We have made a last minute change to our vacation plans, and decided to do a kayaking trip outside of Port McNeil, through the inside passage. This is scheduled for july 27-30. Has anyone else done this? Which company did you use?
We are flying into Vancouver, and then drive to Port McNeil. Thoughts on where to stay along the way, or in Port McNeil. We will also be in Victoria on the return trip. Thoughts as to where to stay there?
Thanks for all your input.

The waters you'll be kayaking will be those in/around *Johnstone Strait*-the Inside Passage is the entire waterway from Vancouver to Alaska.

I've boated the area round Pt. McNeil many times but always from a powerboat.

My kayaking contacts speak highly of http://www.seakayaking.com/

For accommodation try Hidden Cove Lodge B&B http://www.bcbbonly.com/1263.php

As always I recommend that anyone travelling north of Campbell River stop @ the Honey Farm just south of Sayward-a fabulous product unique and enticing flavours-a real taste of BC.

Thanks for your response, Sam Salmon. I am so looking forward to our trip. We just scheduled Northern Lights which are the folks you recommended. So how long of a drive is it from Vancouver to Port McNeil? Do you think we should fly there?

Just a suggestion. Look up Desolation Sound Marine Park out of Lund. Lots and lots of Kayaking (the islands don't have fresh water). Weather and the views are magnificent. This is the Sunshine Coast.

Vancouver-Port McNeil will take the best part of 6 hours travelling including Ferry waiting time, crossing and 4 hours driving Nanaimo-Port McNeil.
I doubt you can fly to Port McNeil without chartering a plane it's just a tiny village.
Nearby Port Hardy has an airstrip and you can fly round trip from Vancouver for just under $C450-yes that's right $C900 for 2 people plus added transport to Port McNeil.
That's why most people drive.
Just to muddy the water a bit here are also many Kayaking options out of nearby Telegraph Cove as well.