There was an error with your log in

Johnstone Strait Adventure: Camping and Kayaking with Killer Whales

For four days, we’ll cruise the open waters of northeastern Vancouver Island, renowned as the best place on earth to see killer whales in the wild! Each day, we’ll spend 4-6 hours on the water, moving at a comfortable pace for the group. The trip focuses on enjoying wildlife, especially marine mammals. While they may play hide-and-seek, we always spot them—and when you do, it’s unforgettable! The nomadic lifestyle adds a unique touch to this Johnstone Strait kayak tour, with a new campsite each night, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the spirit of this beautiful part of British Columbia.

Adventure highlights

  • Nomadic tour
    We’ll camp at a new spot each night, setting up tents wherever we land, giving the whole trip a real expedition feel
  • Killer whale territory
    Experience Vancouver Island, the best place on earth to encounter killer whales in the wild.
  • Enjoying the open waters of BC
    At a comfortable paddling pace, we’ll fully immerse ourselves in exploring the open waters of Johnstone Strait
Get video trailer
Share this trailer with you friends and get them stoked to join you on this adventure.
Video trailer sent, check your inbox.
Book a call with our adventure expert and start planning your perfect adventure.

Itinerary

Are you looking for a Robinson Crusoe-style adventure and an expedition-like tour? Four days of moderate paddling, camping at a new spot each night, delicious meals, and immersing yourself in the wilderness of British Columbia. What more could you ask for in the perfect getaway? Experienced guides who handle all the details, letting you fully relax and enjoy the journey? We’ve got that covered too! With a carefully planned itinerary, meals included, and accommodations that offer a taste of the nomadic lifestyle... everything is taken care of. Join us on the Johnstone Strait kayak tour and explore this wild, beautiful region from a whole new perspective.

  • Our adventure starts at Bauza Cove, located on the northern tip of Vancouver Island. After a brief kayaking orientation and safety briefing, we’ll load our gear into the kayaks and set off at 11:30am. Paddling through the waters of Johnstone Strait, we’ll head towards our first campsite, nestled on a remote island or Vancouver Island itself. As the day winds down, we’ll enjoy a hearty dinner and a cozy bonfire on the beach.

    Meals: Lunch, dinner
    Accommodation: Camping

    Group of kayakers in camp, Johnstone Strait
  • This Johnstone Strait kayak tour is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing guides to adapt the route and schedule based on weather, campsite availability, group preferences, and wildlife sightings.
    Each day brings a new adventure on the water. We’ll paddle along nearby islands and shorelines, always on the lookout for marine mammals like orcas, humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises. For lunch, we’ll enjoy picnics on scenic beaches, offering time to stretch, explore the intertidal zone, and wander through lush coastal rainforests with towering old-growth cedar trees.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Accommodation: Camping

    Kayakers, Johnstone Strait
  • On our final morning in the wild, we’ll enjoy one last hearty breakfast before packing up and setting off for our last day of exploration. As we paddle back to Bauza Cove, we’ll have the chance to explore more shorelines and islands, discovering the vibrant intertidal life along BC’s coast.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch

    Sunset, Johnstone Strait
Adventure brochure
Download to share and explore full itineraries, key info, FAQs, and guide details.
Brochure sent, check your inbox
If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guide

Spirit of the West Adventures
5.00
Spirit of the West Adventures
Spirit of the West Adventures was founded in 1997 from a passion for kayaking, wildlife, and the stunning coast of British Columbia. Since then, they have been the catalyst for many people’s outdoor activities. Based right on the coast, Spirit of the West provides ecologically responsible sea kayaking tours and showcases the breathtaking marine life and landscapes of the region. With a commitment to safety, adventure, and environmental stewardship, certified guides ensure every trip is as safe and memorable as can be.
5.00 (3 reviews)
Heather T. (source: Tripadvisor)

The Johnstone Strait kayak expedition was an amazing trip. The wildlife – the scenery – the water – SPECTACULAR! Spirit of the West are really passionate about their trips and operate in a responsible way in this precious ecosystem. I can’t wait to do another trip with them!

David H. (source: Tripadvisor)

This was a truly amazing experience!!! We went as a group of three couples, and we all had an amazing time. Spirit of the West Adventures outdid themselves in every way…

Andrew J. (source: Tripadvisor)

The guides on the trip were extremely knowledgeable about the local wildlife, history, local area and full of stories. I enjoyed the extra paddles in the evenings to get some additional time on the water in this amazing environment. The food was amazing from start to finish. How the guides managed to produce such quality food in the wilderness will be their secret.

Things to know

  • Included:

      • 4-day Johnstone Strait ultimate kayaking adventure
      • An experienced kayaking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      • Kayaks & kayaking gear (paddling life jacket, paddle, pump, rope, sponge)
      • Camping equipment — tent, pillow, Therm-a-Rest sleeping pad, tarp (except for the sleeping bag)
      • All meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 4 (as listed in the itinerary)
      • Non-alcoholic beverages (tea, coffee, water, and juices)
      • Park & land use permits

    Add-ons

      • Rain gear
      • Sleeping bag
      • Certain special dietary requirements (more details above and upon checkout)

    Not included:

      • Personal transport to and from the meeting point in Bauza Cove
      • Personal items (clothing, toiletries, etc.)
      • Alcoholic and carbonated beverages
      • Accommodation before and after your tour
      • Guide gratuities — optional
      • Travel and medical insurance — optional
  • The best part of this Johnstone Strait kayak adventure is that it’s suitable for all skill levels. You’ll paddle for 4-6 hours each day, covering 6-8 nautical miles, with shorter paddling days on arrival and departure. You may also encounter wind, currents, and crossings. Throughout the journey, the main focus will be on immersing yourself in nature and searching for orcas. As part of the expedition, everyone will work together as a team. Your help will be essential with loading, carrying, and unloading kayaks, as well as setting up and breaking down camp.

