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Pod of orca

Whales and Bears at Farewell Harbour

From £2864

Excluding Flights

3 Nights

Jun-Oct

Overview

From your base at Farewell Harbour Lodge on Berry Island, you are perfectly positioned to explore the natural highlights of the renowned Broughton Archipelago Marine Park. Separating Vancouver Island and mainland BC, here you are in close proximity to both the grizzly bears of Knight Inlet and the orcas of Johnstone Strait. Berry Island also offers excellent hiking trails and sheltered sea-kayaking opportunities.

You’ll also have the chance to explore the island, uncover local First Nations culture and take an optional guided sea-kayak excursion through sheltered inlets and coves. Each evening swap stories with your fellow-guests at the lodge and learn more about the area and its incredible wildlife through a series of talks and presentations given by your guides. Alternatively soak up the spectacular scenery and solitude from the lodge’s oceanside hot tub – the perfect spot to reflect and enjoy the sunset.

During your stay at Farewell Harbour you will cruise in search of wildlife, with the option to join a bear safari by boat travelling into Knight Inlet or other prime bear habitat estuaries nearby. Marine excursions will venture into Blackfish Sound, Johnstone Strait and the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve in search of the orcas and humpback whales known to frequent this area.

Itinerary

Embark on your adventure this morning as you’re whisked from Port Hardy to Alder Bay by road. Then board a high-speed water taxi at approximately 12:30pm bound for Farewell Harbour. On arrival, meet the Farewell team for check in, a welcome orientation and lunch. Later, set out on an afternoon tour in search of marine wildlife in the waters of the famous Johnstone Strait and Blackfish Sound. Return to the lodge for a buffet dinner and an optional presentation, delving deeper into the secrets of the surrounding area and its fascinating wildlife.

farewell harbour lodge and dock aerial

Farewell Harbour Lodge

Farewell Harbour Lodge is a beautiful wilderness property ideally situated to experience the best of British Columbia’s whale watching and bear viewing opportunities.

After breakfast, set off on your first full day bear viewing adventure! Cruise to local estuaries, where you’ll search for bears either by zodiac or on foot, depending on the tide. Without being restricted to a viewing hide or platform, you’ll have the chance to see the bears at eye-level. In the evening, discover the wonders of Great Bear Rainforest, bears, whales or First Nations culture at the optional presentation.

Enjoy another incredible day making the most of the optional experiences on offer. Spend today with the bears or take a full day cruise in search of whales. Enjoy an extensive exploration of Johnstone Strait and the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve, renowned for its large resident orca population. Orcas typically return to these waters from mid-July although humpback whales and other marine life can often be seen from May through to October. Dinner and an evening presentation await back at the lodge.

This morning you can take your pick from a choice of activities: a half day sea kayak experience in the protected and crystalline waters near Farewell Harbour Lodge, a half day bear viewing safari, a half day marine tour, guided interpretive rainforest hike, or an interpretive visit to the world famous U’Mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay to learn more about local First Nations Kwakwaka’wakw culture. After lunch it’s time to depart Farewell Harbour Lodge via water taxi to Alder Bay and continue by minibus to Port Hardy.

Prices

What's Included

  • Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom

  • All meals and snacks at the lodge

  • House wine with dinner and non-alcoholic drinks with dinner

  • Full day grizzly bear viewing tour

  • Full day marine excursion

  • Half day marine excursion on arrival day

  • Half day optional excursion on last day - marine excursion, grizzly bear excursion, sea kayaking or guided interpretive rainforest hike

  • Evening presentations by wildlife guides

  • Round-trip shuttle from Port Hardy Airport to Alder Bay & return water taxi between Alder Bay and the lodge

  • For departures from Vancouver, return flights to Port Hardy are also included

  • 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday

  • No surcharge guarantee

  • Full financial protection

From £2864 Excluding Flights

3 Nights

Jun-Oct

Make this trip yours

Every destination and itinerary you see here can be adapted to suit you – so reach for that bucket list and start imagining your next adventure here.

Doug
4

World Cups attended

30

Grizzlies seen in the wild

We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch. 

Experts with real experience