Tour Dates: August 13 – 22, 2023 (10 Days / 9 Nights)
This small intimate tour provides a journey of a lifetime through one of the wildest, diverse and unbelievably beautiful parts of the world. Starting in Prince George, a spectacular rail journey takes us along the mighty Skeena River to the coastal city of Prince Rupert. We navigate the wild and rugged lands and waters of the Pacific Northwest via the magical and pristine Northern Inside Passage where bald eagles, grizzly bears and whales are as numerous as residents. Embedded into Canadian History, we will learn about First Nations traditions, art, and living culture. Along the way, you will experience distinctly Canadian activities that will deepen your understanding of Canadian culture, nature and landscape. Be sure to pack your binoculars for this tour!
Trip Highlights:
- Embark on a spectacular day of rail travel following the mighty Skeena River with views of spectacular coastal mountains, fishing canneries and First Nations villages.
- Visit the oldest operating Salmon cannery in British Colombia’s history.
- Embark on an exhilarating wilderness experience to the Great Bear Rainforest exploring the world renowned Khutzeymateen Valley.
- Voyage through the historic Inside Passage to Port Hardy where you will witness wildlife, such as whales, eagles, and black bears, while discovering magical shorelines.
- Experience the comfort and welcoming hospitality of the First Nations’ owned Kwa’Lias Hotel, showcasing their history, culture and cuisine.
- Spend an afternoon strolling the postcard waterfront featuring colorful historic buildings and homes that cling to a rocky shoreline and are joined by a boardwalk.
- Enjoy fresh, local seafood and relaxing walks with breathtaking views.
Tour Cost per person based on Double Occupancy $5350.00 CAD
Tour Cost per person based on Single Occupancy $6480.00 CAD
Air Fare: Contact our office for air fares and flight information. Call for air fares from your city.
In order to make each tour a special experience space is limited to 20 people. We encourage you to book early to avoid disappointment and for the best air fares.
Tour Includes:
- Private Coach Transportation
- Services of a Professional Tour Director & McPhail Travel Escort
- Accommodation as listed (or similar based on availability)
- Attractions as listed VIA Rail Skeena train journey in Economy Class as listed (including customary gratuity)
- BC Ferries sailings as listed Luggage Handling (1 bag per person)
- Meals listed – all breakfasts, 6 lunches and 2 dinners (including customary gratuity)
Tour does not include:
- Gratuities to driver (recommend $3-$4 per person per day)
- Gratuities to guide (recommend $5-$7 per person per day)
- Items of a personal nature
- Meals not listed
- Attractions not listed
- Airfare
- Travel insurance
Itinerary
Sunday, August 13, 2023
Arrive Prince George
Welcome to Prince George with unique downtown boutiques while culture buffs will take pleasure in the art galleries and museums. Outdoor enthusiasts will find everything they desire in the northern wilderness. Forests and waterfalls line the highways, greenery-rich parks can be found within city limits, and countless lakes and rivers exist within a short drive. Experience the full nature experience that Prince George, BC has to offer. On arrival we transfer to our downtown accommodation and meet our Tour Leader.
Accommodation: Prince George – Grama’s Inn
Grama's Inn was built in 1971 by Henry and Esther Creuzot and remains family-owned and operated. It has providing accommodations to travellers from all over the world for over 50 years. Committed to offering clean, comfortable and affordable accommodations the rooms have recently been renovated and upgraded. Grama's Inn...where you're welcomed, spoiled as only Grama does.
Check In Date: 13-Aug-2023
Check Out Date: 14-Aug-2023
Monday, August 14, 2023
Prince George – Prince Rupert via VIA Rail Skeena Train
A full and spectacular day of rail travel lies ahead; we follow the route of the mighty Skeena River from the spectacular coastal mountains, viewing fishing canneries, historical First Nations Villages before arriving in the interior of Northern British Columbia and the city of Prince Rupert. Upon arrival in Prince Rupert, we’ll transfer to our hotel before gathering for a Welcome Dinner with the group.
🍴 Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Prince Rupert – Inn on the Harbour
Inn on the Harbour is a boutique Prince Rupert hotel near the ferry, train, bus, and airline terminals. Enjoy a view over the breathtaking waters of Prince Rupert from the comfort of your hotel. Local shopping and tourist attractions are within walking distance, and picturesque Rotary Waterfront Park is right on the doorstep.
Check In Date: 14-Aug-2023
Check Out Date: 17-Aug-2023
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
Prince Rupert Sightseeing
Today we discover this beautiful coastal city and the rich history it possesses. First, we will stop to see the historic Cassiar Cannery’s cottages. Then we visit the North Pacific Cannery, the longest running cannery in British Columbia’s history. It was formed in 1889 and operated as a premier salmon production and canning facility for almost 90 years until the late 1970’s. Now operating as a museum to preserve the history of the Cannery, we will explore the site with a guided tour and finish with a historically inspired lunch at the Cannery. This afternoon enjoy some time at leisure to explore Cow Bay and the many shops and restaurants along Prince Rupert’s pristine waterfront.
