..Kayaking Tours with The killer whales of Johnstone Strait..Kayaking Tours with The killer whales of Johnstone Strait..Kayaking Tours with The killer whales of Johnstone Strait
Started as an extension of North Island Water Sports located in Departure Bay in Nanaimo, BC Canada. Our business in Telegraph Cove was operated in conjunction with Telegraph Cove Resorts. We changed the name of our company to tckayaks to shorten the name for internet usage. We have been an outfitter of day trips and rental kayaks on Vancouver Island and British Columbia for more than 24 years. Ourservice allow you to access your destinations in Johnstone Strait and the Broughton Archipelago from the safety of Telegraph Cove Resorts.
We are a local Vancouver Island Company that is passionate about this area and the ecology of our environment and wildlife. As a local company, years have been spent exploring the British Columbia Coastline and we have developed our kayak tours and locations built on the experience of 40 plus years of Kayaking on Vancouver Island and British Columbia. As a local business we take pride in supporting Vancouver Island and the Killer Whales of Johnstone Strait.
Larry was a founding member of the Sea Kayaks Guide Alliance of British Columbia and was instrumental in the development of safety standards for the kayaking industry. He is a seasoned of some twenty-five years of guiding and knows the sea kayak rental business from it's inspecion to present day. He enjoys guiding and sharing wilderness experiences with people and is determined to provide the best service of any outfitter on the BC Coast.
Our small company has grown gradually over the years through the word of mouth. This year will mark our 25th season of operation on Vancouver Island and the Central Coast of British Columbia. During these years of expanding we stepped forward and financially supported, "Strait Watch," and "The Bone Project." And since 1999 we have supported "Orca-Live."
As one of the top outfitters in this area with many years of experience, we have a first-rated infrastructure for top quality service and a quality network of associates to make your experience a pleasant one.
To ensure your security and comfort, we have arranged top-notch equipment, environment-friendly campsites & a wide assortment of quality Sea Kayaks.To ensure a positive experience, our guides will ensure that you are fitted with the right Sea Kayak and help you feel comfortable and confidant using that Kayak. For your safety, all our guides are experienced and trained in wilderness first aid, basic VHF radio, and naturalist training.
To maximize your experience, we will help you interact with the culture and environment, and also share insights on cultural and environmental preservation.
Our best selling feature can be seen in our Base Camp ( complete information on our base camp can be found here ) which is well situated in Johnston Strait to best view encounters with Orca - killer whales and other wildlife. Our Base Camp offers many comforts that are required for a joyable stay in Johnstone Strait.
Our Island base camp contains private comfortable tents and other amenities, and all Discovery Expedition guides are dedicated outdoor enthusiasts with a love of sharing their experience with others. Each are well versed in the history and ecological features of the area enabling them to provide our clients with a safe, enjoyable, memorable trip.
Imagine waking up to nature scenes like this.
This photo is one of the beaches found at our base camp and it offers breath taking views of Johnstone Strait. Most days you will find that this beach is the meeting place for meals, nightly bonfires, and just watching Johnstone Strait.
Telegraph Cove Sea kayaking strives to please their guests. Each year new services - base camp improvements - equipment updates allows us to remain leaders in the kayaking rental and tour business.
Each year we take great pride in posting comments from our guests.Telegraph Cove Sea Kayaking hopes that you will join us for an adventure that you will never forget. Here are what a sample of guests have said about our trips over the past twenty years.
Orca II July - Ella and Alex Herz, Geneva, Switzerland
We just got home today after our terrific 4 day orca trip with Discovery. We were wondering if the whales that we saw on September 2 and 3 have been identified. We are thinking of adopting a whale and want to adopt one that we saw up close and personal. Maybe the baby that was swimming with mama both days. How can we contact them? Had a great time. Tash and Karen were excellent guides. Thanks for the trip...
Paddle In Paradise January - Adrian Mares - Belize, CA
Jan 2005 Having just returned to Toronto, I wanted to thank you for setting up what was a terrific vacation. What made the trip really great was your team on the ground, all of whom were amazing. In particular, the guides were great.. I’m looking forward to a return to Belize.
Orca II August - Micaelia & Dave Brummett,- Palo Alto, California
We loved the trip!!! Karen and Brendan were exceptional cooks, great guides and super hosts!
Orca I July - Jim McGlynn - Fort Churchill, Manitoba
Excellent; the island; the cliffs; the indian village and the ORCA – the best viewing possible. The menu was truly a wilderness cuisine, especially the salmon and crab.
