Sea Kayaking with Pacific Orcas

During my 23 years of guiding, I have been treated to many special moments in the outdoors. To rank one more special than another is like comparing apples to oranges. Sea kayaking in the orca waters of Johnstone Strait will remain one of those special moments.

Johnstone Strait is located near the northeastern tip of Vancouver Island in British Columbia. It is witness to one of nature's most fascinating annual occurrences. Families (pods) of orcas, also known as killer whales, congregate here during the summer months. Their arrival in the strait coincides with the return of Pacific salmon as they return to spawn in waterways along the B.C. coast. The orcas take advantage of the salmon's return to feed and to socialize with other pods.

The orcas fearsome reputation originated with sightings of them attacking whales and other marine life. The Romans coined the word "orca" meaning "demons from hell" and Spanish whalers referred to them as "whale killers". Recent research has established them as intelligent, social creatures.

Orcas are not whales but are the largest member of the dolphin family, with adult males reaching lengths of 10 m (33') and weighing as much as 10 tonnes (2200 lbs). A large dorsal fin on its back and distinct black and white markings make them easily distinguishable.

Orcas come in different types. Most of the orcas in the Johnstone Strait area are "residents". Resident orcas do not stray very far from their home waters and subsist mainly on salmon. Another type are the "transients". Transients roam over larger stretches of coastal waters, travel in smaller pods, and favour seals, sea lions, and porpoises in their diet. Finally there are the "offshores". Not much is known about the offshores as they travel a wide range and tend to avoid protected waters.

Socially, resident pods range from 20-50 members and are maternally ruled. Family units stay together and do not disperse. A maternal group may contain four generations whose ages could well parallel a human family. Females may reach an age of 80, and usually give birth around 15 years of age. Orcas belong to a matrilineal genealogy, that is, an individual’s ancestry is traced through it’s mother and her relatives. To avoid inbreeding it is thought that males mate with cows in other pods, so paternity is usually not known.

Orcas identify each other and other groups by vocalization called dialects. These high pitched squeals, squawks and screams form their “language”. To the trained ear it can be used to identify pods. Dialect also distinguishes resident, transient, and offshore orcas. The vocalizations appear to be used as a communication device to stay in touch with family members or to identify other orca pods. Different families do not appear to communicate vocally because they have different dialects.
Recent research development.

Find out more about orcas by visiting a research station in Johnstone Strait.

See more photos.