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Johnstone Strait Ultimate: 4 day kayak tour

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	This Johnstone Strait tour starts from our base on Quadra Island or from Campbell River. We recommend staying on Quadra Island the day before the tour starts, as it will be easier to join the pre trip meeting, which is held on Quadra Island. If you choose to begin from Campbell River you can board the water taxi from its main base, and then you will make the 5-minute crossing to pick up the remainder of the group and guides on Quadra Island. Pre trip meeting - Day before John, Breanne or one of your guides will go over the logistics of the tour, answer any of your concerns, and suit you up with lifejackets. This meeting will be held at the Spirit of the West office on Quadra Island at 6pm the day prior to departure. If you cannot make it just make sure to call in. Day 1: A warm welcome and introduction to your tour guides and captain will prepare you for your adventure. Our route takes us up the waterway of the Discovery Passage, and safely through the infamous 'Seymour Narrows' renowned for its treacherous tidal flows and whirlpools. En route, sightings of marine life such as porpoises, dolphins, sea lions and whales are common. After a 2 1/2 hour journey we arrive at our remote wilderness base camp, situated across from the pristine Tsitika River valley and the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. After settling into our new surroundings, we will go over kayak orientation and safety procedures before setting off on an afternoon paddle. Day 2 & Day 3: After our hearty breakfast we will paddle up the scenic coast in search of the Orca. During low tide we will also keep a look out for Black Bears as they are known to forage along the shores rummaging for inter tidal snacks. We will hike up forest trails to high viewing platforms used by researchers studying the habits of the whales. Lunches will be savoured on one of the many beaches of the Strait. Sightings of Dalls Porpoises, Sea lions, Seals, Otters, Cormorants, Marbled Murrelets, and the eminent Bald Eagle are common. Although these days can be packed full of activities, there is also plenty of opportunity for those who want to kick back and relax at camp and enjoy the stunning surroundings. Day 4: This is our last day to enjoy the marine environment of Johnstone Strait. Our boat transport will pick us up after lunch and we will arrive back in Campbell River by the late afternoon/early evening. Our approximate return time is around 4:30pm, but please note that this cannot always be guaranteed as the weather and wildlife will play a role in determining when we get back.

 

Getting Here

The Johnstone Strait tour starts from either Campbell River on east central Vancouver Island, or our home base on neighboring Quadra Island.

For details on how to get here, such driving times, flights, ferries, or car rentals you can visit our Getting Here page or you can contact our local travel agency, Uniglobe Rivercity Travel, and they will happily assist you. They can be reached in North America at 1 800 567-6511 or by email at roni@unigloberivercity.com. You are also welcome to call us for travel suggestions and advice.

 

Meeting Location - Departure day

Quadra Island
Meeting time: 8:30am.
Where: At our office in Heriot Bay.
Getting there: Once on Quadra Island, you will see purple and yellow signs (Kayak & Bike Rentals/Tours) en route to our location. Also follow signs to Heriot Bay and Cortes Island ferry. Once in Heriot Bay, turn R just past the Quadra Market onto Heriot Bay Rd. We are located ¼ mile (.4 km) up on the left side at Taku Resort.

Campbell River
Meeting time: 8:15am
Where: Way West Coastal Adventures & Water Taxi
Getting there: Way West Water Taxi office is located at the Discovery Harbour Marina, the largest marina on the Campbell River waterfront. To get there from the Campbell River city centre, travel north from town along HWY 19A, make a right hand turn into the Discovery Harbour Mall, (The mall with the large box stores). Once in the mall parking lot, turn right at the 4 way stop. Pass behind Zellers into the large gravel parking lot. Take the main ramp down to the docks and the Way West office is on your immediate left.

 

Accommodations while on tour

Tents, comfortable sleeping mats, and pillows are provided on this tour. The tents on the basecamp tours are more spacious than on our expeditions. They are high quality dome style, with mesh windows, and a cover fly for protection against rain and wind. We have constructed tent platforms to protect the area, for comfort, and to keep things clean. Generally we have enough tents to accommodate both singles and couples. We will do our best to match you up with a suitable partner if we need to. Inflatable sleeping mats, and pillows are provided.

Accommodations before/after tour

Quadra Island - Accommodations

April Point Resort
The resort is situated at the oceans edge with views over the town of Campbell River.
Website: www.obmg.com
Phone: 1 800 663 7090

Tsa Kwa Luten Lodge
Beautiful West Coast Native Style constructed lodge, overlooking Vancouver Island and mountains. Very peaceful in secluded location. Excellent value for first class accommodations. Hot tub, fitness room, sauna and dining room. Bookings made by Spirit of the West. Note that the lodge is a 15-20 minute drive south of our base operations. For joining the pre trip meeting you will have to take a taxi to and from the Lodge.
Website: www.capemudgeresort.bc.ca
Phone: 1 800 307-3982
Email: spirit1@oberon.ark.com