Gwaii Haanas II July, - Joan Fogarty, Burnaby, BC
Never expected to see such wonderful colors and images. The loveless songs of the birds around Bolkus Island is what I remember the best. Also, the views of the fog and mist covering the tops of the San Christoval Range at sunset are still vision I remember of our Charlottes trip
Gwaii Haanas II July, - Nancy Skinner, San Francisco, California
I was asked to go on this trip by a friend. Never did I image it would have such an impact on me. The Haida people are special and made the visits to the Heritage Sites unique and interesting. The knowledge and friendliness of your guides was a highlight of my trip…thanks again
Gwaii Haanas II July, - Steve Goh, West Vancouver, BC
Jan and I envisioned long adventurous days and quiet restful nights. Thanks to you and your guiding we were not disappointed. Each day was a memory in itself but the days we remember the best were our soaks in the hot pools and sitting around the fire pit with Wes at Windy Bay
Orca I August - Rocco Myer, Long Beach, California
I thought of you while reading this article today. Hoping all is well with you and yours. I’ll have to say that I really missed the whales this past August.
Orca ll July - Tony Cowan, Albuquerque, New Mexico
My daughter and I were in Telegraph Cove just a few weeks ago. Looking back now I still miss it. You and I gabbed, philosophized, and solve a few world problems one afternoon of our trip. Those are memories I will not forget. I know that a whole lot of people who have been up to northern Vancouver Island leave different that when they came…
Orca I August - Linda Kewith, Hayward, Wisconsin
I’ve had to request six more copies of your brochure for potential customers so maybe you’ll get to know more folks from Hayward. Maybe I’ll come back with the rookies to show them the ropes…
Orca I July - Christine Marsden, McMahont, Sidney, NSW
Just a quick note to let you know how much we enjoyed our trip to the Johnstone Strait. The team at Discovery was first class and did everything to make our trip enjoyable. I did not expect to see Orca the first day. The paddling and the weather was enchanting…
Orca III July - Yager family, Oakville, Ontario
My family and I enjoyed our Orca II 4 day sea kayaking trip. Both Jessie and Karen were excellent guides, who provided significant insight to our environment and made our trip very enjoyable. We would be pleased to refer the trip to our friends and would be pleased to be a reference for any of your future customers.
Orca I August - Nancy & John Paris , North Vancouver, BC.
I’m still daydreaming about our kayaking trip. It was a great experience! Thank you for being a great guide. I really enjoyed the trip and am planning out next kayaking adventure to see belugas in the Arctic…I also came away from the trip with a greater will towards saving our old growth forests and I am taking a course called, “Our Forests: A Citzens Survey of Current Issues,” to get a better idea about what’s going on. Anyway thank you again for a wonderful trip that I’ll never forget.
Smith Sound July - John Seeley, Seattle, Washington
Thankyou for a fascinating adventure, it’s one I will treasure always. My twin and his wife are very interested, so perhaps next year, you’ll meet my other half. Take Care
Were finally getting around to sending you the pictures we promised. Seems like so long ago when we ere up there, but we look back on our pictures with fond memories. It was a very exhilarating way to spend our honeymoon. Every once in awhile we still find ourselves making “whoosh sounds” to remind us of the whales!
Paddle In Paradise December- Belize, CA - Valerie & Rod Burton, Bowser, BC.
Everything was like a postcard. The colours of the water were fabulous. The Parots, Tjucans and Macaws were wonderful. The Coral was fascinating. And the Belezian people were extremely friendly and hospitable. I would to again if we get the opportunity.
Orca I July - Leslie & Pete Ullstrup, Scottsdale, Arizona
I can still remember the day we paddled along side the large lone bull off the shores of Kakash. The was a magical day, flat calm waters, sunshine and Orca, what more could we ask for. Thanks for making it all possible.
Broken Islands July - Joan Fogarty, Vancouver, BC
Thanks so much for the wonderful trips – both to the Broken Group and the Queen Charlotte Islands. I had a great time and enjoyed it all thoroughly!!
Orca I August - Kristine Fowler & Davis Krauter, Oakland, California
Jeff was a great chef & guide. I can’t remember the woman’s name right now (Ashley) but whe was also terrific. They were calm, encouraging, balance people to spend time with. The campsites were an unexpected pleasure. The sea kayaks were easy to maneuver, the whales spectacular- as well as the porpoises, eagles, and the scenery at time was breathtaking. I hope to repeat this experience in the future.
Orca II August - Bryce & Kathy Tolley, Calgary, Alberta
We’re a bit tardy with a big thanks for such a terrific experience on the water. Greg’s pictures turned out a little blurry. That was the one he took over the shoulder as that large fin passed right by the kayaks.The one I took on the last day with Bryce and a whale did turn out after all (makes up for the one I missed on day 2) Too bad it wasn’t a close-up. Probably could be blown us, though. A big thank you again- to you and Sean. Hope to see you in the future.
Orca I August - Gary Lee, Portola Valley, Cal & Andrew Rossi, Providence, Rhode Island
Oh Great Leader….Our minds often reminisce of the splendor of the Northwest. Our ears ring with the calls of the Orca, and our pallets ache for the plentiful fruits of the sea. Our kindred souls have departed and scattered like the devoted hands that hold this pen yearn not for paper but for a paddle.
