The escorted tour follows the coastal rainforest's of the Sunshine Coast, considered one of the best places to view sea lions, seals, eagles and seabirds in their natural surroundings and is well known for its abundance of fish, crab, clams and oysters. The tour crosses the ocean on a BC ferry and travels through the wilderness of northern Vancouver Island to Alert Bay.  This tiny 3 1/2 mile long island is home to one of the oldest BC native villages and is regarded as one of the best locations in the world to meet master carvers and view the largest population of resident orcas in the wild.

The highlights of the tour include a private kayak to an ancient site, (no experience needed) a hike through some of the most ancient rain forest of the BC coast, a sweatlodge ceremony presented in a traditional environment, a traditional canoe paddle, a salmon shore barbecue, traditional cedar weaving and a day with the killer whales.

The 7- Day itinerary highlights culture, wildlife viewing with First Nation guides through one of BC’s remote areas, yet easily accessed from both Vancouver and Victoria.  

the all-inclusive escorted tour prices start at

$1750 - quadruple occupancy

$2390 - double occupancy

$4444 - single occupancy 

The Aboriginal Guides are high-caliber specialists, anthropologists, interpretive guides, performers and artists that dedicate themselves to rigorous physical and spiritual preparation and training for the tours.  They approach traditions with sincerity and with the conviction that they are the hosts and stewards of these lands and waters. They conduct themselves based on this awareness more than any customer service practice or retention strategy.

Candace Campo From Talaysay Tours has grown up in a traditional family in the rich cultural wonders of the Shíshálh [See-Shalh] First Nation.  She is a respected leader in her communities of Sechelt & Squamish Nations and welcomes visitors wishing authentic experiences based on traditional culture and values that respects and protects her natural heritage.

Bill Bertschy (Oukcha) from Bear Track Eco-Tours is in the Sliammon First Nation in Powell River.  Bill has received many honors for the work he does in spearheading a movement with the judicial system and First Nation youth.  He is a Sundance Ceremony Dancer and a leader in the Ghost Dance Ceremony and assists with the reviving of the vanishing sacred ceremonies.

Porgie Joliffe

Porjie is an expert First Nations Guide, who spends most of his time taking out marine scientists to do research.  He is able to maneuver his vessel around the islands close to the favourite spots for pods of Orcas to return each summer.  He has been a fisherman in this area for 50 years and shares his knowledge and experiences of his career transition from a commercial fisherman to a marine tour guide and the challenges that his industry, the whales and the wild salmon face in these times. 

Donna, Barb and Andrea Cranmer

The Cranmer family is a highly regarded Alert Bay traditional family that offers cultural activities to those wishing an educational immersion with knowledgeable guides.  Their vision is sharing the history, Kwakwala, dance, song and most importantly the Kwakwaka’wakw teachings. They are the founders of the T’sasala Cultural Group Traditional Dancers and Culture Shock.

DAY 1 — Horseshoe Bay, Vancouver - the Sunshine Coast

Arrive in Horseshoe Bay this morning from Vancouver and embark on a BC Ferries ship to the Sunshine Coast.  While in Horseshoe Bay, make sure you visit Spirit Gallery, an art gallery featuring some of BC's top artisans and carvers. You’ll meet with your guide Candace and learn the Sechelt Nation culture on a hike to one of the oldest rain forests in BC. Overnight on the rugged shorelines of the Wilderness Lodge.

DAY 2 - Sechelt - Lund

Today begins with Candace on a cultural kayak to the ancient pictographs in Porpoise Bay. As you explore hidden bays and inlets you can see porpoises, harbor seals, herons and bald eagles. In the village of Sechelt visit the totem poles and First Nations museum.  This afternoon travel on the BC Ferris from Earl's Cove to the historic waterfront Lund Hotel located at the top of the beautiful Sunshine Coast.  Overnight in Lund.

DAY 3 - Lund

To prepare for the sweatlodge ceremony, a leisurely morning is recommended with a beach and village stroll. Lund is the gateway to Desolation Sound, renowned around the world as the 4th sought after spot for sailing.  This afternoon, you’ll meet Oukcha and attend a private Sweatlodge Ceremony in Okeover and witness the cultural keepers performing their ceremony rituals. Overnight in Lund.

 Day 4 – Powell River to Alert Bay

This morning you'll travel on the BC Ferries to the unspoiled east coast of Vancouver Island, and spot deer, eagles and black bear as you travel the 4 hours to Port McNeill where you will take a short ferry ride to Alert Bay. From Comox you’ll travel north through Campbell River and Quadra Island, Telegraph Cove and it is possible to travel all the way to the Queen Charlottes. You can also travel south on the train from here and add days in Courtenay, Nanaimo, Duncan, Chemainus and Victoria. Overnight in Alert Bay at the historic seaside Cannery Row Ecolodge.

Day 5 - Alert Bay

This morning join Porgie on his boat to observe the killer and humpback whales that frequent the waters on Johnstone Straight.  While in this prime feeding grounds he will use a hydrophone to listen to the whales communicate.  As you cruise the intricate coastline there is a good chance you might spot dolphins at play as Porgie easily navigates narrow waterways to ancient village sites. Dinner is a traditional beach barbecue with the Cranmer family.  Overnight in Alert Bay.

 DAY 6 - Alert Bay

Today take advantage of an unscheduled day to immerse yourself in the experience of a First Nations community. The "must do's" include viewing the largest collection of returned artifacts at the U'mista Cultural Centre, visiting the ocean front village art galleries and hiking on the board walk through old-growth rain forest in the ecological park.   Make sure to visit the Big House and meet the T’sasala Cultural Group Traditional Dancers and singers, meet with master carvers and local artists, canoe paddle and learn the skill of cedar weaving at Culture Shock, There are many totem poles on the island, at the burial ground and the tallest pole in the world is by the Bighouse. Overnight in Alert Bay.

DAY 7 - Alert Bay - Vancouver

This morning, your Talking Totem Tours escort will transfer you to the Port Hardy airport for your return flight to the Vancouver Airport.  On the way, in Port Rupert, meet master carvers Stan and Calvin Hunt and visit the Copper Gallery.

comfortable clothing, walking shoes, layers for whale-watching weather, tobacco, sunscreen