SPIRIT BEAR QUEST - Great Bear Rainforest

Long treasured by the First Nations people, the rare Kermode Bear is a subspecies of the Black bear and calls Princess Royal Island, the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest, home.

Trip details

This itinerary is a sample only - the exact itinerary of your trip will be dictated by factors such as weather, tides, and group interest, with the crew working within the parameters of safety, time, and the highlights of the area.

Day 0

Arrive in Prince Rupert or Bella Bella. Overnight (not included), Please contact our office staff for any assistance with pre/post travel arrangements. You will also receive a list of local accommodation choices with your booking package.

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Day 1

Early morning you will be flown from Prince Rupert (Inland Air) or Bella Bella (Pacific Coastal) to meet the 'Ocean Light II' in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest. We will head out right away to start exploring some of the best bear viewing areas.
Meals:  lunch  /  breakfast

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Day 2 - 7

These days are spent exploring the Great Bear Rainforest and enjoying the splendor of the surrounding area. Opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography will occur on each day; however, please be aware that the weather conditions and the location of wildlife will dictate the frequency of such activities. We will utilize viewing platforms as well as explore salmon creeks and rivers to try and see the Spirit Bear and the Coastal Grizzly Bear. The fall is a time of plenty and marine mammals such as the humpback whale are a common sight. The 'Ocean Light II' will be utilized as a base for sleeping and eating. We will have a chance to visit natural hotsprings at the end of our days so bring along your suit.

The Mid Coast of British Columbia, from Rivers Inlet to the Skeena River is also known as the Great Bear Rainforest. This area is true wilderness and sees very few human visitors, making it an exciting adventure destination. Within the Great Bear Rainforest lie some of the worlds last pristine coastal rainforest: old-growth hemlock and cedar forests; tidewater estuaries rich with grasses, roots and berries; cascading waterfalls and sparkling streams of spawning salmon. In the fall bears, wolves, and birds come to the streams and rivers to feed on the salmon.

The rare white Kermode, a sub-species of the black bear, is wild, elusive and little known to North Americans other than the Tsimshian-speaking people of the north coast of British Columbia. These people have shared its territory for thousands of years. The North American black bear, although generally black-coated, produces a certain percentage of bears that are all white. One of the Tsimshians' myths says that 'Raven made one in every 10 bears white to remind the people of the time when glaciers covered this land'.
Meals:  breakfast  /  lunch  /  dinner

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Day 8

The floatplane will meet the Ocean Light II in the morning for your return trip to Prince Rupert or Bella Bella. Please be advised that there is a slight possibility that the charter flight may be delayed due to adverse weather conditions, and you should therefore make connecting airline reservations that can be changed with little or no penalty.
Meals:  breakfast

 

Highlights

Typically at this time of year, humpback whales frequent the inlets and bays: we will watch and photograph these magnificent mammals when the opportunity presents itself. Due to extreme weather conditions and rough terrain and to maximize our chances of spotting a Spirit Bear, we will utilize native built viewing platforms in certain situations. We will also explore estuaries and bays, and watch the remarkable feat of salmon spawning. This is a multi-faceted trip, focusing on the bears but also on the entire ecosystem in which they thrive. We will use the Ocean Light II as a base, and a motorized inflatable to transfer people between the boat and the shore. Six kayaks are on the 'Ocean Light II' for those wishing to enjoy the tranquility of paddling as we explore one of the last unlogged temperate rainforests in the world.
The photographic opportunities are amazing. This trip will give you access to some of the best bear viewing locations in the world! Although conditions may be difficult at times, the rewards are great, as you become part of a small percentage of people who have explored the wonders of the Great Bear Rainforest.

 

The boat & the crew

The 'Ocean Light II' is an Ocean 71' ketch and is thought by many to be the perfect B.C. Coast charter yacht. With fourteen Atlantic crossings, the 'Ocean Light II' has the pedigree and comfort to make any sailing experience with her one to remember. It has a spacious, well maintained interior of mahogany, authentic Douglas Fir and white enamel.
The layout offers 5 separate guest cabins that are closed off from the rest of the yacht. A berth will be assigned to each person upon arrival. There are two heads, a shower and the interior is all newly remodeled. The main salon located below deck is a spacious 14' x 17', which seats twelve comfortably while still leaving space to move about freely. There is ample deck space and she is very comfortable under sail. 'Ocean Light II' features all of the extras expected: 19’ hard bottom inflatable, six kayaks as well as an extensive library for your enjoyment.

The entire crew aboard the Ocean Light II has many years of coastal sailing experience and have introduced the coast of B.C. to thousands of people, young and old, in their unique way of providing you the opportunity for self-discovery. They continually contribute a tremendous amount to the conservation of our endangered wilderness and are highly respected in the charter industry on the BC Coast and in SE Alaska. Being Canadian Coast Guard certified the guides/skippers will bring their expertise for the regional wildlife to the Ocean Light II.

Safety

Your safety while participating in this expedition is of our prime concern. The guides are well trained in wilderness first aid techniques, and are very experienced in the environment. Ultimately your guide makes decisions with your comfort and safety in mind, yet tries to maximize the experience of the adventure for each individual. We stress that listening carefully to instructions and directions given by the guide is your ultimate responsibility and in the best interest of yourself and the group.

Meals

The crew of the Ocean Light II takes special care in preparing nutritious and delicious meals. All meals will be aboard the sailboat and will include fresh seafood, homemade soups, breads and salads. Wine is served with dinner, and you may bring your own drinks to be consumed in moderation and only when the anchor is down for the night. Excessive drinking is not tolerated on the vessel. Clients have the option to assist in food gathering and meal preparation. If you have particular dietary restrictions, please let us know well in advance.