Located on the northeast coast of Vancouver Island, the Johnstone Strait area is home to one of the largest resident Orca (killer whale) populations in the world. Each year the Orcas return to the area to feed on the abundant supply of salmon, and to rub their bellies on the smooth pebble ocean floor of Robson Bight (Michael Biggs Marine Sanctuary).

The Orcas (killer whales) of Johnstone Strait number approximately 200 whales in total and they can be easily recognized by their distinctive black and white markings. They are divided into three distinct populations: residents, transients and offshores. Each of these distinct populations has its own unique differences in behavior and feeding patterns, as well as minor differences in appearance. From the seat of a kayak, Orca (killer whale) viewing is an unforgettable experience.

In addition to the unsurpassed thrill of kayaking with the Orcas, Humpback and Minke whales, we will also visit culturally significant ancient native sites. Locally, there are several native bands that make up the Kwakiutl nation. The nation is in fact all Kwakw ak a'wakw, people who speak Kwak'wala, but live in different places and have different names for their separate groups. Some of the individual groups died out or been amalgamated with other groups and many of the villages have been abandoned for years. There are five main bands that exist closely within the Johnstone Strait area, they are the Mam alili kala, 'N am gis, Lawitsis, Kwagu'l and the D a'naxda' xw.

As well as experienceing the whales, there is a lot of other wildlife that we are likely to see in this naturally diverse region including, porpoises, bald eagles, rhinoceros auklets, bears, seals, dolphins and more…..