Whales & Bears of British Columbia

Most Inspirational Moment

The full day trip to see Humpback Whales and Grizzly bears. A whole day in a day of dramatic scenery and whale sitings on the journeys to and from the bear observation site. Climbing to the top of Chinese Mountain on Quadra Island while others in the group kayaked. Incredible views from the top. The other was an add on after staying on in Vancouver. My travelling companion and I took a seaplane flight on the mail run. 2 hours of flying with 4 take offs and landings.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Claude managed very well considering he had led the tour before and many things were new to him. He was alert to the needs of the group and kept us on schedule when timings were tight.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Stay on for a few extra days in Vancouver. There is loads to do. Not necessarily the obvious things. We didn't go up Grouse Mountain or to the Capilano suspension bridge. We did get the bus to the University area - easy on the bus, to go to the Museum of Anthropology and Nitobe Garden. We went back for an evening in Kitsilano for a great night at Rogue Folk Club after checking out the events listings. Saw Mamas Broke and The Burying Ground. Again, easy on the bus. Check out the Cathedral, Bill Reid Gallery and the art deco Marine Building. On a clear day get a float plane. Worth the expense.

Suggestions

Need to be absolutely clear about current Covid policy. One of our group tested positive and correct protocol was followed to separate from the rest of the group. There was however a lack of clarity about rejoining and consequently anxiety for some of the group. If the advice is still two negative tests before rejoining then this should be made clear to all group members.

Most Inspirational Moment

The wildlife was the highlight for me. Two encounters specifically: Firstly a large male Grizzly wandered along the shoreline, weaving between the trees and the river’s edge. Slowly, it approached us as we stood as a group shoulder to shoulder (forming one large object). It continued aware of us, until it was 20m away, and then passed by and headed further up the road. Also, on returning from the bear trip we meet a pod of Orcas - maybe five or six. The large male had a dorsal fin approximately six foot tall! We watched them for maybe 25 minutes keeping the required distance of at least 200m. Then they disappeared. Suddenly, they appeared just off the bow of the boat like dolphins do surfing in the bow wave (maybe 10ft away). Quickly, we turned the engine off and watched in awe as they disappeared again off into the distance

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eric our group leader was in my opinion not as knowledge, friendly and enthusiastic as previous leaders. He did however manage to organise additional trips for our groups as and when requested and taxied the group about making sure we were at the correct destination at the correct time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This, as far as I know, is this first time this trip has run as early as it did. We left on the 19th August. Although the salmon ran early last year that was not the case this year. If possible I would recommend to travel a little later maybe mid September - in order to maximise the chances of seeing the grizzlies fishing in the river. We did nevertheless still manage to see all the wildlife.

Suggestions

Although this trip is called ‘Whales and Bears’ there were only two full days in the itinerary viewing theses amazing creatures. A half day with the Grey Whales; a half day seeing the black bears and a full day on the grizzly bear trip which included the boat trip with likely sightings of Humpback Whales and possibly Orcas. Having travelled all that way I booked additional trips, in Tofina $125 Canadian for an extra whale and $125 Canadian for black bears. Also Campbell River $400 Canadian with ‘Go Wild’ for and extra grizzly trip. Finally on the final day in Vancouver I visited Grouse Mountain which I felt filled the day well- without being too tiring. This cost $60 and included: lumber jack show, cable car, ski lift, wild bear flights, owl talk, eco walk, two hand raised grizzly bears and much more.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the Grizzly bears feed on the spawning salmon with their cubs on the Orford river . it was great to be hosted by the Homalco people in their ancestral home.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Marie- Helen was always upbeat and cheerful. She was resourceful , giving us lots of alternatives. She was dedicated to making sure our holiday was a trip to remember. We couldn’t help getting swept up in her enthusiasm.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Waterproof trousers and a woolly hat are useful for the changeable weather and chilly boat rides. Have a go and enjoy the country.

Suggestions

Be prepared for a couple of longer journeys in the minibus as Canada is bigger than you think.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing orcas , whales and bears

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was a great guide . Very knowledgeable and keen .