🍴 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
Grizzly Bear Tour
Today an exciting wildlife adventure awaits! Our grizzly bear tour explores the world renowned Khutzeymateen Valley. A remote and pristine area protected in an agreement with the B.C. Government and Tsimshian First Nation in 1994, it is largely regarded as the densest natural grizzly bear habitat in North America. From the open waters of Chatham sound to the rugged coastal mountain valley, we’ll enjoy a safe, exhilarating wilderness experience, to see these legendary giants in their natural environment. Stellar sea lions, harbour seals, eagles, blue herons and sea otters may also make an appearance.
🍴 Meals: Breakfast, Light Lunch
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Prince Rupert – Port Hardy via BC Fer
The beautiful Northern Expedition super-ferry will take us on an amazing full-day voyage through the historic Inside Passage to Port Hardy. From the ship, watch for killer whales, seals, eagles and bears or attend nature presentations with the onboard interpreters. Late this evening we arrive in Port Hardy on Vancouver Island and will transfer to our overnight accommodation upon disembarkation.
🍴 Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Port Hardy – Kwa’lilas Hotel
The Kwa'lilas Hotel is located in the traditional territories of the Kwakiutl people and is a demonstration of the commitment of the Gwa'sala- 'Nakwaxda'xw Nations to share their history, culture and passion for their traditional territory in a meaningful and permanent way by showcasing and celebrating it in a beautiful, comfortable space that is representative of the community.
Check In Date: 17-Aug-2023
Check Out Date: 19-Aug-2023
Friday, August 18, 2023
Port Hardy Sightseeing & Indigenous Crafting
This morning we visit the Quatse Salmon Centre which features a world class interpretive gallery with exhibits and displays that promote discovery into the world of salmon and their natural environment. Visitors to the Salmon Centre get a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore and get hands on experience with Salmon. In the afternoon we enjoy the Indigenous experience of cedar weaving and learn the process of harvesting and preparing cedar to create your very own bracelet, small basket, medicine pouch or lighter case.
🍴 Meals: Breakfast, Boxed Lunch
Saturday, August 19, 2023
Port Hardy – Port McNeill
Today we’ll gain a better perspective of the Port Hardy area and marvel at the beautiful coastal mountains and vastness of the North Island. Highly trained crew and interpretive guides will keep us comfortable while on board this scenic boat tour. Experiencing the untouched wilderness and coast will leave us in amazement as we learn about the Gwa’sala Nakwaxda’xw First Nations history on these waters and the deeply seeded roots of their ancestors. Wildlife such as eagles, bears, coastal wolves, whales, porpoises and otters frequent this region, and the tour will include a stop at the local stellar sea lion colony.
🍴 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Port McNeill – Sportsman’s Inn
Located on Vancouver Island’s north-east shore, Port McNeill acts as a central hub for all of North Vancouver Island. It offers the only access to the villages of Alert Bay, on Cormorant Island, and Sointula, on Malcolm Island, via BC Ferries, which run daily. Sportman’s Inn is located right on the scenic Port McNeill Harbour.
Check In Date: 19-Aug-2023
Check Out Date: 21-Aug-2023
Sunday, August 20, 2023
Alert Bay & Telegraph Cove
This morning, a short ferry ride takes us to our main destination, U’Mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay, to view the Potlatch Collection. The potlatch ceremony marks important occasions in the lives of the Kwakwaka'wakw. We’ll enjoy a guided tour of the centre before catching our return ferry. Following our visit in Alert Bay, we will visit Telegraph Cove Art Gallery and see local artists carvings, gifts and clothes and enjoy a relaxing walk through the Shephard’s Garden.
🍴 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Monday, August 21, 2023
Telegraph Cove – Campbell River
Our first stop today is the Whale Interpretive Centre which strives to increase awareness of the biology, habitat needs and threats to killer whales, fin whales, humpback whales and sea otters as well as other local marine mammals. Continuing on, we stop to view the spectacular cave formations at Little Huson Cave Park and see the thundering waterfall at Elk Falls, one of the most popular provincial parks on Vancouver Island. Finally we arrive in Campbell River, long known as the "Salmon Capital of the World". Tonight we’ll enjoy a Farewell Dinner with the group.
🍴 Meals: Breakfast, Boxed Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Campbell River – Painter’s Lodge
E.P Painter, a boat builder by trade, arrived in Campbell River with his wife in 1922. During that time, salmon fishing in the area had become so popular that tent colonies had sprung up at the mouth of the Campbell River. Seeing the need for more permanent accommodation for sport fishermen, Mr. Painter decided to establish Painter’s Lodge. The sounds of the sea will clear your mind while you sleep. Wake up to a symphony of chirping birds. Feel the warmth of a canopy of trees and let the outside in to experience the natural surroundings. Be spoiled in the unspoiled wilderness.
Check In Date: 21-Aug-2023
Check Out Date: 22-Aug-2023
Tuesday, Aug 22, 2023
Depart Campbell River
Our incredible journey through Vancouver Island concludes this morning as we bid farewell to the island and transfer to Campbell River Airport to begin the journey home.
🍴 Meals: Breakfast
