 Days 1 – 7 We kick off our adventure by exploring the Deer Island Group while sea kayaking in Barkley Sound. Our introduction to the waters of the North Pacific happens here, and the hours on the water tune our senses to the sea and the respect it demands. Learn sea kayaking basics, then move into braces, advanced strokes, wind and wave theory, hazard evaluation and navigation as you refine your paddling skills. Each day brings a new discovery. Paddle alongside harbor seals and sea lions while bald eagles and herons soar overhead. Glide through kelp forests in search of re-colonizing sea otters. We camp at night on secluded beaches bordering lush, temperate rainforests, following low impact camping techniques.
Days 8 – 18 We finish our kayaking adventure in Bamfield, a tiny fishing village nestled in a protected inlet on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Here we will study with local instructors and researchers. We begin with in-depth discussions on the ecology, physiology, evolution and health of the marine mammals found on Canadaís Pacific coast including killer whales, grey and humpback whales, harbor seals and stellar sea lions. Spend time on a research vessel, conducting marine mammal surveys in Barkley Sound and visiting seal and sea lion haul-out sites. In the evenings, discuss the ecological challenges facing marine mammals today, work on personal research projects or get in some study time.
 Days 19 - 25 We travel to Telegraph Cove a historic fishing and sawmill village that is now the site of a booming whale watching industry. Just outside of Telegraph Cove is the world famous Michael Bigg-Robson Bight Ecological Reserve that protects a unique pebble bottom bay where orcas congregate to "rub" their bodies and socialize every summer. Here we spend a week working as marine mammal naturalists ìin trainingî, teaching visitors about hot topics regarding marine mammals today. We learn that when done correctly, we can provide a transformative experience for listeners, provoking conservation and changing attitudes toward protecting critical habitats and threatened populations. The fate of the orcas here is uncertain, as research suggests that they are in jeopardy from toxin loads that are making their way through the food chain. Orcas are the ambassadors to the marine world and so we take a full ecosystem approach to our work. Our dockside "interpretive" exhibits and our efforts to prepare and assemble marine mammal skeletons for display are seen by hundreds of visitors from all over the world.
Day 26-33 Our last adventure takes us kayaking off of Prince Rupert, just below the Alaskan panhandle. The most spectacular way to get to this remote jewel is a full-day ferry trip that takes us through narrow fiords and open ocean, past waterfalls, deserted canneries and migrating humpback whales. From Prince Rupert, we boat out to the Lost Islands, then paddle in sea kayaks to discover forgotten lagoons, pristine old growth rainforests and remnants of old First Nationsí villages. This remote setting provides the perfect backdrop to rediscover our initial intrigue with the marine world. A solo experience provides an opportunity to contemplate the places, creatures and people we experienced together throughout the trip.
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