Get close to West Coast wildlife with the expert guidance of Starfish Charters. From his home base of Port Hardy on northern Vancouver Island, Ryan will take you to view and photograph some of the region's most amazing, elusive, and endangered species.
Once you've booked your charter, you can look forward to seeing and learning more about the following species:
Black Bear
You'll see them on the beaches in May, June and early July; or grazing the roadside clover as you drive into Port Hardy.
Grizzly Bear
Found on the mainland shore in Smith Inlet, Seymour Inlet and Knight Inlet. Imagine coming home with a photograph of one of these giants!
Coast Black Tail Deer
A dainty semi-tame species that inhabit nearly every small island in the Port Hardy area. These small, beautiful animals can often be seen grazing on kelp at low tide, giving you the opportunity for an unforgettable photograph.
Sea Otters
Abundant in the whole northeast of Vancouver Island and the Queen Charlotte straight. Cute, curious and playful, Sea Otters entertain with their aquatic antics and by examining you as you examine them.
Mink and River Otters
These critters scamper along the shoreline and are never shy, whether you're watching or not.
Whales
Whales put on quite a dazzling performance for us almost everywhere in the region. In the summer there are large congregations of Humpback Whales, beach dwelling Gray Whales and solitary Minke Whales. The salmon run draws the Orca (killer) Whales.
Dolphins
Witness the aquatic acrobatics of the Pacific White Side Dolphins, Harbor Porpoises and Dahl's Porpoises.
Stellar Sea Lions
Found in a large rookery on the northeast side of Hope Island. Once you've seen them body surf, you'll agree they're better entertainment than a Hollywood blockbuster.
Tidal Species
Crabs, shellfish and starfish are found strewn about on the region's isolated beaches. In the early evening green toads decend on to the beaches for a meal of kelp flies - quite a sight to see hundreds of red-striped green toads littering the beach.
One of the most popular of Starfish Charters' services are wilderness tours designed to find and/or photograph the many species of birds that inhabit the west coast.
From raptors to sea birds, shore birds, and land birds, the islands are home to a wide range of species. Peregrine Falcons drop from the skies like heat-seeking missiles when they spot prey. Bald Eagles are also found throughout the area. They often hang around the fish cleaning tables in Port Hardy, sitting only 15 to 20 feet away as they wait for scraps.