When:  July 1 – September 15

Length of visit: 4 days & 5 nights, though  - longer-duration tours can be arranged upon request

Number of guests: 2 to 4

Fee: 2 people - $2400. Cdn., Additional people @ $600. Cdn. all inclusive.  A 50% deposit at the time of reservation is required, with 50% due upon arrival in Sointula. In the event of cancellation, your deposit will apply to a future eco-adventure tour.

Introduction:
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.

ITINERARY

Day 0: Travel to Sointula. Sointula can be reached via BC Ferries from Port McNeill, a 4-hour drive from Nanaimo. Alternatively, pick-up can be arranged from Port Hardy airport. Dinner following arrival. 

Day 1: Fish, killer whales and marine biology. 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 2: First Nations cultural tour. Early morning fishing trip (optional) 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 (www.villageisland.com).  On your way back to Sointula, you will visit Hanson Island to see a living cedar tree that is over 1000 years old!

Day 3: Discover Sointula. Early morning fishing trip (optional). “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 4: Knight Inlet grizzly bears. Knight Inlet is the largest inlet and one of the most spectacular coastal areas in BC, and was voted the “5^th most exotic destination in the world” by American Travel Journalist/A&E Channel. You will travel to Glendale Cove which is home to one of the largest concentrations of grizzly bears in BC, and view grizzly bears in their natural habitat.

Day 5: Depart. Early morning fishing trip (optional) followed by departure at your convenience.