Whether you are a local British Columbian or are joining us from further afield, there’s always something new to learn about this special part of the coast. To help make the most of your trip with us, we have put together a collection of resources about the land and its stewards, mindful travel, and helpful links to assist in your preparations.
Recommended Reading List
Below are a selection of excellent books for learning more about British Columbia, whales, wildlife, history, and kayaking.
Memoirs
Heart of the Raincoast
By Morton, Alexandra and Proctor, Billy
Heart of the Raincoast is the fascinating story of Billy Proctor’s life, and the wealth of knowledge and understanding that can only be gained from living in such close proximity to nature. The writing is witty, touching and honest—and offers an intimate perspective not only of the salmon, whales, eagles and independent people who populate Canada’s wild and lovely coastal rainforest, but on what we need to do to keep it as nature intended.
Tour Region: Johnstone Strait Expedition, Whales & Wilderness Glamping, Whales & Wilderness Expedition
For more memoirs:
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TIDE RIPS AND BACK EDDIES: Bill Proctor’s Tales of Blackfish Sound
By Proctor, Billy and Maximchuk, Yvonne
Billy Proctor, resident legend of Echo Bay, BC, recounts almost a century’s worth of experience with this collection of stories, memories and local knowledge of the central BC coast region around Blackfish Sound. Billy has authored numerous books about his childhood and the history of this special region, all worth reading.
Tour Region: Whales & Wilderness Glamping, Johnstone Strait Expedition, Whales & Wilderness Expedition
LISTENING TO WHALES: WHAT THE ORCAS HAVE TAUGHT US
By Morton, Alexandra and Proctor, Billy
Stories and recollections of a whale researcher and all that she’s learned from Orcas throughout the Johnstone Strait and Blackfish Sound region.. A fascinating study of the profound communion between humans and whales, this book will open your eyes anew to the wonders of the natural world.
Tour Region: Whales & Wilderness Glamping, Johnstone Strait Expedition, Whales & Wilderness Expedition, Johnstone Strait Ultimate, Ultimate Family Adventure
ADVENTURES IN SOLITUDE: What Not to Wear to a Nude Potluck and other Stories from Desolation Sound
By Lawrence, Grant
From Captain George Vancouver to Muriel “Curve of Time” Blanchet to Jim “Spilsbury’s Coast” Spilsbury, visitors to Desolation Sound have left behind a trail of books endowing the area with a romantic aura that helps to make it British Columbia’s most popular marine park. In this hilarious and captivating book, CBC personality Grant Lawrence adds a whole new chapter to the saga of this storied piece of BC coastline.
Tour Region: Desolation Sound Expedition
THE CURVE OF TIME
By Blanchet, M. Wylie
At a time when Vancouver Island was still an extremely remote and sparsely populated backwater, a young widow packed her five children into a 25-foot boat dubbed The Caprice and set off on an adventure. Summer after summer the brave young mother, who became known as “Capi,” would set sail and explore the rugged coastline for months with her young crew. Although the hazards the family faced were numerous— tides, fog, storms, rapids, cougars, and even grizzlies— ‘Capi’ brought them through it all.
Note: outdated language, descriptions of intrusions into First Nations settlements and objects; there are now legal protections against the removal of Indigenous property, but in the author’s time no such regulations existed and cultural sensitivities were discounted.
Tour Region: Johnstone Strait Expedition, Whales & Wilderness Expedition, Johnstone Strait Ultimate, Desolation Sound Expedition, Whales & Wilderness Glamping, Ultimate Family Adventure
OUTER COAST SOLO
By Laanela, Mike
The author, a travel writer, photographer and sea kayak guide, set off on a solo kayak trip down the remote northwest coast of Vancouver Island. Along the way he discovered a region rich in history, culture and adventure. Join him on his journey of discovery along this fascinating coast.
Tour Region: Nuchatlitz Expedition
THE BREATH OF A WHALE: The Science and Spirit of Pacific Ocean Giants
By Calvez, Leah
An ode to marine life and the natural world, these essays reveal the elusive lives of whales in the Pacific Ocean—home to orcas, humpbacks, blue, gray, and sperm whales.
Field Guides and Natural History
MARINE MAMMALS OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
By Ford, John K.B.
