Farewell Harbour Lodge Wildlife Eco-Tour

Depart Alder Bay aboard a high speed water taxi for a scenic 25 minute service across Johnstone Strait to Farewell Harbour on Berry Island. (If you are joining from Port Hardy Airport, your journey begins with a shuttle from the airport to Alder Bay). Berry island lies at the epicentre of one of the most biologically active regions on the coast, and is mostly protected due to its unique natural and cultural history. Upon arrival at Farewell Harbour, you’ll be warmly greeted by the lodge staff, provided with a short orientation and lunch and then settled into your rooms. Afterward, head out onto the water for an afternoon marine mammal viewing excursion in the protected waters of Johnstone Strait and Blackfish Sound. From early June to mid October, witness Humpback whales, Steller sea lions, Pacific White Sided dolphins and Dall’s porpoises as they travel the biologically rich waters of the Broughton Archipelago Marine Park. From mid July to late September, Orca return to the Broughtons in search of salmon. Return to the lodge by 16:30 and join your fellow travellers for dinner at 18:30. After dinner, sit fireside in the lounge for an evening presentation on some aspect of coastal ecology. Welcome appetisers, lunch and dinner included. Overnight at Farewell Harbour Lodge.

After breakfast, meet on the dock at 08:00 for the first full-day bear viewing adventure. Visit one of several estuaries where you will view bears either from a zodiac or on foot depending on the tide. Grizzlies forage on sedge, roots and berries in the spring and summer and fall in the broad, braided estuaries. Late summer and fall may also offer opportunities to see Grizzlies fishing for salmon. Return to the lodge by 16:30 for dinner at 18:30, followed by an evening presentation on the Great Bear Rainforest, bears, whales or First Nations culture. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks included. Overnight at Farewell Harbour Lodge.

After breakfast at 07:00, head out on the water at 08:00 for your choice of another bear viewing safari or a more extensive marine exploration. Marine excursions can also afford an opportunity to learn about the cultural traditions of the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations as we pass ancient villages sites, rock art called pictographs and other evidence of a rich history and vibrant present in the region. Return to the lodge by 16:30 for dinner and evening program. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks included. Overnight at Farewell Harbour Lodge.

A final morning commences with your choice of one of the following activities: a short morning sea kayak excursion in the protected and crystalline waters near Farewell Harbour Lodge, a marine excursion, rainforest walk or forest bathing (Shinrin yoku) walk. Return to the lodge and take the water taxi back to Alder Bay as your package comes to an end. Breakfast and lunch included.