Overview:

Our daily itinerary will be catered to each individual group where kayaking time will vary depending on the group's desires and weather conditions.
Day prior: This tour starts from the town of Port McNeil. Please call us 1 800 307 3982 once you have arrived in Port McNeil to let us know where you are staying and for last minute instructions.
Day 1: Meet at 9:30am at "McNeil's" a small caf³ located on the waterfront in down town Port McNeill. See Getting Here
After meeting we will board the Songhee, your new floating home. After everyone is settled in, kayak familiarization and lessons from our skilled guides will get us ready for 4 days of marine adventure and exploration.
Day 2 - 3: Broughton Archipelago and Johnstone Strait: Once we leave homeport, we have an advantage over land based trips - the ship can go anywhere within a vast network of remote interconnected islands and channels. We will journey right into the heart of Killer Whale (Orca) country, where nearly 300 of the majestic creatures reside in family groups known as pods. A visit to a research station will help us learn more about the Killer Whales, Humpbacks and other resident whale species found in the region. The kayaks will allow us to get as close as possible without intruding or disrupting the natural surroundings.
Each day of our voyage will result in new discoveries. As eagles track our passage, sea lions, dolphins, and seals frolic in the pristine waters. Two experienced kayaking guides, plus a captain, engineer, and deckhand will share their years of knowledge and skills with their passengers, ensuring the trip exceeds expectations. With guests limited to 10, individual comfort and attention is emphasized.
Day 4: Return to Port McNeil Return Port McNeil by late afternoon, taking back memories of one of the most unique waterborne wildlife adventures in Canada.

About the Songhee - Your new floating home
The Songhee, named after one of our coastal native tribes, is a 95 foot World War II era supply ship specially designed for navigating our maze of islands. Used as a supply vessel for the Royal Canadian Air Force, she serviced army bases scattered throughout the coast. She has now been extensively refitted to carry 11 guests and 6 crew in comfort and style, and at 95ft has more than enough space for everyone to enjoy some privacy. There is plenty of outside deck space for roaming or soaking in our hot tub, and inside, our cedar wood finished lounge has ample room to read, play games, or just relax. The bedrooms (staterooms) are bright and cheery, and each have a sink and comfortable bunks. We have 5 staterooms with 2 bunks, 1 room with a single. Generally we can accommodate you with your own room. On the rare occasion when we have several independent travelers we do our best to match you up with a suitable partner. Three bathrooms and two showers are available for our 10 guests.

The kayaking
Although kayaking is not a prerequisite to join our tour, we feel that it is the best way to get close to nature. Never tried kayaking before? No worries - we'll show you how. A thorough orientation of kayaks and safety procedures are covered to prepare you for your time on the water. The sea kayak is extremely stable and easy to manouver, both in single and double configuration, allowing a unique and silent floating view of both marine and land-based wildlife. The combination of mothership and kayak gives you incredible wilderness access with the comforts of a 4 star hotel. The daily itinerary will be catered to each individual group where kayaking time will vary depending on groups desires.

Meals while on tour
At Spirit of the West we put a great amount of time and effort in preparing wholesome quality meals. Our chef will delight guests with meals featuring fresh quality produce and local delicacies. Spirit of the West is not licensed to serve alcohol. However, you may bring your own. Please ensure to notify us if you have any dietary concerns, restrictions or food allergies. This should be included in detail on your medical form.


Meeting Location - Departure day

Port McNeil
Port McNeil Meeting time: 9:30 am (call us on day before of tour to confirm time) 
Where: McNeills Cafe 
Getting there: McNeills Cafe is located on the waterfront in downtown Port McNeil across from the main docks.