A great field guide for identifying and learning about cetaceans as well as seals, sea lions, and sea otters that inhabit the BC coast. Dr. John Ford describes each species and summarizes its distribution, habitat, social organization, feeding habits, conservation status and much more.
For more field guides and natural history books:
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Whelks to whales: Coastal marine life of the Pacific Northwest
By Harbo, Rick
Clear illustrations help with identifying species and groups while the accompanying text offers fascinating insights into the lives of the non-human inhabitants of the Pacific Northwest.
PACIFIC SALMON FIELD GUIDE
By Godwin, Sean & Krkosek, Martin.
Pacific salmon are of immense cultural, ecological and economic importance to the west coast of North America. This guide is an identification resource that includes natural history, life stage descriptions and conservation status of Pacific salmon and how to observe these fish in the wild.
THE NEW BEACHCOMBER’S GUIDE TO SEASHORE LIFE IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
By Sept, J. Duane
The New Beachcomber’s Guide to the Pacific Northwest is a portable and easy-to-use reference for searching out and identifying the hundreds of species of seashore life found on the beaches of British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Northern California and Southeast Alaska.
KILLER WHALES: The Natural History and Genealogy of Orcinus Orca in British Columbia and Washington State (Updated Edition)
By Ford, John K.B., Ellis, Graeme M and Balcomb, Kenneth C.
Research and genealogy of the resident orcas from the researchers themselves, these three authors have been studying orcas since the 1970’s. This book presents information on killer whale natural history; suggestions on how, when, and where to best watch killer whales; and a catalog of some 300 photographs of “resident” killer whales which can be used to identify individuals and their family groups.
Plants of coastal British Columbia including Washington, Oregon and Alaska.
By Pojar, J. and MacKinnon, A
This classic, bestselling field guide features 794 species of plants commonly found along the Pacific coast from Oregon to Alaska, including trees, shrubs, wildflowers, aquatic plants, grasses, ferns, mosses and lichens. Areas covered are the coastal region from shoreline to alpine, including the western Cascades — from tide pools to rain forests and meadows.
Birds of coastal British Columbia
By Baron, Nancy
More than 200 species of common West Coast birds are grouped by their similarity of appearance and colour-coded for quick identification.
BRITISH COLUMBIA: A Natural History
By Cannings, R. and Cannings, S
This revised and expanded edition of an award-winning book not only explores British Columbia’s stunning ecology but also features an increased focus on climate change. Featuring longer chapters that go beyond your typical field guide, take a deeper look into BC’s rich natural history, its unique ecosystems, and the significance this area holds.
HELD BY THE LAND: A Guide to Indigenous Plants for Wellness
By Joseph, Leigh
Held by the Land invites us to explore our natural surroundings and renew our connection to the land. Author and ethnobotanist Leigh Joseph, informed by her cultural heritage as a member of the Squamish First Nation, calls upon reclaiming ancestral knowledge and practices that were impacted by centuries of colonization and rejuvenating them for future generations.
Indigenous history
CEDAR: Tree of Life to the Northwest Indians
By Stewart, Hilary
Brilliant descriptions and illustrations of traditional technology by a legendary local Quadra Island writer with an international stature. Countless coastal Indigenous groups used the rot-resistant Cedar for graceful dugout canoes to travel the coastal waters, massive post-and-beam houses in which to live, steam bent boxes for storage, monumental carved poles to declare their lineage, and dramatic dance masks to evoke the spirit world.
For more books on Indigenous history:
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BRAIDING SWEETGRASS: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants
By Wall Kimmerer, Robin
As a botanist, Robin Wall Kimmerer has been trained to ask questions of nature with the tools of science. As a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, she embraces the notion that plants and animals are our oldest teachers. In Braiding Sweetgrass, Kimmerer brings these two lenses of knowledge together.
Looking at totem poles
By Stewart, Hilary
Magnificent and haunting, the tall cedar sculptures called totem poles have become a distinctive symbol of the native people of the Northwest Coast. Each pole, shown in a beautifully detailed drawing, is accompanied by a text that points out the crests, figures and objects carved on it. Hilary Stewart is a prolific Canadian author who lived on Quadra Island (where Spirit of the West Adventures is based) and had strong relationships with the local Indigenous groups in the area.
THE FIRST NATIONS OF BRITISH COLUMBIA: an Anthropological Overview
By Miller, Robert H.
