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The north east of the island offers the
most convenient access to Johnstone Strait, core habitat of
the 16 resident Orca pods that frequent BC's coastal waters,
as well as to a number of premier Grizzly Bear locations on
adjacent Lower Mainland BC, most notably world famous Knight
Inlet. The "resident" Orcas feed exclusively on the abundant
Pacific Salmon in the area, and are the most studied whale
population in the world. On a whale watching trip with one of
the excellent and very knowledgeable local operators you may
also encounter passing "transient" Orcas which have some
anatomical differences to the "residents" and live in smaller
pods, are less, vocal, and prey instead on other marine
mammals. The area is also frequented by Pacific Whitesided
Dolphins, Dall's Porpoise, Seals, Sea Lions, and occasionally
Humpback and Minke Whales.
For those possessed of a more adventurous
spirit a sea kayak provides a less intrusive platform from
which to view these magnificent creatures, making you feel
completely integrated into the marine habitat, and kayaking
and wilderness camping expeditions of varying lengths in Johnstone Strait and nearby Blackfish Sound can be
arranged.
The west coast plays host to 20,000 Gray
Whales on their northward migration from Mexico to Alaska
between March and May, some of which stop and spend the whole
summer feeding and resting in the protected bays around the
picturesque seaside communities of Tofino and Ucluelet, where
there are a number of well established whale watching
operations.
Humpback Whales are also frequent
visitors, and Orca and Minke Whales are also sometimes encountered in the
area. Remote Clayoquot Sound has some of the most pristine old
growth rainforest to be found anywhere in North America, and
offers unparalleled opportunities to view Black Bears foraging
on the shoreline at low tide.
Pacific Rim National Park boats an excellent network of
self-guided walking trails that showcase the area's rugged
coastline and birdlife, and the nearby Broken Islands Group is
a paradise for boaters and sea kayakers, as well as a haven
for Sea Lions and Sea Otters.
Vancouver Island is more than just a
wildlife destination though, being popular with outdoor
pursuits, scuba diving and sport fishing enthusiasts alike,
and providing a spectacular wilderness backdrop to any
activity. It also offers excellent accommodation options
making it a great destination for those wanting to combine a
genuine wilderness experience with all of the comforts you
would expect of major metropolitan centre.
The island is also home to a sizeable aboriginal community,
and is at the forefront of the vibrant Pacific Northwest
native art scene. On the west coast the Nuu-chah-nulth were
noted seafarers and builders of magnificent ocean going
canoes. Their traditional lifestyle revolved around the forest
and the ocean.
The cedar tree provided the raw materials for
their longhouses and the dugout canoes, and even their woven bark
clothing, and they fearlessly hunted great whales from their
canoes. Unsurprisingly marine wildlife figures prominently in
their culture. The east coast was home to both Coast Salish and Kwagiulth or Kwakwaka'wakw ("those who speak
Kwakwala") bands, and many communities still occupy their
traditional territories. As with all aboriginal groups they
have a strong and altruistic bond with, and deep respect for
nature, particularly the animals they co-existed with, and
hunted.
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