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take some rain gear

Suggestions

Canada is a great place

Most Inspirational Moment

The grizzly bear trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

See above -outstanding. 'merveilleuse !

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a really great trip and our first holiday with a group we had not met before. It will not be our last !

Most Inspirational Moment

So many to choose from. A humpback whale breaching on the way back from seeing 18 bears racing through the emerald green waters of the Orford river catching salmon, to a grey whale who came within 5 metres of the zodiac (too close for some :-) or the Black Bears turning over rocks on the shoreline and a cub up the tree, or the first pod of Orcas, or the Deer swimming between Islands in fairly rough seas, or the fish and chips at Dicks fish and chips in Campbell river, or the Sea Otters, or the Salmon BBQ on the beach, with whales just off the coast, or the laughs with the group, or the rapids and whirlpools in the Bute Inlet.... or many many more

Thoughts on Group Leader

Top Class. Mac was chilled out, good fun and found the right balance on food for the group.. Granted, it’s a limited number I’ve experienced, but he’s presently the best Salmon Barbeque Chef in Canada. He was also on the ball in organising extra trips and experiences, and ensuring you could fit as much in as you wanted to do.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is lots packed in at times, BUT there’s also a fair amount of free time. I was there for the wildlife, so managed to get out on 2 extra whale watching trips in Tofino, 1 long trip in Campbell River and even 1 in Victoria (although this was much more commercial and touristy than Tofino or Campbell River). Be decisive though, especially in Tofino. The weather changes it’s mind more often than you could imagine, if there’s a nice gap in the weather get out and do something - anything, you will have plenty of options, be it Whale Watching, Surfing, Kayaking, Sea Plane Flight, Hot Springs or anything else. In Campbell river the extra Whale Watching Tour is worth doing - it was the first time we saw Orcas, and we got to see lots of the different currents and inlets. Victoria is a lovely place, the nicest city - well worth getting up early to maximise time there. I went to take photographs, and a few tips in that space 1) The bears at Orford River can be a good way away. If you’re taking photos, you’re likely to need for some shots at least 600mm reach (I took 300mm with 2* extender). Although, we also had plenty of opportunities to photograph with a 70-200mm. When we went, the light was very bright, so ensure you take lens hoods and any filters you want. For those not photographing, good binoculars are a must. For those taking camera gear a good dry bag (at least 30 litres) is very useful for out on the zodiacs, as are a couple of towels. We had a group of 8, which was a very nice number for the bus. It allowed space for bags and to spread out a bit. With more people in, it could have got a bit tight. Hotels in Vancouver, Nanaimo, and Tofino are functional, but all had dark rooms, good beds and powerful showers - so suited my needs perfectly. Painters Lodge / April Point are more luxurious and very nice.

Suggestions

Book the trip, it’s amazing. So much to see, so much wildlife, so much first nations history and influence - just another great exodus trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me, watching the pod of Orcas performing, Tail slapping the water, followed by a giant leaps out of the water. Closely followed by the majestic performance of the Humpback Whales, Blowing, Diving, followed by the famous Tail lift as it submerges, only to rise again. Tremendous photo opportunities. These are things that you don't forget.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader "Mac". Mac was also our driver. Felt very safe during the sometimes long drives. A good organiser and full of information. Nothing was too much trouble for him. A great cook, we had several Bar-B. Q's and he delivered good cuisine in great settings.

Advice for Potential Travellers

September is at the end of summer, so it can be quite cold, wet and foggy. So be prepared for the elements. "Dress" in layers, with a waterproof handy.

Suggestions

If taking pictures with a "phone" is your thing, fine. But you have an opportunity to get great pictures, a good camera with a tele- zoom will deliver fantastic memories. Also, be patient, the wildlife are there, Yes you have to be lucky, it is not guaranteed, but you won't be disappointed.

