Exodus Whales & Bears of British Columbia

• All accommodation
• All transport and listed activities
• Tour leader throughout
• Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

• Orca, Humpback and Grey whale watching with experienced naturalist guides
• Search for Black bears on the rocky shoreline of Clayoquot Sound
• Observation of the ‘mythical’ Grizzly bear in its natural surroundings
• Vancouver Island, the largest island on the North American Pacific coast
• Walking tour of Pacific Rim National Park

Day 1: Direct flight to Vancouver.

Those on the group flight will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel in Vancouver. Those on Land Only arrangements should make their own way to the start hotel this afternoon/evening. There will be an opportunity to meet your guide and fellow travellers this evening.

Day 2: Discover Vancouver; ferry to Vancouver Island.

Vancouver is often hailed as Canada’s most beautiful city. This cosmopolitan and diverse metropolis is in stark contrast to the rest of British Columbia, but always proves to be a highlight. We have a guided city tour this morning with time to take in the sights of Gastown and Granville Island, from which they are some great viewpoints overlooking the city. In the afternoon transfer to the port to board a ferry to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, a one and a half hour journey across the Strait of Georgia

Day 3: Visit Cathedral Grove to see Douglas fir trees.

This morning there is an optional excursion to explore the ancient fossils and crystal formations of Horn Lake Caves Provincial Park. In the afternoon we drive to Ucluelet, near Tofino, our location for the next three nights. We make a stop on the way at Cathedral Grove Provincial Park to see the last remains of the temperate rainforest that covered the island more than a thousand years ago.

Day 4: Pacific Rim N.P.; boat excursion to observe Grey and Humpback whales.

Pacific Rim National Park is nestled between the mountains of the Vancouver Island Range and the Pacific coastline. We walk inside the park this morning in order to admire the rich natural heritage of the west coast of Canada. With almost 10 miles of sand and a huge collection of driftwood, the next stop from the rugged beaches is Japan! We usually take one of the trails to the beach and visit during low tide to explore some of the intertidal pools and rocky islands.

Day 5: Visit Tofino Botanical Gardens; boat excursion to observe Black bears.

Obtain a greater understanding of the rainforest environment this morning at the Tofino Botanical Gardens. There is a lovely birdwatching area where woodpeckers, songbirds and hummingbirds can be found and Bald eagles are sometimes seen circling overhead in search of prey on the neighbouring Tofino Mudflats. Late this afternoon we board Zodiacs for a 2.5 hour expedition to observe Black bear and Bald eagle (depending on the low-tide schedule, this activity may take place earlier in the day).

Day 6: To Campbell River; visit Elk Falls.

Depart Ucluelet and drive for four hours to Campbell River on the North Shore of Vancouver Island. Campbell River is known as the ‘Salmon Capital of the World’ for its hugely impressive salmon runs where five species of Pacific salmon can be found in the river. It has been designated as a Heritage River for its importance in British Columbia – following the fish are bears, seals, kingfishers and eagles.

Day 7: Boat excursion to Orford River to observe Grizzly bears.

Board a covered boat for a full day excursion to the Orford River area (on the mainland of British Columbia) to observe Grizzly bears in their natural habitat. Conservative estimates suggest there are 10,000 Grizzly (Brown) bears living in British Columbia, with 92% of the original habitat of Grizzlies still occupied. The abundance of spawning salmon in the Orford River at this time of year brings Grizzlies down to feast. A two hour journey by boat with a spectacular backdrop of mountainous scenery brings us to the mouth of the Orford River. From here we take a short bus journey inland, where there are five viewing platforms from which to spot the bears.

Day 8: Quadra Island for hiking or optional sea kayaking.

Board a ferry for a 10 minute journey across the Discovery Passage to Quadra Island where we spend the day exploring the islands trails and beaches by foot. There is also an optional excursion from Quadra Island to try sea kayaking. This three hour excursion is accompanied by kayak and marine life observation guides and is suitable for beginners. There is never a dull moment paddlying by kayak around Quadra Island – we could see soaring eagles, oyster catchers, herons, cormorants, gulls and if we are lucky we may come across seals, sea lions, dolphins and porpoise!

Day 9: Transfer to Victoria; ferry to Vancouver.

We drive for around four hours to Victoria, making stops along the way to enjoy the scenery of Vancouver Island for the last time. This afternoon we board a ferry across the Strait of Georgia, admiring the small islands and breathtaking panorama of the city of Vancouver as it comes into view. In the late afternoon there will be some free time to explore Vancouver at your own pace, visiting Stanley Park or China Town.

Day 10: Depart Vancouver.

Those on the group flight will be transferred to the airport today. Those on Land Only arrangements are free to leave at any time.

Day 11: Arrive London.

• Travel by minibus, ferry and Zodiac
• Group normally 4 to 12, plus local leader/driver
• 8 nights comfortable hotels, 1-night standard hotel
• No meals included

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don’t include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.