Johnstone Straight

Introduction
British Columbia Canada In the core habitat of the Orca Whale in Johnstone Strait

Picture yourself paddling the sheltered orca waters of Canada's Inside Passage, feasting on baked salmon and relaxing next to a campfire under the stars. Or imagine hiking through a lush rain forest, where bald eagles dot the trees overhead. Words cannot describe the excitement and awe you'll feel watching a powerful but gentle orca whale as its six-foot dorsal fin pierces the water's glassy surface with a powerful exhale. Or, the experience of witnessing a porpoise's exclusive aerial show or a bald eagle's snatching a wild salmon within a paddle's reach of your kayak.

Johnstone Strait, the part of the Inside Passage off northern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada is the best place in the northern hemisphere to observe wild orcas (known as killer whales for their voracious consumption of fish). These sleek ebony and ivory mammals with their huge dorsal fins congregate here every summer to feast on the plentiful salmon runs, which are funnelled by geography from the open sea to this narrow strait. The trip highlight is viewing these northern resident orcas (numbering 225 in this specific area) from the comfort of a stable kayak. Our experienced guides will focus on maximizing your opportunities for observing orcas and sharing their knowledge of whale behavior.

Our six-day sea kayaking expeditions meet in Port McNeill and depart from Telegraph Cove, located in the roadless heart of orca territory, as we make further camps on secluded island beaches offering incredible scenery and superb kayaking. We camp part of the time on a private island owned by the indigenous First Nations people, by exclusive arrangement - right in the heart of orca territory. We'll paddle to Robson Bight Orca Preserve - the first natural area in the northern hemisphere set aside specifically for orcas, where renowned scientists gather each summer to study the orcas' behavior patterns. Orcas are attracted to the preserve's unique pebble beaches to rub their bellies. Humpback and minke whales, Dall's porpoises, harbor seals and Stellar's sea lions often travel through the nature preserve as well. Here you'll discover natural environments, explore hidden islets and inlets, watch wild salmon leap or observe a curious seal -- all from the intimate closeness of a sea kayak.

Accomodation
Six nights of wilderness camping. Camping equipment is provided.

Riding

Itinerary

Day 0: Arrival in Port McNeill by vehicle or by air via Port Hardy & taxi to Port McNeill. Proceed to the hotel. There is an evening orientation meeting in the hotel lobby where you will meet your guides.

Day 1: In the morning, we'll take a taxi to the launch site, listen to an orientation on kayaking and safety, and begin paddling to our first camp.

Days 2-5: We will be kayaking throughout Orca territory and exploring the adjacent channels and islands near Robson Bight Orca Preserve. We will have three different camps, so we may not move camp every day. On an average day, we will be kayaking for two hours in the morning after breakfast, stop for lunch on a beach, and spend another two hours kayaking and exploring before arriving at camp by the afternoon. Evenings and dinner in camp.

Day 6: After breakfast and breaking camp, we will spend the day kayaking to our take-out at Telegraph Cove, stopping for lunch along the way. We'll take a taxi to Port McNeill in the afternoon after unpacking the kayaks. We recommend that you overnight in Port McNeill and join us for a farewell dinner with your group.

Note on Itinerary: We will do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above. However, the itinerary may change due to reasons beyond our control such as wind, waves or inclement weather.

Please Note: This is the best place on earth to see Orcas, and June through September are the prime Orca viewing months. Although there is a very good chance we'll see Orcas throughout the week, the frequency and proximity of sightings will ultimately be determined by the Orcas' travel patterns. Our guides know the best places to see these magnificent creatures. Orcas have never bumped a kayak or attacked a swimmer.

Rates and Dates for Johnstone Straight

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Port McNeil
Airport: Vancouver, Port McNeil
Transfer: Port McNeil

Climate:

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST

Follow this list when packing.  On most of our tours, we'll be paddling totally self-contained, which means we carry our food and water in the kayaks.  Please keep in mind that your gear (with exception of sleeping bag and pad) has to fit in the waterproof bags handed out at the group meeting, so we recommend following our list below.  Casual, comfortable camping clothes are perfect.

Duffel bags make good traveling luggage.  Use a small one for your clothes and essential items and take as carry-on luggage.  Suitcases, duffels and travel clothing may be left at the hotel.   Please note that airlines are imposing stiffer restrictions on the number and size of carry-on luggage.

A roomy two-person dome tent, warm rectangular sleeping bag with clean sheet and thermarest-style inflatable pad are provided for your convenience as well as a comfortable camp chair.  We recommend you bring your own snorkeling gear, or you can rent it from us as well as wetsuit - ask us for details.

CLOTHING

___ 1 pair light cotton/synthetic blend pants (no jeans)              

___ Swim suit (& sports bras)

___ 2 pair shorts (quick-dry nylon)                                       

___ 2-3 t-shirts

___ 1 pair long underwear top & bottom (polypropylene)    

___ 1 fleece jacket or wool sweater

___ 1-2 long sleeve lightweight cotton or SPF synthetic      

___ 1 rain jacket/windbreaker

        shirts for sun protection                                                 

___  Sun hat with broad brim

___ 1 pr lightweight water shoes (aquasocks, keens)                

___ Warm (fleece or wool) hat

___ 1 pair sandals with ankle straps for camp                        

___ 2 Bandanas (multipurpose)

___ 1 pair running/walking shoes and 2 pairs socks for camp

___ Underwear

___  rash guard top & leotards or similar for snorkeling

For Dec-Feb trips, add another warm fleece/wool long-sleeve top and rain or wind pants to the list above as nights can be 45 degrees F, and omit some t-shirts.

TOILET KIT  (all gels in 3 oz trial sizes go in one quart ziplock bag if you put in a carry-on bag)

___ Personal medicines/prescriptions                                       

___ Sunscreen SPF 15-45

___ Toiletry kit w/toothbrush & paste, etc                            

___ Lip balm SPF 15-30

___ Biodegradable soap & regular shampoo                         

___ Dry skin lotion

___ Small camp towel & wash cloth                                     

___ Pre-moistened towelettes

___ Contact lens solutions   freshening up - feels great!

___ Insect repellent if prone to insect bites (rarely needed)  

___ Extra eyeglasses/contacts

MISCELLANEOUS GEAR

___ 1-2 Water bottles (1 quart capacity each)                        

___ Camera/film/batteries

___ Binoculars (in plastic ziplock bag)                                 

___ Headlamp/batteries/bulb

___ Sunglasses with retaining strap                                      

___ Reading material

___ Gloves  (quick dry; to prevent blisters/sunburn)            

___ Mask, snorkel & fins

___ 2-4 Zip-lock baggies & 2 garbage bags                         

___ Personal snacks, protein bars or meat

___ Fanny pack w/water bottle holders (optional)                 

       jerky if desired (we do provide trail mix)

___ Wetsuit (even if weather hot, ocean is cold Dec-April) 

___ ID & valuables

___ Pillowcase (handy to stuff with clothes to make a pillow)

Note:  There will be no opportunity for fresh water showers once we leave the hotel.  However, bathing with salt water, regular shampoo & towel does the job well and will not leave your skin feeling sticky.