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NEW! British Columbia

Birds & Bears on the North-western Frontier!

Destination
Focus
2025 Dates
  • 18 Aug - 02 Sep 2025
Duration16 Days
2025 Price
Price TBC
2026 Dates
  • 15 Aug - 30 Aug 2026
Duration16 Days
2026 Price
Price TBC

THIS PAGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION, FULL DETAILS INCLUDING PRICES COMING SOON! IF YOU CONTACT OUR OFFICE, WE WILL NOTIFY YOU WHEN THE PAGE IS FINISHED.

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.

Coming Soon

Please note: all itineraries are given as a guide only. Actual holiday content may vary according to the judgement of your guide, and elements beyond our control (eg weather).

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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Other birding and wildlife holidays in Canada

Why choose Heatherlea for your birding and wildlife holiday in the Americas?

Our overseas holidays are planned with care to offer great birding and wildlife, led by capable Leaders who really look after you. Every holiday is run the 'Heatherlea Way', and we hope our Overseas Adventures remind you of the quality and care so many of you enjoy in Scotland. That means rewarding and exciting days in the field, and good quality accommodation and meals, with a real flavour of the country we are visiting. Heatherlea always seek to include the personal touches that make all the difference.

Heatherlea holidays are not ‘dawn to dusk’ expeditions. Our less-intensive approach is ideal for those who want to relax whilst experiencing the best wildlife watching, and wherever possible we organise early or late activity on an optional basis. We also take sensible breaks when in very hot places and regular comfort breaks on every holiday whenever possible. All itineraries are planned carefully around the best wildlife opportunities, and you won’t miss out on memorable wildlife, whilst enjoying relaxed, informal days that are great fun.

The really important part of any wildlife holiday is the experience for you, our valued customer. Heatherlea invest in many things to offer you the best possible service;

  • We have been organising birding and wildlife holidays for over 30 seasons, and have a highly experienced and capable office team. We also offer a telephone and email service outside normal office hours.
  • Heatherlea overseas holidays have a maximum of 12 clients per trip, putting the emphasis on personal service, and helping you get the best possible experience.
  • Our holidays often include things which others might invite you to pay yourself, for instance Departure Taxes and tips to hotels.
  • All elements of our holidays are sold under our own licence, ATOL 6113. Under ‘Flight-Plus’ legislation it is a legal requirement of any tour operator to hold an ATOL licence for the supply of any overseas holiday where a flight is involved, if that holiday includes either overseas accommodation and/or car hire. It can be a criminal offence for an operator to book flights as part of a package without an ATOL licence. Heatherlea also hold full Tour Operator Insurance for your added protection.
  • Heatherlea is your complete wildlife holiday provider. Our ‘Back Office’ team can organise all your pre-flight and other travel needs. Our specialists will help you book the right services, at the best price. Book holiday extensions through us, and your ATOL protection is extended further. We don’t charge extra for this service.
  • Heatherlea is a limited company, registered in Scotland, and registered to pay VAT (applies to all holidays within the European Union).

Trip Reports

Coming Soon

About Heatherlea Holidays

Contact Information

The Mountview Hotel, Nethybridge,
PH25 3EB Scotland

T: +44(0)1479 821248

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