Footprint BC
2024 Birding by Kayak | Unique 2-day Kayak Special
Copeland Islands Marine Park – Overnight Birding Tour
The Copeland Islands Marine Park is a string of beautiful islands just north of Lund, situated in the pristine waters of the Salish Sea. Located approx. 160 km (100 miles) north of Vancouver, this archipelago is directly adjacent to Desolation Sound Marine Park on BC’s Sunshine Coast.
- Tour Description
Kayaks are the best way to visit this majestic area, as only kayaks can quietly access all shallow nooks and crannies where wildlife likes to spent most of their time. We’ll settle down in the heart of the Copeland Islands on the first day of this tour. A fantastic new scenery around every corner, rocky islands where seals often haul out and steep cliffs where sea birds nest. We will camp on one of the Copeland Islands as this will be a good base-camp for exploring in different directions. We’ll bring stable- and high volume 2-person sea kayaks on this tour in order to be able to transport extra camera equipment and for creating stability while taking photos.
- Tour Highlights
Many bird species call this area their home, permanent or temporarily. A local birding-expert will join us during this tour and the combined knowledge of area and birds will make this an unforgettable birding-tour. This is the season of longer day-light, we’ll take advantage by going on an evening- and early morning paddle. Birds (and other wildlife) will be more active during dusk and dawn. Birds we might be able to see during this tour could include: a variety of ducks and waterfowl, many shore birds, birds of prey, different gull colonies and hopefully some rare migratory birds. Two days of birding-by-kayak in May hopefully gives us about 40 to 50 different bird species …….
- Duration / Distance
A maximum of 8 – 10 Nautical Miles (approx. 15 – 18km / 9 – 11mi) per paddling day. Distance will also depend on group preferences and goals, weather conditions, currents and tides. It takes some time to complete packing and a pre-tour instruction on the first day of the tour, we aim to be back in Lund between 15:00hr. and 16:00hr. on the final day. It will speed up the start of a tour if Medical Information Forms and Liability Waivers are filled out and signed prior to the tour.
- Age restrictions / Height & Weight Limits
Participants should be at least 18 years of age in order to join this tour. Just ask us if you have any doubt about this tour being suitable for your abilities.
In order to ensure your comfort and safety, participants who have primary control of the kayak (the ones with the rudder pedals) should be of sufficient age, height, weight and maturity to do so.
Please note: Your guide will always have the authority to make the final decision on kayak configuration and safety related issues. ‘Safety first, fun will follow.’
- Conditions / Skill level
Paddle routes during this tour are within the sheltered class 2 waters of the Copeland Islands. However, during this tour you might be exposed to some wind, waves, mild currents and boat wakes. Your guide will choose the route most appropriate for weather, tides, mild currents and group.
Camping will take place within the marine park on designated campsites. Tent platforms and an outhouse are the facilities that BC Parks has provided for our comfort.
- Guide to participant ratio
One guide up to a maximum of six participants
- Included
Two-person ocean tour kayak to increase photography stability
All required kayak safety gear and equipment
All required camping gear and equipment
Local Birding Expert
All meals during the tour
Back-country Camping Permit
Dry-bags (extra dry-bags are available)
- Not Included
Personal items, we provide a detailed ‘Suggested Gear List’ prior to the tour
Gratuities for your guide(s)
Overnight Birding-by-Kayak Tour
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- A guided 2 days / 1 night kayak and camping tour into the Copeland Islands
- Includes: pre-tour instruction
- Max. 6 participants
- Minimum age: 18 years
- 1 night of tent-camping in the Copeland Islands, including all meals, kayak, safety gear and camping equipment
- Local birding expert
- Departure location: Lund Harbour
- PRICE: CA$599.00 + 5% GST per person
- Departure Date 2024: To be determined