You arrive midday at Comox Airport on Vancouver Island following your flight via Vancouver. Here you will pick up your vehicle ready for the self drive section of your holiday.
You travel the short distance from Comox to the Kingfisher Resort which sits right on the beach opposite Blubber Bay where you can scan the ocean for marine life from your balcony or simply relax in your room or in the hotel's spa.
This morning you head to the western side of the island and your destination - Ucluelet. This is where you have the best opportunity of photographing black bears in the local fish hatchery. As the salmon spawn in a small inlet the bears come to feed in this natural environment and close up photographic opportunities are excellent.
Come discover Vancouver Island's hidden 'off the beaten path' gem. Ucluelet has been named one of BC's top ten small towns and offers an endless range of outdoor activities. Affectionately known as Ukee, the town is friendly, and welcoming.
Ucluelet streets are lined with appealing restaurants, B&Bs, and artisan shops; while the surrounding area offers wonderful opportunities for wildlife-viewing, hiking, biking, kayaking, surfing and more. Ucluelet is a great base for taking on all that the West Coast has to offer.
Ucluelet is a flourishing community that thrives on outdoor recreation and eco-tourism. It is surrounded by the 150,000 acres Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, with the Broken Group Islands to the South and Long Beach to the North.
Ucluelet is a year-round travel destination that will have you basking in its picturesque beauty, ancient cedars and spectacular tree-lined horizons along the Wild Pacific Trail.
After a final morning on the west coast with the black bears you retrace your steps to the east and head north to Campbell River and the Dolphin's Resort. The log cabins here overlook Quadra Island and whales are often seen moving through the strait.
Your cabin has a full kitchen so self catering here is an option although the restaurant is also highly acclaimed.
You continue driving north this morning until you reach the quirky Telegraph Cove. This beautiful logging settlement has been preserved and the accommodation at the resort consists of workers' wooden houses which sit along the boardwalk.
Here you can spend two days out in the waters of Alert Bay in search of the myriad marine life including orca, humpback whales, stellar sea lions, dolphins and porpoises.
Telegraph Cove is tucked away on the eastern coast of Northern Vancouver Island. This tiny and picturesque village is a major destination during the summer months when the snug little bay bustles with whale watchers, fishermen, boaters, campers and kayakers. Telegraph Cove Resort has a rich and colourful past and is one of the last boardwalk settlements left on Vancouver Island.
Telegraph Cove Resort boasts a large variety of accommodation choices. From cozy cabins & historic homes to modern condominium suites and new lodge rooms, we have something for every taste.
You retrace your steps this morning and head back to Kingfisher Lodge for your last night on the Island before your fly to the mainland early the following day.
Having parked your vehicle this morning, you catch your early morning flight to Great Bear lodge.
The charming floating lodge has eight bedrooms. The common area is a comfortable place for relaxing and listening to natural history presentations from our wildlife biologists.
Completely upgraded in 2014, each bedroom now has an ensuite bathroom with a shower. The wind and solar powered lodge is in keeping with our commitment to low-impact ecotourism.
Natural wood decks surround the lodge, a perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine while enjoying the beauty of the scenery.
Two bear viewing sessions are scheduled each day at the lodge, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. We tailor the sessions to the activities of the bears, observing them when they are most active in their chosen habitats.
Viewing blinds have been constructed with photographers in mind. They are comfortable and optimal places to shoot from. When the bears move from the river to the estuary, we view them from boats.
Along with grizzly bears there is a chance to view other wildlife like wolves, black bears, river otters, pine martens, mink, harbour seals and bald eagles. Bear viewing areas are reached by a boat or bus ride from the lodge, which are opportunities to spot other wildlife in the area.
The bear-viewing program has been developed by Great Bear Lodge owner, Tom Rivest (MSc).
As a professional guide and wildlife biologist he is well versed in bear behavior as well as the natural history of this remarkable area.
Today you fly back to pick up your car and drive to the Quarterdeck inn.
Return to the Airport and drop of your car, then you can join your flight for the return journey home.
