- Adults – $1000
- Spring Sale – All June departures only $800!
- Departs Telegraph Cove every Tuesday and Friday from June 18 to Sept. 20 at 9am. Returns at 3-30pm on day 4
- Four full days All Inclusive kayaking Johnstone Strait and Blackfish Sound, from our wilderness base camps;
- Adult and separate family tours available.
- Non-intrusive wildlife observation and fun for all; No experience necessary.
- Experienced guides, great food and top quality equipment – Unmatched value for money!
Tour Itinerary
Four Day Orcas and the Humpbacks Sea Kayaking – Day 1
We ask you to arrive at our store adjacent to the kayak launch ramp in Telegraph Cove at 9am on your start date. Your kayaks will already be on the launch ramp with the group gear loaded. We will spend some time assisting you to pack your personal things and clothing into the dry bags we supply and loading it into the kayaks. Once your bags are stowed you will receive some on-shore paddling instruction and we will be ready to cast off. You will paddle out of the mouth of the tiny Telegraph Cove harbor, directly into Johnstone Strait. Never kayaked before? Within the first 10 minutes you will have grasped the basics.
We will ensure you are comfortable as we paddle along the shoreline of Vancouver Island in the direction of our first remote beach base camp. As you glide along in your sleek, non-intrusive Kayak, we stop and watch for any wildlife and enjoy the majestic scenery of Northern Vancouver Island. The timing of any wildlife encounters cannot be predicted but we can be sure that we have four days of great opportunity in front of us.
We will stop to stretch our legs and enjoy a picnic lunch on a remote beach and will cross Johnstone Strait towards Hanson Island; your home for the next few nights. During the day watch for Bald Eagles and their nests; See the inquisitive Dalls Porpoises and if we are lucky spot a Black Bear turning rocks, looking for breakfast. Maybe we will see Killer Whales or even on occasion Humpback Whales right outside the mouth of Telegraph Cove or maybe we will not see any today. Rest assured, your experienced guide is monitoring the local chatter on their marine radio to ensure we do not miss a single opportunity.
You will likely reach the Hanson Hide-Away base camp in the mid afternoon. This ensures we miss getting caught in the afternoon winds that frequently come out of the North and gives you a chance to get settled in and explore your new home. Just because we are on shore does not mean that spectacular wildlife encounters are over for the day. Of the many creatures that abound in the vicinity, the Killer Whales, Steller Sea Lions, eagles and seals will frequently hunt along the kelp forest just in front of camp. Keep your eyes and ears open.
The days paddling and the fresh air will likely have caused you an appetite, which will be satisfied by our healthy and filling dinner. After dinner, enjoy some games, take a stroll and explore the beach or hang around the campfire and get to know the other members of your group. If weather permits, an evening paddle may be on the cards. If not there is always tomorrow! At bedtime, snuggle into your sleeping bag and enjoy the feeling of sleeping under the stars that only a camping experience can provide.
Four Day Orcas and the Humpbacks Sea Kayaking – Day 2
Wake up to the aroma of coffee and the great outdoors. After a hearty breakfast it’s into the kayaks to explore. Depending on the tides and weather we will head east or west in search of wildlife and adventure. The Hanson Hide-Away base camp location gives us ability to head into the narrow passages that border Hanson Island. These passages get some high tidal current flow four times a day so we have to choose our opportunities carefully but the rewards can be spectacular. The currents cause high concentrations of food in a small area. Lots of food means lots of predators and lots of photo opportunities. We will stop for a picnic lunch on a remote beach and head back to camp for late afternoon.
We always carry at least one research grade hydrophone on our sea kayaking tours. When we find ourselves in the vicinity of a pod of Orca, your guide will deploy the hydrophone so we may hear them communicating. We use an external amplifier and speaker so all may hear. If you have a video mode on your camera, this can allow you to capture the sounds as well as the sight of these spectacular animals.
During the fall of 2012, the Humpback Whales who frequent the area started singing. This is a new and exciting development as singing was thought only to occur when they were in warm waters and intent on breeding. We are hoping the song continues into summer 2013.
Enjoy a second evening at your beach camp home and another great dinner. Reminisce about all the day’s activities and fun. Thumb through our library to identify any creatures you may have seen on your excursion and learn more about them. Watch the sunset and if you are lucky a moonrise while your cozy tent awaits. The elevated position of the ‘Orca Lounge’ at our Hanson Hide-Away base camp and the long summer evenings gives spectacular land based viewing opportunities. Sound travels so far over a still, flat, evening ocean. Listen for the blows and see the Orcas swim by in the moonlight. The lack of light pollution this far away from civilization also allows for spectacular star-gazing on dark, moonless nights.
