ECO TOURING ALONG THE SUNSHINE COAST

Eco Cruise

After picking up scrumptious lunches from the funky Copper Sky Café and Gallery, we climb aboard his ocean going vessel and are treated to a Pender Harbour panorama. Tranquil bays are etched into the lush hillsides. Evergreen islets sprinkle along the perimeter and the hiker's haven of Mount Daniel looms in the backdrop. We cruise by high-class homes, Francis Point Marine Park and the Indian Islands where eagles, herons and teary-eyed seals provide non-stop entertainment. We sidle up to Fearney Bluffs, a four hundred foot deep grotto that thrives with sea life, check out granite etched pictographs that tell an ancient story, and gaze at glacial summits backing Agamemnon Channel. Our final stop is the driftwood-clad Robert's Beach on Nelson Island, where remnants of a log cabin still stand. It's picturesque to a fault, and like the rest of this two hour adventure, leaves us with a sense of awe.
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Sakinaw Lake Lodge

West Coast Wilderness Resort

From its hilltop Egmont perch, guests are privy to vistas of islets, inlets and forever unfolding peaks. Cedars and firs canopy twenty upscale suites where terra cotta tiled bathrooms host vessel sinks and oversized showers. After a Beauty Rest sleep, unleash your energy by kayaking pencil thin fjords, mountain biking Skookumchuck Trail, or heli-hiking alpine meadows. And when the day is done head for the resort's nosh Inlet Restaurant. You won't want to miss these gastronomic sensations! www.wcwl.com

Terracentric believes that we're all connected to our natural environment. After skimming Lund's waterways on this zodiac tour, we're convinced! Owner, Christine Hollmann, has a wonderful way of integrating eco-education with the stunning surroundings. While paralleling rugged shores we learn about the Sliammon First Nations and explorer Captain Vancouver. In shallow bays she shares the symbiotic relationship between otters, sea urchins and kelp. And when checking out sun-bathing seals we discover the importance of keeping our distance. This act of privacy is a guideline that Christine closely adheres to and though we never invade their personal space, we're able to get a real good glimpse of the sea life that abounds.