
ONT, CAN
27 Jun 2015
Our Rockies itinerary was a truly memorable experience
Thank you so much for organizing what was a truly wonderful vacation and celebration for our 25th wedding anniversary. Our Rockies itinerary was a truly memorable experience and we appreciated the extra touches, such as the chauffeured transfers and the hotel rooms with exceptional views that you had included for us. Our favourite spot was Moraine Lake and the beautiful lakeside room made it even… Read More
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