Four Day Orcas and the Humpbacks Sea Kayaking – Day 3
You will wake up once again to a camp breakfast cooking and the aroma of coffee. Today we plan to move camp. Choosing North Island Kayak for your vacation gives the unique opportunity to have base camp style camping but to camp on more than one beach. Our Kaikash Creek Orca Camp is located on the opposite shore from our Hanson Hide-Away camp. You will likely of seen the camp fire from the ‘Orca Lounge’. Moving camp will allow us to paddle deeper into Johnstone Strait and towards the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. While this whole region has been identified and is protected as critical habitat for the Northern Resident Killer Whales, Robson Bight is where they head for the rubbing beaches.
As this sanctuary is so sensitive, one may only paddle to the borders – no one may enter. We will take a picnic lunch on a beach and head to the new camp in the late afternoon. Our Kaikash Creek camp is located on the longest beach in the area. There is lots of exploring to do; from the waterfall at one end, the forest behind and the beach itself in front. Alternatively, just hang in a beach-side hammock and wait for the wildlife to swim by you. Your guide will once more surprise you with their culinary skills to ensure you do not go to bed hungry.
Four Day Orcas and the Humpbacks Sea Kayaking – Day 4
Coffee and breakfast will again greet you, on this our last day exploring by kayak. Once the kayaks are packed you paddle, again among the marine mammals of the Pacific Northwest while we slowly start the homeward journey. The route home will vary depending on our afternoon weather forecast but our focus will remain on wildlife viewing and photo opportunities. Your guide will always have the hydrophone at the ready so no opportunity to listen in on whale talk will be missed
Lunch will be had on a remote beach before the last leg towards Telegraph Cove. On arrival and after the group photo has been taken, you can just grab your belongings and enjoy the rest of your vacation. We do the entire cleanup! Many guests stay a while, reliving the adventure with new friends and exchanging contact information so pictures can be shared. Be sure to take time to visit the Whale museum before leaving this pristine wilderness haven.
We typically follow this itinerary; however on some occasions need to make changes due to weather or tidal considerations; Our goal will always remain to provide you the best possible wildlife experience. On some occasions it will not be practical or desirable to change camp on day 3.
Tour Features
Over 200 Northern Resident Killer Whales call this area home for the summer. These fish-eating mammals forage Johnstone Strait for their favorite food the Chinook Salmon, the largest of the salmon species.
An increasing number of Humpback Whales inhabit these waters, feeding on the abundant amount of krill and herring Johnstone Strait provides. These giants arrive in the Strait in June and stay until October.
The Stellar Sea Lion, the largest of the sea lions, calls the area home year round as does the Harbor Seal, Bald Eagle (and other sea birds), Pacific white-sided dolphin, Dall’s porpoise, Black bear, mink and salmon.
The cold, nutrient rich waters create an incredible inter and sub-tidal invertebrate ecosystem to explore.
A few times a year we will see Minke whales and on rare occasions Fin whales or Cougars.
Departure and return point of choice for killer whale sea kayaking tours.
North Island Kayak is based in Telegraph Cove – No time wasted on a bus transfer – Be first on the water – 9am Start!
You will frequently see Bald Eagles, Mink, River Otters, Black Bears or even whales before we even leave the dock!
Visit the Whale Interpretive Center at the end of the ‘old time’ Telegraph Cove boardwalk.
Base Camping with a difference – We stay at two different camps
This unique 4 day Orca and the Humpbacks trip uses two different Base Camps located on opposite sides of Johnstone Strait. This allows us to explore a much larger area than using only one camp, while still providing all the advantages of a base camp style trip. A truly unique experience.
Unmatched value for money and the best possible wildlife opportunities!
In the heart of the Northern Resident Killer Whale protected Critical Habitat.
Covered kitchen, dining and gathering areas; ‘Orca View’ beach-side BBQ.
Quality tents you can stand up in on individual ceder chip bases in the forest.
Spectacular views from the elevated overlook – fire-pit, hammocks, games and ocean-side library.
Great tide pool opportunities – Bring a fishing rod and catch your dinner.
In the heart of the Northern Resident Killer Whale protected Critical Habitat.
Covered kitchen, dining and gathering areas; ‘Orca View’ beach-side BBQ.
Quality tents you can stand up in on individual ceder chip bases in the forest.
Longest beach in the area for you to explore – fire-pit, hammocks, games and ocean-side library.