Gwaii Haanas II September - Maryse Campbell, Toronto, Ontario
Thanks to you and Bill for the wonderful 8 day trip in Gwaii Haanas. A trip that I felt safe and comfortable on. Beyond the poles of Ninstints, I enjoyed the hot pools of the Hotspring Island. Both are remarkable places. I appreciated the little extras you guides provided during the trip and look forward to my next trip with Discovery. Thanks for an amazing trip to Gwaii Hannas Aug 10-18! Thanks for being great guides, laughing at our jokes and taking care of us.I have been full of memories and stories for everyone since. I've got a set of Rick's pictures and have been showing them all over Toronto.
Orca IV Lodge Based Trip July - Sue Wood Fort Collins, Colorado
Orca II July - Christine Marsden, North Sydney NSW, Australia
I have just completed the 4 day kayaking trip in Johnstone Strait, which was led by Chris and Soren . This is a note to say how much I and my friends enjoyed the trip. We were impressed with the beauty of the area, the orcas, and the paddling itself. All of the above however, was enhanced by the energy and accommodating spirit that both Chris and Soren displayed with an amazing level of consistency. All of the group on this trip was impressed by the fact that nothing was too much of an effort and was always done graciously.
Orca l August - Kim Robinson, Tampa Bay, Florida
As someone who has kayaked previously I was also very reassured by the care and consideration that was always demonstrated with the leadership of the group - in preparation and when on the water. Thank you for a wonderful trip. And the great memories of fun times with good people.
Orca II August - Sarah Berg, Chicago, Illinois
Great end to the trip. Out to boat bay yesterday. Up to see Cheryl this morning. She says to say hi! And come up. Andy lost his last coke to the ocean gods and we saw a transient orca bull this morning. All but Andy. Good luck and thanks for the experience. Probably be seeing you again.
Why choose Telegraph Cove Sea Kayaking for rentals and boat transport?
Simply because we put people first. We believe in quality trips instead of quantity. We believe that you will be our best ambassador to the rest of your friends and acquaintances in promoting our tours.
What about safety?
Safety always first. Our guides are seasoned veterans that understand our tour areas, weather patterns, and of course they are equipped with radios. In addition they have first aid training. During our years of operation Discovery Expeditions and Johnstone Strait Kayaking is proud of their safety record.
What kayaking experience is required in order to rent sea kayaks?
No. Anyone, regardless of his or her level of experience and abilities, can enjoy our tours. We offer kayaking instruction and safety procedures before setting out on our adventures. Many of our guests are first-time kayakers and our guides are experts at helping everyone relax and enjoy their journey. We also offer some trips for kayakers with higher fitness levels. Those tours that require a higher level of fitness are noted in the tour details.
What are the physical requirements?
Average physical health is required. Most of our adventures are not strenuous or physically demanding and do not require a high level of fitness. You should be capable of a few hours of moderate exercise each day. Still, these trips are adventurous, every day is different and on certain days it might be a little harder to paddle than on others. If you have any health problems, let us know when you are making your reservation so that we will be able to accommodate your needs and abilities.
What are the age requirements?
Please check the itineraries of each trip for minimum age requirements. The individual fitness level is more important than age.
How many hours per day do you paddle?
Depending on the destination, the group's abilities and desires. Some groups like to paddle a lot, some don't. Our guides will adapt to the groups performance. Our trips include short rain forest walks, wildlife and plant interpretation and education, bird watching, swimming, camp fire, snorkeling, enjoying great food, beachcombing, and, of course, time to rest, relax and enjoy the scenery.
How stable are the kayaks? Can they flip over?
The kayaks we use on our tours are very stable and designed for comfort and the likelihood of a capsize is minimal. Before we embark, we go over safety procedures, which includes preparation for rescues. If for some reason your kayak flips over, our experienced guides will help you get upright quickly and efficiently.
Some information about our companies . . .
Discovery Kayaking Ltd. (Discovery Expeditions) - provides quality wilderness and kayaking tours in British Columbia with safe equipment, experienced guides, reasonable prices and unique destinations locations. Discovery Expeditions is your source for fun & excitement short and long trips from the Great Bear Rainforest of the Central Coast of Super Natural British Columbia.
Our base camp location in Johnstone Strait offers one of the best camping locations on Johnstone Strait to enjoy kayak tours with killer whales. Our base camp location is situated on the migration path of the Orca Whales and often the whales passage is within close proximity of our camp. From this basecamp we offer a destination for our popular 3, 4 and 6 day kayak tours into Johnstone Strait. Experience some of the best kayaking tours with Killer Whales on Vancouver Island.
Discovery Expeditions also offers other fine kayak tours to other locations in British Columbia. Our Great Bear kayak Tour offers you the thrill of Kayaking in the Great Bear Rain Forest. This tour starts in Bella Bella an area well known for providing services for kayakers hoping to venture into the Great Bear Rain Forest in Search of sightings of Coast Wolves and Spirit Bears.
Johnstone Strait Kayaking Tours also offers kayak tours to Barkley Sound . This is the perfect kayak destination for families to enjoy perfect kayaking conditions on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. While in Barkley Sound you will experience some of the best in wild life and camping locations. Barkley Sound is the perfect location for both novice and experienced kayakers.