text: Spend 5 whole days exploring Johnstone Strait, Queen Charlotte Strait and the western edge of the Broughton Archipelago by sea kayak, in search of wild Killer Whales or Orcas, Humpback Whales and Steller Sea Lions in their natural environment, led by our experienced, qualified guides using top quality equipment. Opportunities to also see porpoises, dolphins, bald eagles, black bears, numerous sea birds, the spectacular rugged scenery around Robson Bight and the beautiful islands of the Broughton Archipelago
  Camping accommodation at 'wilderness paddle in' public camps & one or more of our fully equipped, waterfront wilderness Base Camps. All camp equipment provided.
  The itinerary for the North Island Kayak Five Day Marine Wildlife Sea Kayaking Safari concentrates not only on the areas known to be the primary summer range of Northern Resident Orca (killer whale) population, the summer feeding grounds of an ever increasing number of Humpback Whales and a remote Steller Sea Lion haul out, but also probes the untouched outer western edges of the Broughton Archipelago Marine Park. We maximize the time spent in these areas by utilizing a combination of BC Park provided 'paddle in' remote wilderness camps and, when in the busier non-park areas some of our six wilderness base camps that we erect every spring. The Broughton Archipelago Marine Park camps are available on a 'first come, first served' basis so when we camp here we erect tents and utilize sleeping mats we carry with us in the kayaks.
  On this trip we use our base camps as a stepping stone to the more remote areas. They are scattered throughout northern Johnstone Strait and the South-East corner of Queen Charlotte Strait with specific locations selected to provide easy access to varying localized habitats, but also to give us surety of camp availability in busier areas. Each trip will utilize different camps based on environmental factors like tides, currents and forecast weather with a mind to optimize wildlife observation opportunities and provide an enjoyable, safe and accessible kayaking experience. The base camps are each similarly equipped with comfortable facilities but each provides a different view and exploration opportunities. North Island Kayak is unique in this area in being able to provide a 5 day paddle out, paddle in nomadic tour, showcasing all this spectacular wilderness area has to offer while being able to be assured of spectacular private camps in the busier areas we need to pass through. Having our private camps already set also gives us the ability to spend longer on the water as we can be sure that there will be places for us when we reach these destinations and ensures that when we are returning from further out, we will still have a beautiful spot to camp. We will usually stay at one of these base camps for the first night and a different one for the last night and utilize the more remote BC Parks camp areas for nights two and three.
  Your Five Day Marine Wildlife Sea Kayaking Adventure departs from the boat ramp located adjacent to our store in Telegraph Cove. You are welcome to come visit us, at your convenience in the days before the tour with any of those last minute questions or to pick up dry bags for your gear. Alternately we meet you at 8-30am on the morning of your trip. Your professional kayak guide will be here to greet you with dry bags and advice on how to pack. We recommend that you will have already had your breakfast – the Seahorse Café located right in the Cove can look after most tastes. Your kayaks will be already loaded with all the camping and group equipment with space left for your gear.
  The tour starts with introductions to your fellow adventurers and a brief safety and paddling technique discussion to ensure your comfort on the water. After being fitted to your kayak you will be ready for launch. This tour is typically on the water before 9-30am while other companies are still unloading kayaks from their trailers. Never kayaked before? Within the first 10 minutes you will have grasped the basics.
  Our plan for Day one is to leave Telegraph Cove and head out towards Yukusam (Hanson Island) on the far side of Johnstone Strait. The winds and tidal currents for the day will determine not only whether we pass through Blackney or Weynton Passage and into Blackfish Sound but also what time we must do so, but either direction provides access to spectacular scenery and great opportunities for Humpback, Orca and sea lion activity. Both of these narrow passages receive tidal currents of up to 6 knots (10km/h) four times a day and hence provide a rich and transient food source for all manner of inter-tidal & sub-tidal creatures, sea birds, seals, eagles, porpoises in addition to the larger mammals.
