Transfer and Other Options:

Pre Trip:  Arrive in Port McNeill by vehicle/bus or via Port Hardy by air and taxi. Overnight in Port McNeill (not included). Reservations for accommodation as well as flight reservations to and from Port Hardy can be made through our office at no extra cost. Please contact us for the available options and our friendly staff will gladly assist you. We can, for instance, book the Inside Passage for you or a bear viewing trip from Telegraph Cove or accommodation in Vancouver or complete travel itineraries throughout Western Canada.



Day 1  At 9:00 am you will meet with your trip companions in the lobby of the Haida Way Motor Inn and be picked up by the local taxicab that takes you to the government dock, where the watertaxi is waiting. This comfortable, covered boat will transfer you to Ecosummer’s Orca Camp in approx. 40 minutes, depending on the weather conditions. We do recommend that you wear clothes that can get wet and shoes that protect your feet when leaving the boat to get ashore at the base camp. After getting accustomed to the camp environment, the guides will give a warm welcome and introduction to the days ahead, followed by the obligatory “safety-talk” and practical instructions for sea kayaking and whale watching before heading out for a first, exploratory paddle. With a little luck, you will be paddling with the whales already on your first day at Orca Camp. There is also an opportunity for an evening paddle after dinner or even a short night paddle under a starlit sky and during cycles of bright moonlight. Sometimes, the Orcas even decide to overnight right in front of our camp; it is very special listening to their blows while you’re slumbering away or making yourself comfortable around the crackling campfire.  Meals: lunch / dinner



Day 2 - 6  (Day 2-3 for shorter option) These days will be spent exploring the core territory frequented by the Orcas of Johnstone Strait; the main activity will be sea kayaking but we’ll also take you for short hikes and interpretive walks. Some of the popular kayaking routes are paddling west along the Vancouver Island shoreline, or across the Strait to Blackney Passage or even around or part way around Hanson Island. You may also paddle east to get a full view of Robson Bight. The guides will make those decisions and take all factors such as overall group ability, weather forecast, currents and tides, the Orcas’ most recent travel patterns etc. into consideration. Your safety is their top priority, followed by maximizing your wildlife viewing opportunities. The guides will inform you about their daily plans during “chart-talks” in the mornings. One of the most popular hikes is the one up to the Eagle Eye whale monitoring and research station. To visit and talk to the researchers is always a highlight. After exciting days of discovery, filled with lots of unforgettable memories, you return to the coziness and hospitality of our base camp. Enjoy well balanced, nutritious and great tasting meals and barbeques - they taste best while watching wildlife right from the kitchen or from your folding chair on the beach, perhaps with a glass of BC red wine or a cup of coffee in your hand.  Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner



Day 7  (Day 4 for shorter option)
Conditions permitting, there is time after breakfast for a last, short morning paddle before the watertaxi arrives to take you back to Port McNeill. For many of our guests, the farewell isn’t easy because you will have bonded with this unique place and the incredible animals … but - you can always return!
Meals: breakfast

This itinerary is a sample only - the exact itinerary of your trip will be dictated by factors such as weather, tides, and group interest, with the guides working within the parameters of safety, time, and the highlights of the area.



Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Do I need previous kayaking experience?
A: No, many novices join this trip. Our kayaks are very seaworthy and easy to handle. Our guides primary role is to keep you safe and comfortable, both on and off the water. Your guides will teach participants all the required skills through an "orientation to safe sea kayaking" on your first day and as required throughout your trip. You can expect your technique will refine over the course of the trip (with tips from your guides) while you begin to feel like a seasoned paddler.

Q: How big are the chances to see whales?
A: While we cannot guarantee orca whale sightings, your guides will focus on maximizing your opportunities for experiencing orcas within the scope of this itinerary. Orca whales are wild animals and as such their travel routes and environment are unpredictable.

Q: Do you have single kayaks?
A: While our fleet consists mainly of tandem kayaks, we do have a limited number of single kayaks available. Please do confirm their availability with our office.

Q: Can we bring children?
A: Absolutely, we want you to! This can be such a bonding experience! We are happy to accommodate children as young as 8 years old at Orca Camp. The base camp concept and our flexible itinerary allows for parents/caregivers to stay back in camp should the need arise. We usually try to team families up with other families to same departures.

Q: How much paddling will we do each day?
A: Long paddles are uncommon, but we may often extend our reach to increase the chances of good orca sightings. On full field days, time on the water can typically be 4-6 hours per day with plenty of time to relax, watch the orcas or other marine life, take scenic pictures, stretch your legs and have lunch.

