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
This Johnstone Strait kayaking 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
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
Included:
Add-ons
Not included:
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.
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Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
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.
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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 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!