The Johnstone Strait

Located between the northeastern end of Vancouver Island and the mainland, Johnstone Strait is internationally renowned as the finest place in the world to view the Orcas in the wild. The Broughton Archipelago, snow capped mountain peaks, and stands of old growth forest provide a gorgeous setting for paddlers to witness the congregation of up two hundred resident and transient pods of Orcas from June to October. The temperate rainforest of the area provides habitat for an abundance of wild creatures including the magnificent Bald Eagle, Deer, Black Bear, marine life such as Salmon, Pacific White-Sided Dolphins, Dahl's Porpoises, Seals, Sea Lions and the occasional Humpback, Minke or Grey Whale. The Johnstone Strait area is also situated under the “Pacific Flyway” bird migration path, and often-unusual types of birds are seen.

The Orca gather to socialize, interact, and visit the rubbing beaches of Robson Bight and feast on the numerous runs of salmon that must pass through the strait on their way to spawning grounds to the south. Ocean kayaks provide one of the most exhilarating vantage points from which to observe the whales. Undisturbed by our presence, they will allow a close encounter of the whale kind!

Charts of the area are a must and can be purchased through North Island Kayak. The following are the required navigational charts:

Chart # 3545 – Johnstone Strait
Chart # 3546 – Broughton Archipelago
Chart # 3515 – Knight Inlet

Maps of camping areas are also available either through us or www.coastaleatersrec.com

There are not many unspoiled places left in the world today. Through ignorance and lack of respect for nature and the earth we are rapidly destroying our forests and oceans. We kindly ask that you only leave your footprint behind so others or maybe even yourself may come back to this area and relive the enchantment. Please plan ahead and prepare!! Think out how you will get rid of your garbage and human waste before you head out. If you need help, call us and we will answer your questions on the best methods.