Most Inspirational Moment

The wildlife was truly amazing. We saw Grizzlies and Black bears catching salmon, Orca whales hunting seal and a sea otter family playing on the jetty near our hotel. No oportunity was missed.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Heather was exceptional in every respect. She was a first class driver, knew how to pace out the day, and joined in with us for dinners and excursions with genuine pleasure. When any kind of incident occured she dealt with it swiftly and efficiently.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Wildlife is not guaranteed on this trip. We were very lucky with the abundance of wildlife that we saw and also with the weather.

Suggestions

We travelled in a new van which was very comfortable and an importante part of the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Quite a few inspirational moments to choose from on this magical trip, but my favourite moment was when we came alongside a pod of orcas during the Campbell River grizzly bear boat trip - our guide, Jack, cut the motor, and as the orcas swam around us we could hear them breathing in the silence. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jo was terrific, and her practical skills, knowledge, friendliness and flexibility made the difference between a good holiday and a great one.  The lunch-time picnics she organized were wonderful (and always in beautiful locations), she made dinner reservations for us in great restaurants each evening, and most importantly she was tremendous fun, but at the same time very restful to be with.  Full marks!      

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't be put off if you're not sure whether a group tour is for you - we really enjoyed the company, and were amazed at how much could be packed into a 10-day trip.

Suggestions

The minibus could do with replacing - it was hot and airless at the back, even in the relatively cool weather we had, and quite difficult to climb in and out of.The trip notes need updating -  for example, breakfast is now provided on several days, and the grizzly bear trip was by covered boat, not by zodiac.We found all the hotels to be more than adequate, and were impressed by the exceptionally comfortable beds. We would suggest that an optional whale-spotting trip from Ucluelet be added to the itinerary - our group organized this ourselves, instead of one of Jo's walks (which were excellent by the way), and we would not have seen any grey or humpback whales otherwise.  During our free time in Vancouver on the last day, we went to the Bloedel Conservatory in Queen Elizabeth Park, which had beautiful birds flying around in it - great for photographers. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Not so much as a moment as a whole day. Rose in the earlyish morning and cruised through inlets reflecting like mirrors the surrounding misty mountains and forests to our Grizzly Bear excursion. Never did I imagine we'd be able to get so close but there were the Grizzlies, only some shallow water and about 10m between them and us. Such beautiful animals- we saw a mum and two cubs, a lighter coloured mother and elder cub and then spent ages watching a lone male swim and fish and eat. Magical. After a nice lunch still full of excitement at the bear encounters we then cruised back to Campbell river and en route passed a colony of sealions, a pod of dolphins then best of all 6 Orca who we stayed and watched for a while. Amazing day.  The Humpback breaching three times showing off to us was also pretty special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jo was great. Informative, fun and flexible enough to allow us to go do our own thing and forget the trip notes when we wanted to try again to see whales and when rain stopped the chance of sea kayaking. She also organized lovely picnics in pretty spots. She also surprised me with a yummy birthday cake!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Advice to Exodus: put the initial whale watch and bear watch on the same day so there is time to do the whales again in the unlikely event of no  sightings, or just to allow a second expedition in a different area with different scenery and whale possibilities.  Advice to other travellers? Be prepared and be patient and realise wildlife is wild and nothing is guaranteed. The weather that time of year can be wet so something that protects valuable electrical equipment is worth investing in. The bus isn't the most comfortable ride so be prepared to swap places if fellow travellers are suffering. Don't worry about being a single on this group - go for the picnic option and then Jo sorts out all meals so you don't need to cope or eat alone except maybe the first day in Vancouver. Listen to the bear etiquette guide and behave appropriately around these magnificent animals. I also recommend the cave tour. It's not hard, there's some really interesting stuff to see, it's great fun and you have to go a long long way (the bottom of the ocean or a blackhole as I learnt on this mini adventure) to experience true 100% darkness, or you can see what it's like in this cave!Try a Nanaimo bar - they are yummy!!

Suggestions

Despite what the trip notes say, some breakfasts (4?) are included. Tipping and tax means there are a fair few 'hidden costs'. A second whale watch from a different place is highly recommended I went to Banff for 3 days after the end of the trip. There's endless possibilities and loads more to see and do before or after if you can afford the extra time away.