|
|
Whale Watching - Off Vancouver Island BC
see orca, grey and humpback whales
Johnstone Strait and the Broughton Archipelago offer some of the best wildlife exploration opportunities anywhere on the British Columbia coast, particularly if it is orcas or humpbacks you wish to see. Whale viewing opportunities abound during our travels and on most days we get to see a number of pods of resident orcas. Also, because we travel so far during our journey (twice as fast as most other boats) we get to see more whales, including the transient orcas (meat eaters) are sometimes spotted. When the humpback whales are around, we generally see several during the day and we are frequently come across one or more of the local Minke whales.
The British Columbia whale watching regulations ask that we do not stay with one group of whales for more than 30 minutes. We must also limit how close we come to the whales. Keeping this in mind, after we have had a good viewing of a pod of whales, we continue on with our journey. Because our boat is one of the fastest in the area, you will see more whales AND still have time for First Nation experiences, as our First Nation guide will show you where his ancestors lived. He enjoys giving the detail of what life was like for the original people of this area.
With only 12 passengers on our boat you will have plenty of opportunity to interact with our First Nation guide.
Typical Day
Leave Sayward (pick up spot) and head straight to the nearest known whales.
-spend as much time as the group wants with different pods (subject to the conservation limits)
- whale watching in / near Robson Bight Ecological Whale Reserve, Johnston Strait, Blackfish Sound, & Queen Charlotte Strait
Head across the open waters of Queen Charlotte Strait and go to Duff Rock, Fife Sound to view the Stellar Sea Lions basking on top of the rock.
Travel down Fife Sound and see ancient First Nation village sites at Davis Island.
Go through narrow passages seeing ancient cedars and wildlife - now you are deep in the Broughton Archipelago.
Arrive at Pierre’s Bay floating community - walk the docks and see floating bakery, floating gift store, floating light house and interact with Pierre and his guests. Very unique!
Travel by Echo Bay with a store stop if you want.
Stop at world famous Billy Proctors museum. A local inhabitant of our area for over 60 years who has written two books and gathered one of the best ancient First Nations artifact collections that he shares with all by having built his own museum.
Across from Billy’s dock you will see Alexander Morton’s house. She is the famous whale researcher that has written three books. Usually she is out conducting her research, but you never know - we may see her.
Now we head towards the western edge of the Broughton Archipelago (hundreds of islands make up this beautiful area). Dolphin, porpoise, and seal abound in the passages and channels.
We will slow down in front of Gwayisdums (Gilford Indian Village) and you will see a modern inhabited First Nations village. If you want to buy local carvings or other art, we can stop at the village. They have some beautiful totem poles recently raised in the community, as well as a big house.
We will stop at a seal and sea gull colony in Spring Passage. Great bird watching site!
Crossing Knight Inlet, the worlds longest inlet, we arrive at Village Island, our base and the guide will escort all into the abandoned village of the Kwakwaka’wakw (Kwakiutl), which was known as Meem Quam Leese (village with the rocks and islands in front).
Now we are off again to explore the picto-graphs and the ancient Chief's Bath at Berry Island. Our guide will share the stories and history of this site.
Five minutes away we will stop at our dock and camp. Here we will sample some of our areas bounty from the sea.
Now we head out to tie beside one of the local commercial fisherman or Native food fisherman working the waters. This is where you get to experience hands on what fishing is all about. No other tour in our region offers this unique experience. From the deck of my vessel you will be able to see it all. Then it is off to see the whales once again
We also like to stop in front of Orca Lab. I talk about the efforts Dr. Paul Spong and his supporters have been doing to protect the whales of our area and the world. Many will recognize Orca Lab from television documentaries on whales, and we may even see Paul.
Black bears are always nearby on this tour and if you want, we can focus some time on finding them. Sometimes we see wolves, otters, and every now and again, cougars.
4 day / 3 night package - Price Per Person GB£ / US$ / CA$: GB£480 / US$820 / CA$900
Not included: Meals, transportation to and from Kelsey Bay/Sayward, accommodation.
Day Trip Email to register (tell us your preferred dates - Advance Bookings only)
Price Per Person GB£ / US$ / CA$: GB£51 / US$85 / CA$95
Not included: Meals, transportation to and from Kelsey Bay / Sayward, accommodation.
