Contact Us
Toll Free:
(888)
833-8887
Phone:
(250)
202-3229
Email us
By Mail:
P.O. Box 30,
Heriot Bay, BC
Canada V0P 1H0
On Facebook
Note: You can also download a PDF version of this page, more suitable for printing.
Important points:
Our May 26th to 30th Desolation Sound Kayaking Tour begins in the town of Campbell River (map), located 160 miles north of Victoria on the east side of Vancouver Island. Here the Columbia III will await your arrival at the Discovery Harbour Marina.
There are a number of ways of getting to Campbell River. The simplest is to fly directly from either Vancouver or Seattle to Campbell River's regional airport (CYBL). Flying time from Vancouver to Campbell River is approx 45 minutes. Other ways include the combination of either car and ferry or bus and ferry. Ferry crossing time from Vancouver to Vancouver Island is approx. 2 hours. Driving time from Nanaimo to Campbell River is 1.5 hours, or from Victoria to Campbell River is 3.5 hours.
-Pacific Coastal Airlines runs numerous daily flights to Campbell River 1-800-663-2872 or 604-273-8666 (in Vancouver).
-Central Mountain Air has daily flights to Campbell River 1-888-865-8585 or 250-847-5000.
-Air Canada acts as a booking agent for Pacific Coastal Airlines and Central Mountain Air if an Air Canada ticket has been purchased to a connecting airport (ie. Vancouver) 1-800-247-2262 (in Canada) or 1-800-776-3000 (in USA).
From Seattle
-Kenmore Air Seaplanes runs direct flights to Campbell River 1-800-543-9595 or 425-486-1257.
From Calgary, Alberta
-West Jet runs daily flights to Comox (a town 45 minutes south of Campbell River by road) 1-888-937-8538.
-B.C. Ferries has year round vehicle and passenger service - Routes include: North Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) to Nanaimo (Departure Bay), South Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to South Nanaimo (Duke Point) and South Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Swartz Bay (near Victoria) 1-888 223-3779 or outside B.C. 250-386-3431.
-M.V. Coho has vehicle and passenger service from Port Angeles WA to downtown Victoria B.C.
-Washington State Ferries runs vehicle and passenger service from Anacortes WA to Sidney B.C. (near Victoria) 1-888-808-7977 or 206-464-4600 (Seattle).
-Victoria Clipper has passenger-only ferry service from downtown Seattle to downtown Victoria B.C. 1-800-888-2535.
-Campbell River Airporter 250-914-1010
-Campbell River Taxi 250-287-8294
-Bee Line Taxi -250-287-8383
-Budget Car Rental 1-800-299-3199 or 250-923-4283 (in Campbell River)
-National Car Rental 1-800-227-7368 or 250-923-1234 (in Campbell River)
Many of our guests like to explore Vancouver Island before or after their adventure on the Columbia III. Please contact Tourism Vancouver Island (250)754- 3500 or www.vancouverisland.travel for ideas and information. Accommodation through out B.C. can be arranged through 1-800-435-5622 or HelloBC.com.
For those guests who wish to arrive prior to our departure, or stay later after our trip, many hotels and bed & breakfasts are available in Campbell River. Further information is also available from: Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce: (250) 287-4636 or www.campbellriverchamber.ca.
There is a variety of parking available. Please ask for directions at the boat when you arrive.
The Columbia III will be moored at the Discovery Harbour Marina, behind the Rip Tide Pub. You are expected to have eaten dinner prior to boarding, although hot drinks and a variety of snacks will be served once we are underway. On the last day of your trip, we return to Campbell River between 1:00 and 3:00 weather permitting.
For maximum comfort, a layering system of lighter "quick-dry" and warmer fleece clothing works best. Merino wool is excellent as well. Avoid cotton which stays wet for a very long time. Waterproof raingear is essential. A dry suit is highly recommended. A wet suit is second best.
When getting in and out of your kayak on shore your feet WILL get wet. We suggest a pair of sturdy water sandals/ shoes. Sports gloves for paddling may add to your comfort and help prevent blisters. Proper protection from the sun is essential so bring sun glasses, a sun hat, sun block and lip screen. Bring a water bottle. Staying hydrated in the outdoors is very important. When aboard the mothership, comfortable casual clothing is nice to change into after paddling.
Consider bringing the items listed on the packing list we provide.
We have waterproof bags (dry bags) onboard that you can use for your cameras or other small items in your kayak if you like. Large Ziploc bags work as well. Hard suitcases are difficult to fit into the small storage compartments on the Columbia III, so if possible, bring your things in soft duffel type bags.