Wildlife Extravaganza, British Columbia Wildlife off the Beaten Track
15 nights
Wildlife abounds in Canada and sometimes you are lucky and see wildlife as you drive, however this itinerary takes you to some very special places far from the main tourist routes where you are almost guaranteed to see a great variety of bears and whales. We say "almost" because nothing is guaranteed in the great outdoors. Whatever wildlife you see, you will also see some wonderful scenery and drive some fabulous empty roads.
Bear watching trips from Tweedsmuir Lodge operate from June – October. Bear viewing is best after September 1. Dates of departure need to fit in with operating dates for ferry between Port Hardy and Bella Coola.
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Transfer from the airport to your downtown hotel for the next 3 nights. Spend the next couple of days exploring Vancouver; perhaps take the hop-on/hop-off trolley bus tour, stretch your legs in Stanley Park or visit Gastown and the Dr. SunYat-Sen gardens.
3 nights in Vancouver.
Today take a day trip to Victoria where as well as having time to get a taste of this beautiful city you can visit the famous Butchart Gardens or take a whale-watching boat trip for almost guaranteed sightings of orca. Included in your day will be a float plane and ferry ride. Return to Vancouver in the evening.
Collect your 4x4 and drive through North Vancouver to Horseshoe Bay where you will take the ferry to Vancouver Island. You will follow the Island highways north to Port McNeill.
3 nights in Port McNeill.
A wonderful morning or afternoon excursion to go whale watching. From July to September you are almost guaranteed to see and, using a hydrophone, hear lots of killer whales.
Port McNeill to Knight Inlet
A full daytrip by boat across to Knight Inlet. You should see the bears as they search the shoreline for crabs and other tasty morsels, plus if you are lucky some orca and bald eagles on the way. During the autumn salmon run, you will be able to see the bears fishing as they stock up on this vital food for their winter hibernation. Return to Port McNeill in the evening.
Port McNeill to Bella Coola
An early start for the 30 minute drive to catch the Thursday 09.30 ferry from Port Hardy, to travel to Tweedsmuir Lodge in Bella Coola. This small ferry hugs the coast as she travels up the inside passage; the scenery is awesome and you will likely see some dolphins and perhaps a humpback whale.
3 nights at Tweedsmuir Lodge, Bella Coola.
Bella Coola
The Grizzly Bear Watching & Wildlife Viewing Trips encompass both Talchako and Atnarko rivers as you drift in comfortable rigid bottom dories or expedition rafts. Silently floating down the river you have the opportunity to observe British Columbia's wildlife in pristine habitat without disrupting the animal's natural behaviour.
Bella Coola
You have the choice of more grizzly bear viewing (river drift and/or hike the Alexander MacKenzie loop trail in search of bears) or cruise the fjord and enjoy the Bella Coola Valley. The interlinking fjord is the most extensive of its kind in North America. Because there is so much to see and do in this beautiful area, you have the choice to customise this day to suit your interests; for options see the Further Information section.
Bella Coola to Nimpo Lake
You will leave the coastal plain and drive “the hill”, an unpaved road up the escarpment and onto the plateau. It is a beautiful drive along Highway 20 with very little traffic and wonderful scenery, ending with 2 nights of luxury, and time to recharge the batteries and relax for 24 hours.
We would recommend a helicopter trip to view the surrounding area or a day's fishing.
2 nights in Nimpo.
Nimpo Lake to Williams Lake
An easy drive today as you cross the undulating countryside watching out for wildlife as you pass the ranches and small townships to overnight in Williams Lake.
1 night by Williams Lake.
Williams Lake to Likely
Today drive to Likely on the Quesnel River for your stay at Pyna-Tee-Ah Lodge. You need to arrive at the Lodge by 12.00pm, but it is only an hours drive away from Williams Lake. Pyna-Tee-Ah Lodge is situated at the epicentre for many great fishing lakes and rivers. Rainbow Trout is especially abundant in this area and the rivers and tributaries of the Quesnel Lake system hosts one of the province's largest Sockeye Salmon runs. Of course where there is fish, you also often see bears. For those who do not want to fish, the Lodge offers great hiking opportunities, nature walks, beachcombing and wildlife viewing.
2 nights in at the Pyna-Tee-Ah Lodge.
Likely to Whistler
After breakfast, you will leave for another beautiful drive as you head south, first through ranching country and then west past glorious lakes and rushing rivers as you drive to the world famous mountain resort of Whistler.
2 nights in Whistler.
You have a day free to enjoy the many activities available in Whistler, including perhaps, if your appetite for bears is not fulfilled, a few hours with Michael Allen the local bear specialist featured on the BBC programme Big Bear Week.
Firstly we need to discuss your requirements and provide you with a quotation. So whether you would like to book this exact itinerary or you would like us to tailor a trip for you, please give us a call on 020 8776 8709 or send us an email.
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We are here to tailor your holiday to your specific requirements and our knowledgeable staff are all ready to help.
Booking your holiday with us doesn't end when we send your confirmation out to you. We can add excursions and offer advice all the way up to your departure date. Even when you depart we are here to help. For example if your flight that we have booked is delayed or cancelled due to ash cloud, strike, etc, its down to us to re-arrange your travel. We want to make sure your holiday runs smoothly. We are fully bonded with ATOL and ABTA, so your money is completely protected.
GUIDE PRICE:
£2,675
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This suggested itinerary is our recommendation but can be tailored to match your requirements
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