Travel to a wilderness paradise where snow-capped mountains, flanked by lush old-growth temperate rain forests, plunge into the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Here, in late spring, grizzly bears come down from their hibernation dens to the ocean to feed on the estuary sedges and grasses. This is the only time of year that it is possible to consistently see these incredible animals along the shore. We will travel deep into remote wilderness fiords aboard our 70’ motor-sailor to explore the home of the grizzly on this Orcas and Grizzly Bear Sailing Holiday in Canada.

Much of our wildlife viewing will be from our stable zodiac boats, and we will go ashore daily to walk the coastal forests or discover intertidal creatures at low tides. Our focus will be on majestic Knight Inlet, which cuts over 60 miles into the coastal mountains. We expect to see various species of marine mammals, including porpoises, seals, and perhaps Orcas and sea lions. During the voyage, thousands of birds will be migrating north along the Pacific flyway. There will still be snow up on the mountains above and we hope for some beautiful views of the 5000’ and 6000’ peaks.

Following our Knight Inlet adventure we will travel to the Johnstone Strait area which once supported tens of thousands of Kwakwaka’wakw people. We will visit several ancient Kwakwaka’wakw villages to see totem poles, pictographs, and the remains of great long houses. Now, only a few villages remain inhabited, though the culture and traditions remain strong. At the modern Kwakwaka’wakw village of Alert Bay, we will have the opportunity to view wonderful carvings and masks at the U’Mista Cultural Centre.

This area forms the southern end of what conservationists call the ‘Great Bear Rainforest’. Extending north along British Columbia’s ‘Central Coast” lies the largest remaining area of pristine ‘old-growth’ coastal forest in North America. Conservationists and tourism operators are struggling to protect this remaining wilderness. The bears, wolves, whales, and salmon all require this wilderness to survive. Aboard our 70’ home for the voyage, participants will get the chance to observe first-hand the renowned grizzly bear. Learn about their behaviour and habitat. It is a rare opportunity. You will be thrilled by nature’s strength and learn about its fragile balance.

How this Orcas and Grizzly Bears Sailing Holiday in Canada makes a difference:

First and foremost our interest is in the wildlife and the diversity of experiences, so we try to make everyday different. If we started with a rainforest walk in the morning, and if there is a low tide in the midday, we might go with the biologist down on the shoreline to look for sea stars and anemones and finish with some whales in the afternoon. The next day may start with a walk through an ancient aboriginal village and the chance to admire some totem poles—the intent being to try and gain a greater of that society. Sailing is certainly one of the things we want to be doing, but it is not first and foremost a sailing trip. It is a natural history trip in which we are travelling on board sailboats. This is the choice we make.

The boat, the coast, the water, the joy of travelling silently are all wonderful. It is a sensory experience. Sailing vessels of this size are quite stable, but you still feel the power of the wind. You can feel the wires holding up the mast. With the sails, you have that auditory experience also.

Operating a sailing vessel brings a number of challenges from an environmental impact point of view, which we try to minimize through refuse management practices that are the focus of many discussions on-board, on land and at the office. We recycle glass and tin along the coast, in the small communities we work out of. Tin, glass and cardboard in some cases require us to hop in a cab because the recycling facility is outside of town. Oil recycling is imperative and responsible disposal is essential.

We also compost out in deeper water. There are all sorts of marine organisms like crabs that are detritus feeders. Some of the organic matter, like orange peels, will float, so we avoid composting those in places that are more densely populated like the Gulf Islands.

All the lights on-board are 12-Volt, so they run off the batteries. We don’t have incandescent lights; everything is compact fluorescent. The efficiency of our conventional power train is enhanced by the shape of sailing vessels which are slender and foster easier movement through the water than more blunt hulls.

In all Canadian areas that are part of First Nations territory, we work collaboratively with them. In the Great Bear Rainforest—the most tangible example—we signed protocol agreements with two First Nations that carry 90% of our operating area. Hartley Bay’s Gitga’at people is one; and the Kitasoo Native Band at Klemtu is the other. Our activities generate $10 per person per night as a fee that is paid for the use of their territory. It is our recognition of their historic rights. We are committed to hiring local guides. At Hartley Bay, on all of our Great Bear Rainforest trips, we will spend a day with a guide hired through the Gitga’at development corporation. Typically, that is a Spirit bear-focused experience.

We are committed to buying our food for the trips in local communities, despite this being at times a challenge for our cooks, because supplies are not as dependable and more menu flexibility is required as a result.

“Appreciate wilderness, respect wildlife and native cultures”

We only travel in small groups of 12-16 guests. Small groups can watch in awe as a bear feeds on salmon. Smaller boats can float silently among the whales.
We adhere to the principals of ecotourism. We support local communities, promote conservation, ensure our practices are low impact, and provide guests with world-class knowledge about the coast, the wildlife and Native cultures. We travel together in a relaxed, fun style (our lives are here to be enjoyed). We contribute to a variety of whale and seabird research programs and support conservation groups working to protect coastal wilderness.

On each trip we are committed to introducing participants to the wonders of nature. An experienced naturalist leads daily walks ashore and often provides short evening slide shows or presentations. Participants find learning engages their curiosity, and enriches the trip immensely.

On all our voyages we intentionally keep our itineraries flexible to take advantage of wildlife sightings, weather and tides, and the interests of the group.

Personal Identification Needed

Passengers will require a valid passport when crossing the US/CDN border for all trips.

What's Included:

All meals from lunch on the first day to breakfast on the last day; all accommodation onboard ship; skipper, cook, naturalist; full use of all onboard facilities.

Not Included:

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. The only money participants require during the trip is for optional purchases and gratuities for the crew.

Notes:

• We ask that you bring a sleeping bag, as there are no facilities for laundry onboard. 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 rainforest.

• 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 floatplanes, if your trip includes this option. If you are concerned about seasickness your doctor can recommend medications designed to prevent motion sickness.

 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 onboard to purchase additional drinks. Guests are responsible and welcome to bring their own cocktail, beer and soft drinks.

Join our Orcas and Grizzly Bear Sailing Holiday in Canada!