Whales and Bears at Farewell Harbour

Whales and Bears at Farewell Harbour

from £2864 excluding flights

3 nights
Jun-Oct

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Highlights

Enjoy close encounters with grizzly and black bears

canada kayaking off vancouver island istk

Kayak tranquil waters past stunning coastal scenery

canada british columbia orca dorsal fins sunset istk

Search for orcas and humpbacks with expert local guides

Stay in a wilderness lodge surrounded by wildlife

Why this trip...

Conservation/Eco-tourism

This itinerary has a strong focus on wildlife and natural habitat conservation, one of our pillars of sustainability

Inclusive

Meals and activities are included in this holiday - see what's included for details

Add-on

This itinerary is intended to be an add-on to a longer holiday - speak to our specialists for recommendations

Overview

From your base at Farewell Harbour Lodge on Berry Island, you are perfectly positioned to explore the natural highlights of the renowned Broughton Archipelago Marine Park. Separating Vancouver Island and mainland BC, here you are in close proximity to both the grizzly bears of Knight Inlet and the orcas of Johnstone Strait. Berry Island also offers excellent hiking trails and sheltered sea-kayaking opportunities.

During your stay at Farewell Harbour you will cruise in search of wildlife, with the option to join a bear safari by boat travelling into Knight Inlet or other prime bear habitat estuaries nearby. Marine excursions will venture into Blackfish Sound, Johnstone Strait and the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve in search of the orcas and humpback whales known to frequent this area.

You’ll also have the chance to explore the island, uncover local First Nations culture and take an optional guided sea-kayak excursion through sheltered inlets and coves. Each evening swap stories with your fellow-guests at the lodge and learn more about the area and its incredible wildlife through a series of talks and presentations given by your guides. Alternatively soak up the spectacular scenery and solitude from the lodge’s oceanside hot tub – the perfect spot to reflect and enjoy the sunset.

Itinerary

Transfer from Port Hardy to Alder Bay this morning, where you will board the water taxi for a scenic 30-minute cruise out to Farewell Harbour Lodge. You will be met on arrival and welcomed to Farewell Harbour Lodge with an orientation briefing and lunch. Later, join a cruise in search of orca and other marine wildlife in the rich waters of the famous Johnstone Strait and Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. Return to the lodge for a buffet dinner and an optional presentation about the surrounding area and its wildlife.

After breakfast, set off by boat on a full day bear viewing adventure. You will cruise to one of the local estuaries where you will search for bears either by zodiac or on foot, depending on the tide. Without being restricted to a viewing hide you will have a good chance of seeing bears at eye level. Return to Farewell Harbour Lodge this evening for dinner and another optional presentation.

Today you have the option of another day with the bears, or a full day excursion in search of whales. Enjoy an extensive exploration of Johnstone Strait and the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve, renowned for its large resident orca population. Orcas typically return to these waters from mid-July although humpback whales and other marine life can often be seen from May onwards, throughout the summer season. Dinner and an evening presentation await back at the lodge.

canada orcas offshore vancouver island astk

This morning you can take your pick from a choice of activities: a half day sea kayak excursion in the protected and crystalline waters near Farewell Harbour Lodge, a half day bear viewing safari, a half day marine tour, guided interpretive rainforest hike, or an interpretive visit to the world famous U’Mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay to learn more about local First Nations Kwakwaka’wakw culture. After lunch it’s time to depart Farewell Harbour Lodge via water taxi to Alder Bay and continue by minibus to Port Hardy.

Accommodation

Farewell Harbour Lodge

Farewell Harbour Lodge is a beautiful wilderness property ideally situated to experience the best of British Columbia’s whale watching and bear viewing opportunities.

Price from £2864 excluding flights

Airfares start from around £550 per person and are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
Note: Airfares tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.

What's Included

Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
All meals and snacks
House wine with dinner and non-alcoholic drinks
Full day grizzly bear viewing tour
Full day marine excursion
Half day marine excursion on arrival day
Half day optional excursion on last day - marine excursion, grizzly bear excursion, sea kayaking or guided interpretive rainforest hike
Welcome orientation to the tours, viewing opportunities and facilities
Evening presentations by wildlife guides
Round-trip shuttle from Port Hardy Airport to Alder Bay & return water taxi between Alder Bay and the lodge
For departures from Vancouver, return flights to Port Hardy are also included
Carbon offset contribution
24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
No surcharge guarantee
Full financial protection

From prices per person

Based on 2 sharing a room with private bathroom.

Departures	Departure location	Duration	Twin Price (pp)
01 Jun - 03 Oct 2025	Port Hardy	3 nights	£2,864
01 Jun - 03 Oct 2025	Vancouver*	4 nights	£3,556

*Vancouver departures include flight to Port Hardy and a night in Port Hardy

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The World's Great. Pass it On

To mark our 40th anniversary, we've launched our Education Bursary Fund to help disadvantaged school children experience the wonders of travel. A percentage of revenue from every holiday booked will go into the bursary fund to pay for at least 40 students to join one of our school trips abroad.

Highlights