Johnstone Strait

Telegraph Cove, BC

Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve, 10 km southeast of Telegraph Cove, is critical habitat for Northern Resident killer whales, and all boaters, motorized and non-motorized, are expected to stay out of it.

Multi-day sea kayak trips from Telegraph Cove along the channel orcas use each summer

Why go to Johnstone Strait

Johnstone Strait runs along northeastern Vancouver Island, and guided sea kayak trips usually spend three to five days on it, launching from the harbour at Telegraph Cove and camping on beaches. Family groups of orcas use the passage as a travel route, and Cottage Life counts approximately 230 orcas in the region, along with dolphins, seals, sea lions, minke whales and black bears.

Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve, 10 km southeast of Telegraph Cove, protects the places where Northern Resident killer whales feed, socialize and rub on beaches. BC Parks asks all boaters, kayakers included, to stay out of the reserve, so trips explore its edges. Outfitters named by Cottage Life include Spirit of the West Adventures and Sea Kayak Adventures.

Did you know?

Northern Resident killer whales feed, socialize and use rubbing beaches inside Robson Bight, which is legally designated critical habitat under the Species at Risk Act.source ↗
Cottage Life puts the region's orca population at approximately 230 whales.source ↗