Totems & Orcas : A Cruise through the Inside Passage
This six-night Great Bear Rainforest boat cruise represents a balanced approach to this protected area by looking at both First Nations cultural heritage as well as the ample wildlife. Guests on board one of the most unique luxury boat cruises in British Columbia will learn about the history of this untamed wilderness as well as the spectacular creatures that call it home. Cruise Highlights: Kayaking remote islands and bays | Guided fishing | Incredible wildlife viewing including Sprit Bears, grizzlies and black bears, eagles, whales, orcas, seals, Steller sea lions and wolves | Small boat exploration | Beachcombing | Exploring First Nation cultural sites.
| Sample Itinerary | |
| Day 1 |
Welcome to the ArchipelagoAfter being greeted at Port McNeil airport, we’ll whisk you off to the Pacific Yellowfin for the start of your Great Bear Rainforest boat cruise with a champagne welcome reception and a short cruise to Alert Bay. Be alert as there’s a good chance of spotting orcas (also known as killer whales) in the Inside Passage, even during your first day on board. You’ll visit the U’Mista Cultural Centre, a museum dedicated to celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Kwakwaka'wakw First Nations people. We’ll carry on to Telegraph Cove, where you can choose to visit this historic mill town with boardwalks and an interpretive centre. As with every night on board, Executive Chef Milan Kocourek will prepare your meals with fresh local ingredients and you will have a choice of our wide selection of BC’s finest wines. You will overnight onboard the ship in your cabin of choice.
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| Day 2 |
Orcas & Bears: Up close and personalFor a day of adventure, feast your eyes on black bears foraging for crabs at low tide. Your luxury boat cruise will continue though Johnstone Straight, urging you to keep your eyes peeled for orcas that abound in these waters. If you’re up for it, we’ll conclude the day with a view of the expanse of the entire region, with a vigorous hike on Hanson Island. You’ll eat dinner and overnight on board.
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| Day 3 |
The Wilderness ExperienceExplore the First Nations heritage of the area with visits to some of the best-preserved Native sites including pictographs (ancient rock paintings) and shell “Middens.” End the day with a spectacular guided kayaking trip through a remote lagoon where you’ll hear little beyond the stroke of your paddle. You’ll eat dinner and overnight on board.
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| Day 4 |
The Heart of the Broughton ArchipelagoOptions abound for today. For those craving time on the water, we offer a full-day guided kayaking trip through the dozens of small islands of the Broughton Archipelago Marine Park. As the buffer between the rough open waters of the Queen Charlotte Sound and the narrow convoluted waterways of the inner Inside Passage, the Broughton Archipelago is dominated by deep surge channels, steep cliffs and stunted trees.
If you’re worried the kayaking might be too strenuous, stay onboard the Yellowfin while it sails north to rendezvous with the kayakers. If you’re looking for something more exciting like waterskiing or snorkelling, our wide range of water toys will be at your disposal. You’ll eat dinner and overnight on board. |
| Day 5 - 6 |
Northern Extremities UncoveredToday we explore the remote northern islands in the Polkinghorne Group with excellent kayaking and beachcombing opportunities. Marine viewing opportunities for orcas and dolphins will be plentiful. We’ll work our way toward Carriden Bay, nestled in amongst the surrounding cliffs, before continuing to Embley Lagoon where we often see bears as well as several stunning waterfalls and an eye-popping tidal rapids. You’ll eat dinner and overnight on board.
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| Day 7 |
Return to CivilizationWe’ll have you back to Port McNeil via Queen Charlotte Sound in time for your return flight to Vancouver. (not included) |
| Note: The cruise schedule is subject to weather and sea conditions. |