Total immersion in west coast landscapes is your reward in this great expedition along BC's northern coast. From Vancouver, we head for the southern Gulf Islands to explore by kayak these unique rain shadow islands and their sheltered shores. Then we head up Vancouver Island in search of killer whales in Johnstone Straits aboard the sailing vessel Tuan. Shifting our berths to BC Ferries, we ply the Discovery Coast, before disembarking at Shearwater where a 1.5-hour boat ride brings us to Koeye wilderness lodge. Local native guides of the Heiltsuk First Nation will accompany us on magnificent trips into mystic fjords and islands where untrodden wilderness, native culture and overpowering nature are our sole companions. We listen to the surf and could even eat freshly-caught fish cooked over a campfire. We then continue on to Bella Coola.

There, wedged between towering peaks of the Coast Mountains, lies the alpine wilderness of Tweedsmuir. A float-plane takes over lakes and mountain passes to our alpine base camp for day-hikes among glacier-studded bastions of granite and volcanic rock. Wonderful hiking opportunities are available traversing the tundra and scaling mountain slopes in this wild and remote landscape.

Our last destination is the Chilcotin Plateau, an arid region in the rain shadow of the Coast Mountains. We see spectacular panoramas and an astounding variety of alpine wildflowers in limestone plateaus before heading back to Vancouver.