Sailing the Great Bear Rainforest
Sailing the Great Bear Rainforest
from £4,752 excluding flights
Customers rate Discover the World
Average score 4.8/5
Based on 1186 reviews. Powered by
Highlights
Look out for the rare kermode or spirit bear
See whales frolic in the waters
Watch grizzly bears as they fish for salmon
Paddle a kayak around islands and inlets
Why this trip...
Style of vessel
This holiday is based on a ship ideally suited to the areas visited and the conditions
Immersive exploration
Immerse yourself in your surroundings on a true exploration of remote and spectacular areas
Conservation/Eco-tourism
This itinerary has a strong focus on wildlife and natural habitat conservation, one of our pillars of sustainability
Overview
The Great Bear Rainforest of western British Columbia is home to orcas, eagles, wolves, black bears, grizzlies, and the rare and mysterious white kermode (spirit) bear. Cruising the remote islands and inlets of this special area is the ideal way to experience its diverse wildlife.
Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountain Range on the west coast of British Columbia, the ancient Great Bear Rainforest is one of the largest tracts of temperate rainforest left in the world.
The rare kermode bear, also known as the spirit bear, is a unique subspecies of the black bear, in which one in ten cubs display a distinctive white coloured coat.
You will be sailing on board the Island Roamer, Island Odyssey or Island Solitude. Each of these vessels have been beautifully designed in a manner which reflects the relaxed style of the trips. The small group sizes allow for an interactive and intimate experience and allows guests to explore areas which larger vessels cannot access. Each vessel offers comfortable cabins, a well-stocked library and lounge area, and plenty of deck space for wildlife-spotting.
Itinerary
Day 1 Bella Bella - Great Bear Rainforest
Make your way to the Municipal Dock on the Bella Bella waterfront for embarkation. Upon boarding the vessel, cabins will be assigned, an introductory safety briefing completed and then you will set sail for the Great Bear Rainforest. Each night you will anchor in a different, secluded anchorage.
Make your way to the Municipal Dock on the Bella Bella waterfront for embarkation. Upon boarding the vessel, cabins will be assigned, an introductory safety briefing completed and then you will set sail for the Great Bear Rainforest. Each night you will anchor in a different, secluded anchorage.
Days 2-7 Great Bear Rainforest
Over the next 6 days you will travel to a number of areas around the Central Coast such as Campania Sound and Whale Channel - excellent areas for spotting humpback whales and Steller sea lions. You may go ashore in the Gitga’at (Princess Royal Island) Conservancy. You'll cruise over to Bishop Bay to enjoy a relaxing dip in the hot springs and spend a day with a Gitga’at native guide, taking you to his favourite bear viewing area. With patience and some luck you'll see black bears maybe even the elusive white Spirit Bear! You may visit the First Nations village of Klemtu or Hartley Bay to see their ceremonial Big Houses. Voyage deep into the coastal mountains to explore the Fiordland Conservancy where, beneath towering rock bluffs and waterfalls, we will search remote estuaries to see grizzly bears feeding on spawning salmon.
Over the next 6 days you will travel to a number of areas around the Central Coast such as Campania Sound and Whale Channel - excellent areas for spotting humpback whales and Steller sea lions. You may go ashore in the Gitga’at (Princess Royal Island) Conservancy. You'll cruise over to Bishop Bay to enjoy a relaxing dip in the hot springs and spend a day with a Gitga’at native guide, taking you to his favourite bear viewing area. With patience and some luck you'll see black bears maybe even the elusive white Spirit Bear! You may visit the First Nations village of Klemtu or Hartley Bay to see their ceremonial Big Houses. Voyage deep into the coastal mountains to explore the Fiordland Conservancy where, beneath towering rock bluffs and waterfalls, we will search remote estuaries to see grizzly bears feeding on spawning salmon.
Day 8 Terrace
You will arrive in Terrace this morning, where your sailing adventure ends.
You will arrive in Terrace this morning, where your sailing adventure ends.
Vessel Finder
There are a choice of vessels available for this voyage. Compare the facilities at a glance then talk to our Travel Specialists who will be happy to advise which one is right for you.
Prices and Departures
Price from £4,752 excluding flights
Airfares start from around £550 per person and are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
Note: Airfares tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.
What's Included
- Accommodation in twin-share rooms on board
- All meals (from lunch on day 1 until breakfast on day 8)
- Wine is included with dinner
- Services of a naturalist guide for the duration of the cruise
- Parks, First Nations and forestry service fees
- Sustainability fee
- Return transfers in Terrace (transfers in Bella Bella payable locally, approx $15)
- 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
- No surcharge guarantee
- Full financial protection
From prices per person
Based on a twin cabin
| Departure | Duration | Vessel | Prices from (pp) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug - Oct 2023 | 8 days | Island Roamer | £4,752 |
| Aug - Oct 2023 | 8 days | Island Odyssey | £4,752 |
| Aug - Oct 2023 | 8 days | Island Solitude | £5,922 |
Please contact us for further details including specific departure dates, or for a full quote for your holiday plans to include pre- and post-sailing arrangements.
Group Size
Minimum: 8 | Maximum: 16Meet our expert
You may also like
Tailor made trips
As independent destination specialists, we are able to tailor make holidays to suit you, be that customising the itineraries shown on this website or creating something bespoke.
Travelling sustainably
We believe travel is about finding the right balance between minimising our impact on the environment and broadening minds through new experiences and cultural interaction.
Find a holiday idea or suggested itinerary that inspires you, then send an enquiry or call us
Your dedicated travel specialist will create a quote based on your preferences
Together we’ll refine your itinerary until you’re happy and ready to book
From the moment you book until you return home we’re here for you no matter what
