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 arbor seals, humpback whales, Dall’s porpoises and California sea lions converge each summer on the spectacular British Columbian coastline, providing the unmatched opportunity to study marine mammals in their natural habitats. Join us on one of our most extraordinary adventures — our staff’s favorite — to explore, learn and immerse yourself in the world of whales, seals and other marine mammals. With pristine wilderness, dramatic terrain and quaint fishing villages, Vancouver is a fantastic place to spend your summer. Learn and work alongside marine scientists, researchers and naturalist guides, both in the classroom and in stunning wilderness settings. You will never forget the first time you see a wild orca breaching or a pod of grey whales swimming just feet from your boat. Two sea kayaking adventures give you ample opportunities to encounter wildlife up close, while more formal studies, community service work and hands-on research give you the in-depth knowledge to make the most of these experiences. |
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| Day 1–5 |
| We kick off our adventure with a challenging sea kayaking expedition in one of the world’s most untouched settings, the rugged and pristine Deer Island Group in Barkley Sound. Together we cross the Trevor Channel, gliding past remote coves and keeping our eyes peeled for orcas. For four days we explore, kayak, bond… Sleep to the sounds of the wild, wake to fresh air and bald eagles hunting for their breakfast. Swim in cool water, sunbathe on warm beaches, play Frisbee and spend evenings around a crackling bonfire. Out on the water, we search for breaching whales showing off their incredible force, schools of Pacific white-sided dolphins and pods of grey and humpback whales. |
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| Day 6–12 |
| We settle in at the Bamfield Marine
Science Centre which sits atop cliffs facing Barkley
Sound and the Broken Island Group. Here we begin our
formal and hands-on studies of marine mammals with resident
faculty and researchers. In the classroom and labs, we
learn about oceanography and the ecology of the whales,
sea lions, porpoises, dolphins and seals found on Canada’s
Pacific coast. Out in the field and on the water, we
witness these magnificent creatures up close alongside
marine mammal scientists. We conduct our own field studies
and learn the significance of each species in the ecosystems
they inhabit. Do plankton tows in Grapple Inlet, comb
tide pools on Brady’s Beach, gather data aboard
the Barkley Star and watch the mesmerizing spectacle
of bioluminescence in Barkley Sound. Between our studies
and research projects, there is still time to play on
the beach at Pachena Bay, explore town, challenge the locals to a soccer match and hike the beautiful West Coast Trail. |
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| Day 13–17 |
Armed with the knowledge and tools acquired in Bamfield, we head to Telegraph Cove, a historic fishing village and the heart of Vancouver Island’s whale watching industry. Here we team up with local naturalists, researchers, scientists and wardens to work as nature guides in training. Days are busy and worthwhile as we rotate through naturalist and research rotations. Work on whale watching boats informing tourists about wildlife. Spend time at the Whale Interpretive Centre working on projects and speaking with visitors that come from all over the world. Help Straitwatch with their efforts to regulate boat traffic around the whales. In the evenings we hike back to camp to enjoy dazzling sunsets and the smell of the fresh catch of the day being prepared over an open fire. |
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| Day 18–22 |
We head out in Johnstone Strait to
tiny Sophia Island for several days of kayaking and camping
in some of the most breathtaking surroundings in North
America. Our tent platforms rest high off the water,
looking over the strait. Sleep with your door open, as
you can actually hear the pods of whales breathing as
they pass by in the night. We wake early to kayak on
the glassy water that mirrors stunning mountains enshrouded
by clouds. After a short paddle, we hike through dense forest to the Eagle Eye Research Station to join researchers perched at the edge of the cliffs studying the migration patterns and habits of the orcas below. Back at our island, we watch for herons soaring overhead, wildlife
feeding and spyhopping orcas. Sunsets here seem to last
forever, giving us the perfect setting to reflect on
our remarkable experiences, the great friends made and
the lessons we will take home.  |
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Sea Kayak in Barkley Sound
and Johnstone Strait |
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Study Orcas and Marine Mammals |
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Work Alongside Marine Mammal
Scientists and Naturalists |
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Live and Study at the Bamfield Marine Science Centre |
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Earn College/High School
Credits |
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Earn 35+ Hours Community Service Credit |
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Prerequisite: High School Biology |
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