» Overview

» Itinerary

» Photos

» Reviews...

» Questions

» Packing

Kayaking with Killer Whales : 4 Day Base Camp
$ 1145   $1110 * £ 693* € 765* *Foreign exchange rates are approximate. Exchange rates will be calculated at time of booking based on current rates of exchange.	2010 dates June 28-July 2 July 2-5 July 5-8 July 8-11 July 11-14 July 14-17 July 17-20 July 20-23 July 23-26 July 26-29 July 29-Aug.1 Aug. 1-4 Aug. 4-7 Aug. 7-10 Aug. 10-13 Aug. 13-16 Aug. 16-19 Aug. 19-22 Aug. 22-25 Aug. 25-28 Aug. 28-31 Aug. 31-Sept. 3 Sept. 3-6 Sept. 6-9 Sept. 9-12 Sept. 12-15 Sept. 15-18 Sept. 18-22

Book This Tour | Interactive Map | Visit Our Camp

 

A great sea kayaking adventure........

Janice Mucalov,
National Geographic Travel Guide

 

Why Sea Kayak in Johnstone Strait?

Johnstone Strait is unquestionably the best place on earth to sea kayak with the Killer Whales in the wild. Most of British Columbia's 220 Northern Resident Killer Whales return to these waters to feed, sleep, play, and rub their bodies on the pebble beaches of the world-famous Robson Bight Ecological Reserve.

There is no better way to encounter pods of these friendly Orca than while sea kayaking Johnstone Strait. Sharing this habitat are playful dolphins, sealions, harbour seals, minke whales, eagles and black bears. Sea kayaking with the whales is one of life's most amazing experiences.

Photo Gallery
Learn more about Johnstone Strait
We adhere to Marine Wildlife viewing Guidelines. Click here for details

 

What a thrill to be surrounded by the Orca pods!! Total thrill of a life time.

The Gerkings, USA

 

40 years as Johnstone Strait's favourite camp

For over 40 years the Spirit of the West Camp has been the premier location to view killer whales dating back to a time when a group of musicians camped here in the 60's. From the very bluffs where our tents now stand, the musicians would play their wind and string instruments as a way of communicating with the killer whales. They chose this site above all others for it's unmatched beauty and of course the close proximity to the Killer Whales.

A resting pod of Killer Whales slowly passes by.

In 1997 the Spirit of the West camp became the first permanent sea kayaking camp in Johnstone Strait. We chose this site as it provides our guests with the best opportunity to see the killer whales as they pass closer than to any other camp in the strait, so close that they have been observed feeding on the abundant salmon just a few meters below our tents.

Our well known camp is referred to as "the kayak camp" by local whale watching companies and researchers and used as a reference point and a common place for locating Orcas.


Special features:

Because of the popularity of this tour all our departures are guaranteed.

We have the highest guide to client ratio on the coast. Spoiling you is our priority.

Amazing sunsets, Salmon fishing and night paddles to see the magical Phosphorescence. (Bioluminescence)

Our closest neighbour is the Killer Whale research station, the only other camp sharing our incredible view into the orca reserve.

All of our tours depart from Campbell River, which is less expensive to get to than other departure points.

 

Humpback whales have been making regular appearances in the area we kayak in Johnstone Strait. At our 2010 staff training we saw a humpback whale on all 4 days. This particularly close sighting occurred last summer.

 

 

Sea Kayak Tour Overview

Sea kayaking and base camping in this prime Orca viewing area, makes this our most popular tour. This tour offers you the best opportunity for viewing the Orcas in the wild. We begin our tour from Campbell River where we board our catamaran power boat 'the Orca Express'. Enjoy spectacular scenery as we travel up the Inside Passage and through the world-famous Seymour Narrows. We are delivered comfortably to our base camp regardless of wind or waves. From here we explore and enjoy our days in the realm of Killer Whales.

Spirit of the West Adventures is the first and only sea kayaking base camp with a hot tub. We use the the healing and soothing properties of the salt water from Johnstone Strait which is heated by drift wood collected from nearby beaches.

 

Luxury camping and whales .....an incredible trip....

The Globe and Mail

 

Points to ponder
	95% Killer Whale sightings on last 200 tours.
	We are the only kayaking base camp that looks directly into the world famous Orca reserve.
	Our base camp is considered the most comfortable in Johnstone Strait. >>Visit our camp here.<<
	Our exclusive camp is very private. We seldom cross paths with other tour groups.
	Unlimited hot water shower and hot tub over looking Johnstone Strait.

 

A remarkable tour.......... The Vancouver Sun

 

 

The Camp

 

The Johnstone Straight tour could easily be described as luxury camping, with fine dining.

