Black Bear Tour Packages
April 19 - July 6  2003

Our Black bear tour is a marine adventure where we search the beautiful coastlines of the Discovery Archipelago and Johnstone Strait by boat for feeding Black bears and sometimes Grizzlies on the beaches and shoreline. This cunning method of viewing bears is unique to Canada's West Coast. It allows us to observe the bears and their cubs! in their natural habitat without disturbing them or endangering us. You won't believe it until you experience it!

We start our Spring Bear Adventure when you board one of our large, comfortable cruisers at scenic Gowland Harbor on Quadra Island. The action starts immediately with sightings of harbour seals and their young pups at play right in the harbour. We then make a quick check of some of the many bald eagle nests in the area. If we're lucky we may see a parent eagle feeding a chick.

The striking Copper Bluffs on the Inside Passage to Alaska are next on the agenda. Here we can observe Cormorants and Pigeon Guillemots as they fish or sit on their nests. An added bonus to a trip this time of year is the abundance of beautiful wild flowers that cascade down the bluffs to the waters edge.

From there we'll head for Bear Country through exciting Seymour Narrows with its rapids and whirlpools. This thrilling passage is exhilarating in our safe, modern vessels.

As we travel through Discovery Passage, Johnstone Strait and some of the narrow channels of the Discovery Archipelago south of Knights Inlet, we will watch for Dahl Porpoises, Harbor Porpoises, Pacific White Sided Dolphins, Sea lions, Otters, Minke Whales and, if we are lucky, perhaps Orcas or killer whales. As we enjoy the surroundings we also keep a sharp look out for Black bears and sometimes Grizzly bears feeding on spring grasses and shellfish on the beach.

An air of anticipation grips the boat when we see a bear on the beach and prepare to glide in to observe from the safety of our vessel. Conversation becomes hushed and our guests realize how close we can get to a sow or female bear and her three cubs without raising the ire of the protective mother bear or interfering with the playful pursuits of the cubs. As we get close to the shore you can actually hear them breathe!

For their part, the bears do no more than give the boat a cursory glance before resuming their foraging. Children and adults alike will be drawn to the side of the boat, riveted by this peek into the natural life of bears. You'll go home with pictures that your friends will never believe you took yourself.

On this tour you will see many species of birds including Eagles and Wood Ducks and you'll have time to observe and enjoy them during our trip over to spectacular Bute Inlet a major fjord on the British Columbia coast. While cruising along the shore you'll see cascading waterfalls, snow-capped mountains and glaciers, some rising to 10,000 ft from the Inlet floor. You will also see a wide range of ancient rainforest flora and fauna. This region is known as the southern part of "The Great Bear Rain Forest" and bears are plentiful, which is why we bring you here!

There is so much more to a stay at Discovery Charters & Lodge than just black bears and grizzly bears! We truly are situated in paradise and you will enjoy the beautiful old growth gardens with their late spring, early summer flowers. Your time here will make memories that you and your family or friends will enjoy for years to come.

FYI - Our Spring Black Bear viewing season is also a great time to try for Chinook Salmon Kings. Legendary "Tyee" salmon, Chinooks over 30lbs are the highlight of the late summer, early fall fishing season! 

Black Bear Packages April 19 - June 8, 2003

$ 339

$ 485

$ 635

$ 910