Water Sports · British Columbia
A sea kayaking outfitter running day trips, basecamp stays and multi-day expeditions in Johnstone Strait and the Broughton Archipelago. Reviewers rave about guides, food and whale sightings.
At the Water's Edge Adventures (AWE, also associated with Ecosummer) runs guided sea kayak trips on northern Vancouver Island's coast, from day paddles to three-day Johnstone Strait tours, a basecamp near the Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve, and week-long trips in the Broughton Archipelago. Almost every review is five stars.
Guides are the story. Reviewers name several and describe them as experienced, safe and good at coaching complete beginners, including first-time sea kayakers who had never tent camped. Kayaks and camping gear are described as high quality and well maintained. Food comes up again and again as fresh and far better than expected, and the team is said to handle vegan diets and serious allergies well. Pre-trip communication from the office also gets a mention.
Wildlife is the reason most people go. Guests report orcas, humpbacks, porpoises, sea otters, sea lions, seals, eagles and intertidal life. Day trips can include a boat pickup for extra whale watching. Small groups and a mix of ages and abilities seem to work well.
There is little to criticize in the reviews. Expect real coastal weather: one group paddled through torrential rain on day one. Pack properly for wet conditions and follow the gear list the company sends.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 92 Google reviews. Details change — confirm hours, prices and bookings with At the Waters Edge Adventures directly.
