Great Excursions Home Aug 21, 2008
Think of our nature holiday experiences in Canada as grassland holidays or safaris. Our Nature holidays are overland journeys that include wildlife viewing adventures while exploring prairie natural and cultural history. We are on the rich northern plains, and our resource experts are all authorities in their own fields.  We will observe and often contribute to conservation efforts. All our packages are conducted in accordance with responsible travel principles.

 

Backpacking Wilderness Adventure Camp in the Canadian Rockies

6 Days / 5 Nights

There is perhaps no better way to experience nature than to immerse yourself into the wilderness. This backpacking adventure was created to do just this. We will hike up to a picturesque mountain destination, and then enjoy discovering all it has to offer. On our explorations through this land, we will never return exactly the same way we came; our chances of viewing wildlife in its natural habitat will increase with our emphasis on being aware in our remote environment; and new experiences will continually arise and impress.

 

Exploring Condie Nature Refuge: A Sanctuary on the Regina Plain

1 day

Earthworks that outlive their purpose can sometimes assume new remarkable roles. In 1924, the Canadian National Railways dammed up Boggy Creek to create a reservoir to supply water for steam engines. Today the reservoir has become habitat for waterfowl. It still pours into Boggy Creek, an example of the typical prairie creek ecosystem. Within this small sanctuary, the curious visitor can witness the succession of marshland, shrubland and grassland habitats. Every trip to Condie holds new surprises as birds, plants and mammals carry through the cycle of the seasons.

 

Fraser River Whitewater Rafting Voyage in British Columbia

5 or 6 Days

The Fraser River is one of the great rivers of the world. From humble beginnings as a tiny trickle in the Rocky Mountains, the river stretches 1250 km (820 miles) and drains one-forth of British Columbia. When still 160 km (100 miles) from the Pacific Ocean it can flow at almost 15,000 cubic meters per second (half a million cubic feet per second) during spring freshet, carrying more water than the Mississippi River.

 

Grizzly Bear Viewing Camp Based Horseback Riding Pack Trip or Hiking: British Columbia, Canada

7 days

Taking place while spring is deepening and the weather warming with the promise of summer in British Columbia, this horseback riding pack trip adventure coincides with the beginning of the Grizzly mating season in Canada. Catch yourself holding your breath in anticipation of the female finally obliging to the male Grizzly, after a week-long courting ritual. Then, in the height of summer, follow the Grizzlies’ progress as they track the snow line as it retreats to higher elevations, feeding on the fresh shoots of grass as it grows.

 

Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area: Viewing Whooping Cranes in Canada

1 day

We hate to brag but we have, a two-hour drive north of Regina the oldest bird sanctuary in North America... serious! Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area was born in 1887. And it happens to be the best place in the world for whooping crane viewing during fall migration, right here in Canada. The tallest bird in the world is also one of the rarest and most spectacular. The National Wildlife Area encompasses over 15,000 hectares of upland and wetland habitat. Up to 50,000 sandhill cranes, 400,000 geese and several hundred thousand ducks may be observed there when migration peaks. Forget what you read in the guide books, Last Mountain Lake is North America's busiest airport.

 

The Rut is On in Canada's Boreal Forest Wildlife Viewing Vacation

6 Days (End of August to Mid-October)

This package centers around the natural urge of our Saskatchewan ungulates to propagate their species. It is a time when the big bulls throw a bit of caution to the wind. There is a nip in the air and the smells of fall are pungent. It is great to be alive, your legs automatically go into motion ready to explore the wilderness.

 

Wildlife viewing Vacation at Manitoba's Riding Mountain National Park, Canada

Variable duration

On safari, you might see—bears, beavers, bison, moose, elk, deer, wolves, coyotes, lynx, raccoons, porcupines, squirrels, hares, badgers, bear cubsotters, mink, skunks or fishers.  During a wildlife viewing Vacation at Manitoba's Riding Mountain National Park in Canada  you might even see a cougar but these stealthy individuals are only seen by those who are extremely lucky. There are over 260 species found on Riding Mountain. Chances are you’ll see the Common Loon, Great Gray Owl, Osprey, White Pelican, Bald Eagle, Piliated Woodpecker, Great Blue Heron and a host of others.

 

Yukon Wildlife Viewing & Horsepack Trip in Canada

7 days

This week features a complete and engaging wildlife viewing adventure on horseback. To make carrying much easier we use pack horses for the trip. Be prepared to catch your own lunch of fish from the streams and creeks along the way. Experienced  staff will guide you through the pristine wilderness in the coastal mountains of Southern Yukon. On the trail we will spend nights in trapper cabins and wall tents. Join us on a horseback safari adventure into the wild mountains and valleys of the true north. On our journeys we specialize in finding, observing and photographing the northern wildlife, including Grizzly bears, Wolves, Moose, Wood Bison, Dall sheep, Mountain Goats and Caribou.