Johnstone Strait Sea Kayaking & Whale Watching, Canada

Picture yourself paddling the sheltered orca waters of the Inside Passage off northern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, 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 dolphin's exclusive aerial show or a bald eagle snatching a wild salmon from the water.

Johnstone Strait  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 funneled by geography from the open sea to this narrow strait.  The trip highlight is viewing orcas from the comfort of a stable kayak and listening to their vocalizations from our hydrophone. Our experienced guides will focus on maximizing your opportunities for observing orcas and sharing their knowledge of whale behavior.

Our four- and six-day sea kayaking expeditions meet in Port McNeill and depart from Telegraph Cove, located in the heart of orca territory, as we make further camps on secluded island beaches offering incredible scenery and superb kayaking.  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.  Humpback and minke whales, porpoises 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.  Our camps offer everything from trails for hiking, beaches for lounging, tidepools for exploring and great wildlife viewing right off shore. After each day's adventure, we relax around a campfire and listen to the sounds of wild rain forest in comfortable dome tents.  One of our campsites is on a island owned by the indigenous  First Nations people, by exclusive arrangement - right in the heart of orca territory.

The itinerary features small groups and top-of-the-line equipment such as Canadian-made Seaward kayaks. Fresh produce and dutch oven cuisine head up every meal. We spare no effort in bringing you one of the best adventure tours currently available in this area.  Our trips are led by experienced sea kayak guides well versed in marine and natural history. 

If this sounds like your idea of the ultimate summer escape, join Sea Kayak Adventures on one of our trips to Johnstone Strait, where you'll have the opportunity to experience orcas in their pristine natural habitat.

Trip Highlight: You can experience the thrill of watching a orca as its six-foot dorsal fin pierces the water’s surface.

Click here to view a video journal of this trip.  Click here to view a video of an orca in Johnstone Strait!

“We had a fantastic time and couldn’t even have imagined that we would see so much wildlife and amazing scenery!”
--Larry & Andrea Berarducci

Our Johnstone Strait kayak trips meet in Port McNeill. Port McNeill is located on northeastern Vancouver Island and is accessible by road from the south or by scheduled air service from Vancouver, British Columbia (Port Hardy is the closest airport to Port McNeill). Please call our office if you need assistance on deciding how to get to Port McNeill. We are familiar with traveling to Vancouver Island and we'll be happy to help you select the best way there.

Entry into Canada: Passports are required when flying into Canada, and for any vehicle travel. No visa is necessary, but a tourist card will be issued during your flight. The USA passport agency is very backed up, so it may be worth it to pay extra to expedite.

Air Flights: Pacific Coastal Airlines (800) 663-2872, www.pacific-coastal.com, offers scheduled flights daily from Vancouver to Port Hardy airport; Rainbow Taxi Service, 250-956-3556, will take you to nearby Port McNeill.

Sea Plane: Kenmore Air (800) 543-9595, www.kenmoreair.com,  offers a direct seaplane flight to Port McNeill from Seattle.

Car: The approximate travel time from Seattle to Port McNeill is 10 - 11 hours (7 - 8 hours from Vancouver to Port McNeill) including the ferry ride. The driving time between Nanaimo and Port McNeill is 5 hours. You can view a road map of Vancouver Island online at www.vancouverisland.com/Maps/?id=30.  Free parking is available at the Haida-Way Motor Inn in Port McNeill.

Ferries: Vancouver Island is accessed by ferry service from the mainland. The most direct route is from the Tsawwassen BC ferry terminal south of Vancouver to Nanaimo. There is also service to Nanaimo from the Horseshoe Bay terminal in northwest Vancouver. BC Ferries schedule information (604) 277-0277 or check out their website at www.bcferries.com.

Car Rental: Most major car rental companies are available at the Seattle Airport, www.portseattle.org/seatac/ground/rentalcars.shtml, and at the Vancouver Airport, www.yvr.ca/guide/toandfrom/car_rentals.asp.

