Tour FAQ’s
Below are some answers to the most commonly asked questions about our kayak tours. If you don’t see the answer you’re looking for – contact us. We’re always happy to help.
Have questions about what we provide or what to bring? Find out more on our dedicated equipment page.
Why Choose Hello Nature Tours?
Hello Nature Adventure Tours is an award-winning, family-friendly local company employing highly qualified guides who have been with us for multiple seasons.
We love the area where we live, and enjoy passing on our knowledge of local ecology, history and culture to our guests.
What Should I Wear for my Tour?
We recommend quick dry shorts or pants (trousers) and a quick dry shirt. Please avoid cotton as it takes a long time to dry and offers poor insulation when wet.
Please bring a waterproof jacket, sandals, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and an extra layer for the boat ride.
Can I Just Hire a Kayak From You?
Yes!! Please visit our Kayak Rentals page for more information. Rentals are available to qualified group leaders with relevant skills and experience. We do not rent kayaks to solo paddlers.
Kayaks can be rented for half-day trips around Ucluelet Harbour or for multi-day trips in the Broken Group Islands. Water taxi transport to the Broken Group Islands is available for groups.
Can I bring my own kayak?
Yes, however you would need to have your kayak delivered to us the day before your trip so that we can provide a safety inspection on the vessel. We reserve the right to refuse a kayak if it does not meet all Canadian Standards Association safety requirements.
How much paddling will we do?
The paddling pace of the tours depends on our guests, the sea conditions and the weather; Multiday tours typically do 4-5 hours of kayaking each day with rest stops; Half day tours are 2 to 3 hours; day trips paddle 4-5 hours with a leisurely lunch break.
Do you have any age requirements?
On all our tours our policy is you must be 13 years or older.
However, If you are a family with small children under the age of 13 and a group of 4 or more, we recommend booking a private excursions. This will allow us to customize the food and tour to your families or group.
Anyone concerned about their paddling ability, please give us a call so we can discuss tour details with you.
Should we bring water?
There’s no need to bring water as we will provide water, food and safety equipment.
To find out more about what is provided, please visit our What We provide & What to Bring page.
Should I tip the guides and how much?
Tips are typically given to the guides at the end of the trip and range from 10-15% of the cost of the trip.
Are there any bugs?
Yes, but very few. We recommend that you bring some insect repellent with you.
Is travel insurance necessary?
While travel insurance is not mandatory, we highly recommend that all guests purchase adequate trip cancellation insurance. Having adequate coverage can really take the stress out of the unforeseen.
While helpful for everyone, we especially are encouraging guests from outside of Canada to purchase adequate health insurance to cover non-refundable trip costs due to personal or family illness or accident. For detailed information on insurance coverage, please contact your insurance or travel agent. You will be requested to sign a waiver prior to departing on your trip.
What size are your groups?
Our maximum group size is 8 guests plus 2 guides.
For a more intimate experience we can offer a private tour for 4 or more guests.
How much kayaking experience is required to join one of your trips?
No previous kayaking experience is necessary.
We have designed our trips for both active adventurers and those looking for a more relaxing pace.
Will I capsize?
The kayaks we use on our tours are very stable and designed for your comfort. Every trip includes a lesson on paddling technique and safety procedures, which includes what to do in the unlikely event of a capsize.
Will there be a bathroom on the trip?
Some hikes and kayaking tours have toilets or outhouses at the trailhead. Once you are hiking and paddling, the options will become more limited.
If you are uncomfortable using the bushes, please let us know before the tour so we can discuss your best options.
Where do we sleep?
We sleep in MSR Mutha Hubba tents, on Helinox cot, on Exped sleeping pad and sit on a Helinox beach chair.
If you are looking for a good night’s sleep head to your local outdoor gear store and buy a camp pillow before you arrive.
Tents are usually set up in the forest but whenever possible we will set them up on the beach. If you are traveling alone we will do our best to provide you with your own tent.
Please contact us if you have any concerns prior to your trip.
What happens if the weather is bad for my trip?
If you are coming for a half day or full day trip and the weather gets bad then we can reschedule. Please let us know if you are concerned about the weather.
If you are on a multi day trip, we will adjust our route to paddle in sheltered areas. Paddling in the rain can be a wonderful experience when dressed correctly. If we encounter a serious rainstorm or very strong winds and it is unsuitable to be on the water, we will go hiking and tidal pooling, stay in camp and drink warm beverages, play cards, or read a favourite book. Your guides will make sure that everyone is comfortable and happy, regardless of the weather we may encounter.
What is the cancellation policy?
If you find it necessary to cancel your tour, please let us know as soon as possible.
- 60 days or more prior to the trip departure date: Full amount is refunded less a $150 administration fee (per person).
- 59-30 days prior to the trip departure date: 50% of total tour price is refunded.
- Less than 30 days prior to the trip departure date: No refund will be given but we are able to issue you with a credit for you to re-book another time.
- If you are unable to participate on the trip that you have registered for and are unable to reschedule to a trip within the same year, your credit does not expire. Your trip payment is transferable to any Hello Nature Adventure Tours scheduled trip (subject to availability).
Sometimes the weather can prevent us from taking you out on the water at the time and date that you requested. In this case we will give you a full refund or we will move you to another date and time that works for your schedule.
We are not responsible for any expenses incurred by guests if a trip is delayed due to weather, cancelled or delayed flights, or other means of transportation, illness, or any situation which we cannot make provisions for.
Contact Hello Nature
200 Hemlock Street,
Small Craft Harbour Finger "F",
Ucluelet, British Columbia, Canada, V0R 3A0
Tel: 250-726-2035
Toll Free: 1-844-706-2751
Email: adventures@hellonature.ca
Hello Nature Adventure Tours recognises and supports the indigenous rights and title of the Hesquiaht, Ahousaht, and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations, Ucluelet, Toquaht and Tseshaht - the first peoples of the lands and waters now called Clayoquot Sound and Barkley Sound.
