Sunday, February 13, 2011

ITINERARY - British Columbia - Broughton Archipelago

Pacific Northwest: Broughton Archipelago
British Columbia, Canada
1-Week Sample Itinerary

m/v Pacific Yellowfin

Please understand that this is just a sample itinerary. While cruising in the Pacific Northwest, tidal streams, weather conditions, and wildlife determine our routes and destinations.

The "Broughton Archipelago" forms the buffer between the rough open waters of the Queen Charlotte Sound and the narrow convoluted waterways of the inner Inside Passage. At its western edge, rugged little islands with unusual names such as White Cliff and Fog Islets take the rough weather blowing in from the northwest. Deep surge channels, steep cliffs and stunted trees are common features. Further east, larger islands offer protected anchorages for the many yachts that cruise these waters but still offering an "edge of the wild" experience. The archipelago offers an exceptionally rich marine environment.

Day 1: Welcome to the Broughton Archipelago

Fly from Vancouver BC to Port McNeil on Vancouver Island by chartered seaplane, or directly to Port Hardy on Vancouver Island by private jet or scheduled flight.  Transfer to the M/V Pacific Yellowfin for a champagne welcome reception. Take a short cruise to Alert Bay and visit the U’Mista Cultural Centre celebrating the rich First Nations culture of this part of the coast. Continue on to the historic mill town of Telegraph Cove featuring boardwalks and an interpretive centre. In this part of the Inside Passage, there’s a good chance of viewing Orca whales.


Day 2: Orcas & Bears

Get up close and personal with the black bears that forage for crabs at low tide and make these small islets their home. Continue though Johnstone Straight to see Orca whales that are abundant in these waters. Conclude the day with a vigorous hike on Hansen Island to a viewpoint that overlooks the whole region.

Day 3: Into the Wild

Explore the native heritage of the area with visits to some of the best preserved native sites including pictographs (ancient rock paintings) and shell “Middens.” End the day with a spectacular guided kayaking trip through a remote lagoon. Area wildlife includes grizzly bears, black bears, eagles, Humpback whales, Orca whales, seals, Steller sea lions and wolves!

Day 4: The Archipelago

Enjoy a full-day’s guided kayaking trip through the myriad small islands of the Broughton Archipelago Marine Park. Guests can stay onboard the Yellowfin while it sails north to rendez-vous with us for dinner if the kayaking is too strenuous.


Days 5 & 6: Northern Extremities

Explore the remote northern islands in the Polkinghorne Group with excellent kayaking and beach combing opportunities. See Orcas, dolphins and all types of fauna and flora. Continue to cliff ringed Carriden Bay and Embely Lagoon to see bears and some spectacular waterfalls and tidal rapids.

Day 7: Return to Civilization

Return through Queen Charlotte Sound to Port McNeil for your return flight to Vancouver.


Click to enlarge chart



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book PACIFIC YELLOWFIN
View Pacific Yellowfin's online brochure #1 and online brochure #2
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com