Paddle the heart of the orca waters
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 kayak retreat in BC’s Whale territory
Perched on the edge of the Johnstone Strait, our established base camp on West Cracroft Island has been a favourite of Spirit of the West guests for more than twenty years. Paddle nearby shorelines and learn about the area’s incredible wildlife from your experienced guides. With magnificent views from the hot tub and the perhaps the most peaceful sleep you will ever experience, our Johnstone Strait Ultimate base camp provides an amazing opportunity to get away from it all and relax in the wilderness.
Come back to the same, comfortable established campsite each night. Situated directly across the Johnstone Strait from the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve, the Ultimate basecamp enjoys captivating mountain views, spectacular sunsets and the kind of peace and quiet you only experience when you’re “really out there”.
Our Base Camp across from Robson Bight 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, practise morning yoga, read, or just soak in the nature that surrounds you. The camp also features a large kitchen and communal dining area, as well as a wood-fired hot tub overlooking Johnstone Strait.
Comfortable amenities include large white cotton canvas tents on wooden tent platforms, complete with a simple bed & pillow. Bring your own sleeping bag (or contact us for rentals) for sleeping. You’ll have a designated composting toilet, as well as shared access to a heated outdoor shower.
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 under foot.
WILDLIFE
The Johnstone Strait has long been known for marine life. Marine mammals, including sea lions, orcas, 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.
Spending a few days at our Johnstone Strait Ultimate base camp offers the amazing opportunity to disconnect from the busyness of everyday life. Enjoy the serenity as you relax and reconnect with the fascinating natural world around you.
What’s Cooking?
We love food and we want to show you how good cooking in the outdoors can be! Your multi-talented guides will cook fresh, hearty food made with locally-sourced ingredients wherever possible. You can expect big buffet breakfasts and simple but delicious dinners. There’ll be plenty of fresh garden veggies and tasty fruits available, in addition to appetizers and locally baked goods. Learn more about the meals we serve on our Food page.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- Guided kayak excursions
- 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
- Your designated composting toilet with a sink/wash area
- Access to an AlumiTubs 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)
LOCATION
Also Available for Private Group Reservations
If you have a large group that would like to book the whole tour as a private group, ask us about booking out the whole trip for just you & your group!
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.
