This natural history voyage explores the protected waters of the Central Coast in British Columbia, an area known as the "Great Bear Rain forest". Conservationists have been working hard to protect it because it holds the largest remaining area of virgin coastal rain forest left on the Pacific Coast. It is home to grizzly bears, wolves, humpback whales, and the elusive, all-white, Spirit Bear. The Tshimshian First Nations people have lived here for thousands of years and we will learn about their culture and art.
The Great Bear Rain forest is a large area extending over 250 miles along the coast and for thousands of miles if you include all the waterways and islands. One cannot hope to see all the highlights in one voyage, and thus, most of our trips simply cover a portion of the area. We do not produce a detailed day by day itinerary in advance of the trip. Our daily plans are flexible to accommodate the surprises that we encounter each trip, the requirements of tide and weather, and the interests of the group.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: The trip starts and finishes in Bella Bella, BC. Participants will meet at the top of the Municipal Dock on the Bella Bella waterfront. Upon boarding the ship, cabins will be assigned, an introductory safety briefing completed and then we depart to explore the Great Bear Rain forest. Each night we anchor in a different, secluded anchorage.
Days 2-3: We now head deep into the coastal mountains and will focus the next two days on the Fiordland Provincial Protected Area. Kynoch Inlet has some spectacular rock faces and waterfalls. We will explore remote estuaries and hope to see bears attracted by the spawning salmon. We may visit the native village of Klemtu to see the new long house.
Days 4-7: We now travel along the shore of Princess Royal Island – the best known area for seeing the rare Spirit or Kermode bears. These bears are actually black bears with a recessive gene that makes about ten percent of the bears in this area all-white. We will visit creeks and river estuaries and keep an eye out along the shore as we travel. Khutze Inlet has a beautiful river valley, an abundance of bird life and we often see bears along the shore. We will spend a day with local Tshimshian guides taking us to their favorite wildlife viewing areas or showing us their ancient sites and intriguing art. In Whale Channel we expect to see humpback whales and will take the time to observe these amazing 15 meter long creatures.
In Principe Channel we hope for a good wind, to set the sails and have one of our best sails of the voyage. There will be time to explore the protected waters using our stable, sea kayaks that we carry on board. On our daily shore excursions, our on board naturalist will help identify different coastal plants and interested participants can help keep a species list for the trip. With a good low tide, we may explore the shoreline for different species of colorful sea stars, anemone, and algae.
Day 8: Late morning we return to Bella Bella and the completion of our voyage. Participants can catch the mid-day flight back to Vancouver.
Notes:
- Passengers will require a valid passport when crossing the US/CDN border for all trips.
- We ask that you bring a sleeping bag, as there are no facilities for laundry on board. If you are taking a trip in the Spring or Fall a warm sleeping bag is recommended.
- Rain gear needs to be completely waterproof and strong enough to stand up to wear. Rubber boots should be comfortable. Knee high boots will ensure dry feet. Expect daily use stepping ashore from small boats at the ocean's edge and walking in west coast rain forest.
- We cannot accommodate suitcases aboard the boat and ask that your clothing and equipment be brought aboard in soft sided, compressible bags, for example duffel bags or some other soft case that can be easily stowed.
- Be prepared to dress in layers to accommodate changes in weather. Good warm outer clothing (including warm hat and gloves or mittens) and good rain clothing allows you to remain comfortable in windy or wet conditions. A good, light thermal layer can go along way to providing comfort. (Remember the whales don't stop just because it's raining).
- Please be aware that there may be weight restrictions for float planes, if your trip includes this option. If you are concerned about seasickness your doctor can recommend medications designed to prevent motion sickness.
- There is no smoking allowed on board the boats.
- Meals: A professional cook is in charge of all the cooking during the trip. We carry ample quantities of fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, grains and dairy products for the duration of the voyage. Meals are served buffet style. We are confident that you will be very impressed with the variety and excellence of the meals that are prepared for you. Complimentary wines are served with dinner. There is no bar on board to purchase additional drinks. Guests are responsible and welcome to bring their own cocktail, beer and soft drinks.
- Weather: While guests should come prepared for some gusty winds and the possibility of rain, we usually experience clear skies and a good amount of sunshine. It always feels cooler on the water than actual temperatures may be.
- Photography: A 300mm camera lens seems ideal, while 180-300mm lenses generally give good results with orcas and bears. Consider bringing fairly fast film to capture moving wildlife, and to allow for photography in the low light of morning or evening. Most people use more film than they expect.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- All meals from lunch on the first day to breakfast on the last day
- All accommodation on board ship: skipper, cook, naturalist
- Full use of all on board facilities.
Price Excludes:
- Transportation to the start point and from the finish point of the trip
- Any accommodation or meals prior to the start of the trip or after the completion
- Travel or cancellation insurance
- Airport transfers
- Optional purchases and gratuities for the crew.
Also see tour packages in:
Canada
British Columbia
Outdoor: Water Drifter
Boating and Sailing
Rainforest
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