Staying in a secluded First Nations Village, hiking through lush forests, learning about aboriginal culture first-hand, hoping to see grizzlies and the elusive white spirit bear, canoeing in pristine Canadian waters.
Your canoe slices through the salty spray of the Pacific and into another spectacular fjord—oh Canada, what a feeling! On this active, week-long adventure, you’ll explore BC’s inland coast on the water—both Canadian-style canoes and ocean-going versions are used—and on land, hiking through temperate rainforests. Accommodation is a rustic lodge in the heart of a First Nations village so you can meet the local people and experience their culture and ancient traditions. This intense, active adventure is for those who know that the best chance to catch sight of the inland coast’s iconic grizzly bear is to make some waves.
What's Included
- Exploring a pristine wilderness by Canadian and ocean-going canoe, outstanding opportunities for wildlife viewing, visit hot springs and waterfalls, in depth discussions on local First Nations culture, history and legends, visit numerous historic and culture sites including totem poles and petroglyphs, hiking in temperate coastal rainforest, learn to trap prawn and fish with local people
- 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners. (Allow USD100-150 for meals and drinks not included)
- Centrally located hotels (2 nts), rustic lodge - multi-share with all members of the group (5 nts)
- Air conditioned private touring van, speed boat, ocean-going canoe, Canadian canoe, walking and hiking
- Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout
- Small group experience; Max 8, Avg 6
Places Visited
- Canada
Day 1 Terrace
Arrive at any time.
Day 2 Terrace/Chief Mathews Bay - Gardner Canal (L,D)
Transfer to our remote Lodge. Morning sightseeing boat ride, including a stop at Shearwater hotsprings and shore lunch. Historical talk about the village and area with walk to bear-viewing platform and instruction in how to install prawn traps.
Day 3 Chief Mathews Bay - Gardner Canal (B,L,D)
Jet boat to Kitlope Lake for canoeing and visit to cultural sites, including totem poles and petroglyphs. Participate in a local 'face-washing' ceremony and enjoy a shore lunch. Option for fishing.
Day 4 Chief Mathews Bay - Gardner Canal (B,L,D)
Spend the day exploring the Kitlope Conservancy in a traditional ocean-going canoe. Highlights include wildlife viewing, hiking amongst the 600-year-old giant cedar trees, and talks on the traditions and legends of the area.
Day 5 Chief Mathews Bay - Gardner Canal (B,L,D)
Explore the Kemano River area by ocean-going canoe. Highlights include wildlife and waterfalls, visiting an ancient village settlement, totem poles and discussion of First Nations history and legends. Option to fish and take an evening paddle from the lodge.
Day 6 Chief Mathews Bay - Gardner Canal (B,L,D)
Explore Brim River Protected Area and Owyacumish River Park via ocean-going canoe. Enjoy a local hot spring and wildlife viewing (minks, otters, porpoises, sea birds, coastal wolf and grizzly bear). Learn tribal legends and visit a local cabin. Evening option for fishing and paddling.
Day 7 Chief Mathews Bay - Gardner Canal / Terrace (B,L)
Paddle ocean-going canoe to wildlife viewing spot along the Gardener Canal and Kiltuih Inlet, hear more stories and history of the Haisla people. Return to Terrace for final night.
Day 8 Terrace
Depart at any time.
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