Itinerary - Orca Camp Adventure

Orca Camp Day-by-Day

Day 0 – Arrival Pt. McNeill, Vancouver Island

Journey by air, or car and ferry ride, to the fishing village of Port McNeill, on north Vancouver Island where our kayaking with whales trips all begin. If you arrive in time, take part in the pre-trip briefing at the Haida Way Motor Inn. The front desk attendant will direct you to the briefing where you’ll have the chance to have any last minute questions answered and meet your fellow Orca Campers. If your travel plans have you arriving later in the evening, pick-up your welcome letter with your last minute instructions and then, settle in for the night – the adventure gets underway the next day!

Day One – Journey to Orca Camp

This is the day you’ve been waiting for – Your first opportunity to sight Orcas in their natural wild habitat will take place aboard the water-taxi bound for Warden Beach, home to Orca Camp and your staging ground for adventure. It's a one-hour boat ride past the sparsely populated shores of northern Vancouver Island — eventually all signs of civilization fade away and wildlife sightings abound: sea lions sunning themselves on rocky outcrops, eagles fishing for salmon, Pacific Whitesided dolphins dancing on the ocean's surface, Humpback and Killer Whales — they all call this place home.

Our guides are quick to welcome you to camp, helping you becoming oriented to life in the wild. Learn all about bear-proofing your gear, selecting your tent, and where the outhouse is located. Join the rest of the group gathering at the beach where talk of the first paddling session gets underway. Learn to enter and exit your kayak, the "right" way to paddle and steer and before you know it you're off! The remainder of the day is spent exploring the near shores, keeping a watchful eye out for whales. When you return to camp, tuck into a hearty dinner, prepared surfside and if weather and whales permit, explore the coastline by kayak after dinner, flexing your muscles in preparation for tomorrow’s adventures.

Day Two – Orca Camp Warden Beach

Days that are measured in wildlife sightings and the number of Orca shots on your camera begin and end at base camp. Off the grid, unplugged, disconnected from urban living, this is where you’ll reconnect with the natural world…and with each other. Fuel up with a hearty breakfast, spend your days kayaking and exploring the Johnstone Strait, and your nights reliving your adventures around the campfire at Orca Camp.

Day Three – Orca Camp - Kayaking Johnstone Strait

Spend your day paddling the Johnstone Strait, delighting in the encounters you’re sure to have along the way. Porpoises, sea-lions, jumping salmon, and eagles fishing from the shore.

If you’ve signed-up for the two night/three day excursion, this will be your last opportunity to experience kayaking with Orcas, until you come again. Make the most of your morning before the water-taxi returns you to Pt. McNeill.

If you’ve stayed on for a longer excursion, four days/three nights or six days/five nights, return to Orca Camp and dinner under the stars.

Day Four – Orca Camp - Explore Ocean Sealife

Day four presents another opportunity to explore the Johnstone Strait. Weather and whales will dictate the order of the day, where you paddle, and what you’ll see. One thing is certain, simple moments paddling the Strait will turn into memories that will last a lifetime.

Guests on the four-day/three night expedition bid farewell to their newfound friends, and return by water-taxi to Pt. McNeill. Everyone else will return to camp to continue the adventure.

Days Five and Six – Orca Camp

Enjoy two full days of paddling and one last night gathered around the campfire, savouring quiet moments in nature, reflecting on your adventures.

At the end of your sixth day of paddling, board your water-taxi transfer back to Pt. McNeill, BC.

Itineraries At A Glance