The First Nations of British Columbia, now in its third edition, is a concise and accessible overview of BC’s First Nations peoples, cultures, and issues. This latest edition of the classic work has been fully revised, with new chapters added and previous ones rewritten, arguments reframed in light of current developments, and resources brought right up to date.
Coastal BC history
RIVER CITY: A HISTORY OF CAMPBELL RIVER AND THE DISCOVERY ISLANDS
By Taylor, Jeanette
The modern Campbell River, with a population of 30,000, carries only faint hints of its rustic beginnings as a logging and fishing village, and even fewer traces of its ancient roots as a First Nations fishing community. Jeanette Taylor, a longtime resident and local historian, delves deeply into the area’s history to deliver a fascinating insider’s account of the people who have melded their skills and souls with the bold, brash, richly endowed landscape of Campbell River and the Discovery Islands.
For more books on Coastal BC history:
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TOTEM POLES AND TEA
By Harold, Hughina
Hughina Harold paints a powerful picture of a world that no longer exists in this compelling account of her experiences as a non-Indigenous person as a young nurse and teacher on Village Island, in the remote Broughton Archipelago, on British Columbia’s coast in the 1930s.
Tour Region: Johnstone Strait Expedition, Whales & Wilderness Glamping
Sea Kayaking
SEA KAYAKING: The Classic Manual for Touring, from Day Trips to Major Expeditions
By Dowd, John with foreword by Hoffmeister, Freya
The newest edition of the classic reference on paddling. Its practical tips and tricks go well beyond the basics.
For more books on sea kayaking:
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THE COMPLETE BOOK OF SEA KAYAKING
By Hutchinson, Derek C., revised by Horodowich, Wayne.
A comprehensive guide for the beginner and an invaluable reference book for the experienced sea kayaker. It describes equipment, basic and advanced techniques, weather and navigation, and is illustrated throughout by the author’s own drawings and colour photographs.
THE WILD COAST: A Kayaking and Recreation Guide for the North and Central BC Coast
By Kimantas, John.
A must-have guide for kayakers and others exploring the coast from north Vancouver Island to the Alaska border. It covers both the Inside and Outside passages, with copious information on campsites, landings, launch sites, hiking trails, history, geography, weather, ecology, hazards, attractions and services. Includes colour photos and maps.
KAYAKING THE INSIDE PASSAGE: A Paddler’s Guide from Olympia, Washington to Muir Glacier, Alaska
By Miller, Robert H.
The Inside Passage is without question the most scenic and challenging paddling trip in North America. Revised with route updates, map improvements, and stunning color photography, Kayaking the Inside Passage will aid kayakers in planning paddling trips on the rugged Pacific artery that runs along the western edge of North America. A great read to inspire paddlers dreaming up future trips!
Tour Region: Johnstone Strait Ultimate, Whales & Wilderness Glamping, Whales & Wilderness Expedition, Johnstone Strait Expedition, Great Bear Rainforest Expedition, Ultimate Family Adventure
Protecting Our Natural Spaces
Rugged coastal shorelines, the scale of wilderness spaces, and the vibrant wildlife make Northern Vancouver Island unique to any other region on earth. This is an immense part of our why: to facilitate immersive wilderness experiences that leave visitors with a feeling of inspiration for our natural spaces. We take joy in operating with intention and care, ensuring our visitors understand the significance of the area.
Destination BC has created a North Island Wild Pledge that we encourage our guests to read and reflect on.
- Leave no trace when exploring our beaches, forests, & land
- Encourage the celebration of local cultures, traditions, & heritages
- Observe and do not disturb our wildlife & natural habitats
- Support local lives by eating, staying, & shopping locally
- Prepare for any experience in our trails, mountains, & waters
- Share the trails, roads, routes, & parking areas
Sign up to take the North Island Wild Pledge here.
The Traditional Territories We Operate In
Indigenous Presence & Stewardship
Spirit of the West gratefully acknowledges and operates in the unceded traditional territory of the We Wai Kai, Homalco, Klahoose, Mamalilikulla-Qwe’Qwa’Sot’Em, ‘Namgis, Tlowitsis, Kwikwasut’inuxwHaxwa’mis, Nuu-chah-nulth and Heiltsuk First Nations.
Northern Vancouver Island has a rich and diverse Indigenous presence and history. Regardless of whether you are visiting larger cities such as Campbell River, rural island communities like Alert Bay, or observing evidence of traditional use sites throughout scattered islands and islets, First Nations influence surrounds us.
