Trans Canada Journey, June 2023

 In June, I was able to realise a long-held desire to cross from the East to the West coast of Canada by train. The Canadian takes four days and nights, and is an extremely relaxing experience, as you gradually see the landscape changing from the lakes and forests of Ontario (which stretch into the second day), the Prairies, and finally the Rocky Mountains. I opted for a birth which is the cheapest option to include (very good) meals, and to give an opportunity for relatively undisturbed sleep.

Niagara Falls (Ontario)

View from the CN Tower, Toronto

Sea to Sky Gondola, Squamish, BC

Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary, June 2023

 As part of a trip to Canada in June 2023, I visited the Khutzeymateen Wilderness Lodge in British Columbia for three nights. The lodge was accessed by boat from Prince Rupert, and a short distance from the border with Alaska. It's an absolutely gorgeous valley, and bear viewing is by boat, spotting grizzly bears on the shore eating sedge grass and feeding on clams. This is actually my second visit to the Khutzeymateen; the first in 2016 was unsuccessful from a wildlife viewing point of view. This time, my luck was greater, and the Lodge was respectful and low impact towards the bears. My main frustration, from a photography point of view (given the expense of this trip) was that the viewing times were scheduled around the fixed meal times. Given the long days in June, and the prevalence of sun, this meant the light was harsh most of the time we were out in the field. There was no chance to take advantage of the more subtle light early in the morning and in the evening. If you're a keen photographer, I'd therefore advise against booking a stay directly with the lodge. If using a tour guide, be sure to ask questions about the flexibility of the schedule, or consider one of the small boat tours which visit this area. If your objectives are simply to enjoy pristine wilderness and view bears and you have the budget, the Lodge may suit you well.

Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, June 2023

I was lucky enough to return to Haida Gwaii in June, an eight hour ferry journey from Prince Rupert in northern British Columbia. I took a four day zodiac trip to Gwaii Hannas National Park with the highly recommended local company Moresby Explorers, which turned out to be one of my favourite experiences of the past few years. I attribute this primarily to enthusiasm of the guides, the sense of wilderness and natural beauty whilst in the National Park, and the opportunity to learn about indigenous culture from the Haida Watchmen.

 SGang Gwaay UNESCO World Heritage Site

 Gandll K’in Gwaay.yaay (Hotspring Island)

Steller Sea Lions

Black Bear