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A kayaker at Robson's
Bight observes the federal guidelines by waiting for a pod of Orcas to pass |
The sheltered waters along Vancouver Island's northeast coast are amongst
the best places in the world to view orcas in their natural surroundings. Robson
Bight (Michael Biggs) Ecological Reserve, 20 kms south of Telegraph Cove in Johnstone
Strait, provides ocean adventures with a sure thing when it comes to whale watching.
In this case it's actually killer whale watching (large dolphins called orcas).
Pods of orcas come to this part of Johnstone Strait each summer to rub themselves
on the barnacle-encrusted rocks, pebbles and gravel seafloor at Robson Bight.
As the top predator on the inland-water food chain, they are also attracted by
the annual salmon runs that funnel through the strait beginning in late June.
There are few sights more thrilling than a killer whale in the wild breaking the
surface and shooting spurts of mist from its blowhole. The marine portion of
Robson Bight Ecological Reserve was established in 1982 in recognition of the
importance of this area to killer whales. An upland buffer zone was subsequently
added to provide further protection for the whales, increasing the total park
size to 5,460 hectares. Although this Johnstone Strait ecological reserve is
closed to the public to reduce disturbance of the whales, the areas surrounding
the park provide an excellent opportunity for camping, boating and whale watching.
Camping is permitted at Telegraph Cove and Kaikash Creek on Vancouver Island,
and at Boat Bay or Growler Cove on West Cracroft Island. The latter two sites
offer good anchorages and are ideal locations for whale watching. Tours to view
whales, bears and other wildlife can be arranged from Telegraph Cove and several
other locations in the area. Long-term parking can be arranged in Telegraph Cove
for those setting out on extended boating trips in Johnstone Strait. Telegraph
Cove, one of the last boardwalk communities on eastern Vancouver Island, is well
worth a visit even if you're not planning to do any offshore exploring. Robson
Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve is located 25 miles (40 km) southeast
of Port McNeill, on the northeastern shore of Vancouver Island, and incorporates
Mt. Derby, Mt. Sir John and the Tsitika Mountain. Access to Robson Bight Provincial
Park is prohibited. Whale watching is restricted to access in Johnstone Strait
- be sure to follow the Federal Watching Guidelines. | |
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| Nearby Services |
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Bluewater Adventures, Vancouver |
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Explore BC and Southeast Alaska with Bluewater Adventures aboard our 70' yachts sailing the BC Inside Passage, the Queen Charlotte Islands, Gwaii Haanas National Park, the Great Bear Rainforest, and Vancouver Island. You'll see whales, Grizzly, Black and Kermode bears, and experience ancient native villages and Haida culture, primeval forests, wilderness, and amazing coastal wildlife. |
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Ecosummer Expeditions, Port McNeill |
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Experience whale watching from kayaks in Johnstone Strait, internationally recognized as one of the best places in the world to experience Orcas in the wild. Whalewatching multi-day trips depart from Port McNeill on the east coast of Vancouver Island, paddling and exploring remote islands and inlets during the day. |
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Island Adventure Centre, Quadra Island |
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The Island Adventure Centre at the Heriot Bay Inn has great eco adventures departing from Quadra Island: Orca whale watching, kayak day tours, grizzly bear tours, and salmon fishing. Kayak rentals also available. Explore the scenic Inner Coast and the Discovery Islands! |
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Spirit of the West Kayaking, Quadra Island |
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Join our sea kayaking adventures around Vancouver Island, Canada's coastal kayaking paradise. Kayak with Killer Whales, paddle Desolation Sound, experience the remote north Nootka Sound, or kayak from the comfort of our 95 ft Mothership, the Songhee. Our sea kayaking trips depart from our base on Quadra Island in the BC Discovery Islands. No experience is required for our kayak tours! Our adventures are for everyone. Our trips are designed to cater to all levels of experience and abilities. Our groups are small, ranging from 8-13 people depending on the trip, in order to provide you with the best experience possible. we provide everything you need to have a great kayaking adventure. |
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Stubbs Island Whale Watching, Telegraph Cove |
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Stubbs Island Whale Watching was the first whale watching company established in British Columbia. Operating out of Telegraph Cove, on north eastern Vancouver Island, we cruise the calm protected waters of the Johnstone Strait and Blackfish Archipelago. Stubbs Island Whale Watching is dedicated to responsible wildlife viewing and birding tour adventures with true educational merit. These waters are home to the incredible Orcas (Killer Whales), humpback whales, Steller sea lions, dolphins, porpoises, bald eagles and so much more. |
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Wildcoast Adventures Kayak Tours & Vacations, Quadra Island |
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Wildcoast provides memorable kayak vacations for adventure travellers that combine spectacular scenery, scrumptious food, and abundant wildlife encounters, including whales, dolphins, bears and eagles.
Kayak with Killer Whales at our Orca base camp in Johnstone Strait, or take one of our kayak expeditions to Desolation Sound or the Discovery Islands. Our top-rated service caters to both local and international clientele. All kayak tours are fully inclusive and no kayaking experience is required. Only have a day? Visit our storefront for paddleboard and kayak Rentals or Day Tours in the stunning vistas surrounding Quadra Island. |
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