We will enjoy breakfast and depart to the nearby Iona Island and Sea Island Conservation area, near Vancouver International airport – both excellent birding sites. Each of these areas has wetlands, lagoons and rocky jetties extending out into the Delta. These islands are part of the Fraser River estuary and sit in the midst of the Pacific Flyway – making it a mecca for thousands of migrating birds. Iona Island is a regional park that has a primary sewage treatment plant and a wildlife refuge. Our attention will be on the large flocks of shorebirds and the concentrations of waterfowl along riverbanks, tidal flats, marshes, lagoon, grasslands, and beaches. In addition to the coastal avifauna, an impressive number of land birds can also be observed. September is an impressive time in the Fraser River Delta owing to rich nutrients that upwell and attract birds and a myriad of wildlife. We have chosen mid-September dates that are ideal for tides. The itinerary may be adjusted to take advantage of migration patterns.

This morning we visit the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, a part of the Alaksen National Wildlife Area, located on Westham Island in Delta, BC. It lies just west of the South Arm Marshes Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and east of the Roberts Bank WMA. The Sanctuary consists of nearly 300 hectares (850 acres) of managed wetlands, natural brackish and salt-water marshes, low dykes, tidal saltwater mudflats, freshwater springs, and upland fields. It is a superb birding spot for the millions of birds seeking feeding and resting areas during their Spring and Fall migrations along the Pacific Coast. These habitats attract a wide range of bird species. The Sanctuary will be explored in guided groups with additional time for self-exploration.

We will be treated to a field or restaurant lunch, and in the afternoon, we head for Boundary Bay – 25 minutes along the Westham Island Road. Boundary Bay is used by millions of birds as a crucial rest-stop; day counts of more than 100,000 waterfowl have been recorded here. The bay consists of extensive salt and freshwater marshes, tidal mudflats, grasslands, sand dunes and sandy shorelines. The Pacific Flyway Migration Route – a major bird migration route that spans from the North Slope of Alaska to Central and South America – makes a stop in Boundary Bay. In our short time there, it should be easy to spot 30 to 40 species of shorebirds.

After breakfast, we depart for the BC Ferries terminal in Tsawwassen. Our two-hour ferry is bound for Duke Point, Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. On arrival, we will drive to the north end of the large island (approximately 6 hours drive). We’ll make a birding stop along the way, about 1.5h north of Nanaimo, in the Comox and the BC Bird Trail. We then continue driving north, where we will have the next 4 nights’ accommodation in Black Bear Resort in Port McNeill. We will have a group dinner in the town. In the evening a short orientation to the area.

After breakfast, we transfer to the BC Ferries terminal (5 minutes away) for a trip to historic Alert Bay.  We depart from Port McNeill to Alert Bay on Cormorant Island at 8:40 am, a 45-minute ferry sailing. The town is historically significant as the oldest First Nations community on North Vancouver Island. It is also known as a center for the resurgence of Indigenous culture. The Kwakwaka’wakw have been instrumental in spearheading a movement to reclaim their traditional art, dances, songs, legends, ceremonies, and language.

The U’mista Cultural Centre showcases an incredible collection of historical and repatriated artifacts depicting the Potlatch Ceremony of the Kwakwaka’wakw. We will first visit the Centre. Those wishing to walk can do so along the boardwalk, a pleasant 1.3-km stroll. The walk passes natural habitats and items of cultural significance. At 10:30 am, we will have a private guided cultural tour of the museum with a local guide. The potlatch collection housed in the museum is impressive, and its significance is heightened by a guided visit. 

Next, we visit the Namgis Burial Grounds, which feature an impressive collection of memorial totem poles. These are viewed from the street. While sobering, the Namgis Burial grounds commemorate the deceased members of the Kwakwaka’wakw – in the wake of recent discoveries of mass unmarked children’s graves at former residential schools across Canada, the visit to this area is moving and impactful. It is important to respect the protocols that may be in place in the village of Alert Bay. Another attraction is the Ecological Park, with a treasure trove of botanical delights accessed by boardwalk and trails through marsh and moss-draped forests. We will be led through this area by an Indigenous forest guide.

We will have some time to walk along the waterfront to see gift galleries and shops, such as Cultural Shock. We will return to the ferry terminal for the 3:15 pm sailing. We arrive in Port McNeill at 4:00 pm and transfer back to the hotel. 

We depart for Telegraph Cove (approximately 30 minutes from Port McNeill). Here, we will depart by boat for an afternoon whale trip. Both Humpbacks and Orcas are still in the Strait during this time of the year as well as seals, Northern sea lions, 3 species of porpoise, dolphins, and a myriad of birds. The covered boat can accommodate the whole group’s capacity with comfortable seating. The upstairs seating area is open and outdoors, or the downstairs area is covered – the choice falls upon our travelers. There is a washroom onboard, and tea or coffee is served partway through the trip. Before or after the trip, time will be set aside to explore the historic boardwalk and the Whale Interpretive Center, as well as the shops and cafes.

Steep fjords, small islands and lush rainforest with old-growth red cedar and Sitka spruce up to 1000 years old characterize the Great Bear Rainforest. Subsurface upwellings and penetrating ocean currents result in a rich marine environment in the connecting waterways that are home to five species of salmon, numerous sea birds, Orca, minke, and humpback whales, several species of dolphin, black bear, harbor seals, Northern sea lions, and in the remote inlets – Grizzly bears. Look out for bald eagles, grebes, Marbled Murrelets, loons, herons, and many other sea birds while in this area.

A select few travelers are afforded the incomparable thrill of close encounters with some of North America’s most impressive creatures – massive grizzly bears. Each spring, the Grizzlies are seen feeding on grasses near the inlet shores. Each fall, millions of salmon make their final spawning run, while giant grizzlies gather at the spawning channels to fatten their already massive bodies in preparation for the imminent winter freeze. You will be there during prime season.

We meet at 6:30am, on the Municipal dock for check-in. We will depart by boat at 7am for a full day program and enjoy the added experience of sightseeing in the Great Bear Rainforest. A field lunch is included.

The covered boat has comfortable seats. The journey can sometimes be somewhat rocky, but the boat design and comfortable seating help ease those minor inconveniences. There is a skipper and one or two crew members as our guiding team. The 33-foot vessel, MAYUMI, is designed for 10 to 12 passengers. Additional vessels will be needed based on our group size. These boats have a unique and highly stable hull which allows tougher seas to be navigated. A heated cabin and marine head make for a comfortable ride!

We depart Port McNeill for a return to the BC Ferry terminal in Nanaimo (approximately 6 ½ hours). This time, the crossing takes us to Horseshoe Bay, and we will have the opportunity to drive through Stanley Park.

Transfer to the airport included for your flight.