  We will most likely stop at one of the six remote base camps we have in the area for the first night. This gives an opportunity to familiarize you with wilderness camping while providing camp location certainty. We will ensure you are comfortable as we paddle in the direction of our remote beach camp site. 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 there are five whole days of great opportunities in front of you. We will stop to stretch our legs and enjoy a picnic lunch on a remote beach.
  You will likely reach 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. 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, stellar sea lions, eagles and seals will frequently hunt along the kelp forest just in front of camp. Keep your eyes and ears open.
  If you are not already up to see the sunrise your guide will call you to coffee and breakfast. Our plan for the day will have us heading up Blackfish Sound, along the outer edge of Swanson Island and into the lower reaches of the Broughton Archipelago.
  The tidal currents are one of the factors that contribute to the diversity and quantity of marine wildlife in the area. It is not uncommon to see Humpback whales feeding on the krill and bait-fish, Sea Lions or Orcas gorging on Salmon along with an abundance of seabirds. During the course of the day, we will either stop for lunch on another remote beach. 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.
  Once over the top of Swanson Island, you will enter the western gateway of the Broughton Archipelago. A region of hundreds of islands and passages, it almost seems as though it was created as a kayak paradise. Rich in marine and land animals it is a place that is still the ancestral homeland of six Kwakwaka’wakw tribes.
  Almost as soon as you fall asleep, the third day of your tour will dawn. After breakfast we will most likely leave our camp set and head to your kayaks and out through narrow island channels and passages that offer great shelter in summer winds to probe deeper into the wilds and head towards a remote Sea lion haul out to see what they are shouting about today.This part of the Broughtons will likely have some fog in the morning which can make for surreal echos and spectacular surprises as we come across wildlife and see the sea birds you will of heard all around.
  From witnessing the jaw-dropping beauty of this part of the world, you may start to understand why people choose to live out here in the wilderness. Throughout the day there will be opportunities to observe a multitude of creatures and paddle between tiny islands with a new and even more breathtaking view around each corner. Your guide will once more surprise you with their culinary skills to ensure you do not go to bed hungry. On a clear night, be sure to sit up late as the lack of light pollution this far away from civilization allows for spectacular star-gazing on dark, moonless nights.
  After breakfast on day four we will break camp and head out between the islands en-route to our final campsite of this adventure. Exactly where we choose to camp for the night will depend on the weather forecast and the direction of the tides, however you can be sure that the scenery will be second to none and that we will encounter all sorts of wildlife. We will stop on another beach for lunch before paddling to our campsite for the night and our final dinner of the tour. Our destination lies back through the narrow passages surrounding Hanson Island so we can be sure of reaching Robson Bight, the killer whale sanctuary before heading home tomorrow. Remember to watch for humpback whales, Orcas and sea lions as we meander back towards Johnstone Strait. The ecological reserve of Robson Bight is deemed as so sensitive to human encroachment that only those with special research permits may enter. We may paddle its boundaries and gaze at this untouched area of wilderness and be thankful that there are still a few places in the world where the wildlife comes first.
  Camping options become more limited as we approach this area so we will most likely stay at another of our wilderness base camps for the night, however on occasion it may be better to just pitch camp on a desolate island and watch the sun go down. Having the option to do either is part of what makes our tours special and unique.
  Coffee and breakfast will again greet you, on this our last day exploring by kayak. After the kayaks are packed you paddle, once more among the marine mammals of the Pacific Northwest. 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 around 3-30pm 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.
  The calendar below shows the departures dates for our Five Day Marine Wildlife Sea Kayaking Safari. Please select the date you are interested in and click the "Book Now" button. You will not be requested to provide a credit card at this time as, to avoid disappointment, we need to double check these spaces are still available. You will be taken through some forms that will gather required information. Please complete them as fully as possible. If you are unsure about any questions, please provide you best guess as yours is most likely better than ours!