Special: Save 10% on the following dates
June 28-July 1st, July 2-5, 5-8, 8-11 and 11-14
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.
Luxury camping and whales .....an incredible trip....
The Globe and Mail
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
ofcommunicating with the killer whales. They chose this site
above all others for it's unmatched beauty and of course theclose
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 passcloser 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
the Killer Whales.
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.
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.
What a thrill to be surrounded by the Orca pods!! Total thrill
of a life time.The Gerkings,
USA
Points
to ponder
99% Killer Whale sightings on last 200
tours.
We are the only kayaking base camp that
looks directly into the world famous Orca reserve.
Our exclusive camp is very private.
We seldom cross paths with other tour groups.
Amazing night paddles to see the magical Bioluminescence.
A remarkable tour..........
The
Vancouver Sun
Listen to the Killer Whales
Our base camp is equipped with a research quality underwater hydrophone.
We are able to listen to the beautiful sounds of the Orcas as they
pass by our kayak camp. Listen to some of the sounds of the Orcas below.
The Johnstone Straight tour could easily be described as luxury camping, with fine dining.
Stacy Wallace
Sales Representative, Travel Wise
Whales
from camp Being 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.
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.
Submerged
hydrophone set off shore so we can listen to the Orcas as they pass by our camp.
A sit
down toilet that gets rave reviews for its ocean views.
A hot
shower, that gets rave reviews for its ocean views (yes we love our
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 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!
Our
Johnstone Strait tours are very
popular. To secure a space we recommend
that you book your sea kayaking tour early
Special: Save 10% on the following dates
June 28-July 1st, July 2-5, 5-8, 8-11 and 11-14
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.
Includes:
Water taxi to and from the base camp, kayaks, guides, meals,
tents, pillows, fun.
Does
not include: Sleeping
bag, personal items.
Rating:
Easy
Wildlife:
Largest population of Killer Whales in North America, Dolphins,
Porpoises, Black Bears, Eagles, Minke and Humpback whales.
Price
CDN$ 1095
US and Euro prices based on current exchange rate
2009
trip dates
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.