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Discovery Islands, Canada
Photo: John Critchley, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Outer Discovery Islands and nearby Mainland Inlets are an off the beaten path delight of chisel.ed fjords and forest-clad islands, a land where the salmon run, the eagles soar and the grizzly bears roam. Tucked between Vancouver Island and the mainland of British Columbia, it’s a mostly untouched expanse of wilderness whose lodges, marinas, parks and breathtaking scenery are only accessible by boat or float plane.
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North of Desolation Sound, is known for its emerald or jade green waters and many waterfalls (particularly in late spring and early summer).
Is visually impressive. Some of BC’s largest icefields are in the mountains behind Bute Inlet, as well as Mount Waddington, the highest peak in BC’s Coast Mountain range.
More a curiosity than a must-see attraction, the post office is one of the very few floating post offices left in Canada. It’s a relatively short kayak trip from Bold Point (on Quadra Island) or can be seen as part of Corilair’s Mail Run flight.
The Orford River estuary is a major salmon spawning river and each Aug through Oct, it has one of the highest concentrations of grizzly bears in British Columbia that come to feast on the salmon. The Homalco First Nation provides daily guided tours and viewing opportunities of the grizzly bears in this region with a system of seven viewing areas and five platforms (towers) from mid-Aug to end of Oct. Tours are booked through authorized operators, which include the Sonora Resort, as well as some tour companies operating out of Campbell River.
Wilderness camping amid the forests on the southernmost island of the Rendezvous chain with views of the Discovery Islands and Coast Mountains. The best camping spots are considered to be on the southern part of the island. There are no facilities in the park.
Small lodge with two cabins (total capacity 10 persons) 3/4 of the way up Bute Inlet. There is saltwater fishing from the property and canoes, and depending on the season, bears and other wildlife can be seen on and around the property. Visitors have an option of “Guided” or “Leisure” stays — the Guided option includes 10 hrs of guided activity daily, including bear viewing (in season), fishing trips, crabbing and prawning, jet boat tours of the inlet, and hiking. Helicopter tours can also be arranged. Satellite phone & Wifi. Open mid-Feb through Oct.
Lodge that focuses mostly on fishing. There is also a lounge/games room, gym, sauna and outdoor hot tub. Also arrange jet boat tours, including one up the Bute Inlet. Guided fishing trips can be arranged as part of an all-inclusive package (includes 8 hr of fishing per day) or added on separately. Wifi.
Lodge with room for 18 guests that specializes in fishing. Rooms have queen beds and private baths. Amenities include hiking, hot tub, dock fishing, satellite TV and lounges. Adventure tours, including wildlife viewing and guided hikes, can also be arranged. Open Mar-Oct.
Rooms with queen or king and ocean-view and soaker tubs and gas fireplace; suites have two to six bedrooms and a common area. Meals, beer, wine and liquor (excluding some premium brands) are included. Resort amenities include outdoor heated pool, hot tubs, mineral pools, putting green, movie theatre, saunas and fitness centre. The resort arranges a large number of tours and activities (sometimes for a hefty fee), depending on the season, including fishing, grizzly bear viewing, kayaking, golf, helicopter glacier tours, archery and cooking classes. There is also a spa on site. Complementary Wifi and unlimited international phone calls. Open May to mid-Oct.
By seaplane
Another option for getting in is by float plane with year-round connections to Campbell River and summer flights from Vancouver and Seattle.
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Campbell River · Regional · YBL
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