Orca Camp – basecamp kayaking in total comfort

For me, the Johnstone Strait conjures up countless images of orcas spy hopping, breaching, finning and tail lobbing while just a stones throw from my kayak – and this is for good reason. These waters are the most dependable in the world for observing and paddling with these powerful but gentle orcas.

Orca Camp is the newest addition to ROAM”s incredible line up of wilderness retreats.  One can kayak and whale watch in British Columbia’s most productive waters  yet retreat nightly to a fully-catered oceanfront camp.  The camp is situated in the heart of the orca territory and the trip includes a motorized day of whale watching to cover more ground than we can by kayak.

Orca Camp features Alaska-style wall tents built on platforms, complete with comfy beds, pillows, sheets and duvets to keep you toasty warm at night.  There’s hot showers, toilets and even a wood-fired hot tub to help you relax after a day of paddling.  Small group sizes and attentive staff will make this “glamping” trip outstanding for all ages.

Organize a private group or join one of ours!  The camp can handle ten guests at a time and can be easily combined with our Bear Camp packages for the ultimate West Coast wildlife safari!

And there is so much more to paddling this cedar fringed tidal environment than the orca. In our kayaks, we glide quietly over starfish, crab, sea urchins, purple-hinged rock scallops and a host of other marine life. You will always need to be ready for the unexpected. A few seasons ago, our group came across a bald eagle flopping about in a kelp bed.

Our lead guide was the first to arrive on the scene. With the assistance of our guest biologist, they were able to free the bird from a healthy sized halibut it had attempted to wrestle.  The bird with a 7-foot wing span was exhausted from the struggle and much to everyone’s delight, suddenly jumped on the back of the kayak.   These natural surprises, plus the natural history and mysterious feel of the coast, stay with you forever.

Ocean kayaking is among the fastest growing leisure activities in North America, and its popularity is easily explained. It is a means of discovery that is accessible to people of all ages, and on our trip no previous kayaking experience. Our trip allows participants to choose options each day that match your personal level of fitness.