Only 6km from Robson Bight – The whales hunt the kelp beds in front of camp.
A great itinerary – 4 Full Days kayaking where Orca and Humpback Whales call home!
First on the water and into Johnstone Strait from delightful Telegraph Cove.
Discover the wildlife and scenery of Johnstone Strait while paddling towards camp and listening to the Orcas with hydrophones;
Paddle Blackney Passage and into Blackfish sound and investigate the shallows in search of colorful, inter-tidal creatures.
Enjoy free time at camp – Stay with the group or explore the beach; Relax on the cliff watching for wildlife.
Wonderful food – You will not go hungry
4 picnic lunches, 3 hearty breakfasts and 3 spectacular dinners plus delicious deserts, snacks, coffee, tea, various juices and water.
Many of the vegetables served will come from our own greenhouse and eggs from our free range chickens. Other ingredients are sourced first from our local communities.
Quality Equipment
We provide all of the camping and kayaking equipment. Come with the clothing and personal items noted in ‘What to Bring’ and we do the rest.
We even provide you with quality dry bags to keep your clothes and gear dry.
What to bring
What to bring on my Base Camp Sea Kayaking tour?
Kayaking is an outdoor activity and the part of the world you will be visiting is identified as being within a Temperate Rainforest. Our summer daytime highs are rarely much over room temperature and our nighttime lows can be described as cool. It Also rains on occasion, sometimes for extended periods.
If you are familiar with spending time outdoors then you are likely already equipped with most of the clothing and accessories that you will need to bring with you. Likewise you are aware that cotton is not your friend when there is any chance of getting wet.
We recommend that you bring two sets of clothing for your kayaking tour. One set that you will primarily wear while in the kayaks. This should consist of layer-able clothes that will cope well and remain comfortable should they get damp or even wet. The second set of clothing is for around camp and should be selected to keep you warm and cozy during the evening. Again layers provide maximum flexibility. Avoid jeans and cotton shirts or sweaters,as once they get damp they can be very tough to dry and provide you with minimal residual warmth. If you can stick with synthetic quick dry materials or wool for your clothing, you will likely have a much better experience in our wilderness.
What you need while on The Water.
- For your head; A hat, cap, or tuque.
- For your upper body; A base layer and a long sleeved mid-layer. A light fleece is also a good idea.
- For your lower body; Non cotton underwear, synthetic shorts or long pants that can be rolled up.
- For your feet; Water shoes or sandals with a heel strap. Do not bring thongs or flip-flops.
- Wool or synthetic socks as your feet will get wet!
- Consider thermal underwear, both top and bottoms for cooler months. Synthetic or wool – No cotton!
What you need while at camp.
- Your normal outdoor camping clothes will work fine, but it is always cooler near the water.
- A base layer and a long sleeved mid-layer and a warm sweater, sweatshirt/hoody or outer layer fleece. Warm pants!
- Light hikers, or runners and warm socks for your feet. Do not bring thongs or flip-flops.
- A waterproof jacket, consider waterproof pants too.
- Warm PJ’s and socks to wear to bed.
- A warm synthetic sleeping bag – we can supply this, if required.
Comfort and convenience items.
- A small towel for drying feet, etc. when getting changed.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm
- Head-light or small torch; It gets very dark once the sun goes down.
- A book or magazine; writing materials or other personal entertainment.
- Personal toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, hairbrush, biodegradable soap, feminine hygiene products, etc.)
- Camera and binoculars.
Things to consider while packing.
- Avoid cotton – We cannot overstate this! Once it is wet it stays that way and give minimal residual warmth.
- If you are bringing your own sleeping bag, make sure it contains no cotton and will be good in our cool climate.
- Look for one rated to below 0C or 32F.
- It needs to have a compression bag so it can fit in small spaces.
- We can provide a suitable sleeping bag if requested.
- Do not over pack – Space is limited.
- Do not forget to bring one extra set of any medication or corrective lenses.
