North Vancouver Island Itinerary

Breaching humpbacks, the unmistakable Orca dorsal fin, backdropped by the colossal coastal mountain peaks, everything comes together for creating lifelong memories of a very special corner of the BC coast

A sea otter floating on its back staring into the camera with its mouth open.

A Coastal Hidden Gem

Offering the Best of the BC Coast

The waters we travel through in Johnstone Strait and Blackfish Sound are home to some of the best orca viewing British Columbia has to offer. Cruising our way up into glacial fjords also gives us a good chance at spotting bears along the coastline. Combine these wildlife viewing moments with learnings about First Nations culture and massive old-growth forests, this itinerary brings in to focus all that makes British Columbia so special.

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Route & Notable Stops

We keep our itineraries purposefully flexible allowing our captains to cater to the needs and interests of their group as well as take into account weather, wildlife sightings, and more. Below is a sample of the route you may take on your Northern Vancouver Island eco-tour.

Setting Off Into Secluded Waters

Meet your Bluewater Adventures crew & vessel late morning in Port McNeill, and escape civilization into a maze of islands and waterways featuring old growth forests, rugged archipelagos, cozy anchorages, and amazing wildlife.

Kayaking the protected waters of our nightly anchorages, daily shore excursions, and chances to raise the sails add to the expedition as a taste of everything British Columbia has to offer.

Johnstone Strait & Alert Bay

Our focus these days will be on the waters of Johnstone Strait, Blackfish Sound, and Queen Charlotte Strait where we hope to encounter whales. Two species of Orca can be spotted in these waters: Northern Resident Orca and Bigg’s (transient) Orca. In addition, keep watch for the blows of humpback whales whose population has made a significant comeback to these waters.We will visit the modern Kwakwaka’wakw community of Alert Bay to visit the U’Mista Cultural Centre. A highlight of their display is the impressive Potlatch Collection featuring masks and regalia which were confiscated by the Canadian government in 1921. The Kwakwaka’wakw people fought for decades for the return of these sacred items. Thanks to their efforts, these important items now help us learn about the art, culture, and history of the Kwakwaka’wakw people.

The Broughton Archipelago and Bears

We will spend time navigating the labyrinth of undeveloped islands of Broughton Archipelago Marine Provincial Park. Exploring within these multitude of islands, we can search for different species of marine mammals, observe a variety of sea bird species, and visit remote beaches. 

As we travel deeper into the coastal fjords surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Coast Mountains we enter an important habitat for grizzly bears and black bears. Starting in August, salmon return to spawn and this essential source of food concentrates bears in estuaries and along the rivers in the best places to fish.

Heading Home

We return to Port McNeill late morning to complete our voyage. Guests can plan to catch afternoon flights from nearby Port Hardy or explore the area further on their own.

To request a full North Vancouver Island itinerary, contact us

North Vancouver Island Highlights

A showcase of all that the Pacific Northwest coast has to offer. Choosing what wildlife spectacle to focus your binoculars on will be the hardest part of your days.

A Whale Wonderland

Orcas, humpback whales, Dall’s porpoise, Pacific white-sided dolphins, sea lions, sea otters and more call these rich waters home.

Harness the Wind

This itinerary is positioned well along the coast to provide our crew good chance to raise the sails and give our guests the sailing experience.

Cultural History

With a handful of notable traditional and current First Nations culture sites, guests will get a glimpse into the rich history of the Kwakwaka’wakw people.

Bear Viewing

As we voyage up glacial fjords, we are given the chance to spot grizzly bears along the shoreline.

Land & Sea Exploration

Ample time to explore rocky outcrop islands and the towering cedar trees by morning or evening kayak trips and midday hikes.

Current North Vancouver Island Offerings

Browse through our current sailings & prices for North Vancouver Island below. All prices are listed in CAD and are subject to a $200 sustainability fee and 5% GST tax.

