NEW! British Columbia

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Vancouver is the land where superlatives quickly become obsolete. It is arguably one of the most spectacular places to view wildlife in the Americas. At 460 km long and 100 km wide, Vancouver Island will be the main focus of our holiday, but we will take several boat trips and ferries to look for wonderful and, in some cases, threatened species and also take the opportunity to do some mainland birding too. On this exciting, but gentle paced trip we will be going for the Vancouver Island Big 5: Black Bear, Killer Whale, Gray Whale, Stella’s Sea Lion and Sea Otter.

Beautiful smaller offshore islands like Saturna in the Southern Gulf Islands chain of British Columbia, will be visited for brilliant birding, where flocks of breeding plumaged Surf Scoters and Harlequin Ducks mix with White-winged Scoters and Pacific Loon (Diver). Shore line birds will include Pacific Cormorant, Glaucous-winged Gull, Thayer’s Gull and Black Oystercatcher. However, alcids will be a particular target. These oceanic birds only come to land to breed and we have a great chance to see Pigeon Guillemot, Common Murre, Rhinoceros Auklet, Cassin’s Auklet and Marbled Murrelet on the water between the numerous islands.

The protected woodlands, regional and national parks are home to some brilliant west coast species such as Townsend Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Slate-colored Junco, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Golden-crowned Sparrow, Rufous Hummingbird and the sublime Varied Thrush and are back on their breeding grounds and often in full song. Species such as Bald Eagle, American Robin and Belted Kingfisher are regularly seen throughout the trip. With over 50 first nations on Vancouver Island, there will be opportunities to explore some of the cultural and history of the Island's First Nations people. If you have always wanted to visit Canada or simply go wildlife watching on the Pacific coast targeting some of the iconic species, then this is the perfect Heatherlea trip for you.

What's included in your holiday price:

• return flight from London – Vancouver, baggage up to airline included limit.
• ground transportation, accommodation and meals as specified.
• the services of Heatherlea leaders.
• The Heatherlea Pre-Flight Service offers everything you need at the airport, including hotels, car parking, airport lounges, regional flights and upgrades. Let Heatherlea take the strain! Pre-flight airport hotel and lounge included subject to terms and conditions. Read more...

Free Field Guide! -  included in your holiday price. One copy per room booked.

What's not included in your holiday price:

• travel to and from departure airport before and after holiday
• incidental tips, expenses of a personal nature including drinks and personal insurance.

More holiday information:

Accommodation is in hotels or lodges with all rooms en suite. Some of the lodges are remote, and have simple-style rooms. All are spacious, have en-suite facilities, and are very comfortable to a good standard.
Food is usually served as a buffet, with a wide choice. Vegetarian and other diets are welcome.
Walking is generally light/moderate. There may be some uphill track and road walking, though generally an average level of fitness is required.
Weather 
Insects There are biting insects, though not usually as a major problem.
Group size is restricted to 12 clients maximum.
Flights are direct from London. We may be able to offer flight arrangements from another airport and/or or quote without flights so you can make your own arrangements. If you wish to add an extension either before or after your holiday, please contact us and we will be happy to arrange this for you.

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