Bus and Shuttle Service: Island Coach Line (800) 663-8390, www.greyhound.ca, operates a daily bus service between Vancouver and Port McNeill. Quick Bus (800) 665-2122 operates a daily shuttle service between Seattle International airport and Vancouver International airport, including stops to hotels.

Accommodations in Port McNeill: Haida-Way Motor Inn (800) 956-3373, www.portmcneillhotels.com.

Weather: Summers in Port McNeill are generally sunny with day-time temperatures averaging 68 to 78 degrees and night-time temperatures averaging 50 to 60 degrees. The summer months are usually drier than the rest of the year but precipitation can occur infrequently in the form of rain, showers or drizzle. Foggy mornings are common in mid-August and September. The water temperature averages 48 degrees.

Extra things to do in the Port McNeill/Telegraph Cove area:  For extra days in the area, we recommend side trips to Alert Bay and the U'mista Cultural Center on Cormorant Island, or Sointula - both reached by short ferry ride from Port McNeill. Or an orca watching cruise with Mackay out of Port McNeill or Stubbs Island out of Telegraph Cove.  Also, check out the Whale Museum Interpretive Centre at Telegraph Cove.

What are typical meals on the trip?
The source of many compliments, our legendary wilderness meals are prepared from fresh, healthy ingredients. Our specialty is Dutch oven cookery with savory main dishes like baked salmon and vegetable lasagna; and delicious desserts from brownies to pineapple upside-down cake. We serve fresh ground coffee as well as an abundance of local fruits and vegetables. Wine is served with hors d'oeuvres each evening for happy hour. Vegetarians as well as special dietary requests can easily be accommodated. There's a special emphasis on our meals because we believe you are entitled to gourmet dining in the wilderness as you are at home.

What is the camping like?
Since 1993, we have created a category of travel we call "camping plus". The food served on our trips is on par with what you get in a first-rate restaurant; we provide all camping gear of the best quality: tents, sleeping bags with clean linens, self-inflating foam pads and comfortable camp seats; you get the best beach sites and you don't have to worry about missing the wildlife. We're all about truly "getting away", but not quite "leaving it all behind". It's rugged adventure with some worldly amenities. And best of all, because of the relatively dry summer climate, we have few mosquitoes and gnats, no black flies or ticks.  For bathing, we carry a solar shower.  We’ll have a portable toilet at each campsite.

To give you the opportunity to go hiking, fishing, read a book, etc., we generally arrive in camp no later than 4:00pm. Around 5:30, we serve hors d'oeuvres with dinner following around 7:00pm.

What type of kayaks do you use on this trip?
Our fleet of kayaks on each trip is comprised of mostly double kayaks and one or two single kayaks shared among guests and guides. They are made by SEAWARD KAYAKS of fiberglass construction and ALL are equipped with rudders. Light weight Werner paddles, PFD's (Personal flotation device otherwise known as a lifejacket), nylon spray skirts, paddle floats and bilge pumps are all provided on our expeditions.

Is previous kayaking experience necessary?
No prior sea kayaking or camping experience is necessary for this trip. Anyone in good health with a positive attitude can enjoy these activities. Paddling a sea kayak is easy to learn and your experienced guides will teach you all you need to know to enjoy kayaking.

Are there any physical requirements?
The amount of paddling is a good balance of challenge and ease for most of our participants. Expect a moderate workout every kayaking day. Pre-trip time spent in any activity that uses your upper body will help you enjoy your adventure with us. We do require that anyone over 70 or with any health or weight concerns consult us before signing up to make sure you are up to fully participating.

What is the minimum age limit?
The minimum age for our trips is normally 14 to ensure that all our guests are capable of fully participating in the kayaking and other activities involved.  Also, a child must be at least 5 feet tall and 100 lbs in order to participate in our sea kayak tours.  We do make exceptions on occasion, so call us if you think your child is physically capable of kayaking and comfortable in an adult setting.


