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Cruise the Magnificent Inlets of the Grizzly Bear
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If you are interested in exploring truly exceptional wilderness, with part of the week visiting one of B.C.'s newest Parks, Foch-Gilttoyees Park Reserve and the latter part of the week in the largest Conservancy in B.C., the Kitlope Conservancy, this is the trip for you! Be prepared for stunning scenery: the high, steep, sheer granite faces that rise thousands of feet above these inlets, are completely breath taking. Anchored in Foch Lagoon, (one of the largest lagoons on the coast), you will witness some of the best scenery mother nature has to offer. Melting snowfields trickle, then cascade over sheer, polished granite walls into the saltwater of the lagoon. Islands, islets, pristine rainforest and a major river, add to what makes this an anchorage you will never forget. The mighty river that feeds this lagoon provides food and is home to Grizzly Bears, Black Bears, and Wolves-which we hope to see.
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As we then head up Douglas Channel and into the Gardner Canal, once again, one is impressed by the majesty of the area-polished granite faces rise straight out of the ocean, and waterfalls stream over the walls, plunging into the sea. As we pass, you may see tiny white dots on the cliffs above us-that turn into shaggy, white, mountain goats when viewed through the binoculars. All this, on our way to the Kitlope Valley. The Kitlope Valley, considered the world's largest undisturbed coastal temperate rain forest, is B.C.'s largest Conservancy: nearly 700,000 acres. The Haisla First Nations people call this valley "Husduwachsdu" which means "beginnings of the milky blue water"-something you will have seen most of the way in from Douglas Channel. This is the traditional land of the Haisla and Hennaksiala people. The Kitlope's estuary , seemingly floating at high tide, provides most of the food of the Grizzly and Black bears as they are emerging from hibernation. Wolves, river otters, seals, eagles, ravens, gulls and returning songbirds may also provide opportunities for photography.
As we travel back through the traditional lands of the Hennaksiala, Haisla and Gitga'at First Nations people, you will understand why this exceptional piece of wilderness needed protection.
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| Season: May 2008 to June 2008 |
| Requirements: Water proof jacket and pants (not breathable, i.e. goretex), knee high (non-marking) rubber boots. Complete personal equipment list will be provided upon request. |
| Suggested Items: Backpack/daypack, water bottle, camera(s), binoculars, tripod. |
| Suggested Clothing: Complete clothing list will be provided upon request. |
| Difficulty: Easy/Intermediate |
| Restrictions: Baggage weight restriction at 40 pounds per person (seaplane transfer). Additional weight subject to surcharge. All details provided upon request and at time of booking. |
| Maximum Number of People: 6 |
| Equipment Provided: The ship is Transport Canada certified as a passenger vessel, carrying all the latest navigation and safety equipment. This 54 foot Hatteras Long Range Cruiser is capable of crossing oceans. Also, 16 foot Zodiac for shore excursions, kayaks on board for quiet exploration while at anchor, hip waders are available. Generator on board to charge camera batteries. |
| Transportation: Trips begin and end in Prince Rupert, British Columbia. Seaplane transfers from Prince Rupert to Hartley Bay are included. |
| Accommodations: Guests enjoy private accommodation (based on double occupancy) on board. For those single travellers who don't wish to share a room, there is a single berth in the pilothouse. There are two full bathrooms on board, both equipped with electric flushing toilets. Bath towels and facecloths are provided for guests, as well as all linens including pillows with cases, bottom sheets and duvets (non down filled), with duvet covers. Fresh hand towels are put out in each of the bathrooms daily. |
| Meal Information: All meals are included while on board. A wide array of cuisine is offered, made with the freshest ingredients available, flown to the ship each week. With wines chosen to compliment the dishes served, and herb garden on board, guests are sure to feel pampered. |
| Guide Information: Your lead guide and Captain is Eric Boyum. Eric has been exploring and working on the coasts of B.C., Alaska, the Caribbean and the Sea of Cortez for over 25 years. Eric, also a professional firefighter, brings confidence to even the most timid or reticent of guests. One of the founding members of the Bear Viewing Association of B.C., Eric is also the on board bear/wildlife guide and naturalist, sharing his vast knowledge of the natural and cultural histories of the coast. Eric has a great sense of humour and passion for the coast and its wildlife. Strict guidelines are followed for wildlife viewing as well as following protocols for visiting traditional First Nations land, honouring their culture and traditions. |
| Comments: On board our 54 foot ship, guests can lounge in the spacious comfort of our salon/galley area as magnificent scenery passes by outside. A cozy couch for sitting and reading, for visiting with other guests, or for an afternoon siesta, is a much sought after spot on board. Across from the couch, an L shaped seating area with a table, offers a spot to look at your latest photographs on your laptop, play cards or just have a cup of tea and a cookie. Across from the galley area is a "coffee bar", including a selection of teas, coffee and hot chocolate, along with a large bowl of fruit, home made cookies or other treats to entice you-help yourself whenever you like. Guests will love dining in our "revolving restaurant"-sitting at the dining table in our pilothouse-as the boat turns in the tide at anchor or as we travel during the day. (There are almost 360degree views from the pilothouse.) As we travel, guests are welcome to join the Captain in the pilothouse for briefings on points of interest, wildlife sightings, navigation instruction, or even to take a turn at the wheel of Great Bear II. Whether it's getting involved in the ship's steering and navigation or just sitting with a cup of coffee, a freshly baked treat and a good book, guests seem to love this special place on board. Outside on the foredeck there is plenty of room for photographers to use their tripods and a long settee for lounging. The aft deck, the entrance to the ship, is covered, which gives us space to hang outdoor gear, and the perfect spot for the chef's herb garden. All in all, there is plenty of room on board for guests and crew to enjoy each other or to enjoy some solitude in a private spot. The small group focus of these tours allow more personalized service, more privacy and more comfort.
Grizzly Bear photos credit: K. Pommerenke. |
| Trip Duration |
Price |
8 days
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$3850.00* per person
May 24-30, June 9-15, 2008 |
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*Please add 5% Goods and Services Tax
If you have any questions or would like more information about a particular adventure, please email us.
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