The sparkling blue waters of Vancouver Island, which has one of the world's most sublime coastlines, is the habitat of elusive orcas. To see orcas or killer whales in their element, travel writer Martin Fletcher kayaks for six days and camps in the wilderness of Canada. He also spies humpback whales but the sleek, majestic orcas are the ultimate prize.

Encountering a pod of orcas is exhilarating, and immediately the misty landscape with multiple shades of grey no longer feels drab but ethereal. Read the travelogue and view photographer Ken Spence's lush images in The Life, ST's digital magazine, which can be downloaded for free from The Straits Times Star E-books mobile app for iPad and Android devices.