Cowichan Bay

Kayaking -- Cowichan Bay Kayak and Paddlesports, 1765 Cowichan Bay Rd. (tel. 888/749-2333 or 250/748-2333; www.cowichanbaykayak.com), offers kayak rentals and guided tours from the docks on Cowichan Bay. A 3-hour paddle around the Cowichan River estuary with a stop at Genoa Bay is C$49. A 2-hour single kayak rental is C$25.

Whale-Watching -- Ocean Ecoventures, 1745 Cowichan Bay Rd. (tel. 866/748-5333 or 250/748-3800; www.oceanecoventures.com), offers year-round, 3- to 4-hour whale-watching trips on 7m (23-ft.) rigid-hull inflatable boats. You're almost guaranteed to see orcas, and chances are good that you'll also see gray whales, harbor and Dall porpoises, sea lions, and bald eagles. Trips are C$109 adults and C$79 children 12 and under.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.