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices – Four Day Orca and the Humpbacks Sea Kayaking
The following table shows the departure dates and prices (CDN$) for this tour.
| Daparture Date | Adult Price | Sale Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday Jun 18, 2013 | $1,000 | $800 | Yes |
| Friday Jun 21, 2013 | $1,000 | $800 | Yes |
| Tuesday Jun 25, 2013 | $1,000 | $800 | Yes |
| Friday Jun 28, 2013 | $1,000 | $800 | Yes |
| Tuesday Jul 02, 2013 | $1,000 | - | Yes |
| Friday Jul 05, 2013 | $1,000 | - | Yes |
| Tuesday Jul 09, 2013 | $1,000 | - | Yes |
| Friday Jul 12, 2013 | $1,000 | - | Yes |
| Tuesday Jul 16, 2013 | $1,000 | - | Yes |
| Friday Jul 19, 2013 | $1,000 | - | Yes |
| Tuesday Jul 23, 2013 | $1,000 | - | Yes |
| Friday Jul 26, 2013 | $1,000 | - | Limited |
| Tuesday Jul 30, 2013 | $1,000 | - | Limited |
| Friday Aug 02, 2013 | $1,000 | - | Limited |
| Tuesday Aug 06, 2013 | $1,000 | - | Limited |
| Friday Aug 09, 2013 | $1,000 | - | Limited |
| Tuesday Aug 13, 2013 | $1,000 | - | Limited |
| Friday Aug 16, 2013 | $1,000 | - | Limited |
| Tuesday Aug 20, 2013 | $1,000 | - | Yes |
| Friday Aug 23, 2013 | $1,000 | - | Yes |
| Tuesday Aug 27, 2013 | $1,000 | - | Yes |
| Friday Aug 30, 2013 | $1,000 | - | Yes |
| Tuesday Sep 03, 2013 | $1,000 | - | Yes |
| Friday Sep 06, 2013 | $1,000 | - | Yes |
| Tuesday Sep 10, 2013 | $1,000 | - | Yes |
| Friday Sep 13, 2013 | $1,000 | - | Yes |
| Tuesday Sep 17, 2013 | $1,000 | - | Yes |
| Friday Sep 20, 2013 | $1,000 | - | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
We know you have questions. Please take a look through these as they respond to those we are most frequently asked. Should your question not be addressed, please contact us so we may address it.
I have never sea kayaked before how safe is it?
How many people are usually on the trips?
Who will be on the trip with me?
How much paddling will we do?
What will my kayak be like?
Can I bring my own kayak?
Should I tip the guides?
How do you choose your guides
Has North Island Kayak been providing these trips for many years?
Do you have insurance and all appropriate permits?
What kind of physical condition do I need to be in?
Does anyone ever tip over?
Will the whales bother the kayaks?
When will we return to Telegraph Cove?
What about children?
What should I wear?
Will I see Killer Whales or Humpback whales?
This area of Johnstone Strait is world renowned for the Northern Resident Killer Whales or Orcas who visit every summer. While we are privileged to see them on occasion throughout the year, they are seen most regularly in conjunction with the annual salmon runs. The very best time to be here to see the Orcas is the end of July and throughout August while the start of July and end of September are boundaries for predictable sightings.
The Humpback Whales feed on concentrations of krill and small fish. These high density feeding opportunities happen more frequently in and around the areas of high tidal currents found to the east and west of Hanson Island. The 4 day tour allows us to spend time in these areas as it uses our Hanson Hide-Away base camp for two the the three nights you are out.
The table below attempts to give you an indication of the types of animals you may encounter, for any given time, for this specific tour.
| Four Day Orca and the Humpbacks Sea Kayaking | June | Early July | Mid July | End of July and Early August | Mid to Late August | September |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marine Mammals | ||||||
| Dalls Porpoise | Common | Common | Common | Common | Common | Common |
| Harbor Seals | Common | Common | Common | Common | Common | Common |
| Pacific White-Sided Dolphins | Occasional | Occasional | Occasional | Occasional | Frequent | Frequent |
| Stellar Sea-Lions | Frequent | Frequent | Frequent | Frequent | Frequent | Frequent |
| Minke Whales | Rare | Rare | Rare | Rare | Rare | Rare |
| Orcas (or Killer Whales) | Rare | Occasional | Frequent | Frequent | Frequent | Frequent |
| Humpback Whales | Frequent | Frequent | Frequent | Frequent | Frequent | Frequent |
| Land Mammals | ||||||
| Mink | Common | Common | Common | Common | Common | Common |
| River Otters | Frequent | Frequent | Frequent | Frequent | Frequent | Frequent |
| Black Bears | Frequent | Frequent | Occasional | Occasional | Occasional | Frequent |
| Cougars | Very Rare | Very Rare | Very Rare | Very Rare | Very Rare | Very Rare |
| Common | = | Multiple times per day | ||||
| Frequent | = | Almost Daily | ||||
| Occasional | = | Every few days | ||||
| Rare | = | Once a week | ||||
| Very Rare | = | Once a summer | ||||