Remote wellness kayaking retreat in the Johnstone Strait
Length:
4 Days
Location:
Johnstone Strait
For Who:
Everyone, focus on scenery and relaxed pace




* Kayaking trips & tours are priced and charged in Canadian dollars and are subject to 5% GST and $25 / person environmental sustainability fee. Please see our Terms and Conditions for complete terms. To check live availability on any trip, click the Book Now tab and select a trip date.
YOUR WELLNESS RETREAT IN BC’S WHALE TERRITORY
The aim of this wellness kayaking retreat is to deepen your connection with yourself, community, and the natural world. Through daily kayaking excursions, you will engage with nature in a way that promotes mindfulness, presence, and a sense of flow, allowing you to reconnect with yourself while exploring the beauty of the Johnstone Strait and northern Vancouver Island.
Land-based and camp-based activities further amplify these experiences with meaningful exercises designed to enhance self-awareness, foster connection with the group, and encourage a deeper relationship with the natural world. With ample time for reflection, the retreat offers a balance of group interaction and personal introspection, helping you cultivate a deeper sense of harmony within and around you.
RECONNECT TO YOURSELF, COMMUNITY + THE NATURAL WORLD
Connection to Self: This kayak-centred tour, combined with intentional mindfulness practices, allows you to explore your thoughts and emotions, foster deeper self-awareness, and strengthen your emotional wellbeing.
The challenges and adventures of sea kayaking serve as a metaphor for personal growth. Overcoming obstacles in sometimes unfamiliar settings, and providing space for reflection, can enhance self-empowerment and resilience.
Connection to Community: Participate in guided reflections to allow thoughts and emotions that arise during the retreat to be explored, fostering a sense of community as you connect with others throughout this experience.
Connection to the Natural World: Experiencing magical encounters with wildlife and vibrant landscapes serves as a reminder that we are not separate from nature, but instead an integral part of it.
This wellness kayaking tour provides an opportunity to highlight our connection to the natural world, inspiring you to preserve and appreciate nature, not only during this wilderness retreat, but for years to come.
OUR BASECAMP ACROSS FROM THE ROBSON BIGHT/MICHAEL BIGG ECOLOGICAL RESERVE
Built onto a rocky bluff, the camp has lots of open outdoor space and unobstructed views of the ocean. It’s easy enough to find a quiet spot to sunbathe, practice morning yoga, read, or just soak in the nature that surrounds you. The camp also features a communal dining area, a comfortable covered lounge overlooking the ocean, and an oceanside hot tub.
Comfortable amenities include large, walk-in style tents, on wooden tent platforms, complete with a simple bed & pillow. Bring your own sleeping bag (or contact us for rentals). You’ll have a designated composting toilet, as well as shared access to two heated outdoor showers.
Things to note: Although our camp is well developed, it is on a remote island without access to key infrastructure. There is limited WiFi and very limited cell service. We get electricity through solar panels and our water comes from a mountain spring – we do our best to manage them, but both can be limited by nature. While building our camp, we tried to be as low-impact on the environment as possible, so be aware that the paths may be uneven underfoot.
WHAT IS THE WELLNESS COMPONENT?
This is a kayak-centered experience designed to promote wellness through a holistic blend of physical activity, mindfulness, and connection. It offers daily kayaking excursions that immerse you in the stunning natural beauty of the Johnstone Strait, combined with land-based activities to encourage reflection, creativity, and group connection.
The experience nurtures physical health through kayaking, exploring beaches and trails, enjoying nourishing meals, and unwinding at our basecamp. It also supports mental and spiritual well-being with exercises that enhance self-awareness and foster a deeper connection with nature and community. This trip is an opportunity to reset, reflect, and recharge in a supportive and inspiring environment.
Examples of exercises & activities offered:
- Mindfulness and Meditation Practices: Daily sessions designed to foster inner calm, deepen self-awareness, and nurture a grounded connection with nature.
- Solo Time for Personal Reflection: Opportunities for solitude, allowing guests to explore their thoughts, feelings, and intentions in a supportive environment. Supported by guided prompts and journaling activities.
- Group Activities for Connection: Engage in group exercises that foster community, support, and shared experiences.
Disclaimer: Please note that this retreat is designed for wellness, relaxation, and personal growth. Participants should approach this experience as a wellness-focused journey rather than a clinical or therapeutic program. It is not intended to serve as a mental health intervention or substitute for professional therapy or counselling. If you are experiencing significant mental health challenges, we encourage you to seek the guidance of a licensed healthcare professional.
WILDLIFE
The Johnstone Strait has long been known for marine life. Marine mammals, including sea lions, orcas, humpbacks, dolphins, and porpoises, can often be spotted in the region. The shores of West Cracroft Island are rich in vibrant and unique intertidal life and we always keep an eye out for the variety of shorebirds and seabirds flying overhead. It’s not uncommon to witness a black bear foraging for crabs or a river otter or mink scampering along the shoreline.
What’s Cooking?
The highlight of any camping trip is often what’s cooking. With a blend of fresh, local ingredients and healthy options, your multi-talented guide team serves up a variety of delicious meals. Start your day with a hot breakfast and drinks, then enjoy a picnic lunch during a relaxing break on one of the stunning coastal beaches while you’re out on your paddle. After a day of fun on the water, return to camp for tasty appetizers and a wholesome dinner, all topped off with a nightly sweet treat—because, after all, dessert tastes even better in the wild! Learn more on our Food page.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- Guided kayak excursions, guided meditation and mindfulness activities and group activities
- Kayaks & kayaking gear (PFDs, paddle, spray skirt)
- All meals & snacks (lunch on day 1 – lunch on day 4)
- Private return water taxi service from Alder Bay
- Your own private tent with a simple bed (no linens) and pillow (based on double occupancy if you are traveling with another person)
- Your designated composting toilet with a sink/wash area
- Access to a hot tub overlooking the ocean
- Outdoor heated showers and towel
- Park & land use permits
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
- Rain jacket & rain pants (rentals available) *
- Your sleeping bag (rentals available) *
- Personal items (clothing, toiletries, etc.)
- Alcoholic and carbonated beverages (BYO welcome)
- Personal transport to/from our meeting point in Alder Bay
- Accommodation before and after your tour
- Travel & medical insurance
- Guide gratuity
*Sleeping bags and rain gear may be rented (please reserve in advance)
Fully Booked?
Check out our other tour hosted at this camp: the 4-day Johnstone Strait Ultimate tour.
Spirit of the West acknowledges and operates in the unceded traditional territory of the Mamalilikulla-Qwe'Qwa'Sot'Em, 'Namgis, Tlowitsis, Kwikwasut’inuxw, Nuu-chah-nulth, We Wai Kai, Homalco, Klahoose and Heiltsuk First Nations.