JOHNSTONE STRAIT ULTIMATE GUEST HANDBOOK All the details you need to learn about and reserve your sea kayak adventure! Explore the spirit of the unique and wild Pacific west coast and the realm of the orca and humback whales by kayak. Relax and enjoy camping at our comfortable and well-appointed basecamp in beautiful Johnstone Strait. Have you booked your space(s) already? Please read through this package of information and the liability waivers to help you to prepare for your tour. We hope you are getting excited for your adventure! Contact us any time if you have more questions during trip planning or before your reserved adventure starts. TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT TO BOOK ONLINE OR SEND US AN EMAIL 1.800.307.3982 Toll Free kayakingtours.com/reservations [email protected] 1.250.285.2121 Overseas CONTENTS TRIP PLANNING PAGE 3 Tour at a glance PAGE 4 Welcome to the west coast - about your tour & paddling destination PAGE 5 Itinerary PAGE 6-7 FAQ PAGE 8 Travel safe and with confidence (COVID-19) TRIP PREPARATION PAGE 9-10 Tour meeting location & travel directions PAGE 11 Accommodation PAGE 12-13 Packing list PAGE 14-15 Terms & conditions WATCH OUR TOUR VIDEOS See what it’s like to kayak BC’s coastal paradise. Click here to watch now! 2 THE TOUR AT A GLANCE TYPE Sea kayaking & base camping on West Cracroft Island in the beautiful Johnstone Strait LENGTH 4 days, 3 nights START & END Telegraph Cove, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CA | Getting here GROUP SIZE Maximum 10 guests, 2 guides ACTIVITY LEVEL Easy, suitable for beginners through experienced kayakers who like creature comforts HIGHLIGHTS Newly renovated, stunning camp over looking the ocean and mountains, wildlife viewing, kayaking in whale territory, delicious camp food, hot tub/shower with an ocean view, whales swimming past your tent at night, exciting water taxi journey WILDLIFE Humpback whales, orcas, dolphins, porpoises, black bears, eagles, minke whales PRICING All prices are per person in Canadian Dollars. (+ 5% GST) MIXED GROUPS $1499 PRIVATE 9-10 people: $1345 6 people: $1695 4 people: $1945 GROUPS 7-8 people: $1495 5 people: $1795 INCLUDES Expert guiding service, water taxi transport to and from camp, all kayaking & safety equipment, camping gear (except sleeping bag), food and drinks from dinner on day one to lunch on day four (except alcohol), park and land use permits TOUR DATES Every four days throughout the summer JUNE 30–July 3 JULY 3–6, 6–9, 9–12, 12–15, 15–18, 18–21, 21–24, 24–27, 27–30, 30–2 Aug AUG 2–5, 5–8, 8–11, 11–14, 14–17, 17–20, 20–23, 23–26, 26–29, 29–1 Sept SEPT 1–4, 4–7, 7–10, 10–13, 13-16 ➮ Book this tour for your private group! For the ultimate peace of mind! Enjoy your private guides and customized days on the water. Learn more about the advantages, trip highlights and pricing for your group. LEARN MORE 3 WELCOME TO SPIRIT OF THE WEST AND THE REALM OF THE WHALES Traveling to and from our remote campsite by boat Watching the majestic whales from the water level and base camping in comfort and style - all in one of while traveling in a silent kayak really makes for a spe- the prime wildlife observation areas of the Johnstone cial experience. See the water part with the spray from Strait. a whale’s breath turn into mist against the sky and hear the telltale sound of a whale coming to the surface. It’s THE AREA & THE TOUR sure to make your heart race and bring a smile to your Vancouver Island is one of the best places on earth face. to see and paddle alongside killer whales (orcas) and humpack whales in the wild. Most of British Colum- LISTENING TO THE WHALES SING bia’s 300 or so orcas return to these waters to feed, Our base camp is equipped with an underwater hy- sleep, play, and rub their bodies underwater on the drophone so we can listen to the beautiful songs of the pebble beaches of the world famous Robson Bight orca as they pass by our camp. We also carry portable Ecological Reserve. It is truly a unique experience to hydrophones with us for while we are in the kayaks. encounter pods of gentle (and inappropriately named) killer whales while paddling your own sea kayak. Also WHAT’S COOKING? sharing this diverse habitat are dolphins, porpoise, sea We just have to mention it. One of the perks that come lions, harbour seals, eagles and black bears, to name with the base camp is a well established kitchen for just a few. It is not uncommon to see black bears for- our fantastic guides to prepare your food. We use aging along the