National Geographic Quest traversed the narrow channels of British Columbia in the early hours of the morning before setting our anchor down in the provincial marine park of Jackson Narrows. Our guests set forth to explore the landscape by Zodiac, kayaks, and investigative journeys through the intertidal zone. The afternoon was spent on board with naturalists lecturing on the resident populations of killer whales in the area. We enjoyed a rare sighting of a hybrid offspring of a Dall porpoise and a harbor porpoise.
5/11/2024
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National Geographic Quest
Calvert Island
The Hakai Research Institute is a former fishing lodge that was converted to an ecological observatory in 2009. Nestled in beautiful coastal British Columbia, it is surrounded by pristine old-growth forest, white sand beaches, and tidal inlets. A gem of the Pacific Northwest, the Institute invited Lindblad Expeditions and our guests to visit and explore the remarkable ecology of her mountains and shores. National Geographic Quest made her maiden landing at the Institute today, and it was an incredible day. Guests were able to choose from a variety of casual, moderate, and aerobic hikes, traversing through temperate forest, muskeg, beaches, and tide pools along the way. For those interested in marine exploration, Zodiac cruises probed the glacially-carved edges of the island. All were then invited to explore the grounds of the Institute and talk with the directors, who were happy to share their passions and history with us.