Johnstone Strait

Paddle with orcas off Telegraph Cove.

Each summer northern resident orcas feed and rub on the beaches around Robson Bight, and kayakers camp on nearby islands to watch them pass, with humpbacks, sea lions and dolphins in the mix. Strong currents, fog and cold water make this a place for guided base-camp trips unless you are an experienced, certified sea kayaker. Telegraph Cove and Port McNeill are the jumping-off points.

At a glance

Orca sanctuary

Robson Bight, 10 km southeast of Telegraph Cove; boats stay out

Wildlife

Orcas, humpback and minke whales, sea lions

Classic trip

4-day island base camp near Robson Bight

On your own

Rentals only with boat transport, for certified paddlers

Good for

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

What’s here

• Sea kayaking
• Multi-day trips
• Paddle-in camping
• Guided tours
• Wildlife
• Boat rentals

Rentals, guides and shops

• Telegraph Cove Sea Kayaking

  Small-group orca day trips from Port McNeill, 4-day base-camp and Broughton trips, and kayak transport with rentals for qualified groups.

• Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures

  Port McNeill outfitter running 4-day “Kayak With Whales” base camps and 6-day expeditions.

• Sea Kayak Adventures

  Multi-day Orca Basecamp kayak tours with catered camp meals.

Where to stay

• lodgeTelegraph Cove Resort

  Cabins, historic boardwalk homes, condos and lodge rooms in the cove, plus a restaurant and pub. Open May to September.

  In Telegraph Cove
• hotelThe Black Bear Resort Hotel

  Straightforward hotel in Port McNeill, the meeting point for many day trips.

  25 min drive

Nearby

• Whale Interpretive Centre · In Telegraph Cove

  Marine mammal skeletons and whale science on the Telegraph Cove boardwalk, rebuilding its collection after a 2024 fire.

• U’mista Cultural Centre · Ferry from Port McNeill

  Kwakwaka’wakw potlatch collection in Alert Bay, a short ferry ride from Port McNeill.

• Tide Rip Grizzly Tours · From Telegraph Cove

  Full-day boat trips from Telegraph Cove to watch grizzlies in Knight Inlet.

Getting there

• Port Hardy Airport (YZT) · about 50 min drive
• Nanaimo · about 4 hr
• Victoria · about 5.5 hr

Directions in Google Maps