Day 1-5

Kayak right in.

There’s no limo from the airport. After arriving in Vancouver and transferring to Nanaimo to overnight at Painted Turtle Backpackers, we take rugged roads used by loggers and make our way to the fishing town of Bamfield. From there, we immediately set off on challenging sea kayaking expedition to one of the world’s most untouched settings, the rugged Deer Island Group in Barkley Sound. By day, survey the natural history, biology, behavior and threats to the marine mammals that converge in this area. Camp on remote islands at night Lectures on marine mammals come to life as we spot curious seals, keeping our eyes peeled for breaching whales, schools of Pacific white-sided dolphins, and humpbacks.

Day 6-11

Formal studies of marine mammals in an informal way.

Settle in at the world-renowned Bamfield Marine Science Centre. Here we begin our formal studies of marine mammals with resident faculty and researchers. In the classroom and labs, we learn about oceanography and the ecology of the whales, sea lions, porpoises, dolphins and seals found on Canada’s Pacific coast. In the field and on the water, we witness these magnificent creatures up close alongside marine mammal scientists, getting familiar with the equipment and methods that these researchers use. We conduct our own field studies, learning the significance of each species in the ecosystems they inhabit. Do plankton tows in Grapple Inlet, comb tide pools on Brady’s Beach, gather data aboard the Barkley Star and watch the mesmerizing spectacle of bioluminescence in Barkley Sound. All this hands-on work leads to a deep understanding of these local marine mammal populations.

Day 12-17

Salmon, here we come.

We make our way to Port Alberni, on the west coast of Vancouver Island. The surroundings are epic: surging rivers filled with salmon and trout, 360-degree mountain views and rainforests that are home to some of Canada’s tallest trees. Take a day to yourself to take it all in. You could easily spend weeks here. We overnight at the funky Fat Salmon Backpackers, just a five-minute walk from the city’s bustling Harbor Quay. Once again, the service life beckons. Transfer to Campbell River to work with the Quinsam River Fish Hatchery, where we can view multiple species of salmon in their natural habitat or in the hatchery. Day 17 is a wet one as we whitewater raft down the thrilling Nipkish River.

Day 18-20

Spot whales in the open sea. Find the conservationist in you.

Telegraph Cove is a historic fishing village and the heart of Vancouver Island’s whale watching industry. We learn from local naturalists and researchers as we head out on whale watching boats to observe orcas, humpbacks and other marine mammals up close. We are now official naturalists-in-training and must act accordingly. Finally, we make our way to the Whale Interpretive Center (WIC) on northern Vancouver Island to do meaningful conservation work that will ultimately help increase public awareness of the needs of these incredible creatures and protect their habitats for years to come. If you haven’t participated in bone cleaning or seen the decomposition of a whale specimen, as it ultimately becomes a skeleton, get ready.

Day 21-25

Save the whales! Study them, too.

Our vast knowledge of marine mammals is put to use on a remote island kayak adventure in the Johnstone Strait. Watch for spyhopping orcas. Marvel as your guides lift sea urchins to the surface for you to examine and introduce you to the taste of fresh kelp. Days are spent rattling off species we can now identify with ease. There is also a strong possibility we will visit OrcaLab on Hanson Island, a small land based whale research station. Work here is centered on the philosophy that it is possible to study the wild without interfering with it. It’s a philosophy we carry with us long after the trip ends.