Orca Waters Explorer Kayak Tour - Sea Kayaking Johnstone Strait

Sea kayaking in the rich waters of Johnstone Strait and Blackfish Sound is an experience to remember. This nomadic kayak tour has everything; it starts in the protected waters of the Broughton Archipelago, where you’ll explore the many hidden waterways and discover ancient village sites where the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations culture thrived.

Onward to Blackfish Sound and Johnstone Strait. These waters are the most consistent for wildlife, and as we paddle we’ll keep our eyes on the horizon for the blows from orcas (killer whales), humpback, and Minke whales. With approximately 250 northern resident (fish eating) orcas that visit this area, our chances of spotting them are excellent.

But there is much more to this area; from the snow-capped peaks of the coastal mountains, to the verdant rolling hills of Vancouver Island, bears strolling the shoreline, eagles fishing in front of our campsite, a campfire at dusk – these are the beautiful subtleties of the area. This is our classic tour, and its’ popularity speaks for itself.

If you are considering visiting before our Orca Waters Explorer tours are scheduled you may want to consider our similar 6 day Broughton Archipelago kayak tour in early June.

Orca Waters Explorer Kayak Tours

Departure Point: Port McNeill, Vancouver Island

Dates:  2012 and 2013 Tour Dates ... July 1 to 6, 2012 July 8 to 13, 2012 July 15 to 20, 2012 July 22 to 27, 2012 July 29 to August 3, 2012 August 5 to 10, 2012 August 12 to 17, 2012 August 19 to 24, 2012 August 26 to 31, 2012 September 2 to 7, 2012 September 9 to 14, 2012 September 16 to 21, 2012 September 23 to 28, 2012 ... June 30 to July 5, 2013 July 7 to 12, 2013 July 14 to 19, 2013 July 21 to 26, 2013 July 28 to August 2, 2013 August 4 to 9, 2013 August 11 to 16, 2013 August 18 to 23, 2013 August 25 to 30, 2013 September 1 to 6, 2013 September 8 to 13, 2013 September 15 to 20, 2013

Cost: $1600 CAD per person plus tax

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Taxes: Canadian Residents pay 12% HST. Visitors to Canada only pay 6% HST as our multi day kayak tours qualify for a 50% tax rebate at the point of sale.

All prices are charged in Canadian funds. Your credit card company will convert to your home currency using their exchange rates. The above foreign exchange prices are approximate and for reference only and are updated daily using rates provided by www.coinmill.com

Grizzly Bear Watching Tours: Many of our guests add a grizzly bear watching day trip before or after they join us kayaking. Let us know if you would like to add this activity and we will make all the arrangements.

Includes: We provide you will all the necessary kayaking and camping equipment, including kayaks, paddling jacket, PFD (life jacket), group shelters, tents, sleeping pads, camp chairs and sleeping bags(you may bring your own). A comprehensive list of required personal items can be viewed here. All meals during the kayak trip are provided and prepared by your guides. We’re proud of our menu that includes abundant fresh fruits and vegetables, a wide variety of international dishes, and freshly baked treats. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated given sufficient prior notification. Transportation is all-inclusive from Port McNeill by our network of vans and water taxis.

What is not included: We do not provide transport from your home to Port McNeill, nor do we provide airport transfers. Accommodation in Port McNeill is not included. Any meals outside the kayak portion of the tour are your responsibility. Travel insurance for accidents or emergency evacuation is not provided; we recommend you purchase a policy before leaving home. The trip price does not include guide gratuities; should you feel that the service was exemplary, it is always appreciated.

Suggested reading: All of our kayak tours carry a small library of field guides and local history books, including many listed below. We recommend the below books if you want to learn a bit about the area before visiting. Each title is linked to Amazon.com and will open in a new window.

Operation Orca: Springer, Luna and the Struggle to Save West Coast Killer Whales
Listening to Whales: What the Orcas Have Taught Us
Full Moon, Flood Tide: Bill Proctor's Raincoast
Heart of the Raincoast: A Life Story

Charts: You do not need to bring charts on this kayak tour. Your guides have charts of the area and will review them with guests each day. If you wish to bring your own chart(s) they are listed below. Each chart is linked to the corresponding page on the Canadian Hydrographic Service's website and you can search where to buy these charts locally (links will open in a new window).

3546 - Broughton Strait - 1:40,000