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Date Start / Finish Location Days Vessel Price Trip Status
Aug 4 – 10, 2025 Port McNeill 7 Island Roamer $6,540 CAD Booked
Aug 11 – 17, 2025 Port McNeill 7 Island Roamer $6,540 CAD Open
Aug 18 – 24, 2025 Port McNeill 7 Island Roamer $6,540 CAD Booked
Oct 16 – 20, 2025 Port McNeill 5 Island Solitude $5,250 CAD Call for Availability
Oct 21 – 25, 2025 Port McNeill 5 Island Solitude $5,250 CAD Call for Availability
Aug 4 – 10, 2026 Port McNeill 7 Island Roamer $6,665 CAD Call for Availability
Aug 11 – 17, 2026 Port McNeill 7 Island Roamer $6,665 CAD Call for Availability
Aug 18 – 24, 2026 Port McNeill 7 Island Roamer $6,665 CAD Open
Oct 15 – 19, 2026 Port McNeill 5 Island Solitude $5,355 CAD Call for Availability
Oct 20 – 24, 2026 Port McNeill 5 Island Solitude $5,355 CAD Call for Availability

Prepare for Your Adventure

Feel ready and equipped for traveling to and living aboard our vessels. Learn more about guest expectations, amenities onboard, and what to bring along to make the most out of your once in a lifetime eco-tour.

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Your Nautical Accommodation

An Aquatic Home Away from Home

With 6 guest cabins, each with a power outlet and porthole window; a cozy yet spacious library and dining area; and ample on deck seating options, Island Roamer is the favourite veteran of the Bluewater Adventures fleet for a reason. To learn more about this vessel, visit the Island Roamer page.

Island Roamer

Guest Musings on North Vancouver Island

A snippet of end of trip reflections from previous Bluewater guests who journeyed to North Vancouver Island.

  • “Mile upon mile of lovely scenery peppered with close encounters with mother nature and her many creatures.”

    C. Murphy

  • “Everyday was unique with a good mix of both on and offshore activities. One of the best trips we have ever taken!”

    H. Chubb

  • “This trip has been a great adventure and a great inspiration to us all. We are so privileged to have been able to experience this incredible coastline with an equally incredible crew. We are all inspired to spread the word about the importance of preserving this amazing environment and all that thrives in it. We are also inspired to spread the word to anyone who will listen to save all their pennies and jump onboard one of your tours – the connection you all have with this coastline is so obvious and so powerful. As educators, your passion, knowledge and quiet determination will bring change to the way this area is seen by future generations”

    J., G., B., E., & H.

North Vancouver Island FAQs

Find more in depth information specifically on our North Vancouver Island itinerary below. Should you have more questions surrounding your Bluewater Adventures experience at large, please visit our general FAQ page to learn more.

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We operate trips in this area around late July to mid-August, so more often than not we are experiencing summer weather! That being said, we can also run into very foggy mornings and the night air can start to have a bit of crispness to it – as such, we recommend bringing some warmer layers along to start and end the day with.

This itinerary is one of our more potentially active tours – with a stop at the U’Mista Cultural Centre, a host of shore excursion opportunities, and the availability to kayak morning and evening, guests can anticipate a bit more of an active trip. As always, our crew are there to support guests when needed, especially when getting in and out of the zodiac from the boat or shoreline. We recommend feeling comfortable going for walks around your neighbourhood in preparation for this trip.

Though offering great opportunities for sailing, rarely does the itinerary voyage too far out into open water. As always, we adapt to whatever weather is given to us, which may include wavy conditions, but we anticipate those conditions being fewer and far between.

Yes! This itinerary is well set up to give our crew a good chance of unfurling the sails. We are always at the mercy of what weather we are given, but we have a high chance of making way under sail on this tour.

We experience pebbly and sandy beaches, grassy to dirt paths, and free form forest walks on this trip. If guests feel unsteady on the rocky beaches, we recommend hiking poles, and our crew are always there to lend a hand. The paths and shore excursions we take rarely gain or lose a significant amount of elevation and crew always take into consideration the abilities of the group before determining what activities they will facilitate.

Yes! Once at anchor in the afternoon/evening and in the morning before breakfast, there will typically be an offer to go kayaking.

Start Your North Vancouver Island Education Now

Browse through our collection of blog posts reflecting information, thoughts on, and experiences in North Vancouver Island written by our seaworthy and knowledgeable staff & crew.

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