Western Educational Adventures Youth Kayaking Trips
Western Educational Adventures - Greater Victoria BC

Desolation Sound Kayaking Expedition Summer Camp

Victoria BC kayaking summer camps for teens
Coastal youth sea kayaking adventures BC
Desolation-Sound-Youth-Kayak-Adventures

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WEA's youth sea kayaking summer camp is run in partnership with Western Educational Adventure Society (WEAS). Your teen will experience a true West Coast adventure on this action-packed, 9-day sea kayaking expedition through Desolation Sound and the Discovery Islands, near Campbell River, BC, a few hours from Greater Victoria. Our paddling adventure begins on either Quadra or Cortes Island (subject to change). From there, we explore the Desolation Sound area, surrounded by magnificent coastal mountains and some of the warmest ocean waters on the West Coast.

Along the way, teens will develop valuable sea kayaking skills and learn about marine biology, ecology, tides, currents, outdoor cooking, camping, and more! They'll challenge themselves, build confidence, and gain a real sense of accomplishment. Campers may also encounter incredible marine wildlife, including bald eagles, seals, sea lions, otters, and possibly even whales and dolphins. Join WEA's Youth Sea Kayaking Summer Camp for an unforgettable outdoor adventure!

This program is intended for kids with lots of energy who are physically fit and able to push themselves (within reason). For more information on physical fitness requirements, CLICK HERE.
The WEA Expedition Summer Camp Advantage - Click here


Desolation Sound Summer Camps!

Campbell River, BC & Victoria, BC

About Pricing
  • Prices include transportation during the program, but not to and from the program's start and end locations.
  • Prices do not include GST.
  • Prices vary from session to session depending on demand and availability
  • Limited spaces available at early bird prices

  • AGE GENDER PROGRAM LENGTH TRIP LENGTH
    Ages 14-16 Inclusive 9 days 5 - 7 days
    PRICE
    $1,850 - $2,200 + GST
    PROGRAM DATES AVAILABILITY
    August 4 - 12, 2027 Space Available
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    Availability updated Oct 31 2026. Live availability can be found on our registration software.

    SHARE ONLINE REGISTRATION
    REGISTER NOW


    In a Rush or Have Questions Before You Register for A Youth Ocean Kayaking Overnight Summer Camp?

    Call us now at 250-888-1622 and talk to a real person!! or, if you can't talk now, please click on the following button to take you to the contact information survey (takes 1 to 2 minutes to complete) and we will get back to you within 2-5 business days. If you are inquiring about financial assistance, Click here.

    CONTACT US



    Sea Kayaking Summer Camps (Desolation Sound) - Pick-Up & Drop-Off

    While we may stage our youth wilderness sea kayaking camp at another location, we typically start our kayaking expeditions at Camp Kingswood, 611 Linnet Lane, Saanich, BC V9E 2B1 and end at the gravel parking lot at Constellation Avenue and Westshore Parkway in Langford, BC, below Centre Mountain Middle School. WEA's 9-day youth sea kayaking expedition runs from 15:15 on Day 1 to 18:45 on Day 9.

    Campers spend their first day getting to know each other and preparing for the kayak trip. On Day 2, campers are transported from Victoria to the Campbell River area to begin their sea kayaking adventure. Families living up island may be able to arrange pickup of their youth along the return route on the final day of the program. Transportation from the city, ferry terminals, and airport is available by prior arrangement. All transportation services must be arranged in advance.

    START/END LOCATION TIME NOTES
    Start Saanich - Camp Kingswood, 611 Linnet Lane 15:15 Park on Linnet Lane and walk in.
    End Langford - Gravel Parking Lot Constellation Ave @ Westshore Parkway 18:45 The gravel parking lot below Cenre Mountain Middle School.

