Several of our trips begin in British Columbia. Find where yours starts below, then use the planning links further down the page for ferries, flights and buses.
Where your trip starts
Kayaking with Orca Whales
Your trip starts with a pickup in Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island. Transportation from Nanaimo to the start of your paddle at Alder Bay, and back, is included.
Hiking Canada’s trails
The West Coast, North Coast, Nootka Island and Cape Scott trails are picked up in Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island. Plan to arrive the day or evening before your trip starts.
Bowron Lakes Canoe Trip
Your trip starts from the Vancouver airport area (Richmond, BC). Transportation from Richmond and back is included.
A complete itinerary, maps, and clothing and equipment lists will be issued upon registration.
Before you go
Passports and visas
Visitor information for required passport, visa and personal identification is on the Canada Customs (CBSA) web site.
Our Terms and Conditions also list travel document requirements, including the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
Insurance
It is highly recommended that you have adequate medical and personal injury insurance coverage. This short term travel insurance policy should cover non-refundable trip costs due to personal or family accidents or illness and emergency evacuation.
There are several places that you can get travel medical / evacuation insurance, including your home or vehicle insurance company, or an automobile club membership (AAA or CAA). You may even have some form of these policies included with your credit card, so please look closely at your credit card details for this information.
Arriving by air or ferry
Getting to Nanaimo
For the Orca kayaking trips and the hiking trails.
If you are travelling into the Vancouver, Victoria or Nanaimo area from afar, plan to arrive in Nanaimo the day or evening before your trip starts and to leave the day after it ends.
You can fly to Vancouver (airport code YVR) or Seattle (airport code SEA) and connect to Vancouver Island by ferry, bus or air, or fly directly to Victoria (airport code YYJ) or Nanaimo (airport code YCD).
The Horseshoe Bay ferry in West Vancouver sails to Departure Bay, Nanaimo. The Tsawwassen ferry terminal has sailings to the Duke Point ferry terminal in Nanaimo.
Nanaimo Airporter shuttle service: 1-250-758-2133
BC Ferries: 1-888-223-3779. We will let you know which ferry to take to Vancouver Island.
Getting to Vancouver
For the Bowron Lakes trip.
Many of the major North American carriers fly into Vancouver or, alternatively, Seattle. Check with your travel agent for options.
There is a bus service, Quick Shuttle, from Seattle’s airport to hotels in Vancouver. These run daily and are reasonably priced. For more information in North America, phone 1-800-665-2122 or 1-604-940-4428.
Plan your route
Ferries
Flights and shuttles
If we can be of any other assistance, please let us know. wildernessadventures.ca assumes no responsibility whatsoever for the companies or services listed above. They have simply been put here for your convenience.