What if I'm by myself?
If this is your first adventure tour, and you are naturally a little apprehensive about going solo, we will support you each step of the way. We get a mixture of singles, couples, families and friends. Please call if you have any concerns.

What about safety?
Your safety, comfort and enjoyment are our priorities. Any concerns about risks and physical abilities are handled with the greatest care by our office staff and trip leaders. Your guides are always in close proximity, well equipped with First Aid kits and specially trained in Wilderness First Aid to handle emergency situations. Your trip leader will provide a comprehensive kayak orientation and safety discussion before you begin paddling. We take your concerns or apprehensions to heart - to make kayaking a positive, fulfilling experience for you.


When is the best time to go?
Summer on northern Vancouver Island can be warm with daytime temperatures of 70-75° F (21- 24° C), though there are often cool breezes off the water, and some overcast days.  Evenings are cool and dewy with temperatures near 62° F (14° C).  Extended periods of rain are unusual, but it’s common to have a rainy day or two, and mornings may be foggy.

When is the best time to see whales?
The northern resident pods of orca (killer whales) currently number over 225 individually identified whales in 17 separate pods. They are generally found in Johnstone Strait between June and October when salmon, their primary prey, come from the ocean to spawn in the rivers of mainland British Columbia. Late June, July, August and September are the best months for seeing these magnificent creatures.


Is there a danger while kayaking near killer whales?
To our knowledge a killer whale has never bumped a kayak or shown any aggression toward kayakers. All whales are acutely aware of their surroundings.  From our many years in Johnstone Strait and hundreds of close encounters with killer whales, we feel very safe being in their presence.


What should I bring?
We provide the camping equipment so you only need to bring your personal belongings and avoid having to check-in luggage on your flight. Upon signing up, you'll get an informative trip handbook that includes a detailed list of clothing and other recommended items for your kayaking trip.

Do I need a passport to enter Canada?
Yes, passports are required to enter Canada.  Click here for the U. S. Department of State’s Passport Requirement page.

What do the trip costs include?
Skilled professional guide services, dry bags, neoprene shoes, camping equipment including tents, sleeping bags, liners, and sleeping pads are included in your trip cost. Our camping trips include all meals from lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day.

What is not included?
Pre- and post-trip accommodations and meals, airfare and gratuities are not included in your trip cost.

Six and Four Day Itineraries Below

Six-Day Itinerary

Day 0: Arrival in Port McNeill by vehicle or by air via Port Hardy & taxi to Port McNeill. Proceed to the hotel HaidaWay Motor Inn. 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. We will have three different camps, so we may not move camp every day, but we will kayak every day. On an average day, we will be kayaking for two hours in the morning after breakfast, stop for lunch and short hike or natural history talk on a beach, and spend another two hours kayaking and exploring before arriving at camp by the afternoon. Evenings and dinner in camp. Orcas can come by us at any time.

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.

"At the end of each kayaking day, our group relaxed on the beached logs and sipped wine from cups while the guides cooked our gourmet meals".
-- Elle Andra-Warner, Johnstone Strait

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.

Four-Day Itinerary

Day 0: Arrival in Port McNeill by vehicle or by air via Port Hardy & taxi to Port McNeill. Proceed to the hotel HaidaWay Motor Inn. 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 2-3: We will be kayaking throughout Orca territory and exploring the adjacent channels and islands.  We may have one or two different camps, so we may not move camp, but we will kayak every day. On an average day, we will be kayaking for two hours in the morning after breakfast, stop for lunch and short hike or natural history talk on a beach, and spend another two hours kayaking and exploring before arriving at camp by the afternoon. Evenings and dinner in camp. Orcas can come by us at any time.

Day 4: 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.

"At the end of each kayaking day, our group relaxed on the beached logs and sipped wine from cups while the guides cooked our gourmet meals".
-- Elle Andra-Warner, Johnstone Strait

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.