Witness Whales in Two Worlds.
A whale watching safari FROM Campbell River paired with a luxury glamping and kayaking escape in the heart of Johnstone Strait orca territory.
Available June 29 – August 22 | 7 Days | From CAD $4140.20
About the Adventure
The ultimate summer wildlife journey – from whale watching to wilderness kayaking in orca territory.
Set out on a seven-day journey that brings together the two best ways to experience British Columbia’s whales. Begin in Campbell River, gateway to the Discovery Islands, with a six-hour marine wildlife safari in search of orcas, humpbacks, dolphins, and more. Then travel by boat into the heart of the Johnstone Strait to our remote Orca Camp, accessible only by water and bordering the Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve – an internationally renowned orca sanctuary.
For four days, trade the boat deck for a kayak seat. Paddle daily through some of the richest whale habitat on the coast, unwind in a wood-fired hot tub and sauna overlooking the ocean, and enjoy chef-prepared meals with a view. Evenings are spent around the fire under star-filled skies, fully immersed in nature.
This trip invites you to experience orca territory from every angle – engine-powered and paddle-powered – alongside a small group of like-minded travelers.
Highlights
- 6-hour whale watching tour with Campbell River Whale Watching
- 3 nights of glamping at our exclusive Orca Camp
- Sea kayaking in prime orca habitat
- Small group sizes and personalized guiding
- 3 hotel nights in Campbell River included
Camp adjacent to the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve, where orcas return each summer to rub along the pebble beaches; while the reserve itself is protected, whales often pass close to camp
Duration
7 days (6 nights)
Guide Ratio
1 Guide / per 6 Guests (3 guides total + one camp manager + one camp chef)
Start Point
Discovery Harbour Marina in Campbell River, Vancouver Island, BC
Impact
Protecting this ecosystem is central to everything we do. We follow a strict code of conduct and all marine wildlife regulations, ensuring wildlife is viewed from respectful distances and given the space it needs to thrive. A $20 sustainability fee per guest is donated directly to local conservation initiatives, supporting the long-term protection of this extraordinary region.
2027 Trip Price
$4140.20 CAD per person
A Single Occupancy fee of $600 applies from July 5 – August 22. All prices are subject to 5% GST.
Skill Prerequisites
1:6 guide to guest ratio
No previous paddling experience is required. All kayaking sessions are optional, and guests are welcome to skip any outing and relax at base camp while enjoying the glamping amenities. Each kayaking session is led by certified guides who are happy to provide instruction and support at every level.
For those planning to join the longer kayaking day trips from base camp, a moderate level of fitness is suggested, as day trips can last up to six hours (with breaks) at an easy pace.
Enjoy the best of both worlds – comfortable hotel stays in Campbell River bookending a fully off-grid glamping experience. At Orca Camp, guests stay in spacious safari-style tents equipped with real beds and cozy duvets, with a hot shower and well-maintained outhouses on site. No previous camping experience is required.
While Campbell River offers full modern comfort, Orca Camp is truly off the grid, with very limited cell service and no Wi-Fi – a chance to fully disconnect. Guests should be comfortable with the quiet of the wilderness and the unpredictability of nature, from the weather to the whale sightings.
Feeling unsure? Please contact us, we are happy to answer your questions!
hello@wildcoastadventures.com
About Campbell River, Johnstone Strait, and the Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve
Campbell River is known as the gateway to some of the richest marine wildlife viewing in British Columbia, where the tidal currents of Discovery Passage draw orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, and salmon in abundance. From here, the Johnstone Strait winds north between Vancouver Island and the mainland – one of the world’s most important habitats for northern resident killer whales, and for generations a place of deep cultural connection for the Kwakwaka’wakw peoples.
Orca Camp sits adjacent to the Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve, a strictly protected sanctuary where orcas return each summer to rub along the pebble beaches. While the reserve itself is off-limits to humans, orcas often pass close to shore near camp, giving guests an unforgettable chance to see them in their natural environment.
On the traditional territory of the Kwakwaka’wakw peoples.
Arrival in Campbell River
Welcome to the wilderness city of Campbell River, British Columbia! Check in to your hotel and settle in ahead of tomorrow’s whale watching adventure. Evening free to explore Campbell River. Meals not included.
Whale Watching Safari
Head out on a six-hour guided marine wildlife safari with Campbell River Whale Watching, searching the waters of Discovery Passage and the surrounding islands for orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, dolphins, and more. Lunch is included on the water. Return to Campbell River for your second hotel night. Dinner not included.
Into the Strait
After breakfast, transfer by boat to Orca Camp, enjoying a scenic ride north with more opportunities for wildlife viewing along the way. Upon arrival, settle into your safari tent, meet your fellow adventurers, and enjoy a welcome lunch. A guided orientation paddle introduces you to kayaking in these pristine waters, followed by a chef-prepared dinner and time to unwind in the oceanfront hot tub or sauna.
