The Ultimate Orca and Wildlife Experience
Telegraph Cove may be a small village, but it has earned an international reputation for extraordinary marine encounters. Tucked along the northeast coast of Vancouver Island, this charming boardwalk community is home to North Island Kayak, where visitors from around the world come to paddle through waters teeming with life.
During summer, the surrounding channels become one of the most reliable places on the planet to see orcas in the wild. Resident pods frequent the area to feed on salmon, while transient orcas travel through in pursuit of seals and porpoises. Kayakers often find themselves gliding through calm water as the distant sound of a whale’s exhale echoes across the strait. It is a moment that reminds you how small yet connected we are within this vast ecosystem. Humpback whales also frequent Johnstone Strait from late spring through early fall, feeding on krill and herring. The area is also home to Steller sea lions, Pacific white-sided dolphins, and an array of seabirds, from cormorants to marbled murrelets.
Telegraph Cove began as a fishing and cannery settlement in the early 1900s and later became a logging camp. Today, it has been carefully restored, and many of the original buildings now house eco-tourism operators, cafés, and small museums. It is one of the last remaining boardwalk villages on Vancouver Island.
For those wanting a deeper, multi-day adventure, North Island Kayak’s basecamp expeditions bring guests into the heart of this incredible area. After paddling from Telegraph Cove, the group settles into a secluded coastal camp equipped with comfortable tents, a dining area, and sustainable amenities. Each day includes guided kayak excursions to explore new regions of the strait, with meals made fresh on-site and evenings spent sharing stories beneath the stars.
North Island Kayak in Telegraph Cove is more than a company; it is a gateway to one of the most biologically rich marine environments in the world. Every paddle stroke reveals a new layer of life, culture, and connection to the coast. Join us next season to experience the beauty of our region!
