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.

• Day before (Pre trip meeting)
  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 & 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.
  
  
  

The Johnstone Strait tour starts in either Campbell River on Vancouver Island, or our home base on Quadra Island. For detailed information please visit our Getting Here page.

For detailed travel information, such as flights and car rentals you can contact our local travel agency, Uniglobe Travel if 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

Quadra Island

Meeting time:	8:30 am
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:	8:15 am
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.

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.

The Campbell River and Quadra area offers many choices for your accommodation needs. Please visit our Accommodation page for detailed contact information.