Alert Bay  to Echo Bay Grizzlies & Culture Package  week-ends September - December 2012

Let nature dazzle your senses. This is the ultimate First Nations and nature eco-tour where you can immerse yourself in the oldest vibrant fishing village and view wildlife in nature that tourists rarely see at all. 

Vacations to Alert Bay provide rest and renewed energy. The time spent in nature and with the welcoming First Nation community is a step into timelessness.

2012 Departure Dates:

week-ends September - December

$398 - $747per person

minimum 2 maximum 4

The grizzly - a species at risk in British Columbia, are in the line of fire as to how many should be killed as big-game trophies or whether they should be killed at all.  Most First Nation communities have taken a stand and won't allow trophy hunting in their territories.  Grizzlies and black bears have been used as house crests by coastal natives for generations and bear-viewing  is part of the eco-tourism industry that is promoted by First Nation leaders. Conservation groups are buying guide-outfitter hunting territories and First Nation groups will do the same as soon as government will ensure it won't take the rights from an outfitter who does not engage in trophy hunting of bears, and won't transfer those rights to residential hunters.

Although conservation groups contest this figure, the Ministry of Environment reports there are an estimated 16,000 grizzly bears existing in BC and gives licences to kill  close to 1,900 for fees of just under half a million dollars annually.  Over $400,000 of this revenue is from the sale of grizzly licenses to non residents who reguire guides. 

There are about 50 grizzlies a five hour boat ride from Alert Bay right now. The remote area with its dense rain forest, river mouth estuary and ocean,is able to provide refuge for the grizzlies while they are feeding on spawning salmon.

The rich wildlife population is accessible and home to several bears, so viewing can be done with a short hike in.  A five hour boat cruise provides a safe and exciting way to view grizzly and black bears in their habitat without intruding on their natural activities. Bears are regularly seen but not guaranteed.  Overnight is at Echo Bay and Alert Bay.  Admissions to the Umista Cultural Centre are included.

We do report a 99% success rate with the animals finding our guides, however we cannot guarantee bear sighting. If no bears are observed, visitors are more than welcome to join our next bear tour at no cost to you, if your schedule/stay allows it.

Departs From: Alert Bay, British Columbia

Number of Guests: Group Tours Minimum 2 guests max 4 guests

Location: Cormorant Island, off the coast of northern Vancouver Island