shores for seafood during low tide. mostly fresh organic fruits and vegetables to prepare Equally as fascinating is the abundant and colourful gourmet meals, topped off with home baking. We marine life one can see below the surface. also have snacks available at anytime just in case you get a hankering for something late at night. It is Our adventure begins the moment we step off the a Spirit of the West Adventures guarantee you will docks of Telegraph Cove onto our high speed water never go hungry, even after a day’s paddle in the fresh taxi. Relax in comfort as we whisk you down the scenic air. On the first evening we feature a wild and local fish waterways of the Johnstone Strait to our remote wil- dinner, and from here the creative, tasty and hearty derness camp on the edge West Cracroft Island. meals keep coming. Our comfortable and well-established camp is ideally situated directly across the Johnstone Strait from Rob- ‘The sun was shining, water was crystal clear, son Bight. At the other end of our bay is a whale re- whales were swimming around us and some search station which we like to visit with guests when- even singing to us; life couldn’t get any better!’ ever possible. Connie L, Calgary, Canada PHOTO & VIDEO CONTEST win a $1000 credit towards your next Spirit of the West adventure. Upload your favourite trip photos or video on kayakingtours.com/photocontest. Good luck! 4 SAMPLE ITINERARY Below you will find our recommended or typical trip hike up forest trails to the viewing area used by re- itinerary. Please remember that paddling times and searchers studying the behaviour of the whales. distances may vary based on group desire and abili- Lunches will be savoured on one of the many beaches ties. Your guides have extensive training and will let you of the Strait. Sightings of dall’s porpoises, sea lions, know what is possible in terms of safety, weather, and seals, otters, cormorants, marbled murrelets, and the sea conditions. eminent bald eagle are common. Although these days can be packed full of activities, there is also plenty of DAY 1 opportunity for those who want to kick back and relax Rise and shine ready for adventure! We suggest at camp and enjoy the stunning surroundings. This is spending part of your day in Telegraph Cove explor- the joy of base camping, you choose the pace that ing this historic village. Telegraph Cove is home to a works for you. restaurant, cafe, and a small general store if you wish to enjoy a meal on the boardwalk. DAY 4 Start your trip with a visit trip to the Johnstone Strait This is our last day to enjoy the marine environment of Killer Whale Interpretative Centre. It is the perfect primer the Johnstone Strait. Our boat transport will pick us for your kayaking adventure, with impressive displays up in the mid-afternoon for the trip back to Telegraph of full-sized whale skeletons and interpretative infor- Cove. We will enjoy the beautiful scenery and, of mation about the area. We will cover your entrance fee! course, keep our eye out for marine life as we make our way back. At 1 pm meet your water taxi at the end of the board- walk by the fuel dock. After a safety briefing, our captain James takes us across the Johnstone Strait. En route, sightings of marine life such as porpoises, dolphins, sea lions, and whales are common. “I’m an English teacher and for the first time in a very long time I couldn’t think of any words to describe what After settling into our new surroundings, we will have a camp orientation followed by some time going over I was seeing. It was that spectacular. kayaking skills, tips for comfort, and safety procedures Thank you for putting together such an excellent team. before setting off for an afternoon paddle. That eve- I had an extraordinary experience.” ning relax and enjoy the view from our wood-fired hot Morna Brown tub overlooking the water while your guides serve up a fresh and locally-inspired meal. “I highly recommend your paddling company. My experience was superb, food and guides were DAYS 2 & 3 After a hearty breakfast we will paddle the scenic coast exemplary. I always appreciate a personal, yet profes- in search of whales and the area’s incredible wildlife. sional approach and you have this mastered. Thanks so During low tide we will also keep a look out for black much for a wonderful time - it was good for the soul.” bears as they are known to forage along the shoreline rummaging for intertidal snacks. We may choose to Joni Grundy 5 FAQ Below is a list of commonly asked questions.