The Daytripper
A Kayak Day Trip in the Northern Gulf Islands just out of Nanaimo.
For an amazing Nanaimo Kayak Day trip experience look no further than The pristine waters of the Northern Gulf Islands. These magical waters just south of Nanaimo offer fantastic kayaking day trip opportunities for both the novice and experienced paddler.
Nanaimo Kayak Day Trip
The pristine waters of the Gulf Islands, just south of Nanaimo offer fantastic Nanaimo kayak day trip opportunities for both the novice and experienced paddler.
Calm, protected channels amongst a plethora of islands make this area a perfect place to spend the day exploring with a sea kayak. These sheltered waters offer a great opportunity to paddle with seals, otters, eagles and view a wide variety of marine life and bird life from your kayak. You may even get a chance to paddle with some of the local orca whale population that pass through this area if you are lucky…and make your Nanaimo kayak day trip one to never forget.
A perfect introduction for those of you who want to have a “taste” of sea-kayaking before committing to a longer expedition. Our Nanaimo Kayak Day Trip embarks and ends from Cedar-by-the-Sea, just minutes south of Nanaimo and includes a delicious gourmet lunch on one of the many splendid islets this beautiful area boasts. Treat yourself to a fantastic Nanaimo Kayak day trip delight as we explore the coastlines of DeCourcy, Mudge and Link Islands.
| Notes
Max of 12 guests with 2 guides.
“Fees”: a booking fee of 3% applies per reservation, regardless of whether for 1 or more people; this is not per person”, but “per booking”. |
Rates & Dates
Nanaimo Kayak Day Trips Available Most Days from May to Sept. Please note reservations are required. A minimum of 2 people per trip required for trip to run. Book online with Nanaimo Kayak Day Trip calendar across from this information. If you are making a reservation within 48 hours of any trip date, please call us directly to inquire about availability prior to booking. 50% deposit reserves seat; full payment is due 75 days before trip start
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What we Provide:
- All kayaks, paddling and safety gear. NOTE* As standard we equip double Kayaks, unless people make a special request and can show enough recent experience on request. Please email us about singles and make a note when booking in special requests.
- Certified and skilled guides.
- An amazing picnic Lunch
- Beverages – We supply a wide range of teas and coffee as well as juices. You are welcome to bring along soda pops or non alcoholic beverages. Please note we strictly enforce a no alcohol on the water policy.
- All cutlery, plates, bowls
- All Group Kitchen supplies and Group Shelters
- Re Usable Cup per person for drinks
- Paddle Jackets with hoods for rainy cold paddling days, lets you save your rain jacket for in camp warmth and comfort.
- Wilderness Toileting Essentials
- Sun screen (30 UVA rating minimum)
- Sun block for lips, nose, and ears. A good block is highly recommended as UV radiation is intensified from the reflection off the water.
- Hat for protection from sun or rain
- Full water bottle (1L)
- Rain Gear – just in case
- Fleece Jacket or Wool Sweater
- Teva like sandals or old pair of sneakers for paddling. Note you will get your feet wet. Flip Flops are unsuitable.
- Pair of light hikers or sneakers for on shore.
- Change of dry clothing.
- Towel
- Shorts (preferably quick dry material).
- Camera/iphone with protective bag/housing for salt water conditions
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
Place: For our Nanaimo Kayak Day Trips We launch from the boat launch/beach at the end of Nelson Road in Cedar-by-the-Sea, just minutes south of Nanaimo, at 10:30AM and return to the same at 2:30-3PM.
View location on Google Maps
What our client say about our Nanaimo day trip experience!
Nanaimo Kayak Day Trip ……. Five star all the way !!!”
– Sylvie & Ronald, Ormstown, Quebec
“…Everything was great – the food, the people, the activities…overall it was a great vacation and we managed to even forget the day of the week and lost total track of time…what a great feeling!”
– Kevin and Heidi Heidrich , Portland, OR.
“…a short note of thanks for such a wonderful time in your company. My Nanaimo Kayak Day Trip with Wild Heart has rekindled a love of the water and reminded me how much I love the outdoors. I never would have thought it possible to see otters, seals, deer, eagles by the dozen and so many colourful starfish all in the course of a days outing…the lunch was outstanding…I know that I will return to take a longer trip with you soon.”
– Allan Drysdale , Chicago, IL.
“Thanks so much…The George family had a great time and will hold fond memories of our trip with you for a long time”.
– Rick George and Family, Calgary, Alberta
Unbelievable 10 day paddle from Brooks Peninsula to Fair Harbour - with time to explore the islands in between. Truly exceptional guiding by Jaime and Rita - we could not have been led or looked after better. I've never eaten so well on a kayak expedition! They even laid on perfect weather and sea conditions for the trip - paddling through the most majestic scenery on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Thank you! There's so much more paddling to do - we may well be back! An extremely well organised and professional outfit, fun and relaxed - highly recommended! Thank you so much. Will think of this trip when enjoying a wee dram of Smoke Point!
Dominic
July 6, 2026
Just returned from a fabulous 6 day paddle trip in Kyuquot Sound/Bunsby Islands. Jaime and Rita were great guides, with lots of local knowledge, great planning, yummy food, and with a fun and relaxed feel. Highly recommend this area and this company!
Ian Cohen
August 21, 2026
What an adventure with Jamie! From the offset he made us feel comfortable and set a great energy with the group! His preparation for the trip was sublime, with so many small details that made us smile! His little picnic table & cloth he set up every meal, and then the food he prepared (3 meals a day) was by far the best food I have ever eaten in an outdoor camping setting.. and would rival many restaurant meals I have had in London!!! The Thai prawn curry, the picky-bit lunches, the eggs & salmon Benedict... oh and the puddings!! The food was truly astounding!!! And then the fact that we were eating these delicious meals, cooked on a little gas cooker, alone on a remote beach, while watching Orca's swim past, the sun setting and eagles fly overhead... truly incredible!! Jamie was so very hospitable in camp, always making sure we were well fed, rested and had all the supplies we needed. On the water, his years of experience and relaxed, joyful demeanour, made the paddling highly enjoyable, even when the arms were tired at the end of a long day!! And he knew lots about the natural environment, helping facilitate many beautiful interactions with nature: dear, birds, seals, sea lions, whales and bears..!! I would highly recommend Wildheart Adventures. Jamie is a brilliant guide and fantastic, warm and humorous human-being. The trip he offered was great value for money. If you can afford to do this trip, then do it.. it will truly be a trip of a lifetime!
James Battishill
August 28, 2026
Six day trip. Sea otters, whales, everything was so easy (Jamie/Rita) always had it under control. Not just the kayaking but the evenings were great. Second trip with wildheart.
scott wilkinson
August 17, 2026