How much previous experience do I need to join one of the trips? ÝBack to Questions
Our expeditions are designed to be safe and fun for both novice and expert alike. Our guides are qualified and experienced and will teach you all you need to know. Whether you're a first time adventurer or have been on expeditions around the world you'll feel at home with our complete instructional sessions and our concern for the safety and comfort of our guests. What's included in the cost of the tour? ÝBack to Questions
All our tours include professional guides, permits, delicious meals and top quality gear. We don't include sleeping bags (rentals can be arranged), accommodations for before and after the tour, transportation to and from our base or launch site. What are your guides like? ÝBack to Questions
Our professional guides have been elected for their extensive experience, outdoor skills, back country chef abilities, reliability and outgoing personalities, just to name a few. Our guides are devoted to making sure that you have a comfortable, safe and enjoyable vacation. How big are the groups? ÝBack to Questions
Our average group size is 6-10 guests on all our tours. Larger groups can be arranged. Please contact our office to discuss this. What can I expect the other guests to be like? ÝBack to Questions
Everyone is on vacation and as such we find that the general atmosphere is festive, friendly and involved. Our guides provide a sociable and encouraging environment in which many lasting friendships are made. What is the average age? ÝBack to Questions
Most of our guests range in age from mid twenties to late fifties, however we have no maximum age limit. I'm traveling alone, is that OK? ÝBack to Questions
We welcome solo paddlers and will try to accommodate you with your own tent. Is there an age limit and can I bring my kids? ÝBack to Questions
We recommend a minimum age of 12 years for our multi-day kayak trips as younger children may find paddling for extended lengths of time tiring. As for the top end of our age scale, we feel you are never too old to enjoy the wilderness. We encourage families and ask that you call our office to discuss what trips are suitable for children. All of our canoe tours are excellent for families with younger children. Is it safe? ÝBack to Questions
Yes, we have never had a serious injury on any of our tours. Our number one concern is the safety of our guests. Our guides are trained in Wilderness First Aid and carry extensive First Aid kids. We carry VHF marine radios on our tours on all ocean paddling tours. We also have an emergency plan in place for all our tours. Do you do custom tours? ÝBack to Questions
Custom tours can be arranged for groups of 5 or more. You should make plans well in advance to ensure that we can accommodate your group. Call our office to discuss your vacation. Is there a group discount? ÝBack to Questions
Yes, for all multi-day tours if you are booking for your group of five or more, you are entitled to a 5% discount off the regular tour cost. Book for groups of 8 or more and receive a 10% discount. Not applicable with any other discounts, custom tours and day tours/lessons. Do I have to be physically fit? ÝBack to Questions
No. You do not have to be in top shape to join one of our trips but a good level of physical fitness will go a long way. As our trips take place in the wilderness we sometimes cannot avoid the wind and occasional brisk paddle. You can expect a moderate level of paddling activity. If you have concerns about your level of fitness or any health concerns just give us a call. What's easier... canoeing or kayaking? ÝBack to Questions
All of our trips include paddling instruction to ensure you get a chance to learn to paddle either a canoe or kayak properly. Each of the two have their advantages and disadvantages. The canoe is perfect where portages are required, therefore trips that have portages are only offered using canoes. Canoes are also easier to get in and out of in most cases. Kayaks are better suited to the coast because they lack the tall sides the canoe has that catches wind and have a covered deck that sheds water. It is impossible to say one is always easier than the other but if a person were to plan to paddle solo with no previous experience, the kayak would be easier to move in the required direction with less training than the canoe. What if I want vegetarian meals... Do I have to bring my own food? ÝBack to Questions
No. We are very accustomed to preparing vegetarian meals for guests as well as doing our best to cater to other special dietary needs and are pleased to do it. Please be sure to indicate any dietary concerns on your trip medical form well in advance of your trip. What kind of meals can we expect? ÝBack to Questions
Our meals have been developed and tested for several years and have passed trippers taste tests with flying colours. Our guides take great pride in preparing and serving delicious, delicious meals. We serve the freshest and highest quality foods possible. Guests quite often ask our guides for our recipes, even saying that they eat better on our tours than at home! What should I bring? ÝBack to Questions
