Taconite is your luxury base of discovery in the vacation wonderland of Johnstone Straight. Renowned for killer whales "orcas" and described as the most significant known core habitat for killer whales in the world. The region is also home to Minke whales, Dall's Porpoises, seals and over 150 different types of birds . Enjoy Taconite at anchor in picturesque Telegraph Cove, considered the most unique site along Johnstone Strait if not Vancouver Island. This small hamlet constructed on stilts was once the terminus for a telegraph line. Cruise aboard Taconite to Yorke Island were you will find the remnants of an old fort built during WWII to protect the northern entrance to the inland waters. Johnstone Strait is the main water route north, so it is not uncommon to observe cruise ships, freighters and an abundance of pleasure craft from the comfort and sanctity of Taconites afterdeck.
Of the 30 pods of Orca that exist between Washington State and Alaska, 19 pods (some 170 Orca) spend the summer months in the waters of Johnstone Strait and the magical world of the Indian Group Islands. The areas vast archipelago, snow-capped mountain peaks, and stands of old-growth forest provide a sensational setting for our guests to witness the congregation of Resident and Transient pods of Orca. They gather to socialize, interact, and feast on the numerous runs of salmon that must pass through the strait on their journeys back to their spawning grounds. By special request congenial Captain Gordon Levett will take the Taconite for a visit to Mamalilaculla, site of one of the largest potlaches ever held in the Pacific North West. Now deserted, it is a place of long-fallen totems and spiritual mystery. It is a truly fascinating balance of natural history and indigenous culture in an area of diverse beauty.

Most people visit Johnstone Straight to see the Orca, but there is much, much more to this area, which is steeped in cultural and natural history. You'll have a unique opportunity to learn about the culture of the Kwakiutl First Nations People, whose history and folklore has been passed on through the mists of time by word of mouth.

What better way to view the past then aboard the past in the historic motor vessel Taconite.