Orca Waters - Sea Kayaking in British Columbia

Orca Camp Sea Kayaking
In the core habitat of the Orca Whale in Johnstone Strait

THE REALM OF THE ORCA
For the past twenty years, we have been been bringing eager whale watchers and nature lovers to Johnstone Strait, a picturesque body of water separating mainland British Columbia and northern Vancouver Island. It is a spectacular setting of islands and steep fjords and its temperate rainforest climate results in forests of giant old growth trees.
An extremely rich marine environment, Johnstone Strait supports 5 species of salmon, seabirds, bald eagles, bears, and seals. It is also well known to be the best place on earth to see wild Orca whales! Several families (pods) of Orcas converge on this narrow strait each summer to feed and frolic, providing a unique wildlife viewing opportunity.

Johnstone Strait is recognized as one of the best places in the world to experience Orcas in the wild. They congregate here to feed on salmon, socialize, rest, and to rub on pebble beaches. Possibly no other place on earth boasts such a concentration of these beautiful animals in such stunning scenery.
There are approximately 300 resident Orca whales in BC’s coastal waters. During the summer, the majority of the northern pods congregate in the southern Queen Charlotte Sound and Johnstone Strait area. The population is made up of 19 pods that move around Johnstone Strait on a fairly regular basis, certain pods being observed more commonly than others.

Orca Spyhop

Kayakers watched from above

The Orca is the largest member of the dolphin family, growing up to 30 feet (9 m) in length. They are immensely powerful and graceful. You will be enchanted by their spectacular displays when breaching, tail lobbing, finning and spyhopping in the open waters. Orcas are highly developed socially. Scientists are researching the Orca’s fascinating communication system. Like the researchers, we will observe whales at the surface and use a hydrophone (underwater microphone) to listen to their submarine communication.
Orcas play a large part in the legends of the Northwest Coast aboriginal people. Experiencing family pods of these extraordinary animals in the wild will enlighten you on the mysteries of the Orca. We are confident this will be an experience of a lifetime!

ZZ-SKEC-03
7 days/ 6 nights $ 1,795 plus GST from Port Mc Neill
... based on Can$ 1,795
2008 Dates
07/05-07/11    07/12-07/18    07/19-07/25    07/26-08/01
08/02-08/08    08/09-08/15    08/16-08/22    08/23-08/29
08/30-09/05    09/06-09/12

4 days/ 3 nights $ 895 plus GST from Port Mc Neill
... based on Can$ 895
2008 Dates
06/14-06/17    06/17-06/20    06/21-06/24    06/24-06/27
06/28-07/01    07/01-07/04    09/13-09/16    09/16-09/19
09/20-09/23    09/23-09/26    09/27-09/30

Itinerary

Departures: Saturdays only

Day 0 Friday

Arrive in Port McNeill by vehicle or via Port Hardy by air.
Overnight in Port McNeill. (overnight extra)

Day 1 Saturday L / D

At 9:00am the group meets and is shuttled over to the Water Taxi Launch. The Water Taxi transports the group to the Base Camp in Johnstone Strait. We have lunch and settle in to camp, and then go for an exploratory paddle. There is opportunity for evening paddling as well.

Days 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 Sun/Mon/Tue/Wed/Thur B / L / D

These days will be spent exploring both on foot and by sea kayak throughout the core orca territory of Johnstone Strait and surrounding waters. After breakfast, your guide will take you exploring in Johnstone Strait, maximizing opportunities for wildlife sightings wherever possible.

Day 7 – Fri B

After breakfast the group will participate in an early morning paddle before returning to the base camp to meet the water taxi. We return to Port McNeill by mid-day (weather and sea conditions permitting).

What is included?

	The services of a fully qualified Guide and Assistant Guide
	All group equipment including kayaks, paddles, lifejackets, tents, hydrophone, kitchen / cooking gear/ thermarests
	All meals as outlined in the itinerary (B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)

What's not included?

	Return transportation between your home and Port McNeill
	Accommodation in Port McNeill on Day 0
	Airport transfers between Port Hardy and Port McNeill
	Any meals and accommodation in Port McNeill
	Any optional excursions
	Personal clothing & equipment as listed on the detailed ‘Clothing & Equipment List’
	Expenses incurred due to bad weather / fog / flight delays
	Gratuities for guides (never obligatory but always appreciated – we suggest 5% of trip cost based on client care and attention)
	Goods and Services Tax (GST)

Tell Me More!

Q: Do I need previous kayaking experience?
A: No, many novices join this trip. Basic instruction is provided and our kayaks are very seaworthy and easy to handle.

Q: How much paddling will we do each day?
A: Long paddles are uncommon, but we may often extend our reach to increase the chances of good orca sightings. On full field days, time on the water is typically 6 - 8 hours per day with plenty of time to relax, watch the orcas or other marine life, take scenic pictures, stretch your legs and have lunch. On day 4, we generally paddle for approximately 2 hours in the morning.

Q: What type of weather conditions will we likely encounter in the area?
A: Weather conditions can be variable ranging from daytime temperatures of 21°C - 24°C (70°F - 75°F). Evenings are cool with temperatures near 10°C (55°F). Extended periods of rain are unusual, but possible, and mornings may be foggy.

Q: What will the base camp be like?
A: It is a well-appointed base camp with a comfortable meeting / dining area near the campfire. It has semipermanent tent sites using the spacious North Face VE25 or equivalent tents.

Q: What will the meals be like?
A: Our food is wholesome, offering a variety of BBQ’s, often ‘catch of the day’, that is well-prepared by the guides themselves. There is a sheltered dining area that has one of the most incredible views of the surrounding waters, another great opportunity to see the Orcas!
PS. We are happy to accommodate vegetarians!

Please Note
While we cannot guarantee Orca sightings, guides will focus on maximizing your opportunities for experiencing Orcas within the scope of this itinerary. Orcas are wild animals and as such their travel routes and environment are unpredictable.

top