Johnstone Strait is home to the northern resident pod of approx 200+ Orca whales, one of the largest resident pods on earth.

Here they spend their time on the famous “rubbing beaches” of Robson Bight, drawn back each year as they follow their main food source of migrating salmon to the rich waters of northeastern Vancouver Island, BC. There is no better place to view Orcas than here in their natural environment from the gentle silence of a sea kayak.

We launch our kayaks from the quaint village of Telegraph Cove and are immediately in prime Orca viewing territory in the heart of Johnstone Strait.

Johnstone Strait is a narrow, deep fjord-like body of water seperating Vancouver Island from the mainland of British Columbia. It is framed by the steep rugged mountains of Vancouver Island and is surrounded by an archipelago of smaller islands.

We explore the islands in this area, taking time to learn about the culture and the history of the Kwakwaka'wakw people.
Clam shell middens on these islands is evidence that the first Nations have occupied these sites for millennia.

Breaking the early morning glass with our paddle blades we will watch for the Orcas from the seats of our sea kayaks as we paddle past the world’s only Orca (killer) whale sanctuary at the mouth of the Tsitika river.

From our base camp we take time to hike a trail linking culturally modified trees (CMT's). These cedars are trees that have had thier bark harvested and are still alive centuries later, living history.

Spend evenings around a crackling camp fire enjoying expertly prepared gourmet meals and BC wines while learning about the Northern resident killer whale population.