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In subsequent days as we head south through the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest, we will visit some of the mainland inlets that transect the Inside Passage. At the head of these spectacular inlets are sweeping estuaries fed by rivers where the wild Pacific salmon are returning to spawn. Grizzly Bears, Black Bears, Wolves and many varieties of birds come here to feast on the salmon-providing unparalleled wildlife viewing and endless opportunities for photography. These inlets are also the traditional land of the Kitasoo Xai Xais First Nations People. We will be visiting their village of Klemtu where guests will have an opportunity to witness the power and beauty of the carved and painted beams and corner posts of their awe inspiring Big House. Guests will learn about these peoples, how they came together and hear a traditional story with a message.
The last days of this trip will be spent exploring the beauty of the rainforest in the traditional lands of the Heiltsuk First Nations People. A walk with our guide up a rainforest creek with its giant moss carpeted boulders, rushing water and spawning salmon will undoubtedly be a highlight of the trip. There will also be time to take the kayaks, or ride in our 16 foot hard bottomed zodiac as we explore the rainforest shoreline to enjoy the serenity of this amazing anchorage. We will end our 9 days in the First Nations village of Bella Bella, home to the Heiltsuk First Nations People. On our way to the airport, we will stop at the Koeye Café for lunch and learn why the Koeye is so important to the Heiltsuk People.
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| Season: August 29, 2010 to September 6, 2010 |
| Requirements: WaterPROOF jacket and pants, non-marking Knee high Rubber Boots, Back Pack with Water Bottle. (Equipment List provided.) |
| Suggested Items: Backpack/daypack, water bottle, camera(s), binoculars, tripod. |
| Suggested Clothing: Detailed personal equipment list will be provided. |
| Difficulty: Easy/Intermediate |
| Restrictions: Due to seaplane flight, Baggage restriction of 40 pounds. We can, with enough notice, arrange for excess baggage, but charges for excess baggage will be the responsibility of the guests. |
| 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, 3 kayaks on board for quiet exploration while at anchor, hip waders are available. All bedding, linens, towels, and natural personal care products provided. |
| Transportation: Trips begin in Prince Rupert and end in Bella Bella, British Columbia. Seaplane transfers from Prince Rupert to Hartley Bay for the start of the trip 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. 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 360 degree 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. |
| 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. B.C. VQA wines served with dinner. |
| 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: This 9 day trip through the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest, through lands of immeasurable beauty, with its unique wildlife and First Nations culture, gives our guests time to truly experience what we believe, is a global treasure. Nine days to explore, experience and enjoy…guided excursions ashore with our fully certified bear guide… our small group sizes of 2-6 guests… the comfortable and spacious interior of our ship… gourmet food and fine wines…and personalized service from our Captain, Chef and Crew Person…ensure our guests enjoy luxury and comfort in the midst of spectacular wilderness. Our guests are always first…never just part of a crowd. |
| Trip Duration |
Price |
9 days
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$4475.00* per person
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*Please add 5% Goods and Services Tax , 7.00% Provincial Sales Tax
If you have any questions or would like more information about a particular adventure, please email us.
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US TODAY 1 888 285 1676
