The boat leaves Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge’s dock at 9am. There’s a hush in the air, the engine dampened by mist curling down the mountains. The water stays calm, yet our hearts are aflutter.
We’re told Vancouver Island’s black bears don’t mind the light drizzle that starts to fall. After all, this is temperate rainforest country, with lush pine forests as far as the eye can see. Today, I can’t even spot the trees through the mist, surely less than ideal bear spotting conditions. Just as my heart starts to sink… the call goes out. Bear ahoy!
Our first Canadian black bear ambles along the water’s edge, unbothered as we sidle up to his empty beach. It’s 9.15am and Tofino’s bear watching tour boats haven’t even warmed up their engines so we have the cove to ourselves. Out on the prow, we’re soon too close for binoculars.
The sky clears as he noses rocks out of the way, digging at crustaceans uncovered by the tide. A crab darts off, but quick as a flash it’s scooped up in sharp claws. Satisfied chomping echoes across the water. It’s bear breakfast time as he bulks up after winter.
Ten minutes later, we’re inside the heated cabin of our launch doing our own chomping. Guides unpack chunky peanut butter bliss balls straight from the kitchen, along with Yeti mugs of coffee and hot chocolate. Tucked under blankets, binoculars at the ready, we’re onto the next cove.
Four more bears, two bald eagles circling above, a grey whale, sea otters bobbing with their babies tight on their chests, plus colonies of seals round out our Sights of the Sound tour. One of the lodge’s signature, inclusive experiences, it’s just about the easiest wildlife tour I’ve encountered. We tick the bear sightings off the list before the breakfast spread is even cleared back at the lodge.
この記事は Signature Travel & Style の Volume 48 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Signature Travel & Style の Volume 48 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
THE NEW WAVE
Experience one of Abercrombie Kent’s extraordinary journeys by water.
MOSQUES and MINARETS
Morocco, Egypt and Jordan have captivated visitors for centuries and remain a magnet for today's savvy and sophisticated travellers.
OCEANS of choice
Embark on the voyage of a lifetime in the unmatched luxury, comfort and sophistication of Crystal.
POSITIVE IMPACT
Abercrombie Kent Philanthropy AKP) is deeply committed to bettering the lives and livelihoods of communities worldwide.
TIMELESS TRAVEL
Japan is a nation of mountains and megacities where the ancient and modern meld perfectly.
TEN OUT of ten
The wonders of Central and South America deliver outstanding experiences for passionate travellers.
FAR HORIZONS
A&K’s Luxury Expedition Cruises put you in the heart of the action in the world’s most awe-inspiring places.
THE SPICE of life
Sri Lanka's dreamy, tropical landscapes and natural wonders are a feast for the senses.
Deliciously DIVERSE
No matter the season, Europe offers a smorgasbord of memorable holiday adventures, writes Kirstie Bedford.
TAJ to RAJ
From desert-dry north to tropical south, the Indian subcontinent delivers a deeply immersive, perspective altering experience, writes Andrew Conway.