Harbour House B&B (also used as our main guesthouse)
Beautiful home above the ocean with the best island and mountain view around! Close to beach, park, amenities, and our Kayak Shack. Hot tub. Hearty breakfast served. Accommodates up to 10. A great place to meet fellow kayakers.
Website: www.harbourhouse.bc.ca
Phone: 1 800 435 2556
Email: swilson@gicable.com

Bellhaven B&B
Just as beautiful as the Harbour House B&B and offers the same amazing views and breakfasts. Very private setting but also close to beach, park, amenities, and our Kayak Shack. B&B rooms or seperate cottage. Best ocean view suite on the island!
Website: www.belhavenbandb.com
Phone: 1 250 285-3709

Taku Resort
Quiet ocean side resort nestled in mature trees. Dramatic views of the Coast Mountains. Self contained A-frame cabins or terrace view rooms. Hot tub, tennis, basketball, bocce ball, stone house barbecue. Conveniently located right next to Spirit of the West and near restaurant.
Website: www.takuresort.com
Phone: 1 877 285 8258 or
Email: info@takuresort.com

Otter House Beach Chalet
Beautiful 2 level luxury cabin, tucked amongst the cedars as close to the beach as it gets. Awesome mountain views. Private, sauna and minutes from amenities.
Phone: 1 250 285 3939
Email: bicycle@oberon.ark.com

Heron House B&B and Boat House
Self contained suite. Ocean views, quiet location. Boat house is a simple rustic cabin right at the beach. Spectacular views of Coast Mountains.
Website: www.quadraislandretreats.com
Phone:1 250 285-3874
Email: theinrigs@connected.bc.ca

 

Campbell River - Accommodations

Coast Hotels - Discovery Inn
Located right in the town centre across the street from marina, and Quadra Island ferry terminal. Next to shopping. Restaurant, Pub, Health Room.
Website: www.coasthotels.com
Phone: 1 800 663 1144
Email: coastd@vquest.com

Best Western Austrian Chalet
Fully serviced hotel across the road from the beach. Ocean and mountain views. With or without kitchenette. Restaurant, Pub, indoor pool/hot tub/sauna, small putting green, table tennis. 15 min. walking to town.
Website: www.vquest.com/austrian/
Phone: 1 800 667 7207
Email: austrian@vquest.com

Super 8 Motel
Good value, clean, friendly place located along the highway with ocean view. Indoor pool and hot tub. 15 minutes walking to town.
Phone: 1 800 800 8000

Above Tide Motel
Good value. Located on ocean side of highway . All ocean view rooms. Kitchenettes. Walking distance from town.
Phone: 1 250 286 0290

Silkies B&B
Fantastic setting on the ocean, overlooking world famous Seymour Narrows - 15 minutes drive north of Campbell River. Beautiful home that offers a relaxing ambiance and gourmet meals. The perfect quiet getaway.
Website: http://www.silky.bb.com/
Phone: 1 877 603 2942
Email: stay@silky-bb.com

Haig Brown House B&B
Restored heritage home of well known local writer/conservationist, located in beautiful 9 acre gardens along the river. Educational seminars offered. 25 minutes walk to town.
Phone: 1 250 286-6694
Email: haig-brownhouse@haigbrown.bc.ca

River Haven B&B
Friendly and nicely decorated B&B located high above the river in quiet residential area.
Website: www.riverhaven.bc.ca
Phone: 1 877 286 8370

 

Quadra Island - Camping

We Wai Kai Campsite
Spectacular setting and location. Situated at the edge of Rebecca Spit Provincial Park this ocean side campground has sites along the ocean or in the mature forest. Showers but no hook ups. 25 minute walk to stores.
Phone: 1 250 285 3111

Taku Resort
Quiet ocean side resort. Sites are nestled in mature trees up behind main accommodations. Hook up, showers, laundry, hot tub, tennis, basketball, bocci ball, stone house barbecue. Conveniently located right next to Spirit of the West and near restaurant.
Website: www.takuresort.com
Phone: 1 877 285 8258
Email: info@takuresort.com

Heriot Bay Inn
Hook up, showers, laundry, restaurant, pub, gift shop, and marina. Centrally located in the community of Heriot Bay.
Website: www.heriotbayinn.com
Phone: 1 250 285-3322
Email: info@heriotbayinn.com

 

Campbell River - Camping

Salmon Point RV Resort
Fully service RV sites or tenting in tranquil oceanfront setting. Spectacular mountain views. Marina, store, laundry, showers, playground, gamesroom, near restaurant and pub.
Website: www.bctravel.com/salmonpoint
Phone:1 250 923 6605

Holiday Shores RV Park
Full service RV sites along the oceanside. Sunny location-no trees, near seaplane landing. Recreation room, laundry, showers, washrooms, small store.
Phone: 1 888 611 2142

Elk Falls Provincial Park and Campground
Nestled in beautiful forest along the Quinsam River. Walking trails, small playground, dry and flush toilets.
Website: www.elp.gov.bc.ca/bcparks
Phone: 1 800 689 9025

 

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