Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures and the MERS have teamed up to bring you to the heart of Johnstone Strait off the northeastern corner of Vancouver Island. This area is recognized as one of the most predictable places in the world to see humpback whales and killer whales (orcas) in their natural habitat.

This fundraising trip brings you to Kingfisher’s Hanson Island base camp. The camp is where Weynton Passage connects Johnstone and Queen Charlotte Straits – a humpback whale hot spot. From the comfort of the base camp we explore the variety of kayaking routes the area has to offer. Humpback whales regularly feed in the waters surrounding the camp. Not only do we hope to see whales while kayaking, but we often see them right from camp while enjoying the morning’s first cup of French-pressed organic coffee or a dinner of locally caught salmon around the campfire.

Details: 

• Departure by water taxi from Telegraph Cove to the base camp near Weynton Pass at 9 am on Saturday, Sept .21.

• Guided kayaking with two Kingfisher Wilderness Adventure guides one of which is owner and highly knowledgeable, Andrew Jones.

• Christie and I will join I the evening after our day of fieldwork and will also be giving some on-the-water interpretation.

• Transport back to Telegraph Cove by water taxi at 4 pm on Sunday, Sept. 22.

• Maximum group size 10 people + 2 guides + 2 MERS researchers.

• Cost is $750 per person and includes all meals and accommodation in large comfortable canvas wall tents (2 people / tent). 

For more information and to reserve spots directly with Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures, please see https://kingfisher.ca/mers-fundraiser-kayak-tour

Bill and Donna Mackay, of Mackay Whale Watching in Port McNeill, are making the trip possible, providing us with this very important fundraising opportunity that is also a chance to share our research in this stunning area. 

The trip will be from 9:00 am to ~4:30 pm. Please see slide show below for a sense of how extraordinary the wildlife is in late September in this area. 

Check in will be at the Mackay Whale Watching office between 8:30 and 8:45 am (1514 Broughton Boulevard) and then we will proceed to the Naiad Explorer which is moored near the gas dock. See www.whaletime.com for photos of the Naiad and further details about Mackay Whale Watching. 

Cost per person is $225 and includes lunch, also sponsored by Mackay Whale Watching.

Maximum group size will be 38 supporters + crew + MERS researchers  = 42 total.

Please email us at info@mersociety.org to register and receive payment details.