Academic Treks - Pacific Whale Trek

  Canada

• Other Cities in Canada: 
Rural Areas

Term: Summer 
Dates: June/July/August

Description: Experience the awe-inspiring topography, incredible creatures, quaint fishing villages and gracious people of British Columbia on this marine mammal ecology expedition that covers the coastline of Vancouver Island. The waters off the coast are teeming with life and our trip is perfectly timed for the study of marine mammals. Stellar sea lions, harbor seals, orca whales, dolphins and porpoises from the colder waters of the north Pacific are joined in the summer by the humpback whales, grey whales and California sea lions that migrate north from their southern winter ranges. These magnificent creatures all converge on the British Columbia coastline, providing an unmatched opportunity to study and learn firsthand about marine mammals in their natural habitats.

Highlights:
Days 1 - 5: We kick off our adventure by exploring the Broken Island Group and sea kayaking in Barkley Sound. Our introduction to the waters of the North Pacific happens here, and the hours on the water tune our senses to the sea and the respect it demands. Learn sea kayaking basics, then move into braces, advanced strokes, wind and wave theory, hazard evaluation and navigation as you refine your paddling skills. Each day brings a new discovery. Interact with Pacific white-sided dolphins, sea lions and mink whales while bald eagles and herons soar overhead. Glide through kelp forests and inter-tidal seaweed communities. We camp at night on secluded beaches or in enchanting old growth rainforests, following the low impact camping techniques of Leave-No-Trace.

Days 5 - 15: We finish our kayaking adventure in Bamfield, a tiny fishing village nestled in a protected inlet on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Here we will study with instructors and researchers from the Bamfield Marine Science Centre. We begin with in-depth discussions on the ecology of the marine mammals found on Canada's Pacific coast including killer whales, harbor seals and stellar sea lions. Out in the field, work side-by-side with marine ecologists and participate in their current projects. Spend two days on a research vessel, conducting marine mammal surveys in Barkley Sound, visiting seal and sea lion haul-out sites and searching for porpoises, dolphins, grey, killer and humpback whales. We also collect specimens on the beach for research and community exhibits.

Days 16 - 21: We travel to Telegraph Cove - a historic fishing and cannery village that is now the site of a booming whale watching industry. Just outside of Telegraph Cove is a marine reserve that protects a unique pebble bottom bay where orcas congregate to "rub" their bellies just feet from the shore every summer. Here we spend a week working as marine mammal naturalists - teaching visitors about these magnificent creatures whose habitat is in jeopardy and explaining what changes must be made to protect the existing population. The fate of the orcas here is uncertain, as they are slowly dying from toxins and poisons that are making their way through the food chain. Even though the local waters are pristine, whales feast on salmon that migrate amazing distances around North Pacific waters that are not as clean and free of pollutants. If whale populations in British Columbia are to survive, we must clean up our oceans and spread the word.

Day 21-25 Our last adventure takes us to Johnstone Strait where our home base will be an Orca Camp. We will kayak and hike for our remaining few days in one of the best spots to see marine mammals. After our four weeks of Marine Mammal Studies, we have a new appreciation for these creatures.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Call for details.

Experience Required: no

Participants Travel to Canada in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 12

Application Process Involves:

• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Broadreach Summer Adventures / Academic Treks's Mission Statement: Broadreach offers experiential summer adventures for teenagers and young adults including scuba, sailing, marine biology, academic and wilderness programs that span the globe. Broadreach's educational adventures provide opportunities for students to learn new skills and explore the world in an active, hands-on environment that fully immerses the participant in the experience. Combining the thrill of discovery, the pride of accomplishment and the excitement of exploration, Broadreach programs focus on individual initiative, group dynamics and genuine participation in the world. Academic Treks is the academic adventure and community service division of Broadreach Summer Adventure Camps for Teenagers. Our educational summer camps and high school study abroad programs provide excellent alternatives to traditional summer camps and summer school. Lastly, Academic Treks College is the university division of Broadreach Summer Adventures. Our college study abroad programs provide unique opportunities to study a single topic in multiple countries around the world.

Year Founded: 1993