Johnstone Strait, Marine waterway in British Columbia, Canada
Johnstone Strait is a marine waterway stretching roughly 110 kilometers along Vancouver Island's northeast coast, connecting the Pacific Ocean to inland waters between Telegraph Cove and Rock Bay. The passage is bounded by rocky coastlines and provides access to multiple bays and anchorages throughout its length.
The strait was named after James Johnstone, master of the armed tender Chatham, who surveyed these waters in 1792 under George Vancouver's command. These early surveys established the foundation for mapping the Pacific coast of what became British Columbia.
The Kwakwaka'wakw First Nations have maintained their presence here for centuries, with place names throughout the region reflecting their language and connection to these waters. Visitors can sense this ongoing relationship through local communities and cultural sites along the coast.
Telegraph Cove serves as the main access point, offering boat launches, moorage, and equipment rental for water-based activities. The best time to visit is May through October when conditions are favorable and local services are fully available.
These waters are known for resident orca populations that visit specific rubbing beaches to scratch themselves against smooth pebbles and rocky surfaces. This behavior is unusual and makes this strait a notable location for observing these marine mammals.
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