Getting Here
For this tour you need to get to Port McNeil. Port McNeil is located on Hwy 19a 2.5 hrs drive north of Campbell River, 4 ½ hrs north of Nanaimo and 6 hours north of Victoria. To get to Port McNeil you can drive and ferry, bus and ferry, or fly from Seattle or Vancouver. If you are coming from the mainland, in order to get to Vancouver Island with your car, one must take a ferry. Please note that the ferries can get quite congested during the summer months, so we advise you to get an early start your "travel day" and enjoy the drive up. For car rentals contact Budget Rental at 1800 299 3199 / http://www.budgetvictoria.com/ or National Tilden at 1800 227 7368. See the back of our catalogue for more info. 

If you are flying you have the option of flying right from Seattle to downtown Port McNeil by Kenmore Air floatplane. This is most costly but most direct. The other option is to fly with Pacific Coastal Airlines from Vancouver to Port Hardy (a town near Port McNeil), and from here a 25 minute airport shuttle will take you to our meeting point in Port McNeil. You can have us arrange the transport shuttle or you can contact Port McNeil Airport Shuttle at 1 250 956-8294. 

Please note: For bookings or detailed travel information such as flights, ferries, buses, and car rentals, you can contact our local travel agency, Uniglobe Travel. They can be reached in North America at 1 800 567-6511 or by email at wc.rivercity@uniglobe.com

Accommodations before/after tour

We recommend staying in the town of Port McNeil on the night prior to tour. If you decide to stay in Campbell River or on our home island of Quadra Island, feel free to ask us for more recommendations. 
We have included a list of places to stay for Port McNeil, if you need assistance with accommodations elsewhere, please contact us at
1 800 307 3982.

Port McNeil
Ev's Bunkhouse on the Beach 
website: www.pixsell.bc.ca/bb/125.htm. 
Phone: 1 877 956 4993

Seaview B&B 
website: http://www.portmcneill.net/seeview/
Phone: 1 250 956 4818

Broughton Manor B&B 
website: http://www.broughtonmanor.com/
Phone: 1 250 956 4202

Rosebury Manor B&B 
website: www.pixsell.bc.ca/bb/150.htm 
Phone: 1 888 956 7673

Tanquil Space B&B 
website: http://www.portmcneill.net/tranquil
Phone: 1 250 956 2002

Haida - Way Motor Inn 
website: http://www.portmcneillhotels.com/
Phone: 1 800 956 3373


 

Day 1: Arrive in Port McNeill by road or air. You will meet your guides at McNeils Cafe at 6:30 pm. From here we will transfer to the Songhee where you will meet the crew and get acquainted with your new floating home.
Day 2 - 6:  Broughton Archipelago and Johnstone Strait: Once we leave homeport, we have an advantage over land based trips - the ship can go anywhere within a vast network of remote interconnected islands and channels.
We will journey right into the heart of Killer Whale (Orca) country, where nearly 230 of the majestic creatures reside in family groups known as pods. A visit to a research station will help us learn more about the Killer Whales, Humpbacks and other resident whale species found in the region. The kayaks will allow us to get as close as possible without intruding or disrupting the natural surroundings.
Each day of our voyage will result in new discoveries. As eagles track our passage, sea lions, dolphins, and seals frolic in the pristine waters. We will visit the remote abandoned First Nations village of Mamalilacula, where a local native historian will thrill us with the legends of his people, who traveled these waters in massive seagoing canoes carved from the towering cedars. Totems carved with eagles, bears, whales and the other creatures who shared the land and sea with the original peoples still stand, silent witnesses to the passage of time and the natural wonders that still define the area.
Two experienced kayaking guides, plus a captain, engineer, and deckhand will share their years of knowledge and skills with their passengers, ensuring the trip exceeds expectations. With guests limited to 10, individual comfort and attention is emphasized.
Spend the last night in a quite cove or in Alert Bay where we will view the graveyard totems and visit the renowned U'Mista Cultural Centre.
Day 7: Return to Port McNeill dock in the afternoon.

