Bears

To appreciate the beauty of the Spirit Bears you first have to appreciate the environment that they live within. King Pacific Lodge provides exclusive luxury vacations with adventure in absolute comfort. There really is no better way to see the Spirit Bears and the wonderful world they live in

Pamper yourself in the heart of the Canadian wilderness on one of the most unique floating fishing lodges in British Columbia, Canada. Moored in the shelter of Barnard Harbour on Princess Royal Island, King Pacific Lodge is quite simply one of the most magnificent Canadian wilderness eco resorts ever built.

Designed for absolute comfort.

Positioned to capture spectacular views of the landscape.

A remarkably civilized place amidst absolute wilderness.In the summer months the wildlife is prolific here with June to August being exceptional months for sighting Humpback Whales, Orcas, Dall's Porpoise and Pacific White-sided Dolphins. On half day and full day whale watching excursions you will have a unique opportunity to learn about the marine creatures which inhabit and migrate through the region. Orcas which may be seen all season are in their peak numbers during June and July. Humpback Whales which may also be seen all season are more prominent during August and September.

The lodge has forged a close relationship with two whale researchers based on a nearby island who operate Cetacea Lab - the only year round whale research lab in northern British Columbia. You will have an opportunity to visit the lab, meet the researchers and learn about the whale's social and feeding habits, as well as their migratory journeys and listen to their calls as they feed and play in these inter-coastal waters. You may also see large numbers of playful Stellar's Sealions.

As the season progresses, the Orcas become harder to see but come September the salmon begin to run by their thousands up the rivers and streams in a desperate attempt to spawn. It is in these channels and rivers that you find the Spirit Bear.

Isolated for thousands of years on remote Princess Royal Island and its immediate neighbours, this small community of 'white' Black Bears inhabit some of the most pristine areas left on earth. These all-white bears (which owe their unusual colouring to a double recessive gene) are elusive, with optimum sightings occurring only from the end of August to the first week of October.

With the experience and knowledge of Gitga'at native guides, searching for these rare creatures is an adventure in itself and will involve boat trips and short walks to reach specially located viewing platforms which offer superb photographic opportunities. The platforms are well positioned above salmon streams and patience is likely to be rewarded not only with Spirit Bears but Black Bears fishing for salmon. Other possible wildlife sightings from the platforms include Pine Martens, Mink and Bald Eagles.

In addition to whale-watching and bear-watching there are a number of other activities available including kayaking, walking in the wilderness, fishing and (at additional cost) float-plane and helicopter excursions.

Other wildlife here includes Wolves, Mountain Goats and River Otters.

The accommodation is in exceptionally comfortable rooms, all with en-suite facilities with wonderful views of the rainforest or ocean. Public areas include a lounge and dining room, sauna, steam room and hot tub, and there are also aromatherapy, massage treatments in the spa for those so inclined!

Enjoy once in a lifetime adventures and exclusive luxury vacations at King Pacific Lodge.

A stay here can also be combined with any vacation trip to Canada.  Contact Medway Travel now for a quotation.

If you have been watching "Wild China" on the BBC recently then you will have seen the fantastic and famous Wolong Nature Reserve, the Breeding and Conservation centre for these magnificent animals.  Due to deforestation and the growth of industry and China many of their natural habitats are dissappearing.

Shy and solitary animals, Pandas are extremely difficult to see in the wild.  The Wolong Nature Reserve is one of the few places outside zoo's where you can get to see them. Unfortunately, many of the Panda's here will never be able to be released back into the wild.

We would recommend you combine a visit to see these unique animals with a full tour of China.  There are several to choose from and on most you will be able to combine some of the following sights:-

Beijing - Host to the Olympic Games in 2008, Beijing is in the world's spotlight as never before. A must excursion would be to the Great Wall of China, and a visit to the Temple of Heaven.  You can also take an excursion to the Forbidden City.

Yangtze Cruise - Take a leisurly cruise up the Yangtze River passing through the famous Three Gorges.

Xi'an - Famous for the Terracotta Army, you should also visit the old walled city and Vibrant muslim quarter.

