Elevate Destinations

Experts in socially responsible luxury travel. We design travel experiences that support conservation and local communities without skimping on comfort.

Canada: Research Expedition in the Great Bear Rainforest

Day 1: Arrival: Bella Bella, British Columbia
Local Bed and Breakfast

Arrive into Bella Bella one day prior to your departure. You will be picked up by shuttle and transferred to a local bed and breakfast.  Relax and prepare for the next day’s departure.

Day 2: Boarding
MV Island Odyssey

You’ll be picked up by shuttle from your bed and breakfast and transferred to the municipal dock by 11:00 am. A boat 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 scenically stunning each night.

Day 3 – 4: Fiordland Conservancy
MV Island Odyssey

Head deep into the coastal mountains to the Fiordland Conservancy – an amazing marine park. Here you will see spectacular rock faces and powerful waterfalls. Explore remote estuaries and expect to see bears 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 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.

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 mid morning and catch the Pacific Coastal flight departing early afternoon from Bella Bella. Bon voyage!