Stacy Wallace
Sales Representative, Travel Wise

 

 

Whales from camp
We have one of the few camps where we are able to look and listen to the whales 24 hrs a day.
It is a great experience to watch them while enjoying a morning coffee or listening to them pass by at night from your tent.

 

Whales from hot tub
Spirit of the West is once again leading the way in kayaking comfort. For 2010 we have added a wood fired hot tub to our base camp. Imagine a hot soak after a day of kayaking; or the possibility of watching a pod of killer whales or a hump back whale, as in the photo above, swim by.

 

Bears from kayaks
The Islands near our camp have large black bear populations. We often see them forage on the beach from our kayaks.

 

 

Why our guests call it five star camping...

Gourmet menu including wild Salmon barbecue on day one.

Hot tub overlooking Johnstone Strait

Submerged hydrophone set off shore so we can listen to the Orcas as they pass by our camp. Listen to whales now sample three families A12, I15, B1.

A hot shower with unlimited hot water, that gets rave reviews for its ocean views.

Our guides are trained in wilderness first-aid, nature interpretation, advanced kayaking and most importantly they are fun to be with!

A fleet of both single and double kayaks at camp. First rate equipment used on all tours.

Learn more about our camp......
Photo Gallery

 

This is your home
One of the most outstanding features on this tour is our permanently set up campsite. All tents are set on red cedar platforms offering you a level, comfortable and dry home. We use high quality 4 person tents per couple. We also have tents designed for solo travelers.

 

This is your view
Each tent location was chosen for it's spectacular views. It is not uncommon for the Killer Whales to pass within 50 feet of your door step!

 

At a glance Type: 4 day kayaking and base camping in orca waters Start: Quadra Island or Campbell River Highlights: Kayak in the realm of the Killer Whales, beautiful base camp overlooking Johnstone Strait, great food, some of the best guides on the coast, whales swimming past your tent at night, whale sightings going to and from camp. Hot tub and shower with a veiw. Includes: Water taxi to and from the base camp, kayaks, guides, meals, tents, sleeping mats, pillows, fun.   Rating: Easy Wildlife: Largest population of Killer Whales in North America, Dolphins, Porpoises, Black Bears, Eagles, Minke and Humpback whales. Does not include: Sleeping bag, personal items. Price CDN$ 1145  *Foreign exchange rates are approximate. Exchange rates will be calculated at time of booking based on current rates of exchange. 2010 trip dates June 28-July 2 July 2-5 July 5-8 July 8-11 July 11-14 July 14-17 July 17-20 July 20-23 July 23-26 July 26-29 July 29-Aug.1 Aug. 1-4 Aug. 4-7 Aug. 7-10 Aug. 10-13 Aug. 13-16 Aug. 16-19 Aug. 19-22 Aug. 22-25 Aug. 25-28 Aug. 28-31 Aug. 31-Sept. 3 Sept. 3-6 Sept. 6-9 Sept. 9-12 Sept. 12-15 Sept. 15-18 Sept. 18-22     Call Breanne or John if you have any questions, or would simply like to get to know us better. Call 1 800 307 3982

 

Special Note:

One of the benefits of the Johnstone Strait Orca Adventure is that you will be guaranteed to get to one of the best Killer Whale viewing base camps on the coast, regardless of weather conditions, as we travel to our remote camp by power boat. If you are traveling a great distance to get here you may want to consider this tour.

Starting this tour from Campbell River, as opposed to other launch sites further north, offers two attractive bonuses. You save approximately $250.00 CDN by not having to fly as far, and we have the added feature of traveling to our camp by waterway. This is one of the best values in kayaking tour packages offered.

All our Johnstone Strait sea kayaking tours are guaranteed departures.

Our Johnstone Strait kayaking tours are very popular. To secure a space we recommend that you book your tour early.

Most of our sea kayaking British Columbia tours start from beautiful British Columbia. To kayak Quadra Island, please have a look at our kayaking Quadra Island pages to see what to do when visiting Quadra Island including our fantastic kayak Vancouver Island Day Tours. kayaking British Columbia with Spirit of the West.

Sea kayaking Canada day tours on Quadra Island

Book your 2010 Sea Kayaking Tour Today Online

or

Call Toll Free 1 800 307 3982 :: Overseas Call 1 250 285 2121

Spirit of the West Adventures
Box 569, Heriot Bay, British Columbia
V0P-1H0 Canada

Our Sea Kayaking Tours: Johnstone Strait Ultimate | Johnstone Strait Expedition | Desolation Sound Mothership Tour | Broughton Islands Mothership Tour | Great Bear Rainforest Mothership Tour | Desolation Sound | The Nuchatlitz | Discovery Island | Quadra Island Kayak Day Tours | Sea Kayak Rentals | Kayaking Vancouver Island | Kayak Vancouver Island Whale Watching Sea kayaking patagonia

© Copyright Spirit of the West Adventures | Sitemap