Overview:
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 ¼ 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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
www.bctravel.com/salmonpoint
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