Jiuzhaigou - Nine Villages valley is famous for its dense forests, waterfalls and its calcified lakes which create vivid colours of unbeleivable hues.

There is of course Shangai and Hong Kong.

To the far north lies Tibet and it's famous buddhist temples and monasteries.

The choice is vast, unique and yours so please call us for an unbiased and no obligation discussion.  We can Tailor Make any itinerary to suit you, whether you would like a group tour or as an independant traveller, so Contact Medway Travel now for a quotation

October and May are the best times to see brown or spirit bears in Canada. In October they come down to the river to feed on spawning salmon as they swim upstream and in May they return to the river after hibernation with their cubs to feed from the river banks. These holidays are extremely popular and we would suggest you contact us as soon as possible to avoid disappointment as we are already booking for 2008/2009.

A typical holiday might include:-

• Flights from your home town to Vancouver.
• Accommodation of your choice In Vancouver for your chosen number of nights.
• Sightseeing in around Vancouver to include, Granville Island, Vancouver Island, Whale Watching, Theatre, Shopping.
• Sea Plane flight or self drive to Campbell River with overnight stay at Bachmair Lodge.
• Transportation to Knight Inlet Lodge
• 5 days accomodation to include any number of thrilling activities.
• Return transport to Vancouver and then your choice of returning home or the addition of further adventures in Canada. 
• Perhaps taking the Rocky Mountaineer train to Banff before returning home to see some of the spectacular scenery provided by the Rocky Mountains. Or taking a trip across the border down into America to Seattle - the choice is yours.

Knight Inlet Lodge

In the wild and pristine region of Western Canada's Pacific north-west, a select few travellers are afforded the incomparable thrill of close encounters with some of North America's most impressive creatures - massive Brown (Grizzly) Bears, soaring Bald Eagles and large pods of Orca Whales. This wilderness break includes visits to the untouched area 70 kilometres north of Campbell River for a wildlife and photography adventure few can rival.

The activities at Knight Inlet vary from season to season and even from week to week, depending upon animal migrations.

From early May until the end of June the grizzlies are in the estuary very close to the lodge, feeding on the sedges and succulents that abound. At this time young bear cubs and new life explode in the bay and all wildlife-viewing is enjoyed from the water. The bears are frequent travellers along the shores in this season and it is not uncommon to see twelve to fifteen different bears in a day, while in Johnstone Strait seals, sea lions, porpoises, dolphins and the occasional Minke Whale may be seen.

In the summer months the bears move into the forest to feed on the berry crop so numbers are fewer, but past sightings have included mothers and cubs playing, mating rituals on the beach, and sub-adults sparring. From July to October, close encounters with Orca Whales, along with porpoises and large numbers of playful Pacific White-sided Dolphins are common and in September you may see Humpback Whales.

From the middle of August to the middle of October, millions of salmon making their final spawning run turn the clear waters dark, attracting dozens of grizzlies who are able to gorge to their hearts content in preparation for the imminent winter freeze. Meanwhile Bald Eagles are present all year round, but the best viewing and photography opportunities for Bald Eagles are in the late autumn.

Knight Inlet Lodge accommodates a maximum of 30 guests in floating wooden cabins, most of which have lounge areas with wood burning stoves. The bedrooms are cedar-panelled and have their own private bathrooms. Public areas include a rustic dining hall and lounge area. The lodge exhibits an assortment of construction styles dating from the 1940's when the original float housed a logging camp.

Estuary tours, jetboat tours up the Kliniklini River, excursions to the upper reaches of Knight Inlet and day trips to the Thompson and Bond Sounds are also available, offering more stunning scenery, magnificent wildlife and of course superb photographic opportunities.

Departures between May to October although recommended months are May and September / October

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If this example is not exactly what you are looking for please Request a Personal Quotation or contact us and we can discuss ways of tailor-making the perfect holiday for you.

The trip would include:-

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If this example is not exactly what you are looking for please Request a Personal Quotation or contact us and we can discuss ways of tailor-making the perfect holiday for you.