New for 2008, combine 4 days of grizzly bear and salmon viewing with 4 days of whale watching. Participants fly into Chilko Lake for 4 glorious days of sea kayaking, river running, biking and fishing while 2 million salmon spawn at the headwaters. Hundreds of bald eagles join in the festivities while as many as 40 grizzlies jockey for position in these salmon rich waters. This incredible phenomenon can only be topped on your next 4 days as we paddle with pods of killer whales in Johnstone Strait. This decadent and extravagant lodge-to-lodge adventure is available only through ROAM and has limited space in September.
Bears and Whales Photo Gallery
Find out what past participants have said about this trip on the ROAM blog.
Bears and Whales Adventure Travel Planner
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Day One - Sunday
We meet for our 11:00 AM flight to Chilko Lake. Important Note for Those Arriving at Vancouver International Airport on Day One: It is essential to arrive a minimum of two hours before our 11:00AM flight. You need to allow enough time for possible flight delays, time to clear customs, and time to transfer from the Vancouver International Airport terminal to a private charter plane terminal.
Please make sure your gear is packed in soft luggage (NO SUITCASES) as this will allow for easy storage. As soon as everyone’s gear is stowed, we will board our chartered plane for the incredible flight over the mountains and glaciers to Chilko Lake. Here at the headwaters of the Chilko River, we will meet our guides, check into our rooms, and enjoy the afternoon and evening at the resort. A spectacular view at dinner and an evening to go over last-minute details will help you settle into the moods and rhythms of the trip.
Day Two - Monday
Today we will explore Chilko Lake by kayak as we head into a 55-mile long wilderness waterway. Surrounded by massive glacier-capped peaks and a road-less wilderness, we will spend the day paddling the lake and picnicking on sandy beaches. There may be an opportunity for an afternoon hike and some fishing before heading back to the Lodge for cocktails and a sumptous dinner. After dinner we’ll take a tour of the night skies with resident engineer, Jaromir, and his incredible telescope.
Day Three - Tuesday
Today you will be transferred to our rafting put-in point. Floating the top 21 miles of the pristine Chilko River we will see millions of sockeye salmon and a fair number of Chinook salmon spawning in the river. Bears abound along with countless eagles. At the end of an exhilarating day you will be transferred back to the Lodge for a hot tub or short walk before watching the sunset over our private trout pond.
Day Four - Wednesday
For those choosing the heli-hiking option, today our helicopter will lift us up to the incredible alpine surrounding the park. High up above Chilko Lake nestled in the spectacular Coast Mountains we will hike through endless valleys of wildflowers. This rich carpeted terrain makes for easy walking and will allow us to cover great distances. The 360-degree scenery will make you feel like the gods as you wander among the mountaintops where very few mortals ever go.
Those not feeling up to a full day heli-adventure can hike Mount Tullin or explore Green Lake with one of our guides. There may also be time to enjoy some fishing at Chilko Lake. Our guides can teach you how to fly fish or you can use spin rods all on your own. Or perhaps set off for an optional afternoon horseback ride or get a massage – the choice is yours. Tonight we will feast outdoors, roast marshmallows and have a sing along around the campfire.
Day Five - Thursday
This morning we can ride, walk, fish, hike, kayak, canoe or simply immerse oneself in a good book. Everyone can pick their own pace and get organized for flights to the Johnstone Strait. This afternoon we’ll go over sea kayaking instructions and get ready for the following day’s adventure. Tonight we’ll have seafood feast on the oceanfront and soak up the views of this impressive marine park. Don't be surprised if you catch an early sighting of harbor seals and orcas.
Days Six and Seven- Friday and Saturday
Proper ocean kayaking techniques are quick to learn and the boats are easily maneuvered with a rudder controlled by foot pedals. Each participant is outfitted with neoprene kayak skirts to keep the boats watertight, and separate cargo holds allow you to store cameras, binoculars – whatever you might want to take with you for daily outings. By mid-morning, we are ready to head off on an exploratory paddle around the surrounding islands and coves. Meanwhile, back at our home base, our chef will be preparing for another delicious meal. The northerly latitude of the Strait means that daylight hour’s stretch well into the evening - so spectacular sunsets are often served up with dessert and digestives.
Early risers can do their own exploring in the calm morning waters when wildlife along the shore is often most active. Early morning walks around the islands are also an option. Our daily distances can fluctuate depending on weather, tides and activities en route. The Johnstone Strait is subject to large tides and their associated currents. It doesn’t take long to adjust your clock to these natural cycles.
Kayaks are an excellent springboard to amazing scenery and intertidal wildlife viewing. In addition to the orcas, we are often entertained by the hijinks of Daal porpoises. Dozens will converge on herring and cod stocks in the area and will celebrate their feasts with amazing aerial leaps and friendly social behavior. The Robson Bight Ecological Reserve is nearby and the many islands provide a labyrinth of coves and inlets.
Day Eight - Sunday
Today we will have a morning to paddle or explore on foot before getting ready for flights back to civilization.
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