|
Off the coast of Central
British Columbia, halfway between Vancouver Island and the
Alaskan Border, lies a group of densely forested islands which
boast the highest population density of the white Kermode or
Spirit Bear, a genetic variation of black bear. Here 1 in 10
bears are born white due to recessive gene, and on some of the
smaller islands the ratio is as high as 1 in 4. The Spirit
Bear is revered by, and has special spiritual significance to
the First Nations Community who consider its appearance to be
a good omen, and for many wildlife enthusiasts to glimpse or
perhaps photograph one is a once in a lifetime experience.
We offer the unique opportunity to be one of a select few to
visit these islands during the autumn salmon run and go in
search of the fabled Spirit Bear in the company of expert
local guides. We offer the choice of 1 week cruises aboard a
54 foot motor yacht (maximum 4-5 people), or flexible duration
lodge based programs with daily excursions in search of Spirit
Bears and other wildlife.
|
|
|
|
The liveaboard boat option gives unparalleled freedom to explore
otherwise inaccessible locations and cover more ground, thereby
maximising the chances of Spirit Bear sightings. It also provides
the best opportunities for whale watching with Humpback Whales the
most commonly sighted species. A small zodiac (rigid inflatable
boat) is used to land guests in isolated areas that Spirit Bears
are known to frequent, and bear viewing is conducted on foot with
an experienced bear guide, or from the boat if bears are sighted
on the shoreline. Grizzly and Black Bears are commonly seen in
addition to Spirit Bears, and sightings of Wolves are also
possible. The 1 week cruise also includes a visit to a First
Nations owned and operated viewing platform located on a creek
where salmon spawn and Black and Spirit Bears come to catch them.
Our lodge programs are based in a thriving First Nations community
on one of the islands. Here you will gain a first hand insight
into the vibrant Tsimshian and Heiltsuk cultures of your hosts
with your guides taking time to teach you about their peoples'
history and traditional way of life. Each day you will be
transported by small boat to remote areas on the surrounding
islands and adjacent mainland where Grizzly or Spirit are known to
fish for salmon. All viewing is done on foot, often utilising
natural hides and involving patient vigils. Due to the sensitivity
of the area a maximum 6 visitors can be accommodated at one time,
and while the distances travelled inland from the boat drop-off
points are relatively short, some difficult terrain may be
involved so a reasonably level of agility is required. This is
however a fantastic opportunity to really immerse yourself in the
Canadian wilderness and habitat of this rare and elusive spirit of
the Great Bear Rainforest.
The unobtrusive, low impact approach to bear viewing employed on
these tours ensures some of the most natural encounters to be
found anywhere in North America. The islands are well served by
scheduled flights from Vancouver and/or Port Hardy in northern
Vancouver Island that connect with regular seaplane flights for
the last leg of the journey, and charter floatplane flights from
Bella Coola, so this special Spirit Bear Tour can be easily
combined with wildlife activities elsewhere.
|