Whale Waters
Full days at camp built around guided sea kayaking in prime orca habitat. Paddle through the Johnstone Strait, keeping an eye out for whales, seals, and other wildlife, with stops at remote beaches along the way. Between paddles, relax in the hot tub and sauna, enjoy chef-prepared meals overlooking the ocean, and gather around the fire in the evening under star-filled skies.
Final Paddle & Return to Campbell River
Enjoy a final morning paddle before breakfast and some leisurely time at camp. Say goodbye to Orca Camp and travel back to Campbell River by boat, with lunch provided along the way. Settle into your final hotel night in Campbell River. Dinner not inlcuded.
Departure
Depart Campbell River with a deep sense of place – memories of whales and days spent paddling through their home waters. Breakfast included; onward travel not included.
What’s included
What’s not included
Reconnect with the Wild
Leave the modern world behind and fully engage with the power and rhythm of the wilderness. At Wildcoast Adventures, we believe every moment spent in nature is a chance to learn, grow, and recharge – mentally, physically, and emotionally. Our experiences are designed to challenge and inspire, helping you reconnect with yourself and the untamed landscapes around you. There’s nothing quite like the clarity, strength, and presence that comes from truly living in the wild.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the best time to see orcas on this trip? This trip runs June 29 through August 22, timed to the peak season for Northern Resident Killer Whales in both Discovery Passage and the Johnstone Strait, maximizing your chances of sightings on both the whale watching tour and from camp.
- Are whale sightings guaranteed? While wildlife is unpredictable and sightings are never guaranteed, this trip gives you two distinct opportunities to see orcas and other marine wildlife – a motorized whale safari with a dedicated whale watching operator, and days spent paddling adjacent to the Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve, one of the best land- and kayak-based orca viewing spots in the world.
- What other marine wildlife might I see? In addition to orcas, guests frequently observe humpback whales, Steller sea lions, Pacific white-sided dolphins, Dall’s porpoises, and diverse coastal birdlife.
- What are the hotel accommodations like in Campbell River? Guests stay in comfortable hotel accommodations in Campbell River for three nights, with breakfast included, bookending the Orca Camp portion of the trip.
- What are the glamping accommodations like at Orca Camp? Guests stay in spacious, safari-style tents built on raised wooden platforms and equipped with real beds and warm linens. Our amenities are the most extensive in the region, featuring an oceanfront wood-fired hot tub, a sauna, a hot shower, and a cold-plunge creek. The camp also features two well-maintained composting toilets and a cold-water sink for daily essentials.
- Is there Wi-Fi or cell service at the camp? No, Orca Camp is a true wilderness retreat with no Wi-Fi and limited cellphone reception, designed to help you fully unplug. We do provide a small charging station in each tent for your cameras and small devices.
- How much kayaking is included each day? We offer up to three guided sessions daily, including early morning, day trip, and sunset paddles. As this is a basecamp experience, all kayaking is optional; you are welcome to skip any session to relax at the beach or in the sauna.
- What kind of food is served on the trip? Dining is a signature highlight, featuring gourmet, all-inclusive meals prepared by an on-site camp chef using fresh, local ingredients, plus a provided lunch on the whale watching tour and breakfast at the hotel.
- Can you accommodate vegan, gluten-free, or other dietary restrictions? Yes. We accommodate most dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets, as well as specific food allergies.
- Do you allow solo travelers? Absolutely. This trip is a popular choice for solo travelers seeking a safe and communal wilderness experience.
- Is there a single supplement fee for solo travelers? A $600 single supplement fee applies for peak season departures, July 5 – August 22, to guarantee a private hotel room and safari tent.
- What is the maximum group size? To maintain an intimate and high-quality experience, our maximum group size is limited to 18 guests.
- Do I need prior kayaking experience to join? No previous experience is required. Our certified guides provide full kayak instruction and safety procedures before your first launch.
- Will I get seasick while kayaking or on the whale watching tour? Seasickness is rare, as the whale watching tour operates in relatively protected coastal waters and kayaking takes place in the sheltered waters of the Johnstone Strait archipelago. We recommend bringing non-drowsy anti-nausea medication if you have concerns.
- When does the trip return to Campbell River? The boat from Orca Camp typically arrives back in Campbell River in the afternoon on Day 6, ahead of your final hotel night.
- What is the minimum age for the Orca Camp kayaking trip? The minimum age for participants is 10 years old. We require at least one adult to accompany every child aged 15 or younger. If you have a child under 10 with significant kayaking experience, please contact us directly to discuss a custom family booking.
- What are the payment terms and booking requirements? Due to high demand and a short season that often sells out by March, full payment is required at the time of booking to secure your spot. Our limited capacity means dates fill up several months in advance.
- What happens if a trip is cancelled due to weather? We operate in most weather conditions, and our guides are expertly trained to adapt daily itineraries for guest safety. In the rare event that safety concerns prevent a launch, our team will work with you based on our standard operating procedures and safety protocols.