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Johnstone Strait Kayak Basecamp: Paddle with Whales in BC’s Pristine Waters

Imagine spotting marine mammals in their natural habitat or seeing a bear come down to the stream—this is not uncommon to witness during our time in British Columbia. Join us for a relaxing Johnstone Strait kayaking adventure, where we’ll get to immerse ourselves in BC’s untamed wilderness over 4 days. We’ll explore the waters of this glacial-carved channel, with our expert guides sharing the hidden treasures of the area. If you’d like a break from kayaking, we can hike through the stunning landscapes, breathing in the fresh air. This tour is all about you, so we’ll adapt the pace to suit your preferences. Come along with us, and let’s create unforgettable memories in the wild!

Adventure highlights

  • Marine mammals watching
    Marine mammals, including sea lions, orcas, dolphins, and porpoises, can often be spotted while on tour
  • Incredible wildlife
    Kayak along scenic shorelines and uncover the area’s remarkable wildlife with insights from expert guides
  • Soaking in the hot tub
    Relax in the hot tub with a soothing soak, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views and stunning sunsets
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Itinerary

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 we’ll meet our guides. After a brief safety briefing, we’ll board our 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

    Lunch at camp, West Cracroft Island
  • 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, our guides will help us 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 a delicious dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Accommodation: Camping

    Hiking, Eagle Eye, British Columbia
  • 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

    Water taxi, Johnstone Strait
Adventure brochure
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Meet your guides

Adam Rosenbaum
5.00
Adam Rosenbaum
Kayak Guide
Adam, originally from Toronto, spent his summers paddling canoes in northern Ontario, Quebec, and Labrador. With a background in business and environmental sustainability, he shifted from corporate roles to outdoor adventure. After earning an Adventure Guide Diploma in 2022, he moved to Campbell River, where he now shares his love for nature through transformative sea kayaking trips.
Alana Columna
5.00
Alana Columna
Kayak Guide
Alana, originally from Hamilton, Ontario, developed a passion for the outdoors after moving to Vancouver Island. Raised in a Dominican household, she discovered adventure sports later in life, falling in love with climbing. She earned a certificate in Adventure Tourism from Thompson Rivers University and now lives in her camper van, surfing in Tofino, climbing, hiking, kayaking, and teaching snowboarding.
Daniel Nammour
5.00
Daniel Nammour
Daniel began his guiding career on the Rio Grande, worked with horses in Alberta, and explored Utah’s rivers before reaching the BC coast, where he found endless wilderness. When not adventuring, he enjoys growing food and sharing well-cooked meals with good company, especially by the water under the stars.
Spirit of the West Adventures
5.00
Spirit of the West Adventures
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.

Food & accommodation

5.00 (3 reviews)
Matthias Silke (source: Tripadvisor)

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.

Jennifer A. (source: Tripadvisor)

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.

John D. (source: Tripadvisor)

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!!

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, spray skirt)
      • All meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 4 (as listed in the itinerary)
      • Private round-trip water taxi service from Alder Bay
      • Your own private tent with a simple bed (no linens) and pillow
      • Your own designated composting toilet with a sink/wash area
      • Access to a hot tub overlooking the ocean
      • Outdoor heated showers and towel
      • Park & land use permits

    Add-ons

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

    Not included:

      • Personal transport to and from the meeting point in Alder Bay
      • Personal items (clothing, toiletries, etc.)
      • Alcoholic and carbonated beverages
      • Accommodation before and after your tour
      • Guide gratuities — optional
      • Travel and medical insurance — optional
  • 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

      • 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 ultimate adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 5:1.
      • It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 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 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

      • 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.
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