The coastal waters around Northern Vancouver Island are exceptionally productive thanks to the region’s complex oceanography. As large tidal exchanges are squeeze through the many islets and narrow passages here, cold nutrient rich water is upwelled to the surface, fuelling diverse marine food webs. Small fishes feed on the resulting plankton blooms, and seabirds and vast numbers of humpback whales work in concert to feed on the fishes, often in spectacular fashion! 

Additionally, the narrowing coastlines and island archipelagos here essentially form a huge funnel through which massive numbers of migrating Pacific salmon must pass through each year on their way to spawning rivers and streams…and their predators know this! Killer whales (Orcas), in particular, congregate here each summer and fall to feast on this ecological bounty, making this region one of the best places in the world to observe these iconic marine mammals in the wild. Guests will learn the fundamental differences between fish-eating “resident” killer whales, and mammal-eating “transient” killer whales, in part by using an underwater hydrophone to hear the distinct languages of these highly intelligent marine mammals.

Throughout all this marine mammal activity we’ll also enjoy forests walks, intertidal explorations, sea kayaking, evening discussions, and fabulous chef-prepared meals. Traveling under sail at every opportunity, this expedition connects us to the remarkable marine wildlife of this region, the ecosystems that support them, and the Indigenous cultures that have thrived here for Millenia.