“Join a kayaking tour in the realm of the whales”
4 Day Kayaking Basecamp, Whale Watching, and Adventure Holiday in Alder Bay, Canada
West Cracroft Island, Johnstone Strait, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Canada Adventure Holiday
Perched on the edge of the Johnstone Strait, this established base camp on West Cracroft Island has been a favorite of Spirit of the West Adventures' guests for more than twenty years. Paddle nearby shorelines and learn about the area’s incredible wildlife from your experienced guides.
Highlights
- 4 days of kayaking
- 3 guides and 1 camp staff
- Chance to observe marine mammals
- Discover vibrant and unique intertidal life and the variety of shorebirds and seabirds
- Free use of kayaking and safety equipment
- 3 nights accommodation
- Daily meals and snacks
- Park and land use permits included
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Styles
4 activity days
Group size: Maximum of 12 participants
Accommodation
Check-in Time:
11:30
Check-out Time:
14:00
Facilities
- Hot tub / Jacuzzi
- Dining area
- Kitchen
- Lounge
- Outdoor shower
Built onto a rocky bluff, the camp has lots of open outdoor space and unobstructed views of the ocean. It’s easy enough to find a quiet spot to sunbathe, practice morning yoga, read, or just soak in the nature that surrounds you. The camp also features a large kitchen and communal dining area, as well as a hot tub overlooking Johnstone Strait. Comfortable amenities include large white cotton canvas tents on wooden tent platforms, complete with a simple bed and pillow.
Bring your own sleeping bag (or contact Spirit of the West Adventures for rentals) for sleeping. You will have a designated composting toilet, as well as shared access to a heated outdoor shower. With magnificent views from the hot tub and perhaps the most peaceful sleep you will ever experience, the Johnstone Strait Ultimate base camp provides an amazing opportunity to get away from it all and relax in the wilderness.
Camp set up
Set on top of a stunning bluff with sweeping views of the Johnstone Strait, the camp is the perfect spot to begin your adventure. This wilderness camp provides roomy walk-in tents, handmade bed frames with comfortable foam mattresses, fluffy pillows, plush towels, private composting toilets located in a convenient central area, two hot showers, an oceanfront hot tub, and a covered dining and lounge area for you to enjoy gourmet meals and take in the sunset.
Tents
The spacious tents are designed to fit two adults comfortably. Each one contains two single beds that can be pushed together to make a king-size bed if you prefer. Spirit of the West Adventures does have folding cots with Therm-a-rest mats that can be added if you would like to have your younger family members stay in your tent, or they have some tents that are closer together, making them ideal for friends or families who want to be close but not share a tent.
Inside the tents, there are additional comforts such as extra blankets, a lamp, handmade bedside tables, electrical outlets, coat hooks, and headlamps. Tents are based on double occupancy. Spirit of the West Adventures has a total of eight guest tents at this camp. If you will be traveling on your own, they will do their best to accommodate solo tent requests, but they are limited, so please reach out to their office to confirm availability before reserving.
Program
With magnificent views from the hot tub and perhaps the most peaceful sleep you will ever experience, the Johnstone Strait Ultimate base camp provides an amazing opportunity to get away from it all and relax in the wilderness. Come back to the same, comfortable established campsite each night. Situated directly across the Johnstone Strait from the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve, the Ultimate Basecamp enjoys captivating mountain views, spectacular sunsets, and the kind of peace you only experience when you are “really out there”.
This tour is designed to cater to all levels of experience and abilities from first-time to expert paddlers. Each day, you will explore the shores of Johnstone Strait and the unique bays of West Cracroft Island. Take in the stunning views and learn about this significant area with a visit to a whale research outpost nearby. Generally, you travel between four to six hours a day on this Johnstone Strait Ultimate tour.
They set a pace that is attainable and enjoyable for all. The first and last days will be shorter paddles due to travel water taxi transport, with days two and three being full days of paddling. Your guides have extensive training in keeping all sea kayaking excursions safe and engaging and will always consult the group in terms of the weather and wind forecasts.
Kayaking
This tour is designed to cater to all levels of experience and abilities - from first-time to expert paddlers. Each day, the group will explore the shores of Johnstone Strait and the unique bays of West Cracroft Island. Take in the stunning views and even learn about this significant area with a visit to a whale research outpost nearby. Generally, you will travel between four to six hours a day on Spirit of the West Adventures' Johnstone Strait Ultimate tour.
They will set a pace that will be attainable and enjoyable for all. The first and last days will be shorter paddles due to water taxi transport, with days two and three being full days of paddling. Your guides have extensive training in keeping all sea kayaking excursions safe and engaging, and will always consult the group in terms of the weather and wind forecasts.
Tour meeting location
On day one of your trip, you will meet your water taxi driver in Alder Bay on Vancouver Island (approximately a five-and-a-half-hour drive by car north of Victoria or four hours north of Nanaimo). At your meeting time, you can meet your guides at the cedar structure on the pier. You will reach Alder Bay Resort & Marina at 11:30 a.m. on day one.
The return time can depend on weather and travel conditions. Spirit of the West Adventures will try their best to get you back on time for your onward travels or to explore more of what Vancouver Island has to offer. You will leave Alder Bay Resort & Marina by mid-afternoon, at around 2:00 p.m. on day four.
Itinerary
Day 1
At 11:30 a.m., meet your guides at the grassy area above the dock. After a quick safety briefing, you will jump aboard a water taxi for a scenic 45-minute boat journey across the Johnstone Strait. Upon arrival at West Cracroft Island, your guides will serve up a delicious lunch for you to enjoy, before showing you around camp and checking you into your tent.
After getting settled, you will meet on the beach for a kayak orientation, before an optional late-afternoon paddle. Delicious appetizers will be ready and waiting for when you get ashore. Spend the rest of your evening relaxing, enjoying dinner, and taking in the incredible scenery that will surround you.
Days 2 to 3
Steaming coffee will be available for you when you’re ready to kickstart your day. Enjoy a hearty breakfast before deciding your optimum recreation-to-relaxation ratio. Maybe you will enjoy a land activity, with a hike to the top of Eagle Eye and an interpretive talk about forest ecology. Perhaps you will get on the water and spend the whole day paddling along the coastlines, learning all about the fascinating intertidal life that clings onto the rocks and headlands.
Or maybe, you will opt for a relaxing day at camp, practicing yoga, curling up with a cup of tea and a good book, or soaking in the hot tub. As evening sets in, share dinner with new and old friends, before watching the sun sink below the horizon and settling in for a peaceful night of sleep.
Day 4
Pack your luggage before filling up on a tasty breakfast. Savor your final moments on the water during a magical morning paddle. After a quick lunch and some fond farewells, you will be boarding the water taxi back to Alder Bay. You can expect to be back at your vehicle at around 2:00 p.m., but the exact time depends on various factors such as wind and weather conditions.
Location
Situated directly across the Johnstone Strait from the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve, the Ultimate Basecamp enjoys captivating mountain views, spectacular sunsets, and the kind of peace and quiet that you only experience when you’re “really out there." The Johnstone Strait has long been known for marine life. Mammals, including sea lions, orcas, dolphins, and porpoises can often be spotted in the region. The shores of West Cracroft Island are rich in vibrant and unique intertidal life and you can always keep an eye out for the variety of shorebirds and seabirds flying overhead.
It is not uncommon to witness a black bear foraging for crabs or a river otter or mink scampering along the shoreline. This basecamp is located directly across the famed Robson Bight (Michael Biggs) Ecological Reserve. Robson Bight is a well-known area of protected critical habitat for Northern Resident Killer Whales. Spirit of the West Adventures' location in this special region allows for spectacular wildlife viewing both from camp and from the kayaks as orcas travel through the area.
Food
Spirit of the West Adventures loves food and they want to show you how good cooking in the outdoors can be. Your multi-talented guides will cook fresh, hearty food made with locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. You can expect big buffet breakfasts and simple but delicious dinners. There will also be plenty of fresh garden veggies and tasty fruits available, in addition to appetizers and locally baked goods. During your stay, food, and drinks from dinner on day one to lunch on day four, except for alcohol, will be provided for you.
Your team of guides and basecamp assistants will be your chefs for the duration of the trip. They will use mostly organic fresh fruits and vegetables to prepare gourmet meals, topped off with home baking. It is a Spirit of the West Adventures guarantee that you will never go hungry, even after a day’s paddle in the fresh air. On the first evening, they will feature a wild and local fish dinner, and from there, the creative, tasty, and hearty meals will keep coming. They will not be your typical camping food. Spirit of the West Adventures will be happy to accommodate many dietary restrictions.
However, these will add additional complexity and costs to preparing for the adventure. Please see below for some of the dietary restrictions that they can accommodate and the associated costs for substitutions.
- 75 CAD fee: Gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, nut-free, and vegan (please inform Spirit of the West Adventures when booking)
- No additional cost: Vegetarian, no red meat, no pork, no fish, no seafood
Food is an essential part of any camping trip and wow, camping food has come a long way. Move over, hot dogs and canned beans, because fresh green salad, local and responsibly sourced lingcod, and roasted baby potatoes are ready and waiting to be served. Top these off with locally baked treats or fresh fruit skewers with chocolate drizzle for dessert, and you will get the picture.
It will be a pleasure to share these tasty meals with you while savoring some of the most beautiful scenery around. On their tours, you can look forward to hearty, healthy, fresh, and satisfying food. While specific meals will vary based on the tour, please see a sample of some of their typical options below.
Breakfast
Breakfasts will be warm and hearty. Breakfasts that will be served may include:
- Scrambled eggs, bacon, and fruit
- Yogurt, granola, and fruit salad
- French toast with fresh fruit
- Hot cereal with dried fruit and toppings
- Pancakes with peaches and syrup
- Kayaking trip breakfast
Lunch
Lunches will be simple and delectable, most often eaten on one of the coast’s many pocket beaches after a morning of paddling. They may include:
- A sandwich spread with seasonal fruit and cookies
- Pita, hummus, and tzatziki with protein bars and fruit
- Quinoa salad with fresh veggies
- Kayaking trip lunch
Appetizers
Appetizers will always be a welcome treat at the end of a day of paddling. They may include:
- An assortment of artisanal crackers and cheeses
- Tortilla chips and fresh salsa
- Kayaking trip appetizer
Dinner
Dinners will be full of flavor, filling, and variety. There will always be a sweet treat to follow. Meals may include:
- Pan-seared lingcod fillets (locally and responsibility sourced) with herbed potatoes and green salad
- Thai curry with tofu, jasmine rice, and naan bread
- Mediterranean pasta with olive bread and salad
- Mexican bowls with corn salad and guacamole
- Kayaking trip dinner
Sample menu items are based on the expedition tour menus. Basecamp tour offerings will vary slightly.
Snacks
Snacks will also be available for quick, on-the-go nourishment. Your guides will have trail mix, fruit leathers, granola bars, sweet and savory treats (such as jerky or pepperoni), as well as chocolate available for snacking. You will also be welcome to bring along your favorite snacks while you are kayaking.
Spirit of the West Adventures' coffee, teas, and other yummy drinks
They are very fortunate to have world-class coffee roasters on their little island, importing ethically produced and sustainable coffee. Helene and Peter of Aroma Roasters supply them with freshly roasted, fair trade, organic, and shade-grown beans produced by a women’s cooperative in Mexico or Peru. Fruit juice, black and herbal teas, hot chocolate, and coffee will all be provided as well for your drinking pleasure. You will be welcome to bring wine, beer, and spirits to enjoy responsibly with your meals.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Snacks
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten Free
- Organic
- Seafood
- Lactose Free
- Other dietary requirements on request
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation
What's included
- Guided kayak excursions
- 3 nights accommodation
- All meals and snacks (from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 4)
- Kayaks and kayaking gear (PFDs, paddle, and spray skirt)
- Private return water taxi service from and to Alder Bay
- Your own private tent with a simple bed (no linens) and pillow
- Your designated composting toilet with a sink or wash area
- Access to an AlumiTubs hot tub overlooking the ocean
- Outdoor heated showers and towel
- Park and land use permits
What's not included
- Rain jacket and pants (rentals available)
- Your sleeping bag (rentals available)
- Personal items (clothing, toiletries, etc.)
- Alcoholic and carbonated beverages (welcome to bring your own)
- Personal transfers to and from the meeting point in Alder Bay
- Accommodation before and after your tour
- Travel and medical insurance
- Guide gratuity
- 5% GST
- 25 CAD per person environmental sustainability fee
How to get there
Recommended Airports
YVR
Vancouver International Airport
281 km
Transfer not provided
YZT
Port Hardy Airport
61 km
Transfer not provided
Arrival by airplane
Please book your flight to arrive at Campbell River Airport (YBL) or Port Hardy Airport (YZT). Transfers from and to this airport are not included. Campbell River Airport (YBL) is a two-and-a-half to three-hour drive to Alder Bay, BC. Most guests opt for a rental vehicle. If you will fly into Port Hardy, Alder Bay is a short 40-minute taxi ride away.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 25% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookAllSafaris.com. All major credit cards supported.
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