About Johnstone Strait

Realm of the Killer Whale

This scenic strait is renowned as the summer home of wild orcas which return each year to feed on the abundant supply of salmon returning to their birth place in one of the many rivers that flow into the Pacific Ocean. This traditional meeting place for the orcas offers them a chance to socialize with orcas from other families and possibly meet a future mate. Johnstone Strait also features special rubbing beaches found along the shallow shores of Johnstone Strait where the killer whales will rub their bodies on the smooth stones.

Warm and cold waters mix up a wealth of nutrients from the ocean floor in Johnstone Strait. Plankton grows abundantly from which other fish feed. These fish supply sustenance to larger marine mammals such as sealions, seals, dolphins, porpoises, humpback and the killer whales. On land, cougars, wolves, deer, racoons, River otters, Red Squirrels and Black bear thrive in this forested environment. The bird life in Johnstone Strait is also prolific with Eagles, rhinoceros auklets, pigeon guillemots, terns and blue herons to name a few.

Johnstone Strait is also known for its strong currents especially at the entrance points of Blackney and Wheynten Pass. This is a good reason to travel with an experienced guide when traveling by kayak in Johnstone Strait.

Johnstone Strait maintains a temperature of 5 to 10'C, or 41 to 50'F. This cold water is the foundation for the abundant marine life that exists in Johnstone Strait. The cold water means more oxygen, and the more oxygen means more life. The cold water and the cool nights can create overnight fog which can take into mid day to burn off. Kayaking in the fog can be an enchanting experience providing it is done with the safety of a guide.

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