Q: How big are the groups?
A: Our maximum group size is 10 participants, however, in rare cases we will accommodate up to 11 guests in camp. Depending on group size, paddlers are accompanied by 1-2 guides.

Q: What type of weather conditions will we likely encounter in the area?
A: Weather conditions can be variable ranging from daytime temperatures of 21ºC - 24ºC (70ºF - 75ºF). Evenings are cool with temperatures near 10ºC (55ºF). Extended periods of rain are unusual, but possible, and mornings may be foggy.

Q: I am a single traveler. Do most people come with a partner or friend?
A: The average group consists of two couples, a couple of friends and four single travelers with a even ratio of male to female. We do not charge a single supplement unless you specifically request single tent-accommodation (limited single tents available, please contact our office to confirm).

Q: What qualifications do your guides have?
A: Our guides are singularly the most import resource an adventure travel company has! Because we operate our own trips we can assure you first hand that your guides will be among the best to be found anywhere. In addition to being experienced outdoor leaders specializing in various modes of travel, our guides have taken numerous courses such as: the A.C.S.K.G. sea kayaking leadership/assistant course (or equivalent), advanced wilderness first aid and C.P.R. All are experts at interpreting cultural and natural history as well as comforting, safe, and fun to share a campfire with!

The following is a list of the clothing and equipment you will need on your expedition. It is of utmost importance that you follow this list accurately for your own comfort and well-being. Proper preparation is a vital ingredient in your enjoyment of the program. When selecting your clothing, keep in mind the following principles about staying warm and dry:

Layering
It is very effective to wear layers of clothing to stay warm, as the air trapped between the layers acts as an insulator. Layering also allows you to regulate your body heat by adjusting the number of layers, depending on the temperature and your activity level. There are 3 main layers: ‘Transfer’ which is the layer next to your skin; ‘Insulating’ which is the main warmth layer(s); and, ‘Protective’ which is the outer layer to protect you from wind, rain, and other elements.

Keeping Dry
Wetness increases the loss of body heat and is uncomfortable, so it’s important to stay as dry as possible. Some clothing is hydrophobic, and therefore, stays dry (i.e., synthetics such as polypropylene, polyester, capilene, and natural fibres such as wool and silk). Clothes made of these materials make great expedition clothing. Be careful of other materials (e.g., cotton and down), because they are absorbent and stay wet. Also, avoid overdressing as it can cause excess perspiration and therefore wetness.

Please avoid cotton clothing (including jeans) if possible. Once it is wet, cotton takes a very long time to dry in this coastal environment.

Clothing List
Footwear
1 pair shoes to be worn during the day while kayaking if you choose not to take advantage of the booties we provide. We recommend a pair of Teva’s (sandals with Velcro straps) or a pair of wind surfing shoes such as Nike Aqua Socks or neoprene wet suit boots **
3 pairs of wool or thermal socks
1 pair quick drying, sturdy walking shoes for wearing around camp and on short walks
** Please do not bring rubber boots for in the kayak although they can be great around camp!

Headwear
Wool/fleece hat
Sun hat or visor (ballcap)
Rain hat (sou’wester), not needed if you have a hood on your raincoat
Handwear
Pair of wool or synthetic gloves, if you choose not to take advantage of the paddling gloves we provide
Upper Body
Synthetic fabric shirts (1 lightweight, 1 medium-weight) for paddling
2-3 t-shirts
Long-sleeved shirt with collar for wearing around the campfire
Fleece zip-front jacket or pullover (for cool evenings and mornings)
Waterproof raincoat with sleeves that close tightly (make sure that it’s durable)
Lightweight windbreaker or paddling jacket
Lower Body
2 pairs shorts (light/fast drying nylon is best)
2 pairs medium weight pants (synthetic is fast-drying)
Pair of heavier pants (for cool evenings around the campfire)
Pair waterproof rain pants (Note: A full length coated nylon cagoule can be substituted for rain coat/pants)
Duffel Bag / Pack
A 25-l waterproof bag per cockpit is provided for our guest’s convenience
Duffel bag for carrying gear to the base camp location
Small sturdy nylon daypack for in kayak & on hikes

