Join our “Orcas & Grizzlies Wildlife Tour” in 2010 and explore pristine waters and wilderness areas to see Orcas ("killer whales") and grizzlies off the northeast coast of Vancouver Island, Canada. The setting for this eco-adventure is the remote coastal wilderness that encompasses Johnstone Strait, a deep and narrow glacier-carved passage between the east coast of Vancouver Island and the BC mainland. This area sports sheltered waters and plentiful marine life, including the largest population of orcas in western North America.
During the course of your three full days on Cormorant Island, one day will be occupied by whale watching and another day will focus on grizzly bear viewing. We've set aside a third day to explore the Village of Alert Bay (pop. 1,300), one of the few remaining authentic coastal communities on the west coast of British Columbia. Please note that the scheduling of activities on these three days may vary from the itinerary (below).
Alert Bay Lodge is a four room inn that overlooks Johnstone Strait, enabling panoramic views of sunsets, local marine traffic and sometimes pods of orcas. A large common room and its sundecks are favourite places for guests to gather, converse and dine. Please note that availability for this package is subject to room at the lodge.
In Johnstone Strait, orca and grizzly bear viewing seasons coincide from June 15 to September 20. During this period wildlife activity is at an optimum. However, these mammals may still be seen in a two week period on either side of this season.
Day 1. Depart Victoria
After an early morning departure from downtown Victoria, our coach begins its journey up the east coast of Vancouver Island. We pass by small towns, separated by forests and rolling hills. After Campbell River, the Island Highway takes us into the sparsely populated Nimpkish Valley - keep your eyes peeled for Roosevelt Elk and black bears. The coach tour concludes in Port McNeill in time to make the 5:00 pm ferry sailing to Alert Bay. After a 35 minute voyage, a taxi will take you from the ferry terminal down the ocean road to Alert Bay Lodge.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Alert Bay Lodge
Day 2. Alert Bay, B.C.
Our whale tours depart Alert Bay at 10:00 am for an exciting six hour tour of the inlets, islands and waterways in Johnstone Strait and the Broughton Archipelago. During our tour, your guide lead the search for orcas, humpback and and Minke whales. Your guide will also explain how our whale watching practices conform to " Be Whale Wise " guidelines established by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Other marine life sighting opportunities include Dahl Porpoises, Harbour Porpoises, Pacific White Sided Dolphins and sea lions. Bald eagles and many species of birds are plentiful and, along the shore, black bear, deer and cougar may be spotted. The tour returns to Alert Bay by 4:00 pm, in time to repair to the local pub or do some shopping. A floater suit, warm gloves and a picnic lunch are included. On-shore rest stops are provided to stretch our legs, enjoy lunch and examine the local flora and fauna .
Meals: Breakfast and lunch.
Accommodation: Alert Bay Lodge
Day 3. Alert Bay, B.C.
We've set this day aside for you to explore the village of Alert Bay. After breakfast, the lodge manager will provide you with a map highlighting attractions on the 5 kilometer long Cormorant Island, tickets to U'Mista Cultural Centre and a picnic lunch. The village can easily be explored by foot from your accommodation. Attractions include the village of Alert Bay including the Tourism Information Centre, and shops and galleries featuring native art, the U'Mista Cultural Centre featuring historic and contemporary artwork, including First Nations reclaimed potlatch collection (admission included), First Nations dancing at the Big House (schedule permitting), the Ecological Gardens and Big Tree Trail: a series of easy walking trails located at the top of the island. These attractions are about 2 kilometers from the village.
Meals Included: Breakfast and a picnic lunch.
Accommodation: Alert Bay Lodge
Day 4. Alert Bay, BC.
We depart at 6:45 am from Alert Bay for a full day on the water to seek out grizzly bears in their natural habitat. Our destination is Knight Inlet, a two hour ride by covered boat into Johnstone Strait. Becoming famous for its population of Grizzly bears, Knight Inlet is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, steep-sided, forested cliffs and active marine life.
Here we drift, paddle and motor quietly around an estuary, looking to spot grizzly bears as they feed on the sedges and grasses at high tide. Low tide brings more bears out, and we may see them turn over large boulders in their search for crabs, isopods and beach barnacles. On some tides we transfer to our flat bottomed skiff to get into the shallows. Please bring your binoculars and camera!
Meals Included: Breakfast at lodge and lunch on the grizzly bear tour.
Accommodation: Alert Bay Lodge
Day 5. Alert Bay, BC.
After breakfast we'll call your taxi and get you on the right ferry to Port McNeill. Your up-Island journey continues when you’re picked up by taxi at the Port McNeill Ferry Terminal and escorted to Port Hardy Airport. Here, you catch an afternoon scheduled flight to Vancouver, BC.
Meals Included: Breakfast.
Member discount:
10% discount for InfoHub customer. Request a free gift certificate.
Notes:
Airfare is included in the tour price.
On this five day, self-guided tour, we include a full day grizzly tour, a half day orca tour, entrance to U’Mista Cultural Centre, 4 breakfasts, three lunches and one dinner. Also included is transportation to the Village of Alert Bay beginning with coach transportation from Victoria, BC and ending with a flight to Vancouver, BC.
Note: the 10% discount applies to individuals who book and pay in full by February 28, 2010.
Not Included:
- gratuities and 5% GST.
Also see tour packages in:
Canada
British Columbia
Nature & Wildlife
Wildlife Viewing
Ecotourism
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