Grizzly Bears Of The Wild

This exciting, full-day adventure begins in Port McNeill, British Columbia.

Discover nature and First Nations culture in a unique experience that combines responsible wildlife viewing with a sustainable tour through the breathtaking scenery of northern Vancouver Island and coastal mainland British Columbia.

Pacific, white-sided dolphins dance in the water while making the approximately 90-minute journey from Port McNeill or the First Nations village of Alert Bay into the beautiful X̱a̱ḵwika̱n (Thompson Sound). Eagles soar overhead and wolves roam the shell-shrewn beaches where ancient villages were once occupied by the Musg̱a̱makw Dzawada̱’enux̱w people. Enjoy a continental breakfast while navigating waters favored by migrating orcas, and listen to the guide’s indigenous interpretation of local landscapes.

The journey continues along the X̱a̱ḵwika̱n River to discover the home of the grizzly bears in BC’s backcountry. The boat comes to rest at a quiet and safe sitting area. Listen to traditional stories while waiting for bears to feast on wild salmon. After witnessing the memorable sight of grizzlies fishing in the river, the guide will find a comfortable place to enjoy lunch. 

Back on the boat, trained guides chart past Gwayasda̱ms on Gilford Island. There, hear stories about the historic and cultural significance of the oldest-standing Big House in Canada. This truly unforgettable wildlife experience ends in the Broughton Archipelago and Queen Charlotte Strait, where the gentle giants of the Pacific, migrating humpback whales, may make an appearance.