The Discovery Passage is so named after HMS Discovery, which, with Captain George Vancouver at the helm, passed through these waters in the late 1700s as part of a coastal exploration of the north-western Americas. This shipping channel opens up southwards in to Georgia Strait around Campbell River and stretches north to encompass Quadra and Sonora Islands and many more tiny islets until it reaches the Johnstone Strait. Wildlife, scenery and outdoor activities abound here. The waters just off the coast of Campbell River are, in season, a great place to view orca and by taking a boat over to the inlets of the mainland grizzly bears can be spotted grazing along the water’s edge. Tucked away amidst the rainforest, Knight Inlet Lodge offers the best opportunity to see the wildlife of this area, aided by excellent guides and of course with the backdrop of some superb west coast scenery.