Paddle the heart of the orca waters
Length:
4 Days
Location:
Johnstone Strait
For Who:
Everyone, focus on scenery and relaxed pace
* Kayaking trips & tours are priced and charged in Canadian dollars and are subject to 5% GST and $25 / person environmental sustainability fee. Please see our Terms and Conditions for complete terms. To check live availability on any trip, click the Book Now tab and select a trip date.
Your kayak retreat in BC’s Whale territory
Perched on the edge of the Johnstone Strait, our established glamping base camp on West Cracroft Island has been a favourite of Spirit of the West guests for more than 25 years. Paddle nearby shorelines and learn about the area’s incredible wildlife from your experienced guides. With magnificent views from the hot tub and perhaps the most peaceful sleep you will ever experience, our Johnstone Strait glamping camp provides an amazing opportunity to get away from it all and relax in the wilderness.
Come back to the same, comfortable established campsite each night. Situated directly across the Johnstone Strait from the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve, the ultimate basecamp enjoys captivating mountain views, spectacular sunsets and the kind of peace and quiet you only experience when you’re “really out there”.
Our Glamping Base Camp across from Robson Bight Ecological Reserve
Built onto a rocky bluff, the camp has lots of open outdoor space and unobstructed views of the ocean. It’s easy enough to find a quiet spot to sunbathe, practice morning yoga, read, or just soak in the nature that surrounds you. The camp also features a large kitchen and communal dining area, cliffside lounge and a hot tub overlooking Johnstone Strait.
Comfortable amenities include large bright cotton canvas tents with ocean views on wooden tent platforms, complete with a hand-built bed with local timber, cozy linens & pillow. You’ll have a private composting toilet, as well as shared access to two heated outdoor showers.
Things to note: although our camp is well developed, it is on a remote island away from urban infrastructure. There is limited WiFi and very limited cell service. We get electricity through solar panels and our water comes from a mountain spring – we do our best to manage them, but both can be limited by nature. While building our camp, we tried to be as low-impact on the environment as possible, so be aware that the paths may be uneven underfoot.
WILDLIFE
The Johnstone Strait has long been known for marine life. Marine mammals, including sea lions, orcas, dolphins, and porpoises, can often be spotted in the region. The shores of West Cracroft Island are rich in vibrant and unique intertidal life and we always keep an eye out for the variety of shorebirds and seabirds flying overhead. It’s common to witness a black bear foraging for crabs or a river otter or mink scampering along the shoreline.
Spending a few days at our Johnstone Strait Ultimate base camp offers the amazing opportunity to disconnect from the busyness of everyday life. Enjoy the serenity as you relax and reconnect with the fascinating natural world around you.
What’s Cooking?
The highlight of any outdoor trip is often what’s cooking. With a blend of fresh, local ingredients and healthy options, your multi-talented guide team serves up a variety of delicious meals. Start your day with a hot breakfast and drinks, then enjoy a picnic lunch during a relaxing break on one of the stunning coastal beaches while you’re out on your paddle. After a day of fun on the water, return to camp for tasty appetizers and a nourishing dinner, all topped off with a nightly sweet treat—because, after all, dessert tastes even better in the wild! Learn more on our Food page.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- Guided kayak excursions
- Kayaks & kayaking gear (PFDs, paddle, spray skirt)
- Freshly prepared meals & plentiful snacks (lunch on day 1 – lunch on day 4)
- Private return water taxi service from Alder Bay
- Your own private tent with beds and all linens provided
- Private composting toilet with a sink/wash area
- Soak in a hot tub overlooking the ocean (made in BC by AlumiTubs)
- Outdoor heated showers and towels
- Park & land use permits
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
- Rain jacket & rain pants (rentals available; please reserve in advance) *
- Personal items (clothing, toiletries, etc.)
- Alcoholic and carbonated beverages (BYO welcome)
- Personal transport to/from our meeting point in Alder Bay
- Accommodation before and after your tour
- Travel & medical insurance
- Guide gratuity
LOCATION
Also Available for Private Group Reservations
If you have a large group that would like to book the whole tour as a private group, ask us about booking out the whole trip for just you & your group!
Spirit of the West acknowledges and operates in the unceded traditional territory of the Mamalilikulla, 'Namgis, Tlowitsis, Kwikwasut’inuxw, Nuu-chah-nulth, We Wai Kai, Homalco, Klahoose and Heiltsuk First Nations.
