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100 Wild Islands, Nova Scotia
100 Wild Islands, Nova Scotia

100 Wild Islands, Nova Scotia

$1,495.00 CAD
Kayak Ontario

The 100 Wild Islands is one of the last intact coastal wilderness archipelagos in North America — 282 islands sprawling across Nova Scotia's Eastern Shore, just an hour from Halifax but a world away from everything. Turquoise water, white sand beaches, boreal rainforest, seals, seabirds, and tides that actually matter.

If you've paddled the Great Lakes and wondered what an ocean expedition feels like, this is your answer.

100 Wild Islands coastline
5Days
100 Wild IslandsNova Scotia
1:4Instructor Ratio
L1+Experience Required

Itinerary

Exact route and campsites shift with tide, weather, and conditions — that's ocean paddling.

Day 0 — Norse Cove
Meet the group. Pre-expedition briefing, orientations, and gear check. Norse Cove has graciously allowed us to camp on their land for the duration of the expedition.
Day 1 — Launch
Launch from Norse Cove into the archipelago. Establish camp on one of the outer islands.
Days 2–4 — The Islands
Paddle toward Taylor's Head through the island chain — wildlife, tidal navigation, and time to just be out there.
Day 5 — Takeout
Return journey and trip wrap-up. Time to get some fish and chips.
100 Wild Islands paddling

What's Included

  • Five-day expedition with experienced ORCKA/Paddle Canada coaches at 1:4 ratio
  • Sea kayak, paddle, PFD, and spray skirt
  • Group meals — planned, prepared, and cooked together as an expedition pod (Day 1 lunch through Day 5 lunch)
  • Common group camping gear — tarps, group kitchen essentials
  • Camping and any required permits arranged for the group

What to Bring

  • Transportation to Norse Cove, Nova Scotia's Eastern Shore
  • Sleeping bag, sleeping pad
  • Personal paddling clothing — wetsuit or drysuit, layers
  • Snacks — lots of them

Good to Know

  • This is tidal ocean paddling — currents, fog, and swell are part of the environment. Come expecting to work with the ocean, not around it.
  • The 100 Wild Islands archipelago covers 282 islands across Nova Scotia's Eastern Shore. Route and campsite decisions adapt daily based on conditions.
  • Norse Cove is the base of operations — they've graciously extended their land for the expedition. If you need accommodation before or after, contact Norse Cove directly.

Prerequisite: Paddle Canada Level 1 minimum — Level 2 recommended. This is tidal ocean water. If you only have L1 and sheltered water experience, do your Level 2 first. Not sure? Get in touch.

Questions

Do I need my own kayak or gear?
No. Sea kayak, paddle, PFD, spray skirt, and common group camping gear are all included. Bring your sleeping kit and personal paddling layers.
How does food work?
Meals from Day 1 lunch through Day 5 lunch are planned and prepared together as a group. Bring snacks — lots of them — for between meals and the travel days.
What about accommodation at Norse Cove?
Norse Cove has graciously extended their land for use as a base of operations for the expedition. If you'd like accommodation before or after the trip, contact Norse Cove directly to arrange it.
Is Level 2 really necessary?
It's strongly recommended. The 100 Wild Islands is tidal Atlantic coastline — fog, swell, and current are routine, not exceptional. L1 gets you through the door but L2 means you'll actually be paddling, not just surviving. If you only have L1, email us and we'll assess honestly.
What if the weather is bad?
The ocean sets the agenda. We build flexibility into the route for weather holds and the itinerary adapts daily. Learning to read and respond to maritime conditions is part of the experience.
Can I earn a certification on this expedition?
Yes — this expedition can count as the field component for the ORCKA Kayak Tripping certification program (Level 1 or Level 2, but not both on the same trip). Pair it with the corresponding online theory module to earn your certification. Each level requires its own dedicated expedition. If you just want the on-water experience, the expedition stands on its own — no module required. See the certification pathway below.

Certification Pathway

This expedition can count toward an ORCKA Kayak Tripping and Guiding certification if paired with an online theory module. Optional — the expedition stands on its own without it.

Online Module + This Expedition Kayak Tripping Level 1
Trip planning, logistics, risk assessment, and the fundamentals of multi-day paddling expeditions.
View KT1 module →
Online Module + This Expedition Kayak Tripping Level 2
Expedition leadership & guiding certification — advanced decision-making and group management on multi-day trips.
View KT2 module →

We acknowledge that this expedition takes place on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq people, whose traditional lands — known as Mi'kma'ki — span across Nova Scotia, including the Eastern Shore. We are grateful for their enduring stewardship of these waters.

This acknowledgement, accompanied by action, includes contributions to Indigenous-led organizations that make a lasting impact.

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