This natural history voyage explores the protected waters of Northern Vancouver Island. This area has been home to the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations people for thousands of years and will explore their culture and art. Whale researchers consider this area the best place in the world to observe Orcas or killer whales. Equally as exciting, nearby Knight Inlet has now become the premier grizzly bear viewing site in British Columbia.
This sample itinerary describe typical trips. Activities, however, may occur in a different order or be substituted by suitable alternatives. Wildlife is wild life and may not necessarily conform to our schedules.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: The trip starts and finishes in Port McNeill, BC. Participants will meet at 9:30 a.m. at the top of the Municipal Dock on the Port McNeill waterfront. Upon boarding “Island Odyssey”, cabins will be assigned and an introductory safety briefing will be completed. Port McNeill is the starting point for this voyage because it is the closest port to the core killer whale area. We expect to discover our first pod or group of whales the first afternoon. Orcas are one of the most exciting marine mammals. We will watch them foraging for salmon, spy hopping, and breaching (leaping clear of the water). Participants will learn about the behavior of these fascinating creatures, listen to them calling on the ship’s underwater microphone, and learn to identify individual animals. Each night the boat anchors in a different, secluded anchorage.
Days 2-3: The focus these days will be on the waters of Johnstone Strait or nearby Queen Charlotte Strait. Part of each day, will be exploring for various species of marine mammals. Not only is the area famous for Orcas, but Humpback and Minke whales are common, and Dall’s porpoise often come over to the boat to play on the bow wave. After a few hours floating with whales, we will visit the modern Kwakwaka’wakw community of Alert Bay to visit the U’Mista Cultural Center to see the fascinating collection of potlatch masks on display. If we have a good wind, we expect to raise the sails and enjoy the silence and beauty of sailing. There will be time to explore the protected waters using stable, sea kayaks that are carried on board.
Days 4-5: The trip now shifts as we travel deep into the Coast Mountains up a beautiful fiord called Knight Inlet. Extending nearly 60 miles, Knight Inlet is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and some of the most remote wilderness on the coast. Grizzly bears require wilderness to survive. Starting in August, salmon return to spawn up the rivers and creeks. This wonderful source of food concentrates the bears along the river in the best places to fish. A local lodge has built raised viewing stands to watch the grizzly bears feed. We have the privilege of using the stands and learning from the local bear guides. We expect to have two opportunities to visit different viewing stands along the river, and often bears are seen walking the shore. There should be some spectacular opportunities for photography.
Day 6: At the entrance to Knight Inlet is the abandoned Kwakwaka’wakw village of Mimquimlees. With permission from the local native band we will explore the old village to discover fallen totem poles and a rich heritage. Returning to Johnstone Strait, we will have further encounters with the whales. Each experience is different. With a good low tide, we may explore the shore for different species of colorful sea stars, anemone, and algae. With an active group, we can hike into the coastal forest to see big trees and learn about the forest plants.
Day 7: Mid morning, return to Port McNeill and the completion of the voyage. Participants can catch afternoon flights back to Vancouver.
Notes:
- Passengers will require a valid passport when crossing the US/CDN border for all trips.
- We ask that you bring a sleeping bag, as there are no facilities for laundry on board. If you are taking a trip in the Spring or Fall a warm sleeping bag is recommended.
- Rain gear needs to be completely waterproof and strong enough to stand up to wear. Rubber boots should be comfortable. Knee high boots will ensure dry feet. Expect daily use stepping ashore from small boats at the ocean's edge and walking in west coast rain forest.
- We cannot accommodate suitcases aboard the boat and ask that your clothing and equipment be brought aboard in soft sided, compressible bags, for example duffel bags or some other soft case that can be easily stowed.
- Be prepared to dress in layers to accommodate changes in weather. Good warm outer clothing (including warm hat and gloves or mittens) and good rain clothing allows you to remain comfortable in windy or wet conditions. A good, light thermal layer can go along way to providing comfort. (Remember the whales don't stop just because it's raining).
- Please be aware that there may be weight restrictions for float planes, if your trip includes this option. If you are concerned about seasickness your doctor can recommend medications designed to prevent motion sickness.
- There is no smoking allowed on board the boats.
- Meals: A professional cook is in charge of all the cooking during the trip.We carry ample quantities of fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, grains and dairy products for the duration of the voyage. Meals are served buffet style.We are confident that you will be very impressed with the variety and excellence of the meals that are prepared for you. Complimentary wines are served with dinner. There is no bar on board to purchase additional drinks. Guests are responsible and welcome to bring their own cocktail, beer and soft drinks.
- Weather: While guests should come prepared for some gusty winds and the possibility of rain, we usually experience clear skies and a good amount of sunshine. It always feels cooler on the water than actual temperatures may be.
- Photography. Recommendations for the serious wildlife photographer:
* A 300mm camera lens seems ideal, while 180-300mm lenses generally give good results with bears and other wildlife.
* Consider bringing fairly fast film to capture moving wildlife, and to allow for photography in the low light of morning or evening.
* Most people use more film than they expect.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- All meals from lunch on the first day to breakfast on the last day
- All accommodation on board ship: skipper, cook, naturalist
- Full use of all on board facilities.
Price Excludes:
- Transportation to the start point and from the finish point of the trip
- Any accommodation or meals prior to the start of the trip or after the completion
- Travel or cancellation insurance
- Airport transfers
- Optional purchases and gratuities for the crew.
Also see tour packages in:
Canada
British Columbia
Outdoor: Water Drifter
Boating and Sailing
Wildlife Viewing
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