Paddle in Prime Orca Territory.
Stay at our remote glamping basecamp, with safari tents nestled into ancient rainforest and a wood-fired hot tub and sauna by the ocean.
Available July to September | 4 Days | From $2491.86
About the Adventure
An elevated wilderness experience for those who seek adventure without sacrificing comfort.
Set out on a four-day journey into one of British Columbia’s most remote coastal landscapes. Accessible only by boat, our glamping base camp sits deep within the Johnstone Strait, tucked into pristine temperate rainforest and bordering the Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve – an internationally renowned orca sanctuary.
Your stay combines wilderness immersion with comfort. Settle into spacious safari-style tents, unwind in a wood-fired hot tub and sauna overlooking the beach, and enjoy thoughtfully prepared gourmet meals by our camp chef. Each day offers up to three optional guided kayaking sessions, allowing you to explore the surrounding waters at your own pace.
This experience invites you to slow down, refine your kayaking skills, and fully immerse yourself in an untouched ecosystem – sharing the journey with a small group of like-minded adventurers in one of the world’s most awe-inspiring marine environments.
Highlights
- Enjoy a scenic boat journey from Campbell River, with opportunities to spot coastal wildlife along the way
- Paddle through prime killer whale habitat
- Relax in a wood-fired hot tub and sauna with sweeping views of Johnstone Strait
- Experience the remote beauty of Vancouver Island’s rugged coastline
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
4 days (3 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.
2026 Trip Price
July 1 – 7 & September 2 – 14
$2491.86 CAD per person
July 8 – August 30
$2797.86 CAD per person
A Single Occupancy fee of $600 applies from July 10th – August 30th.
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.
No previous camping experience is required. Guests stay in comfortable safari-style tents equipped with real beds and cozy duvets. Camp amenities include a hot shower and well-maintained outhouses. As this is a fully off-grid experience, guests should be comfortable spending time in a remote wilderness setting. Orca Camp is a base camp experience.
While the camp is comfortable, you are truly off-the-grid. There is very limited cell service and no Wi-Fi, allowing you to fully disconnect from the digital world.
This is a wild, remote coastal setting. 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 Johnstone Strait and the Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve
Johnstone Strait is a pristine waterway winding between Vancouver Island and the mainland of British Columbia, where powerful tides meet rugged coastline. For generations, the Kwakwaka’wakw peoples have navigated these waters, relying on its rich marine life and holding a deep cultural connection to the region. Today, the strait remains one of the world’s most important habitats for northern resident killer whales and other marine mammals.
The camps adjacent Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve is 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 the shore near Orca Camp, giving guests an unforgettable chance to see them in their natural environment. Surrounded by towering rainforest and dramatic coastline, this is a place where wildlife, wilderness, and history converge.
On the traditional territory of the Kwakwaka’wakw peoples.
Arrival and Prep
Welcome to the wilderness city of Campbell River, British Columbia! Please arrive at your accommodation in Campbell River. We recommend arriving a day early if possible, as the trip departs early in the morning (7:30 am). Airport transportation, accommodation, and meals are not included on Day 0.
Into the Strait
Our journey to Orca Camp begins! After breakfast (not included), make your way to the Campbell River Whale Watching office at Discovery Harbour Marina, where your water taxi departs (hotel transfer not included). Enjoy a 2.5 – 3 hour scenic boat ride north in a covered vessel with onboard washroom facilities and opportunities to view marine wildlife on the way.
Upon arrival at camp, settle into your safari tent, explore the base, meet your fellow adventurers, and enjoy a welcome lunch. A guided afternoon orientation paddle introduces you to kayaking in these pristine waters. Dinner is prepared by our camp chef, followed by an optional sunset paddle. Unwind in the oceanfront hot tub or sauna, soaking in the luxurious wilderness surroundings.
Whale Waters
Start your day with an optional sunrise paddle before breakfast. The day’s adventures include guided paddles to explore Johnstone Strait – weather permitting, we may cross the Strait toward West Cracroft Island or head south along the Vancouver Island coast toward Naka Creek Waterfall, stopping at a remote beach for a picnic lunch. Keep your eyes peeled for whales, seals, and other wildlife along the way!
Return to camp to relax in the hot tub and sauna, enjoy light snacks, or explore short hikes around camp. Chef-prepared dinners are followed by optional sunset paddles, campfires, s’mores, and games. On clear summer nights, don’t miss the chance to stargaze or spot bioluminescence in the ocean.
Time to Say Goodbye
Enjoy a final morning paddle before breakfast and some leisurely time at camp to soak in the surroundings. It’s time to say goodbye to Orca Camp and return to Campbell River by boat, enjoying a provided lunch on the ride back. You will arrive back in Campbell River between 3– 5 pm. Leave with a deep sense of place and memories of an unforgettable wilderness adventure.
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 in Johnstone Strait? The best time to see Northern Resident Killer Whales at Orca Camp is from July through early September when they frequent the Johnstone Strait region. We operate during this prime window to maximize the historical likelihood of wildlife encounters.
- Are whale sightings guaranteed on this trip? While wildlife is unpredictable and sightings are never guaranteed, our camp is located directly adjacent to the Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve, which is globally recognized as one of the best vantage points for land-based and kayak-based orca sightings.
- 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 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.
- 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 at Orca Camp? Absolutely. Orca Camp 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 during high season (July 10th – August 30th) to guarantee a private safari tent; we do not require you to share a tent with a stranger.
- 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? Seasickness is very rare because we paddle in the protected waters of the archipelago rather than the open ocean. However, we recommend bringing non-drowsy anti-nausea medication if you have concerns.
- When does the trip return to Campbell River? On the final day, the water taxi typically arrives back in Campbell River between 3 -5 PM, allowing time for local hotel stays or onward travel.
- 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 is the cancellation policy for Orca Camp? Due to our limited capacity and high demand – with seasons often selling out as early as March – we adhere to a strict refund schedule: notice received more than 60 days prior to departure receives a full refund minus an administrative fee, 30–60 days notice receives a 50% refund, and notice received 29 days or less prior to departure receives no refund. We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive trip cancellation and interruption insurance – specifically “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) – to protect your investment against unforeseen travel delays, medical emergencies, or personal evacuations in our remote, off-grid wilderness environment; this is essential because we are unable to provide refunds for cancellations that occur within our non-refundable policy window.
- 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.