Points of Interest
Ports
Whales and Totems
Discover the Coast in Ways That the First Explorers Did
Sail away on summer breezes into Blackfish Sound in the southern Great Bear Rainforest. View orca, humpback whales, and other marine wildlife. Explore islands with white-shell beaches (ancient village sites) and the ancient rainforest of the mainland fjords. Visit villages brimming with culture.
Itinerary Details
- Ships: Maple Leaf
- Duration: 6 Days
- Ports: Port McNeill
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Experience the Broughton Archipelago
See our Whales & Totem’s Tour through the eyes of our guests.
What People Say
See what our guests have to say about our Whales and Totems adventure.
Highlights
A Collision of Spectacular Wildlife and Ancient History
Rich in wildlife, home to a complex whale community, hundreds of hidden islands and ancient human cultures.
Related Stories
Follow our coastal expeditions with notes from the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to your questions about our Whales and Totems itinerary. Refer to our Frequently Asked Questions for more general trip and booking information.
If you are arriving by air, we recommend flying to Port Hardy Airport (YZT) which is a 30 minute drive to Port McNeill. Contact information for the taxi company is provided to you before your tour, you can reserve a taxi prior to your flight, they will meet you at the airport and take you to Port McNeill to meet the ship. At the end of your tour your captain will arrange a taxi pick up at the marina to take you to the airport. If you choose to drive, limited parking is available beside the marina for $5/day.
Our schedule is designed to accommodate incoming flights on the day of departure and most guests will arrive on the day. But, if you would like to arrive a little early to avoid the stress of possible flight delays, you will find recommendations for local accommodations and activities in your welcome aboard package. Please do not book nonrefundable airfare before getting the boarding and disembarking times for your trip.
In the summer, the Broughton Archipelago experiences mild and pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from comfortable to warm. However, weather conditions can vary, so it’s advisable to come prepared for changing conditions. It’s a good idea to bring layers, including light jackets or sweaters, as well as sun protection such as hats and sunscreen. Additionally, occasional rain showers are possible, so having a rain jacket or waterproof gear is recommended. Overall, summer in the Broughton Archipelago offers a beautiful coastal experience.
Bears are wild animals and their presence and visibility can be influenced by various factors such as food availability and their natural behavior. There is a chance to view black bears as they forage at low tide, but sightings can never be guaranteed. Our experienced guides will do their best to enhance wildlife viewing opportunities and share their knowledge about the local wildlife.
Absolutely. We encourage our guests to participate in any aspect of the trip that interests them and to whatever level they are comfortable with. We are patient instructors (no yelling) and delight in helping people learn. On the other hand, you are not required to sail or perform duties while on your vacation. The choice is yours.
As a responsible and eco-friendly organization, we follow and often exceed the guidelines set out by North Island Marine Mammal Stewardship Association. Our crew includes many naturalists who are directly involved in marine conservation efforts, who educate guests on the importance of being cautious, polite, and silent in proximity of these magnificent creatures.