General gear
Small inflatable pillow
Sunglasses with neck cord
Extra prescription glasses/ contacts
Neck cord for prescription glasses while in kayak
Water bottle w/strap to fasten to kayak – min 1 litre/1 quart(litre / quart size)
Toiletry kit - biodegradable soap, (bar soap does not work well in salt water, we suggest clear hand dishwashing soap, or “seasuds”), toothbrush and small tube toothpaste, small container moisturizing cream, etc.
Waterproof sunscreen (SPF 15+ )
Lip salve (with PABA recommended)
Mosquito repellent
Small towel & washcloth
Flashlight or headlight (with extra batteries and bulb)
Large garbage bags (for waterproofing gear, e.g. on watertaxi)


Optional Items
Camera (insured for loss, theft, and damage recommended) with extra memory card and batteries
Waterproof box or bag for storing camera (see ‘Packing for a Kayak Trip’)
Small binoculars (also insured for loss, theft, and damage recommended)
Lightweight reading material
Journal and pencil / pen
Sketch Pad for drawing
Small musical instrument
A candle lantern
Compass and chart of the area (see ‘Maps & Charts’ in Further Information package), laminate your charts or cover them with waterproof vinyl (e.g., Mactac)
Favourite ‘goodies’ or spirits to enjoy around the campfire
Toilet paper

First Aid
Your guides will carry an extensive wilderness first aid kit, however, you should bring the following items for your own personal use:

Band-aids (elastoplast or fabric type are best)
1 roll gauze
Blister kit (moleskin or ‘second skin’)
Tensor bandage
Adhesive tape, small gauze or telfa pads
Topical antibiotic ointment (e.g., polysporin)
Antacid
Mild analgesic (e.g., aspirin, Tylenol)
Mild anti-inflammatory (e.g., Ibuprofen)
Motion sickness medication (e.g., Gravol, Transderm patches); any personal medication (bring extra!)

Equipment
Group equipment such as tents, paddles, sprayskirts, PFDs (lifejackets) are all provided. We pride ourselves in the quality of the equipment we have selected for your use. However, if you would prefer to bring your own equipment please clear its performance with the office and then confirm that you will bring it.

Our guides will further have corresponding and laminated charts of the area in camp to follow and show daily paddling routes to our guests.

Packing for your base camp trip
Your Orca Base Camp trip is unlike any of our other expedition style trips as you have the convenience of having a home base to make yourself comfortable in for the duration of your trip. The extreme waterproofing which is needed for our expedition trips is not necessary with our base camp program. However we do suggest you take precautions just the same.
We suggest using a duffel bag to pack your gear in. Lining the duffel with a garbage bag is always a safer bet as we do get transferred out to our base camp by water taxi. In case you are bringing your own sleeping bag, may we also suggest lining your sleeping bag stuff sack with a garbage bag as well in order to ensure it stays dry during the transfer with the watertaxi.

The Orca Camp trip is highlighted by exceptional opportunities to view orcas both from shore and from a sea kayak. Our base camp is ideally located in the heart of the orcas’ territory: nestled into the Vancouver Island shore overlooking Johnstone Strait and directly adjacent to the protected rubbing beaches at Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve - the world’s only designated whale habitat. There are beaches all along the coastline for beachcombing and tidepooling, and great fishing holes right off the shore. A base camp in such a prime location as this offers many advantages over a moving camp or expedition style trip: It offers much more comfort, it allows much more time to sea kayak and whale watch and it makes it possible for anyone of normal health and fitness to partake. This trip is even suitable for families with children. Please inquire about our family departure dates and age restrictions.

Group activities will also include: hiking, interpretation of natural and native history and relaxation, camaraderie and fun by the campfire. To complete this exquisite coastal setting, you will be immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of the boreal rainforest, and able to witness the natural rhythms of the ocean. Enjoy the bald eagles, ravens, seagulls and ducks, the seals, sea lions and the rare otters – a fascinating display of coastal life, often right in front of our camp! Occasionally, while out on one of the daily excursions, observe bears or get a glimpse of a cougar scouring the beaches.

While Orca Camp is a wilderness tent base camp here is what you can expect:
Spacious tents
Therm-a-rest, sleeping bag, fresh liner and pillow case
Paddling booties and gloves/pogies
Composting toilets
Simple camping-bag-shower (solar heated)
Brand name fibreglass kayaks, paddles, sprayskirts and life jackets
25-L waterproof bag for each cockpit
Hydrophone
Large kitchen tent with tables & benches
Camping chairs
Small library

Meals
We start with fresh, healthy and wholesome ingredients that are skillfully prepared by your guides, often over a campfire. For breakfast there is usually a choice of different breads, yogurt, cereal, hot cereal, butter and jam, french toast and of course eggs, etc. For lunch our guides pack cold cuts with fresh vegetables and fruit and crackers and also bring a little stove along for those who would like a warm soup or tea/coffee.

