Why Kayak 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, sea lions, harbour seals, minke whales, eagles and black bears. Sea kayaking with the whales is one of life's most amazing experiences.
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 its unmatched beauty and of course the close proximity to the Killer Whales.
A resting pod of Killer Whales passes by our camp.
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 is used as a reference point and a common place for locating Orcas.
Getting to camp by boat
Traveling to our private base camp by boat from our base on Quadra Island is one of the highlights of this tour. Maximizing our time on the wildlife rich waterways of Johnstone Strait is the priority on the Johnstone Strait Ultimate tour. While it is a cost saving to drive two hours on the highway to where the other groups launch, we believe traveling by boat to our remote camp is worth it. Traveling the two hours by boat means you do not miss the chance to see killer whales, humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises and black bears along the way. This trip is about spending more time on the waterways not highways.
See photos of the boat ride to and from camp.
Spirit of the West is the only BC-based kayaking company that is 100% certified carbon neutral! Read more about how we offset our carbon footprint.
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 or Quadra Island, which is less expensive to get to than other departure points.
Humpback whales have been making regular appearances in Johnstone Strait. This particular sighting occurred last summer during our guide training.
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 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 driftwood collected from nearby beaches.
Luxury camping and whales, an incredible trip."The Globe and Mail
The Camp
The Johnstone Straight tour could easily be described as luxury camping, with
fine dining.Stacy Wallace
Sales Representative, Travel Wise
Whales from campWe 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 tubSpirit of the West is once again leading the way in kayaking comfort. For 2010 we 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 humpback whale, as in the photo at left, swim by.
Bears from kayaksThe 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 offshore so we can listen to the Orcas as they pass by our camp. Listen to whales now - sample three families: A pod I pod G pod
- 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.
This is your homeOne 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 viewEach 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!
$1195$765$693$1190 Exchange rates will be calculated at time of booking based on current rates of exchange.
Start: Quadra Island or Campbell River
Skill level: Easy
- Kayak in the realm of the Killer Whales
- Base camp overlooking Johnstone Strait
- Whales swimming past your tent at night
- Hot tub and shower with a view
Call Breanne or John if you have any questions, or would simply like to get to know us better. Call 1 800 307 3982
Overseas 1 250 285 2121
