Orcas of Johnstone Strait. Also known as Robson Bight, a narrow passage that separates Vancouver Island from the British Columbia mainland, the areas is rich in scenery and marine life other than whales.
The Strait is set amongst steep fjords, small islands and lush rainforest with old growth red cedar and Sitka spruce up to 1000 years old. Subsurface upwellings and penetrating ocean currents result in a rich marine environment that is home to five species of salmon, numerous sea birds, and Orca whales. According to whale researchers, Johnstone Strait is recognized as the best place in the world to observe wild Orca whales. Along the entire West Coast, there are approximately 30 pods of Orcas, with 10 to 20 whales in each pod. The northern pods congregate in Johnstone Strait every summer to feed in the salmon-rich waters, socialize, and rest in shallow bays.
Orcas are magnificent creatures that can grow to a length of 10 metres (30 feet) and a weight of 8 tons. Observers are impressed by the beauty of these powerful but gentle creatures as they spyhop, breach, and fluke. A highlight of the expedition is paddling in the vicinity of Robson Bight on Vancouver Island. Protected as a BC Ecological Reserve, Robson Bight has shallow waters and a pebble bottom where the whales converge to rub their bodies. 
Orcas are noted for their high intelligence and have a sophisticated communication system that consists of squeaks, whistles and moans that can be heard up to 8 miles away underwater. Each of the 30 West Coast pods has its own dialect. Using underwater microphones (hydrophones), participants can listen to individual whales and be able to identify them above and below the surface. Our six day sea kayaking expedition travels through areas frequented by the whales in an effort to maximize photographic and viewing opportunities.
The itinerary starts 20 km (12 mi.) south of Port McNeill in the small community of Telegraph Cove. Located on northeastern Vancouver Island it is accessible by highway (5-6 hour drive from Nanaimo) or by scheduled air service to nearby Port Hardy.
2012 Departure Dates & Cost
3 DAYS EXPEDITION DETAILS
June 27-29, June 30-July 2
July 3-5, 6-8, 10-12, 13-15, 17-19, 20-22, 24-26, 27-29, July 31-August 2
August 3-5, 7-9, 10-12, 14-16, 17-19, 21-23, 24-26, 28-30
September 1-3, 4-6, 7-9, 11-13, 14-16, 18-20, 21-23
Price Per person: $ 820 CAD
Departure Point: Telegraph Cove, BC
Maximum Participants: 12 (2 guides)
6 DAYS EXPEDITION DETAILS
June 24-29,
July 1-6, 8-13, 15-20, 22-27, July 29 - August 3
August 5-10, 12-17, 19-24, 26-31
September 2-7, 9-14, 16-21
Price Per person: $1,325 CAD
Departure Point: Telegraph Cove, BC
Maximum Participants: 12 (2 guides)
Itinerary
Please note that weather and sea conditions may affect the itinerary. In addition, although we operate during the time of peak whale activity in the area, we cannot guarantee their presence.
Day 1
Meet the guides at 8:00 am the day of departure at the Telegraph Cove Resort Campsite office. The group will launch at the resort office/launching dock after equipment and supplies are packed.
Day 1 - 6
The six days will be spent paddling amongst the numerous islands of Johnstone Strait. Our itinerary will be flexible to allow changes in whale movements throughout the Strait, and changes in weather and sea conditions. On the sixth day, the group will return to Telegraph Cove by mid-afternoon.
Additional Information
Services included:
- All meals from lunch Day 1 to lunch Day 3 or 6
- Services of two fully qualified guides
- All kayaking and safety equipment
- Group cooking/camping equipment
Excluded:
- Transportation between your home and Telegraph Cove, BC
- Hotel accommodations or camping fees before and/or after trip
- Airport transfers (*between Port Hardy and Port McNeill)
- Parking fees, if leaving your vehicle while your away
- Tent rentals are available for $15 per day
- Personal belongings as listed on 'Clothing & Equipment List'
- Goods and services tax of 5%
- Taxi service (often a passenger van) from Port Hardy airport to Port McNeill is approximately $40-$60 CAD, which is shared by the number of passengers using it
Your Guides
On each sea kayaking expedition you have a fully qualified guide and with numbers over five, another highly competent guide.
Your Sea Kayaks
A variety of single kayaks and double ocean kayaks are used on the expedition. Everyone will have the opportunity to experience paddling in both vessel types. 
Meals
All meals are included on your expedition trip. Fresh wholesome foods consist of salads, pasta, soups and sandwiches in hearty proportions. Most cooking is done with propane stove and oven. If you have particular dietary restrictions (e.g., vegetarian, allergies) please let us know well in advance and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Weather
Summer weather on Vancouver Island's east coast is variable. Mid-summer can be shorts and t-shirt weather with daytime temperatures of 21'C - 24'C (70'F - 75'F), though there are often cool breezes off the water. Evenings are cool with temperatures near 12'C (55'F). Extended periods of rain are unusual, but possible, and mornings may be foggy. The water temperature remains close to 8'C (48'F) year-round.
No Experience is Required
All persons adapt quickly to the paddling skills required after a comprehensive introduction from our guides. Even without previous paddling experience, our vessels are very seaworthy and easy to handle. We do insist however, that you know how to swim. Mileage per day averages only 7 to 8 miles (4 - 5 hours on the water) as there are so many other activities to enjoy including beach combing, whale watching, fishing, and relaxing on the beach.
Safety
Your safety while participating in this expedition is one of our prime concerns and therefore we provide you with the best equipment and extremely competent guides. The guides are well trained in wilderness first aid techniques, and well experienced in this environment. Ultimately your guide makes decisions with your comfort and safety in mind, yet tries to maximize the experience of the adventure for each individual. We must stress that listening to instructions and directions given by the guide is your ultimate responsibility and in the best interest of yourself and the group. The expedition is equipped with a VHF radio communication for logistics and emergency transmissions.
How to get to Telegraph Cove
Pacific Coastal Airlines offer daily flight service between Vancouver and Port Hardy with taxi service connecting to Port McNeill. Return airfare is approximately $300. Alternatively, there is scheduled bus service to Port McNeill from Vancouver and Victoria. Cost for the nine hour trip is approximately $165 roundtrip. Taxi service is available from Port McNeill and Telegraph Cove.
