Johnstone Strait is home to the largest concentration of killer whales on the West Coast. If your main goal is to see orcas and have a lot of fun kayaking, then this is the tour for you! Johnstone Strait will not disappoint with its views of the glacier-carved mountains of Vancouver island, its brilliant sunsets, and its magical evening displays of bioluminescence. Steller sea lions roam by in the spring and fall and humpback whales are seen throughout the summer months. This is a relaxing and enjoyable adventure with a focus on charismatic wildlife.

Day 1
On the first morning of the trip, we will gather in historic Telegraph Cove. Your guides will direct you through boat-packing and safe paddling techniques and soon you will be on the water, exploring majestic Johnstone Strait. Our first destination will be our lunch beach, where we stop to stretch our legs and enjoy a hearty meal. Then it's time to get back on the water for more paddling adventures. We will make our way slowly to the first campsite, where we will stop for the day to set up camp.

Day 2 – 4
Over the next three days, you will rise every morning to enjoy a hot beverage and a hearty breakfast prepared by our guides. After this, our days will be largely dictated by the location of the whales and the weather conditions. Your guides will always keep an ear to the whale channel on their VHF radio so as to increase your chances of being in the right place at the right time if the whales do go by. We may move camp or create a base camp to which we will return each night. If time (and the whales!) permit, we will paddle to a beach that offers access to Eagle Eye, a research station high on a cliff, where the whale researchers and park wardens monitor the whales, boat traffic and Robson Bight. A moderate hike through majestic old growth cedars takes us there, and offers a spectacular view of Johnstone Strait and the Bight.

Day 5
On our final day in paradise we will once again enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared by our guides and pack up camp. Then we will head out for one last paddle, making our way back along Vancouver Island and ultimately returning to Telegraph Cove. We will arrive at our take-out site around midday to ensure that you have enough time to enjoy a final meal with us before relaxing in Telegraph Cove or heading on to your next destination.

On our Johnstone Strait tour, you can expect to see a combination of the following: Orca, Humpback and Minke whales, Steller sea lions and harbour seals, Pacific white sided dolphins, Dalls and harbour porpoise, Bald eagles, black bears, mink and river otters. An incredible variety of intertidal creatures are also present, and include, but are not limited to, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and sunflower sea stars. Great balls of herring and jumping salmon complete this delightful wildlife experience.

The town of Port McNeill is 462 Km (287 miles) north of Victoria or 194 km (120 miles) north of Campbell River on Provincial Route 19 N (Inland Island Highway N). So just take the Inland Island Highway north and follow the signs to Port McNeill. You can't miss it! For more information about driving, flying and reserving accommodations please visit our Travel Information page.