Sea Kayaking in Victoria, British Columbia - Johnstone Strait

When to go?
There are less people in June and September, and most people around July/August. So when you go depends on whether you like solitude or the company of others. Even in the peak period, the waters are not crowded.
Highlights:
Being in close proximity to orca's (killer whales). An experience you'll never forget!

Johnstone Strait in British Columbia holds many delights for the adventurous kayaker. Although the challenge of the actual paddle itself is quite easy, your company in the water may present itself as a challenge in its own right.

If you kayak in Johnstone Strait in summer, you share the water with orca's. Otherwise known as killer whales - a rather alarming and misleading name. The orca is actually part of the dolphin family.
They are the second largest predator on earth behind the giganti sperm whale.

These massive creatures can come very close to you whilst kayaking on occasions, sometimes as close as 10-15 feet from your boat. The orca's gather in Johnstone Strait in summer time to feed on salmon. The best place to spotting them is between Telegraph Cove and Robson Blight, at the northern end of the Strait in July and August.

Many people might be alarmed at seeing such a massive creature so close to their kayak, however there is little to fear. The orca's are quite set in their ways, and usually swim up and down in a consistent line, meaning they will usually leave us kayakers alone. It goes without saying that these creatures deserve respect, we are in their terrtory, and it's best to sit back and just watch the majesty of them without interfering. Besides, it's in your best interests not to try to get too close or raise attention to yourself - I'm sure you can imagine what a 30 foot long animal could do to you if it was angry!

These gentle giants provide kayakers with a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with them, and it is something that you will forever treasure.

Johnstone Strait lies to the east of Vancouver Island, and is 1.5 - 2.5 (varying) miles wide. The scenery is beautiful - hills covered in forest begin in the water on the shore. Often the hills are covered in mist, giving them an eery, yet peaceful atmosphere.
Besides orca's, other animals can be found in and around Johnstone Strait. Black bears and deer often come right to the shore. The waters are littered with salmon in the fishing season, and this means fisherman are out and about on their boats.
Bald eagles are another attraction in the area, and these are quite common in the fir trees around Johnstone Strait.

One thing to watch out for - large (ok, they are bigger than large) cruise liners can pass through the area, causing more than a few ripples for kayakers out on the water. It goes without saying that it's best to just let them pass...

One thing to watch out for whilst kayaking in Johnstone Strait are jellyfish. They can often be found just under the surface of the water, and as jellyfish, are almost completely transparent. They can and will sting humans, causing pain, however they are not deadly.
Kayakers are advised to steer clear of the jellyfish, as even if you dont come in direct contact, they are able to leave their stinging cells attached to anything they touch.

The best place for kayakers to begin their trip is at Telegraph Cove, which is a very small community that contains a restaurant, campground and rental cabins. Once you paddle out of the hrabour from Telegraph Cove, you will find yourself in Johnstone Strait.