TRADITIONAL TERRITORY MAP
British Columbia is home to 204 First Nations communities who have all been stewards of the land since time immemorial. As visitors to this area, we believe it is important to recognize and learn about the traditional Indigenous territories you will be recreating in.
Created by the First Peoples’ Cultural Council, the First Peoples’ Map can be used to view Indigenous language regions, artists and artworks, place names and community landmarks. You can hear the pronunciation of language names, greetings, places and more through this resource.
VIDEOS & PODCASTS
Browse from the list of videos and podcasts below to immerse yourself in the history, knowledge and teachings of the First Nations of BC.
Videos
- Marine Protected Areas on the North Coast (7 mins)
- Broughton Aquaculture Transition Initiative (BATI) (4 mins)
- Great Bear Sea Marine Protected Area Network (30 mins)
- Why some Indigenous people relate to endangered orcas (2 mins)
- Nuu-Chah-Nulth: Reclaiming Traditions (17 mins)
- Living Legends: Cedar is Life (2 mins)
Podcasts
- Indigenous Voices of Vancouver Island: A 5-part podcast series highlighting Indigenous entrepreneurs on VI.
- Heiltsuk Granny’s Gardens with Jess Housty: (24 mins) – Jess shares the story of her community’s Granny’s Gardens: an Indigenous food sovereignty project that is rooted within the traditions of Heiltsuk Nation on British Columbia’s coast.
- Grizzlies and the Heiltsuk People: (27 mins)
The Latest from the Johnstone Strait Region
Whether you’ve been on a trip with us or are getting excited for your first Spirit of the West Adventure, keep up to date with what’s happening in Johnstone Strait and surrounding areas.
Why IS JOHNSTONE STRAIT SO SIGNIFICANT?
Known for its deepwater channels carved out by glacial sheets in the last ice age, Johnstone Strait serves as bountiful habitat for a rich variety of species throughout the area. The combination of cold ocean temperatures, deep waterways, and drastic tidal cycles make for some of the most productive, oxygen-rich water on the planet. With each tidal exchange, significant nutrients that often settle deep on the ocean floor get stirred up into the upper levels of the water column. This provides a steady and robust supply of food for the many species of all sizes that move throughout these waters.
LIVE CAM OF ORCAS
Orca Live which posts live video and audio feed from above and below the water in various locations in Johnstone Strait – watch and listen to whales from your home! Orca Live has been provided by OrcaLab, a renowned whale research lab based in Johnstone Strait since 1970 . More information, including links to their blog, can be found here.
Marine Education & Resource Society
Marine Education and Research Society (MERS) which, as the name implies, conducts research and education in the Johnstone Strait area. They have an excellent blog that helps keep you up to date on all the latest research and there have been some cool discoveries of late!
THE MARINE DETECTIVE
Created by MERS very own Jackie Hildering, we also recommend checking out The Marine Detective. This is an inspirational platform focused on the “great beauty, mystery and fragility” of the cold, dark northeastern Pacific ocean.
Spirit of the West’s Blog Stories
Stay connected to the coast through our very own Stories page. Here we share a variety of short blog posts from highlighting BC wildlife, to guest perspectives and benefits of slow travel.
RECENT ENTRIES
Wilderness and Wildlife of Coastal British Columbia
If you are still in the midst of deciding which tour is best for you, consider browsing our Wilderness and Wildlife of Coastal BC webpage. The diverse range of climatic and topographic features of British Columbia make this region one of the most productive wilderness and wildlife areas on earth. Meant to provide helpful overviews of the various regions our tours take place in, it also includes wildlife highlights for each tour and optimal times for sightings.
Responsible Whale Watching
The orcas, humpbacks and other marine mammals spend their days foraging, playing and socializing, and we want to keep it this way. We strongly believe that we should do everything that we can to minimize our impacts on their natural behaviour and habitat. We follow the Be Whale Wise Guidelines, which have been established to protect both the whales and kayakers and boaters from any negative interactions as well as long term, cumulative effects. Learn more about how we participate in Responsible Travel here.
Feeling Fit on the Water
Kayaking is a suitable activity for most fitness levels and your guides will give you great tips on how to paddle efficiently. To help you get the most out of your experience and feel comfortable on the water, check out these helpful links: