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The Queen Charlotte strait is between Vancouver Island and British Columbia's mainland. It forms part of the Inside Passage and, during the summer months, is considered to be the best place in the world to view orca.

Orca can be regularly viewed at close quarters in Johnstone waters, usually swimming over to the boat on the surface, giving a chance to see their full profile and offering some fantastic photo opportunities.

Humpback and minke whales are also seen in the waters where Queen Charlotte Strait and Johnstone Waters meet; other wildlife includes harbour seals, Steller’s sealions and a wealth of seabirds.

View suggested itineraries

Key info

  • Ideal for viewing: orca, brown bear, Steller’s sealion, tufted puffin, humpback whale
  • Where: British Columbia, Canada

Wildlife trips

This wildlife location is featured in the following itineraries:

The Bear Essentials

Focus on seeing British Columbia’s largest carnivore - the brown or grizzly bear. Fly by floatplane to your wilderness lodge of choice, and enjoy daily bear watching trips, either by boat, kayak or from hides, affording some remarkably close up encounters and an unforgettable experience. Find out more about The Bear Essentials

  • Price (inc. flights): 8 days from £4,695
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • M
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S
    • O

Vancouver Island Self-drive

This two week self-drive itinerary takes in the mountains, dense forests and coastlines of Vancouver Island. Travel at your own pace to ensure that you get the most of the wilderness interior, with hikes, sea kayaking and boat excursions to watch grey whales, orcas, Pacific white-sided dolphins and black bears. Find out more about Vancouver Island Self-drive

  • Price (inc. flights): 15 days from £4,195
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • M
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S
    • O

Kayaking with Whales & Grizzlies

Seeing a humpback whale lunging through a school of bait fish, or a pod of killer whales surfacing in unison, are often considered to be once in a lifetime experiences, yet they are both possible on this water-based tour, along with the other star of British Columbia’s extraordinary wildlife – the grizzly bear. Find out more about Kayaking with Whales & Grizzlies

  • Price (inc. flights): 10 days from £6,995
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • J
    • A
    • S

Orcas, Bears & Totems

This wildlife cruise visits a stunning archipelago in British Columbia, one of the best places in the world to watch orca as they gather to forage for salmon. Sailing on board a specially designed yacht, the adventure continues to Knight Inlet, where brown bears come to feed in the summer. Find out more about Orcas, Bears & Totems

  • Price (inc. flights): 10 days from £5,330
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • When to go:
    • J
    • A

Safari Slowly on Canada’s West Coast

Travel to Canada's West Coast and take time to immerse yourself in one of the finest wildlife locations in North America. By spending six nights you can appreciate the serenity and splendour of the Broughton Archipelago, Great Bear Rainforest and Johnstone Strait as well as the region's wealth of wildlife. Find out more about Safari Slowly on Canada’s West Coast

  • Price (inc. flights): 9 days from £6,495
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S
    • O
Suggested accommodation is shown below. Please contact us for further recommendations.

Orca Waters Base Camp

The Orca Waters Base Camp is situated in the heart of the wildlife rich waters of Johnstone Strait, off northern Vancouver Island. The spacious tents are situated in the rainforest and all face the ocean, offering a wooden bed and thick mattress to ensure a good level of comfort. Find Out More about Orca Waters Base Camp