Having a Whale of a Time
There’s something absolutely fascinating about whales and the first time you see one rise majestically from beneath the waves is a very special moment. Travel With Jules is an independent UK based bespoke travel company specialising in wildlife holidays around the world. Director, Julie (Jules) Croucher, says,
“Vancouver is in one of the most beautiful settings in the world; surrounded by coastal mountains looking out towards the Georgia Strait, the area is a haven for marine wildlife. Most iconic are the whales who can be seen in the channels and bays along British Columbia’s Pacific Coast.
“More than 20 species of whale can be found in these coastal waters in an area known as the ‘whale channel’. Grey whales numbering around 22,000 migrate along the coast from the Arctic feeding grounds to breed off the coast of Mexico. These whales often move towards Vancouver Island’s west shore where they can be seen from land. Minke whales, Steller’s sea lions, seals, porpoises and sea otters also live in these waters. In the spring, small pods of orcas are sometimes seen here.”
The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is made up of three main areas – Long Beach, Broken Group Islands and West Coast Trail and covers a 130 km long strip of Vancouver Island’s west coast.
“Dramatic rocky headlands tower over sandy beaches hit by the force of the Pacific and it also maintains some of the last remaining old rainforests of the region,”
continues Ms Croucher.
“Whale watching excursions can be enjoyed daily from March to August from Tofino and Ucluelet. There are large fleets of safety certified vessels in these waters from comfy 65 foot cruisers to exciting 30 foot high speed Zodiacs.”
Steppes Travel is a private company that has been operating in the UK for 25 years. It delivers a highly personal level of service and provides a range of itineraries to suit the way clients prefer to travel. New for 2016, Steppes is offering the chance to step aboard the refurbished tugboat Swell to explore the remote waters of Haida Gwaii. Meaning ‘Island of the People’, Haida Gwaii continues to have a thriving Haida aboriginal culture, making up over one third of the population. The scenery of this island chain on the west coast of British Columbia is truly spectacular. Formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, the archipelago is rich with marine wildlife and vast primary rainforests. The Gwaii Haanas Reserve has been rated the top National Park in North America by National Geographic and this, together with Haida Heritage to the south protects a large number of marine species. These include 20 species of whales, dolphins and porpoise. Whilst it is one of the leading parks in the North America, few are permitted to travel here, so to visit this area is a true privilege.
Travel with Jules +44 (0)1728 748209
jules@travelwithjules.co.uk
www.travelwithjules.co.uk
Steppes Travel +44 (0)1285 601757
enquiry@steppestravel.co.uk
www.steppes.travel.co.uk
