Imagine spotting marine mammals in their natural habitat or watching a bear wander down to a stream—these are just some of the incredible sights you might witness in British Columbia. Join us for a relaxing Johnstone Strait kayaking adventure, where you’ll spend four days immersed in BC’s untamed wilderness. Paddle through this glacier-carved channel, guided by experts who will reveal the region’s hidden treasures. Need a break from kayaking? Stretch your legs on a scenic hike through breathtaking landscapes and soak in the fresh, crisp air. This tour is all about you and your experience, so we’ll adapt the pace to match your preferences. Come along and let’s create unforgettable memories in the wild!
The Johnstone Strait kayak ultimate adventure is the perfect opportunity for anyone looking to recharge through kayaking, regardless of skill level. We’ll paddle for 4 to 6 hours each day, immersing ourselves in the nature of British Columbia. You’ll also have the option to unwind with a hike, or simply choose whichever activity feels right at the moment. Our comfortable white canvas tents on wooden platforms provide a cozy retreat, and you can relax in the hot tubs to soothe your muscles after a day of adventure. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included, with our expert guides—who are also incredible cooks—preparing delicious meals. Join us for this unforgettable journey and fall in love with the wilderness.
Our adventure begins at 11:30am at Alder Bay RV Park & Marina in McNeill, where you’ll meet your guides. After a brief safety briefing, we’ll board a water taxi for a scenic 45-minute ride across the Johnstone Strait. Upon arrival at West Cracroft Island, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch. After settling in, we’ll gather on the beach for a kayak orientation, followed by an optional late-afternoon paddle.
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Camping
During both days, everyone can choose what suits them best—whether it’s a peaceful nature retreat on land or a relaxing kayak excursion. After a hearty breakfast and a cup of coffee, your guides will help you find the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
You might opt for a land activity, like hiking to Eagle Eye while learning about forest ecology, or spend the day paddling along the coastline, discovering the fascinating intertidal life on the rocks and headlands. For a more laid-back day, relax at camp with yoga, a book and a cup of tea, or unwind in the hot tub. At the end of the day, we’ll gather together to enjoy dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Camping
We’ll pack our bags, have breakfast and enjoy a final morning paddle on the water. After a quick lunch, we’ll board the water taxi back to Alder Bay. We expect to be back at our vehicles around 2pm, though the exact time may vary depending on weather and wind conditions.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
This trip exceeded my expectations! Not only was our guide deeply knowledgeable about the ocean and its inhabitants, she was also a fantastic camp chef, an astute navigator, and a calmly motivating paddler.
The home base is a great place to start your day and end it! We hit some bumps along the way but no matter.. they ensured we were taken care of! You can rest assured that this operator will take care of you. They are professionals. Thanks for an amazing time!!
Included:
Add-ons
Not included:
Kayaking in Johnstone Strait, Canada, is suitable for all skill levels, from first-timers to experts. You will explore the shores of Johnstone Strait and West Cracroft Island, taking in stunning views and visiting a nearby whale research outpost. Each day, you will have an option to paddle for 4-6 hours, with the first and last days being shorter due to water taxi transport. Days 2 and 3 will be full days of paddling. Your experienced guides prioritize safety and will adjust the pace based on weather and wind conditions.
For more kayaking adventures in Canada, click here!
Clothing for paddling
Clothing for camp
Other items
Optional
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
Johnstone Strait kayaking adventures can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has kayakers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
Your Johnstone Strait Kayak Ultimate adventure starts at Alder Bay. If you’re driving, take the ferry to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. From Tsawwassen, take the Tsawwassen-Duke Point route, or from Vancouver, the Horseshoe Bay-Departure Bay route. Once in Nanaimo, follow Highway 19 North toward Parksville, Campbell River, and Port Hardy. Continue on Highway 19 and take the exit for Telegraph Cove on Beaver Cove Road. Drive 4 km and turn left onto Alder Bay Road, driving another 1 km to Alder Bay RV Park & Marina.
For those flying, you can take a flight from Vancouver to Port Hardy Airport (YZT). From there, rent a car or take a 40-minute taxi ride (approximately 100 CAD) to Alder Bay.
Once you’re there, you will meet your guide at 11:30am in Alder Bay RV Park & Marina.
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
Flexible
Super Flexible
It was a wonderfully designed (one-way back by boat) and well organized trip discovering new territory and views each day in ever changing weather (think foggy mornings brightening up by mid-day, mostly), which was magical. We spotted sea otters, seals, sea lions, dolphins, porpoise and humpback whales, plus black bears on shore, with hearing whales blow at night while lying in a cosy tent, maybe being the most magical nature experience for me.