Canada: Great Bear Rainforest Adventure
Day 1: Arrival: Bella Bella, BC Canada
Local Bed and Breakfast
Arrive into Bella Bella one day prior to your departure and overnight at a local bed and breakfast. Relax and prepare for the next day’s departure.
Day 2: Board the MV Island Odyssey
You’ll be picked up by shuttle and transfered to the municipal dock by 1o:00 am where a crewmember will escort you to the MV Island Odyssey. After cabin assignments and a safety orientation, depart Bella Bella and sail out to the Great Bear Rainforest, anchoring somewhere unique and stunning each night.
Day 3 – 4: Fiordland Conservancy
MV Island Odyssey
Head deep into the coastal mountains to an amazing marine park – the Fiordland Conservancy. Admire spectacular rock faces and powerful waterfalls. Explore remote estuaries and expect to see bears, which are attracted by the numerous spawning salmon. You may visit the native village of Klemtu to see the new longhouse that was recently built by the local community.
Day 5-7: Various stops
MV Island Odyssey
Travel along the shores of Princess Royal Island – the best-known area for seeing the rare spirit bear, a white version of the North American black bear. Visit creeks, river estuaries, and the Khutze Inlet, with its beautiful river valley and abundant birdlife. You might even spot a few bears along the shore! Spend a very special two days with local Tsimshian native guides, who will take you to their favorite wildlife viewing areas in hopes of spotting the elusive spirit bear.
Then, when you arrive into the aptly named Whale Channel, expect to see humpback whales as they migrate and forage in new waters. In the open Principe Channel, if good wind permits, set the sails and have one of the best rides of the voyage!
Additionally, there will be time to explore the protected waters using the boat’s collection of stable sea kayaks. During daily shore excursions, the onboard naturalist will help identify different coastal plants, animals, birds, and marine life. Interested participants can help keep a species list for the trip and scientific records.
Day 8: End of Journey: Bella Bella, BC Canada
Arrive into Bella Bella by midmorning, and catch the Pacific Coastal flight departing early afternoon from Bella Bella. Bon voyage!