British Columbia Sea Kayaking
Johnstone Strait

Sea kayakers are frequently drawn to Johnstone Strait, because it is the location for kayakers to view orca whales in their natural environment. The Strait is a deep and narrow glacier-carved passage located between the east coast of Vancouver Island and the west edge of the British Columbia mainland. (click for Johnstone Strait Google map).

Orca "Killer" whale in foreground, Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. Go Northwest! photo by Dave Dean.

Kayakers embark on trips into the strait from Vancouver Island, frequently from Port McNeill (google map). Trips with kayak outfitters will commonly depart from Port McNeill via zodiac or other watercraft and deliver kayaking guests to one of several island base camps in the area.

Johnstone Strait is considered to be the best destination in the northern hemisphere for kayakers and others to observe wild orcas (also known as "killer whales" due to their voracious appetite for fish, sea lions and seals). These huge but sleek black and white colored mammals, each with a distinctive dorsal fin (used to identify and track them), congregate in the Strait each summer to feed on an abundant supply of salmon.

The number varies but there are roughly 200 resident orca whales and a large number of nonresident whales which frequent Johnstone Strait and the Inside Passage each summer.

In addition to the orcas, the Strait is rich with other marine life including minke, humpback and grey whales; dolphins; porpoises; and sea lions.

Keeping in mind that sea kayakers (and other boaters) must be aware of proper ecological considerations regarding human encounters with marine life, if you are fortunate enough to view a dorsal fin or a breaching orca from the perspective of a sea kayak you will have a lifelong memory.

Note that the photo above was taken (years ago) from Robson Bight, now a world famous ecological reserve within Johnstone Strait. Orca whales love to rub their skin along the pebble sea floor at the Bight. It is still unclear whether this behavior is functional - perhaps to remove parasites - or whether it's just for fun. Sea kayakers should note that the Bight is now an orca sanctuary - there is a boundary surrounding the Bight which is not open for paddling or camping. Check here for BC Parks information regarding the Bight and paddling restrictions.

Sea Kayaking Outfitters

Discovery Expeditions. Phone: 250-756-0094; Cell: 250-619-2714; Toll-free: 1-888-756-0099. E-mail

Ecosummer Expeditions. PO Box 156, Clearwater, BC  V0E 1N0. Phone: 1-250-674-0102; Toll-free in North America: 1-800-465-8884. E-mail

Ecomarine Paddlesport Centres. Phone: 604-689-7575. E-mail

Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures. PO Box 1318, Port McNeill, BC V0N 2R0. International: 250-956-4617; Toll-free in North America; 1-866-546-4347; UK: 020 3239 7378; Fax: 604-648-8217. E-mail

Midnight Sun Adventure Travel. 1027 Pandora Avenue, Victoria, BC V8V 3P6. Phone: 250-480-9409; Toll-free: 1-800-255-5057; Fax: 250-483-7422. E-mail

North Island Kayak. Box 213, Telegraph Cove, BC V0N 3J0. Phone: 250-928-3114; Toll-free: 1-877-949-7707; North America: 250-483-4057. E-mail

Pacific Northwest Expeditions. 1819 Morden Road , Nanaimo, BC V9X 1T9. Phone: 250-616-8129. E-mail

ROW Sea Kayak Adventures. Mail: PO Box 3862, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814. Phone: 208-765-3116; Toll-free: 1-800-616-1943; SKYPE: sea.kayak.adventures. E-mail

Spirit of the West Adventures. PO Box 569, Heriot Bay, BC V0P 1H0. Phone: 250-285-2121; Toll-free: 1-800-307-3982; Fax: 1-888-389-5736. E-mail

Telegraph Cove Sea Kayaking Rentals and Transport. Main Office: 250-756-0094; North Island Office: 250-619-2714; On Water: 250-619-2714 ( Larry). E-mail

Wildheart Adventure Tours. 1560 Brebber Road, Nanaimo, BC V9X 1P4. Phone: 250-722-3683; Toll-free: 1-877-722-3683. E-mail

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