Realm of the Spirit Bear - Expedition Cruise into the Great Bear Rain Forest
Small-Ship Cruise
8
CA$
days from
5050
Sail on an expedition cruise into world’s largest intact temperate rainforest on Canada's west coast. This is a world of steep-sided fjords, tranquil coves and inlets, islands and great river estuaries and above all: wildlife. Grizzly bears, Spirit bears, Black bears and wolf packs have thrived here for millennia. Whales, sea lions, bald eagles, and other marine mammals and birds abound, and as we cruise this beautiful coastline, you get to explore by zodiac and kayak and walk in rainforest and wildflower meadows with our on-board naturalist. We will also stop in some of the remote First Nation villages where we will be welcomed and learn about local history and culture.
Activity / Theme
Country
Canoe / kayak, Culture, Nature & Wildlife, Expedition Cruise, Hiking
Canada, AB, BC- west (AB, BC)
Comfort Level
Physical Rating
Basic or Comfortable, depending on the ship chosen
Leisurely / Moderate
Transportation
Accommodation
Sailing ship, tugboat or catamaran
This trip is offered in a variety of vessels, from a simple 8-passenger sailing ship with shared facilities, a comfortable tug boat with private heads or a 24-passenger very comfortable catamaran with private en-suite cabins. Please ask for details. No single supplement applies to bookings by solo travellers on the sailing trips.
Months of Operation
May, June, July, August, September, October
Adventure Coordinators Insider Tip:
If you want the best chance to see a spirit bear, make sure you are in the region (at some point on your trip) from about Sep 7 onward, well into October.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Start Kitimat or Bella Bella
DAY 2: Fjord cruise, explore estuary meadows, bear viewing
DAY 3: Great Bear’s island, big house tour & cultural introduction
DAY 4: Whale viewing & whale research station, sea lion viewing
DAY 5: Great Bear Rainforest’s outer islands, hike
DAY 6: Rainforest & salmon spawning stream, historic Butedale
DAY 7: Full day at viewing site for spirit bear
DAY 8: Cruising to Kitimat or Bella Bella, wildlife, cruise ends
Inclusions
Transportation by ship
All meals, snacks and beverages prepared from the freshest ingredients by our superb chef
Fine wines featured with the evening meal, and a limited amount of beer
Services of our naturalist and professional crew
Shore excursions
Use of gear on board, including rubber boots, kayaks and fishing gear (with fishing licence)
All accommodations on your vessel and, on trips with a land day, in local lodging
Prices are all-inclusive, and subject to a $200 sustainability fee per person and subject to 5% federal tax
Spirit Bear Image courtesy of Kevin J Smith/Maple Leaf Adventures
Whale Image courtesy of Philip Stone/Maple Leaf Adventures
Sample tour. Itinerary, accommodation, transportation, inclusions and prices are correct at the time of publication but may change without prior notice. Please inquire.
© Adventure Coordinators