Spirit Bears, Orcas and Humpbacks

Day 1. Vancouver

Depart for Vancouver where you spend your first night at the Fairmont Airport Hotel. Vancouver is a beautiful city with a rich mix of modern and traditional buildings in a wonderful coastal setting and with a backdrop of forested mountains. There is plenty to do in the locality with Stanley Park only a short distance away. If you are feeling a little more adventurous you might like to consider extending your stay by a few nights and perhaps visiting Vancouver Island to see Grey Whales.

Days 2 to 5. King Pacific Lodge [B, L, D]

After breakfast make your way to Vancouver Airport for the charter flight to Bella Bella and then a float plane flight directly to King Pacific Lodge. Snuggled into the thickly forested shore of Barnard Harbour just off the coast of British Columbia on Princess Royal Island and with spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, this is a truly amazing wilderness location in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest.

In the summer months the wildlife is prolific here with June to August being exceptional months for sighting Humpback Whales, Orcas, Dall's Porpoise and Pacific White-sided Dolphins. On half day and full day whale watching excursions you will have a unique opportunity to learn about the marine creatures which inhabit and migrate through the region. Orcas which may be seen all season are in their peak numbers during June and July. Humpback Whales which may also be seen all season are more prominent during August and September.

The lodge has forged a close relationship with two whale researchers based on a nearby island who operate Cetacea Lab - the only year round whale research lab in northern British Columbia. You will have an opportunity to visit the lab, meet the researchers and learn about the whale's social and feeding habits, as well as their migratory journeys and listen to their calls as they feed and play in these inter-coastal waters. You may also see large numbers of playful Stellar's Sealions.

As the season progresses, the Orcas become harder to see but come September the salmon begin to run by their thousands up the rivers and streams in a desperate attempt to spawn. It is in these channels and rivers that you find the Spirit Bear. Isolated for thousands of years on remote Princess Royal Island and its immediate neighbours, this small community of 'white' Black Bears inhabit some of the most pristine areas left on earth. These all-white bears (which owe their unusual colouring to a double recessive gene) are elusive, with optimum sightings occurring only from the end of August to the first week of October. With the experience and knowledge of Gitga'at native guides, searching for these rare creatures is an adventure in itself and will involve boat trips and short walks to reach specially located viewing platforms which offer superb photographic opportunities. The platforms are well positioned above salmon streams and patience is likely to be rewarded not only with Spirit Bears but Black Bears fishing for salmon. Other possible wildlife sightings from the platforms include Pine Martens, Mink and Bald Eagles.

In addition to whale-watching and bear-watching there are a number of other activities available including kayaking, walking in the wilderness, fishing and (at additional cost) float-plane and helicopter excursions. Other wildlife here includes Wolves, Mountain Goats and River Otters. The accommodation is in exceptionally comfortable rooms, all with en-suite facilities with wonderful views of the rainforest or ocean. Public areas include a lounge and dining room, sauna, steam room and hot tub, and there are also aromatherapy, massage treatments in the spa for those so inclined!

Day 6. Vancouver [B, L]

Today you return to Vancouver for your final night at the Fairmont Airport Hotel.

Days 7 & 8. Homeward [B (Day 7 only)]

After a final day to explore Vancouver you make your way to the airport for the overnight flight home arriving into the UK in the early hours of Day 8.