When we receive your trip registration we will send you a tour confirmation package that will include a list of personal items that you should bring. We supply tents, sleeping pads, food, guide/s, cooking equipment, dishes, group tarp, boats, PFD's, safety equipment and virtually all you will need other than your sleeping bag and personal gear (i.e. clothing, toiletries etc..) Sleeping bags are available for rent for those without. How much paddling will we do in a day? ÝBack to Questions
On average about four to five hours a day will be what is aimed for, with stops to rest and explore and enjoy a shore lunch. Paddling time will vary with the groups ability, desires and the type of trip you are on. Weather or other conditions may occasionally require more or less paddling time. When is the best time to go? ÝBack to Questions
All of our dates offer unique experiences and our dates are chosen to try to maximize the trips potential. The tour dates have been chosen carefully to avoid high use areas and times as much as possible. July and August are the busiest times for any tours, while May, June, September and October are shoulder season times. What are the campsites like? ÝBack to Questions
Time spent in camp is a large part of the wilderness experience and as such we strive for sites that provide you with solitude and a view. All our expedition campsites are situated in wilderness settings. Camps are set up in a well-organized manner, with comfort in mind. The kitchen area will be protected from the sun and rain by a tarp, creating a meeting area for the group. Our Orca base camp in Johnstone Strait boasts a heated mess tent, as well as a outdoor shower and toilet. Where do we wash? ÝBack to Questions
The guides carry solar showers, and where freshwater is available on a sunny day you can enjoy a warm shower. We will also provide you with a wash basin in camp. We ask that you supply biodegradable soap products only. What can I expect for weather? ÝBack to Questions
Generally, the weather on both our tours in British Columbia and in Ontario is agreeable in the summer months. In the Pacific Northwest you can expect average daily temperatures of about 20 C (70F) and mostly sunny days. In Ontario, expect to enjoy hot, sunny and sometimes humid days. However, inclement weather is always a possibility and we encourage you to come prepared for rainy days. Our "What to Bring list" in your Welcome Package has complete details and suggestions geared towards your comfort. What are the chances of seeing whales? (Orca Encounters) ÝBack to Questions
Johnstone Strait has a high population of approximately 300 resident Orcas and we see whales a number of times on most trips. Our success rate of whale sightings per tour is virtually one hundred percent. We have had whales swim right past our kayaks, however we do not harass the whales by chasing them. Also, our water taxi trip up to the base camp and back provides us with an unmatched marine tour, and wonderful opportunity to see the Orcas from the boat. We use a high speed, very powerful water taxi that enables us to get into the right spot for viewing and photography of any wildlife we encounter while on the boat. What are the chances of seeing wildlife? ÝBack to Questions
Traditionally, early mornings and evenings offer the best viewing times for wildlife. We have had great success with wildlife sightings and our extensive knowledge and experience with wildlife in our tour areas maximize your chances for great wildlife viewing. What about bugs? ÝBack to Questions
On the coast we are lucky to have very few bugs! You may find a few mosquitoes come out just before dark depending on where you are, so it is handy to carry a little bug repellent with you. A long sleeve shirt and light weight pants go a long way in repelling the few bugs you may encounter on some tours. Generally bugs are not a problem. In Ontario, we recommend carrying an insect repellent with Deet in it. Black flies join us in May to June and then Mosquitoes like to hang out for a bit. By late summer, we are virtually bug free. When do I need to be there? ÝBack to Questions
We recommend that you arrive in the area the night before the tour. We will send you a list of suggested accommodations for before and after the tour. We ask that you make contact with our office the day before the tour to confirm a meeting time and place. For our Orca tours we encourage you to meet at our Outfitters base the evening before for an orientation get together and snacks. How do I get there? ÝBack to Questions
Our Getting Here page has travel details on it to help you plan your trip. Please feel free to contact our office for our assistance if needed.
If your answers are not found in this FAQ, please email, call or write us and we will be happy to answer. No question is trivial or silly, so feel free to query us. Out For Adventure | 
