SKA Blog

Orcas and the San Juan Islands became synonymous for many North Americans due to the widely publicized killer whales that live in these waters. ­ However, many people don’t realize that a much larger population of salmon-eating orcas congregate just a couple hundred miles north of the San Juan Islands, in Vancouver Island’s northern Inside Passage in British Columbia, Canada. These “Northern Resident Orcas” number over 200 strong – more than twice the size of the population found in the San Juan Islands – and with a territory much more feasible to kayaking with orcas. From mid-July through mid-September, most pods congregate within a 40 mile channel following salmon runs in the world’s best-kept-secret orca-viewing site: Johnstone Strait.  The strait is only 3 miles wide at its largest point, making it a perfect venue to camp and kayak with killer whales.  (This is far easier than trying to find orcas among a group of scattered islands).

Straight from the Strait: Guides Report from the Field

From Leah, on the August 7-12 Johnstone Strait Trip:

"Last week was amazing in Johnstone Strait, orcas close every day in the Strait, plus humpback whales & minke whales in Blackfish Sound. Also, Pacific white-sided dolphins and Dall's porpoise. Views were very close and guests were really 'stoked' to witness such wonderful creatures in the wild! Weather great not a drop of rain all week. Listed over 40 bird species."

From Terry, on the August 8-13 Wilderness Islands Trip:

"Lots of orcas, humpback whales and harbor porpoises on our Wilderness Islands tour. On the first day water taxi shuttle to the Broughton islands we saw a pod of orcas, all males with their large 2 meter fins too impress everyone on board.  The next day we were able to see a humpback from our kayaks. Watching a humpback whale fluking is one of those magical moments that stay with you forever.  The trip had calm seas with cloudy mornings and sunny afternoons. We had a spectacular sunset from Owl Island.  We weaved our way south through the myriad of small islands and channels.  Each granitic island is covered with emerald green forest of windswept trees, moss and salal. On our fifth day we headed towards Johnstone Strait where we encountered a group of resident killer whales who were slowly traveling down the strait past our camp.  During the trip we saw Dall’s porpoise, harbour seals, Steller sea lions, 100′s of rhinoceros auklets, common murres,  and dozens of bald eagles filled the week to the brim with sightings! What a fabulous trip we had in this beautiful and remote place!"

Photo: Rhinocerous Auklet by Dow Lambert/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service