Dinners generally include a variety of different noodle and rice dishes, e.g. with prawns, chicken and vegetables, and we also BBQ fresh salmon for our guests; always delicious our dinners are also accompanied with a glass of wine. A fresh water source is available in camp. There is a sheltered dining area that has one of the most incredible views of the surrounding waters, another great opportunity to see the orcas!

PS... With enough advanced notice we are happy to accommodate a wide range of dietary requests including those from vegetarians and individuals with allergies.

Passports
Passport valid for at least one day beyond the intended departure date from Canada required by all nationals referred to in the chart except the following:
(a) 1. Canadian citizens holding a Canadian Certificate of Identity, Canadian birth certificate or a certificate of Canadian citizenship;
(b) permanent residents of Canada with proof of status, ie Permanent Resident Card, Record of Landing, Returning Resident Permit or a Refugee Travel Document issued by the government of Canada to refugees who have been resettled in Canada;
(c) 2. citizens of the USA holding proof of citizenship (eg US birth certificate or US naturalisation papers).
Note: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport or other approved document when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced as early as 1 January 2008. For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.
(d) persons entering from St Pierre & Miquelon or the USA who are legal permanent residents of the USA and hold a US alien registration card (Green Card);
(e) 3. citizens of France who are residents of and entering from St Pierre & Miquelon.
Note: (a) Children under 18 years must have information with them on the people responsible for their welfare, if travelling alone; this includes a letter of permission to travel from guardian(s), and also a letter from the custodian in Canada. (b) Depending on circumstance and nationality, certain applicants may need to undergo a medical examination in order to receive their visas; this must be carried out by a physician on Canada's list of Designated Medical Practitioners.
Passport Note
Visitors to Canada must satisfy an examining officer at the Port of Entry that they are genuine visitors, in good health, with no criminal convictions, and have sufficient funds to maintain themselves during their stay in Canada and to return to their country of origin, as well as evidence of confirmed onward reservations out of Canada. Persons under 18 years of age who are unaccompanied by an adult should bring with them a letter from a parent or guardian giving them permission to travel to Canada.

Identity/travel documents issued to non-national residents of the country of issue, refugees or stateless persons are recognized for travel to Canada.

Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in chart above (visitor or transit) for stays of up to six months except the following:
(a) 4. holders of passports endorsed ‘British Subjects’ and ‘British Protected Persons’;
(b) 5. nationals of Bulgaria and Romania;
(c) those visiting Canada who, during that visit, also visit the USA or St Pierre & Miquelon (a French Overseas Territory) and return directly to Canada as visitors within the period authorised on their initial entry (or any extension thereto).

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the high commission to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
The Government of Canada refuses admission to: (a) holders of passports issued by the UK Government entitled 'British Temporary Resident's Passport'.

(a) A single-entry visa is still valid if used to visit the USA. (b) Persons wishing to attend a course of six months duration or less, at any level, do not require a study permit. However, if there is the possibility that you will extend your period of study in Canada, or if you are a full time student and wish to work on campus, you may apply for a study permit.
Types of Visa and Cost
Visitor: C$75 (single-entry); C$150 (multiple-entry). Family: C$400 (for families of six or more persons). Transit: free. Transit visas are necessary for all nationals who require a visitor visa. Although transit visas are not required by British citizens, they may be required by foreign nationals with British passports; check with the embassy or high commission for details. For further information on payment methods, contact the high commission. Prices are subject to frequent change.
Validity
Up to six months depending on circumstances of individual applicant. The determination regarding length of stay in Canada can only be decided by the examining officer at the port of entry, but visas cannot exceed the validity of the passport and cannot be longer than five years. If no actual departure date is indicated within the visitor’s passport, then the visitor will be required to depart within three months from the date of entry. Visitors must effect their departure from Canada on or before the date authorised by the examining officer on arrival. If an extension of stay is desired, an application must be made in writing to the nearest Canada Immigration Centre at least three weeks before the expiry of the visitor visa. Multiple-entry visas cannot be valid longer than passport. Transit visas are only allocated if a national's flight/onward journey is continuing within 24 hours. Single-entry visas can be used multiple times by nationals of St Pierre & Miquelon and the USA.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission)
Working Days Required
10 days are required from receiving applications, but applications should be made at least one month prior to the intended date of departure. Certain nationals are subject to longer processing times. For urgent applications it is advised to apply in person. Same-day processing is available for applications made in person and 24-hour processing for those using the drop-in service.