    **Ferry and airport pick-up/drop-off for campers available for those that live out of town**

    Back to Top ↑


    Saanich - Camp Kingswood (Drop-Off Location)


    Langford - Westhore Parkway @ Constellation Avenue (Pick-Up Location)


    Marine Kayaking Camp Transportation

    Typically we require families to pick-up and drop-off their kids directly at our staging location (above). If you need transportation for your camper to and from camp from the city, ferries or airport or are wishing to pick you camper up on the final day of the program up-island, please CONTACT US.

    What to bring on a coastal paddle off of Vancouver Island

    As we operate our programs outside and often in wilderness environments, it is essential that all families pack all items on our packing list. Failing to do so may compromise your childs safety and experience. Base items can be rented or loaned depending on your financial situation. Other items can be purchsed from WEA, for more information click the rental gear & add-on button below.

    KAYAK PACKING LIST GEAR RENTALS & ADD-ONS

    Physical Fitness

    This program is intended for kids with lots of energy who are physically fit and able to push themselves (within reason). Click the button for more info on physical fitness for this camp, PHYSICAL FITNESS

    The WEA Overnight Kayaking Expedtion Camp Advantage

    We believe that youth programming should be safe, fun and staffed by the best people in the industry.

    WEA Team Members:

  • Have years of experience working with kids
  • Are focused on safety
  • Recognize the value of outdoor play and skills
  • Are committed to making a difference in kids’ lives
  • Are highly qualified, certified & earn living wages
  • WEAdventures Provides:

  • Industry-leading outdoor programs
  • Convenient pick-up & drop-off locations
  • Flexible, exceptional customer service
  • Safety-focused, educational programming
  • High-quality equipment and food (where applicable)
  • Maximum staff to participant ratios of 2:10
  • Financial assistance

  • "My 14 year old son had a great time at summer camp. It was a multi-age camp which is a bit unusual, but provides a unique experience for kids to learn and be a leader outside of their usual school age cohort. I like that the camp is fairly low-key and provides time for reflection and personal growth. I imagine this may be a less competitive atmosphere than some of the larger camps. The programming was good and varied. A great bonus from the camp was my son willingly offered to take out the garbage and recycling when he arrived home. He has continued to offer to do chores and contribute more to the household routines! Thanks Landon!"

    - Karla Benson

    MORE REVIEWS


    In a Rush or Have Questions Before You Register for A Vancouver Island Kayaking Camp?

    Call us now at 250-888-1622 and talk to a real person!! or, if you can't talk now, please click on the following button to take you to the contact information survey (takes 1 to 2 minutes to complete) and we will get back to you within 2-5 business days. If you are inquiring about financial assistance, Click here.

    CONTACT US


    The VI Sea Kayaking Experience

    There aren't many outdoor adventures for kids and teens more exciting than sea kayaking through the sheltered channels, tidal passages, and warm waters of Vancouver Island. Along the way, campers may encounter towering coastal forests, abundant marine life, and marine mammals such as seals, whales, dolphins, and porpoises, as well as numerous species of coastal birds. The Desolation Sound and Discovery Islands region, between Vancouver Island and the BC mainland, is world-renowned for its spectacular scenery and exceptional sea kayaking opportunities. Youth may even have the chance to experience tidal rapids and swim in unusually warm ocean waters! Beyond the adventure, campers develop valuable skills in sea kayaking, water safety, marine biology, camping, teamwork, and leadership while exploring one of British Columbia's most beautiful coastal environments.

    Expedition Kayaking Program Schedule

    The first two or three days of this 9-day sea kayaking expedition focus on preparing for the adventure. Campers learn how to pack their kayaks, organize equipment and food, distribute group gear, and practise essential kayaking safety and rescue skills.