About the Songhee - Your new floating home

The Songhee, named after one of our coastal native tribes, is a 95 foot World War II era supply ship specially designed for navigating our maze of islands. Used as a supply vessel for the Royal Canadian Air Force, she serviced army bases scattered throughout the coast. She has now been extensively refitted to carry 11 guests and 6 crew in comfort and style, and at 95ft has more than enough space for everyone to enjoy some privacy. There is plenty of outside deck space for roaming or soaking in our hot tub, and inside, our cedar wood finished lounge has ample room to read, play games, or just relax. The bedrooms (staterooms) are bright and cheery, and each have a sink and comfortable bunks. We have 5 staterooms with 2 bunks, 1 room with a single. Generally we can accommodate you with your own room. On the rare occasion when we have several independent travelers we do our best to match you up with a suitable partner. Three bathrooms and two showers are available for our 10 guests.

The kayaking

Although kayaking is not a prerequisite to join our tour, we feel that it is the best way to get close to nature. Never tried kayaking before? No worries - we'll show you how. A thorough orientation of kayaks and safety procedures are covered to prepare you for your time on the water. The sea kayak is extremely stable and easy to manouver, both in single and double configuration, allowing a unique and silent floating view of both marine and land-based wildlife. The combination of mothership and kayak gives you incredible wilderness access with the comforts of a 4 star hotel. The daily itinerary will be catered to each individual group where kayaking time will vary depending on groups desires.

Meals while on tour

At Spirit of the West we put a great amount of time and effort in preparing wholesome quality meals. Our chef will delight guests with meals featuring fresh quality produce and local delicacies. Spirit of the West is not licensed to serve alcohol. However, you may bring your own. Please ensure to notify us if you have any dietary concerns, restrictions or food allergies. This should be included in detail on your medical form.

Accommodations before/after tour

We have included a list of places to stay for Port McNeil, if you need assistance with accommodations elsewhere, please contact us at
1 800 307 3982.

Port McNeil
Ev's Bunkhouse on the Beach 
website: www.pixsell.bc.ca/bb/125.htm. 
Phone: 1 877 956 4993

Seaview B&B 
website: http://www.portmcneill.net/seeview/
Phone: 1 250 956 4818

Broughton Manor B&B 
website: http://www.broughtonmanor.com/
Phone: 1 250 956 4202

Rosebury Manor B&B 
website: www.pixsell.bc.ca/bb/150.htm 
Phone: 1 888 956 7673

Tanquil Space B&B 
website: http://www.portmcneill.net/tranquil
Phone: 1 250 956 2002

Haida - Way Motor Inn 
website: http://www.portmcneillhotels.com/
Phone: 1 800 956 3373

Meeting Location - Departure day

Port McNeil
Port McNeil Meeting time: 6:30 pm
Where: McNeills Cafe 
Getting there: McNeills Cafe is located on the waterfront in downtown Port McNeil across from the main docks.

Getting to Port McNeil
For this tour you need to get to Port McNeil. Port McNeil is located on Hwy 19a 2.5 hrs drive north of Campbell River, 4 ½ hrs north of Nanaimo and 6 hours north of Victoria. To get to Port McNeil you can drive and ferry, bus and ferry, or fly from Seattle or Vancouver. If you are coming from the mainland, in order to get to Vancouver Island with your car, one must take a ferry. Please note that the ferries can get quite congested during the summer months, so we advise you to get an early start your "travel day" and enjoy the drive up. For car rentals contact Budget Rental at 1800 299 3199 / http://www.budgetvictoria.com/ or National Tilden at 1800 227 7368. See the back of our catalogue for more info. 

If you are flying you have the option of flying right from Seattle to downtown Port McNeil by Kenmore Air floatplane. This is most costly but most direct. The other option is to fly with Pacific Coastal Airlines from Vancouver to Port Hardy (a town near Port McNeil), and from here a 25 minute airport shuttle will take you to our meeting point in Port McNeil. You can have us arrange the transport shuttle or you can contact Port McNeil Airport Shuttle at 1 250 956-8294. 

Please note: For bookings or detailed travel information such as flights, ferries, buses, and car rentals, you can contact our local travel agency, Uniglobe Travel. They can be reached in North America at 1 800 567-6511 or by email at wc.rivercity@uniglobe.com