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| Marine Adventures, Bear Viewing & Native Cultural Program |
Since 2004, visitors to British Columbia have a unique opportunity to experience the ancient traditions of First Nations people in their own communities. Interacting with First Nations communities is like opening a door to different and awe-inspiring universe. And the silence of remote British Columbia can open a door your inner universe.” The land, ocean and the wildlife are integral to their way of life and unique traditions. Some of these nations have existed for more than ten thousands years, long before the pyramids were build. During our tours, guests will be able to take part in authentic First Nations activities such as storytelling, singing, dancing, craft making and fishing. One some tours guests may also spend the night in traditional dwellings and may be lucky enough to witness some of BC’s diverse wildlife including many kinds of bears, whales and eagles. We visit First Nations communities including the Sto:lo and Quw’utsun’ (Cowichan)of West Coast Salish linguistic group, Kwakwakawakw, Tsimshian, Nuu-chah-nulth, Gitsan and Haida. |
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| Tour Itinerary |
Day 1:
Off northern Vancouver Island and based out of Sointula on Malcolm Island, you will stay at the Sointula Marine View Lodge, catch salmon, watch killer whales and grizzly bears, learn about First Nations culture, enjoy gourmet seafood dining, and gain a new appreciation for our coastal marine environment. During your tour, you will visit seldom- explored areas of the Broughton Archipelago and Knight Inlet. Travel to Northern Vancouver Island. Flight from Vancouver to Port Hardy. Transfer servie by boat from Port Hardy to Malcolm Island. Note: only 2-4 clients per tour!
Day 2:
An early dawn departure will bring you to one of the best spring salmon fishing areas in BC. Later, you will view the Northern Resident group of killer whales and enjoy the thrill of watching orcas in the wild. You will see luxurious kelp beds and marine waterscapes along the way. Dine on fresh local seafood at a beach barbeque/bonfire.
Day 3:
Early morning fishing trip will be followed by a visit to the U’mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay and an introduction to the culture of the Kwakwaka'wakw tribes. From there, you will travel to the ancient village of Meem Quam Leese, (also known as Mamaliliculla) and learn about First Nations history from Tom Sewid, who has acted as guardian for the traditional territory of the Mamalaleqala Qwe 'Qwa' Sot' Enox' people since 1989 On your way back to Sointula, you will visit Hanson Island to see a living cedar tree that is over 1000 years old!
Day 4:
Early morning fishing trip. “Sointula” is the Finnish word for “harmony”. The community traces back to 1901 when a group of far-sighted Finns established Sointula as a socialist commune. Today the island boasts a diversified population of 800 residents, but still retains much of its founding philosophy and lifestyle – it is no cute commercialized tourist trap. You are free to hike, bike, kayak, check out local artists, or just simply kick back!
Day 5:
Knight Inlet is the largest inlet and one of the most spectacular coastal areas in BC, and was voted the “5th most exotic destination in the world” by American Travel Journalist/A&E Channel. You will travel to Glendale Cove - home to one of the largest concentrations of grizzly bears in BC, and view grizzly bears in their natural habitat.
Day 6:
Breakfast: 7:30 - 8:45am, Bag Lunch. Depart Dogwood Lodge: 9:00 am Tour Highlights: Port Clements Settlers Museum, Shoreline Park, Golden Spruce Trail, Haida Canoe, Pure Lake, and the Argonaut Plain. Return Dogwood Lodge: 4:30pm Dinner: 6:00 pm Farewell Traditional Seafood Feast. Evening Program: Tour Recap, Special Memories.
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