    For more kayaking adventures in Canada, click here!

  • Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

    Clothing for paddling

      • A full set of rain gear (jacket and pants, rentals available with advance notice)
      • Two long-sleeved synthetic shirts
      • One long-sleeved fleece or mid-weight layer
      • One pair of quick-dry or synthetic pants
      • A pair of water shoes (gumboots, crocs, neoprene booties, or sandals with straps—no flip-flops)
      • One sun hat
      • A pair of sunglasses

    Clothing for camp

      • Two shirts
      • One fleece or sweatshirt
      • One pair of camp pants (yoga pants or synthetic/quick-dry)
      • Two long underwear or base layers (keep one pair for sleeping)
      • One pair of shorts
      • Four warm socks
      • Underwear (a mix of cotton and synthetic)
      • One bathing suit
      • One toque/beanie
      • A pair of camp shoes (runners, light hikers, or sturdy sandals)

    Other items

      • Sleeping bag: 3-season bag in a compression sack (rentals available with advance notice)
      • Headlamp and spare batteries
      • Personal toiletries (eco-friendly/biodegradable)
      • Quick-dry compact towel, face cloth, and wipes
      • Sunscreen and bug spray
      • Hand sanitizer and mask
      • Water bottle
      • A few Ziplocs and garbage bags (for extra waterproofing)

    Optional

      • Binoculars, camera, and spare batteries
      • Book, journal, cards, or small games
      • Phone charging battery bank
      • Paddling gloves
      • Spare eyeglasses and contact lenses
      • Medication (if flying, pack necessary medication in your carry-on luggage)
      • Carbonated or alcoholic beverages (no-alcohol-on-the-water policy; please wait until kayaking for the day is done)
      • Guide team gratuity (cash or credit card; note a 3% surcharge applies to credit card gratuities)

    Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season and activity.

  • Group sizes and pricing

      • For this Johnstone Strait kayak adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 5:1.
      • It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 10 participants.

    Johnstone Strait kayaking adventures can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors older than 12 may be permitted to join this Johnstone Strait kayak ultimate adventure on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

    If your group has kayakers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • Your Johnstone Strait kayak adventure starts in Bauza Cove. If you’re driving, to get to Bauza Cove, turn off Island Hwy/BC-19 onto Beaver Cove Road. Ignore the Spirit of the West sign for Alder Bay and continue straight towards Bauza Cove. Just before reaching Telegraph Cove, turn right onto the gravel road above the hotel. Then, take the second left through the open gate. While Google Maps may not show the last road, it’s there!

    For those flying, you can take a flight from Vancouver to Port Hardy Airport (YZT) with Pacific Coastal Airlines that operates from the South Terminal at Vancouver Airport (YVR). From Port Hardy, you can rent a car for the 45-minute drive to Bauza Cove.

  • The menu for this Johnstone Strait kayak adventure is designed to nourish and energize you after a day of outdoor adventure. From paddling to beach walks and wildlife spotting, you’ll be fueled with fresh, wholesome, and satisfying meals. All meals and snacks are provided as listed in the itinerary, starting with lunch on Day 1 and including a packed lunch on your final day.

    You can also request a gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, or nut-free menu for an additional cost. If you follow a vegetarian, no red meat, no fish, no seafood, or no pork diet, there is no extra charge.

  • During your Johnstone Strait kayak adventure, you’ll camp at a new location each night. The area offers a variety of campsites, with at least one night spent at the Spirit of the West base camp on Hanson Island, featuring a rustic kitchen, tent platforms, and a pit toilet.

    Other campsites have designated areas and pit toilets, with your guides bringing a portable toilet system. Your guides follow Leave No Trace principles, so please review them before the trip. Fresh water is limited, but handwashing stations will be set up. For bathing, enjoy cold saltwater dips or use a cloth with fresh water (which must be packed out). Cell service is available, but there’s no electricity, so bring extra batteries for your devices. Be prepared for cool, moist coastal air and pack accordingly.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

    Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

    Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

  • Deposits

    You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

    Cancellations

    Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

    Basic

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Flexible

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 30-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Super Flexible

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 30 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
  • 57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.
Have more questions? Read our FAQ, or Talk with us
From $1,270 ()
Saved to bucket list
Removed from bucket list

Choose a currency

  • USD - $
    US Dollar
  • EUR - €
    Euro
  • AUD - AU$
    Australian Dollar
  • CAD - CA$
    Canadian Dollar
  • GBP - £
    British Pound Sterling
  • CHF - CHF
    Swiss Franc
  • JPY - ¥
    Japanese Yen
  • SGD - S$
    Singapore Dollar
  • HKD - HK$
    Hong Kong Dollar
  • DKK - Dkr
    Danish Krone
  • NOK - Nkr
    Norwegian Krone
  • SEK - Skr
    Swedish Krona