Orcas, Bears and Forests of British Columbia
7 days
Highlights
- Sail though the spectacular islands and forests of the Johnstone Strait, searching for orcas on board 'Island Odyssey'.
- Look for minke and humpback whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, Dall's and harbour porpoises, Steller sea lions, bald eagles, black bears and otters.
- Enjoy a day trip to Knight Inlet to watch grizzly bears.
- Visit First Nations village sites, see totem poles, and learn about rich cultural traditions.
Description
This breathtaking trip on board the 'Island Odyssey' - a comfortable 21 metre ketch with eight cabins - discovers the beautiful archipelago and abundant wildlife off the northern coast of Vancouver Island. Home to the WDCS Adopt a Whale project, this very special area is possibly the best place in the world to watch killer whales, or orcas. Each summer, members of the 200-strong resident population congregate in the Johnstone Strait to forage for salmon and socialise with other families.
You'll also have an opportunity to watch grizzly bears on a day trip to Knight Inlet. These magnificent predators converge on the river lowlands and, at low tide, can be found feeding on seaweed, crabs and shellfish along the beaches of the inlet.
The entire region is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Daily shore excursions allow ample opportunity to explore the beautiful beaches and virgin forests on foot, visit local villages and the world-class U'Mista native museum at Alert Bay.
Itinerary
- Day 1
- Arrive Port McNeill and board 'Island Odyssey'.
- Days 2 to 6
- On board 'Island Odyssey', discovering the wildlife of the Johnstone Strait and surrounding inlets, with a trip to Knight Inlet to watch grizzly bears.
- Day 7
- Disembark at Port McNeill. End of tour.
- Tour Code: BCAN
- WDCS Donation Included: Trip cost includes a donation to the Whale & Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS)
- Single supplement: On request
- What's included: 6 nights shared cabin on Island Odyssey; all meals on board; trip to Knight Inlet to see grizzly bears.
- Flight inclusive package includes: International and domestic flights; courtesy shuttle bus transfers in Vancouver; 1 night at a hotel near Vancouver airport on room only basis before and after the cruise.
- Guide: On board naturalist and Island Odyssey crew.
-
Group size: 13 maximum
"Fantastic. We felt privileged to see the wildlife we saw, we all agreed it was the best trip we have ever done. We look forward to returning to Canada next year."
P.W. 2008
Canada Holiday Choices
Great Bear Rainforest - 8 days |
|
British Columbia's Great Bear Rainforest is complex maze of forested islands and waterways ... >> |
|
Orcas, Bears and Forests of British Columbia - 7 days |
|
Discover the beautiful archipelago and abundant wildlife off the northern coast of Vancouver ... >> |
|
Queen Charlotte Islands - 8 or 9 days |
|
Sail the Queen Charlotte Islands and visit Gwaii Haanas National Park aboard 'Island ... >> |
|