The 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 will need to board the water taxi from the Vancouver Island Air office from where you will make the 5-minute crossing to pick up the remainder of the group as well as the guides on Quadra Island.

Pre trip meeting - Day before
John, Christine 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 note that this cannot be guaranteed as the weather and wildlife will play a role in determining when we get back.

Getting Here

The Johnstone Strait tour starts in either Campbell River on Vancouver Island, or our home base on Quadra Island. To get to Campbell River or Quadra Island 
See our getting here page

Please note: For detailed travel information, such as flights, ferries, buses, and car rentals, go to our Getting Here page. You can also contact our local travel agency, Uniglobe Travel if f you need assistance with your travel arrangements. They can be reached in North America at 1 800 567-6511 or by email at wc.rivercity@uniglobe.com

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 � mile (.4 km) up on the left side at Taku Resort.

Campbell River 
Meeting time: 8:15am 
Where: Vancouver Island Air & Marine office 
Getting there:The Vancouver Island Air & Marine office is located on the Tyee Spit. To get there from the Campbell River centre, Travel north from town along HWY 19A, make a right hand turn after the Discovery Harbour Mall, (behind Staples and Canadian Tire) and follow for approx. 2km to Vancouver Island Air & Marine located on the left hand side of the road.

Quadra Island Ferry : Return ferry cost to Quadra is approximately $15.00 for driver and vehicle. Additional person is $4.50. Ferries to Quadra Island leave Campbell River every hour on the half our. Sun - Thurs, 6:30am -10:30pm. Fri & Sat 6:30am-11:30pm. Exceptions are 6:40am, 5:25pm, 6:15pm. Sunday there is no 7:30am ferry. Note Tuesday there is no 10:30am ferry to Quadra and no 4:00pm ferry to Campbell River due to dangerous cargo run. Ferries back to Campbell River leave on or around the hour.

Accommodations while on tour

For this tour we provide larger tents than on our other tours. Tents 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.

Accommodations before/after tour

Quadra Island - accommodations 

Harbour House B&B 
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: http://www.harbourhouse.bc.ca/ 
Phone: 1 800 435 2556
Email: susan.wilson@sd72.bc.ca

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, bocci ball, stone house barbecue. Conveniently located right next to Spirit of the West and near restaurant. 
Website: http://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: http://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: http://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

Pier House B&B
Conveniently located downtown. Large charming antique filled heritage home across the highway from ocean fishing pier and marina. 
Website: www.island.net/pierhse/index.html  
Phone: 1 250 287 2943

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: http://www.riverhaven.bc.ca/  
Phone: 1 877 286 8370

Camping

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: http://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: http://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: http://www.elp.gov.bc.ca/bcparks  
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