    • Day 1 - Arrival and trip preparation
    • Day 2 - Final preparations and travel up-island
    • Day 3 - Rescue practice, food packing, and final preparations
    • Days 4–8 - Sea kayaking expedition and wilderness camping
    • Day 9 - Finish paddling, clean and organize gear, and return to Victoria

    Kayaking Summer Camp Location - Campbell River BC Area

    Official BC Parks Websites

  • Desolation Sound
  • Malaspina Peninnsula
  • Smelt Bay
  • Read Island
  • Rebecca Spit
  • Physical Fitness

    Kayaking is physically demanding and requires participants to be able to push themselves (within reason). This program is intended for kids phycially fit children with lots of energy. For more info on physical fitness for this camp, CLICK HERE.

    Leadership and Personal Growth for Kids and Teens

    Modern youth do not get very many opportunities to learn life skills such as how to lead others, manage conflict and think for themselves. Western Education Adventure’s Victoria BC kayaking summer camp focuses specifically on these skills.

    During the Central Vancouver Island sea kayaking trip, teens are often split into pairs. Daily, a pair is selected to be responsible for leading the entire group, acting as the trip leaders. In the evening, the pair debriefs their experience, talking about what they learned and how it can be applied in the future. In short, participants learn what it means to be an adult!

    Kayaking Outdoor Skills For Youth in BC

    Youth learn many of the skills required to run a successful backcountry paddling trip. Everything from making a meal plan to planning a route to cleaning up after it's all done. Kids come away from this experience with a serious backcountry skill set.

    Some of the kayaking and wilderness skills kids learn

    • Leadership • Decision Making • Conflict Management • Group Management • Route Panning • Navigation • Sea Kayak Paddling and Maneuvering • Sea Kayaking Safety • Kayak Rescues • Tides and Currents • Camping Practices • Food packing • Cooking • Fire building • Knife and Stove Safety • Backcountry Equipment Maintenance • Backcountry Safety

    Safety and Food

    Safety

    Western Educational Adventures takes safety seriously. Not only do we want our participants to have an exceptional time, but just as importantly, we want them to return home safe and sound. All of Western Educational Adventures staff are certified in high level first aid and have years of experience managing risk in the outdoors. You won’t find a more qualified staff team anywhere else!

    "Landon took our family on a sea kayak paddle starting out of Victoria. This was our first time sea kayaking but we felt confident in Landon keeping our trip safe and enjoyable. In little time we were safely paddling and navigating the water. It was a great day!"

    -Alex Damjanovic

    Food and Food Allergies

    We believe that a good experience starts with good nutrition. Proper diet and eating habits are lacking in today’s society - a result of readily available fast foods, processed foods and a lack of nutritional education. We strive to provide quality, simple, wholesome meals with limited processed ingredients – in addition to the occasional smores and limited other tasty treats. This is part of why we include our participants in all meal planning, purchasing and cooking.

    We are also very experienced in dealing with dietary restrictions and serious food allergies. Great care is taken to avoid serious participant food allergens whenever possible. Where this is not possible, we take great care to avoid cross contamination of ingredients.

    "Landon guided an overnight trip for our family on the Juan de Fuca trail. Healthy eating is important to us. Landon helped our kids build an outdoor oven and they were soon baking an amazing dinner. It’s an incredible feeling knowing that you can look after yourself in the outdoors."

    -Carole Damnjanovic

    Journey Ocean Kayaking Summer Camp Registration

    If you want to sign up, the process is simple. Here’s what you do:


    Step 1: Create an account on our registration software

    Fill in your email and create a password

    Step 2: Create your profile

    Input your information. This is a one time step, your info will be there for the rest of the summer!

    Step 3: Sign-Up for the program

    Input your child (or children's information), select the program(s) you wish to register for.

    Step 4: Submit your registration and payment

    Step 5: Let your child (or children) have fun and learn!

    **All personal information provided will not be shared with third parties unless it is relevant to the participants well being or quality of experience**

    In a Rush or Have Questions Before You Register?

    Call us now at 250-888-1622 and talk to a real person!! or, if you can't talk now, please complete the following contact information survey (takes 1 to 2 minutes to complete) and we will get back to you within 2-5 business days. If you are inquiring about financial assistance, Click here.

        

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