Wildlife of Johnstone Strait (135.221)
| Location: | Johnstone Strait |
| Price: | $1299.00 |
| Duration: | 5 days/4 nights |
| Departs from/arrives at: | Port McNeill |
| Accomodations: | Camping |
| Tour Type: | Leisure Tour |
| Activity Level: | Novice |
| Nearest Town/Village: | Port McNeill |
| Inclusions: |
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| Exclusions: | Sleeping bag and thermrest (available for rent). HST not included |
| Guest Parking: | Yes Details: Parking is provided by your accomodations in Port McNeil or by arrangement with us. |
| First Nations: | \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Namgis, Tlowitsis, Mamalilikulla-Qwe\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Qwa\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Sot\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Em, and Kwicksutaineuk-Kwa-mish Fi |
| Additional Information: Join our biologist guides as we explore the Johnstone Strait by kayak, in search of the area's amazing wildlife. Johnstone Strait is home to the largest concentration of killer whales on the east coast of Vancouver Island. Steller sea lions roam by in the spring and fall and humpback whales are seen throughout the summer months. Our guides, who are trained biologists, will lead you through this diverse ecosystem in search of orcas, humpback and minke whales, Dall's and harbour porpoises, white-sided dolphins, harbour seals, sea lions, river otters, mink, black bear, bald eagles, marbled murrelets, and migratory songbirds. We will also spend time exploring the intertidal zone for brilliantly coloured sea stars, urchins, anemone, crabs, and sea cucumbers. Each day will start and end at our comfortable base camp with gourmet meals prepared by your knowledgeable and talented guides. Our base camp is conveniently located at the head of the Orca Trail on Yukusam Island. This leisurely hike in a Coastal Temperate Rainforest boasts spectacular views of the Johnstone Strait as well as historical evidence of First Nations culture. This is a relaxing and enjoyable adventure for anyone with a passion for wildlife and an interest in casual kayaking and hiking. It is suitable for all skill levels. No paddling experience is necessary. |
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Itinerary
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Day
1The evening before our departure we like to meet with our guests in Port McNeil to answer last minute questions, talk about possible routes and prevailing weather, and to hand out dry bags for your gear. Your guide will pick you up in the Steller van at 8:00am Monday morning to begin your adventure. After a 35 minute drive south we arrive at historic Telegraph Cove. After we load gear into the kayaks, we go through a short introduction to paddling strokes and kayak safety to make sure everyone is comfortable in the kayaks. Next, we hit the water in search of wildlife! Your guides will lead you across Johnstone Strait to our base camp on Hanson Island. This is always an excellent opportunity to catch a glimpse of the many local sea-birds, as well as the chance to look for whales and porpoises. Once we arrive at camp, you will select your tent platform and create a cozy home for the next week, while your guides prepare a delicious lunch. After lunch, we have the option to get back into the boats for another paddle, go for a hike on the Orca Trail, or just relax at camp. During the late afternoon, there will be appetizers on the beach, followed by dinner and a discussion of the day’s wildlife sightings. We always end the day with a discussion of tomorrow’s weather forecast and options for adventure!
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation: Camping
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Day
2On the trip your meals will be prepared by your talented guide. Our food is one of the many highlights of the tour. We plan a wholesome and nutritious menu featuring fresh organic produce, home-baked breads and desserts, fair-trade coffee, tea, and organic juices. All meals are planned well in advance which enables us to cater to anyone with special dietary needs.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation: Camping
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Day
3Each day your guide monitors the Orca channel on his/her VHF radio to learn the whereabouts and habits of the Orca. There are 34 matrilines totaling a few more than 200 members in the northern resident Orca population. Each year during July and August they congregate in Johnstone Strait and Blackfish Sound where they forage on pacific salmon as they return to they spawning rivers.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation: Camping
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Day
4Daily activities will include interpretive hikes and paddles with your biologist guide as well as ample time for relaxing and exploring around the beach on your own. We often hike through the forest along the Orca Trail and examine the hundreds of culturally modified trees that are a testament to thousands of years of indigenous First Nations’ occupation of the islands. The trail also provides breathtaking views of Johnstone Strait from atop the high bluff, where beautiful ferns, mosses, and lichens cling to the dry rocky ledges of this rare coastal bluff ecosystem.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation: Camping
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Day
5On our final day we'll spend time paddling back across Johnstone Strait and return to Telegraph Cove. We often stop by the Killer Whale Cafe where we trade stories and last impressions over a long awaited beverage and burger :)
Meals: Breakfast
Accomodation:
