Great Bear Rainforest Sailing Adventure in Canada

canada british columbia great bear rainforest ctc

Sailing the Great Bear Rainforest

from £4937 excluding flights

7 nights
Aug-Oct

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Highlights

Look out for the rare kermode or spirit bear

canada british columbia humpbacks feeding baleen off vancouver island istk

See whales frolic in the waters

bristish columbia great bear rainforest wet grizzly crs

Watch grizzly bears as they fish for salmon

canada kayaking off vancouver island istk

Paddle a kayak around islands and inlets

Why this trip...

canada british columbia haida gwaii islands sailing sunset ba

Style of vessel

This holiday is based on a ship ideally suited to the areas visited and the conditions

Immersive exploration

Immerse yourself in your surroundings on a true exploration of remote and spectacular areas

Conservation/Eco-tourism

This itinerary has a strong focus on wildlife and natural habitat conservation, one of our pillars of sustainability

Overview

The Great Bear Rainforest of western British Columbia is home to orcas, eagles, wolves, black bears, grizzlies, and the rare and mysterious white kermode (spirit) bear. Cruising the remote islands and inlets of this special area is the ideal way to experience its diverse wildlife.

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountain Range on the west coast of British Columbia, the ancient Great Bear Rainforest is one of the largest tracts of temperate rainforest left in the world.

The rare kermode bear, also known as the spirit bear, is a unique subspecies of the black bear, in which one in ten cubs display a distinctive white coloured coat.

You will be sailing on board the Island Roamer, Island Odyssey or Island Solitude. Each of these vessels have been beautifully designed in a manner which reflects the relaxed style of the trips. The small group sizes allow for an interactive and intimate experience and allows guests to explore areas which larger vessels cannot access. Each vessel offers comfortable cabins, a well-stocked library and lounge area, and plenty of deck space for wildlife-spotting.

Itinerary

Make your way to the Municipal Dock on the Bella Bella waterfront for embarkation. Upon boarding the vessel, cabins will be assigned, an introductory safety briefing completed and then you will set sail for the Great Bear Rainforest. Each night you will anchor in a different, secluded anchorage.

Over the next 6 days you will travel to a number of areas around the Central Coast such as Campania Sound and Whale Channel – excellent areas for spotting humpback whales and Steller sea lions. You may go ashore in the Gitga’at (Princess Royal Island) Conservancy. You’ll cruise over to Bishop Bay to enjoy a relaxing dip in the hot springs and spend a day with a Gitga’at native guide, taking you to his favourite bear viewing area. With patience and some luck you’ll see black bears maybe even the elusive white Spirit Bear! You may visit the First Nations village of Klemtu or Hartley Bay to see their ceremonial Big Houses. Voyage deep into the coastal mountains to explore the Fiordland Conservancy where, beneath towering rock bluffs and waterfalls, we will search remote estuaries to see grizzly bears feeding on spawning salmon.

You will arrive in Terrace this morning, where your sailing adventure ends.

All voyage itineraries are intended as a guideline only – your captain will keep the route flexible in order to take advantage of wildlife sightings, weather and tides, and the interests of the group.
The above sample itinerary departs from Bella Bella and ends in Terrace. This itinerary also operates in reverse, from Terrace to Bella Bella, and also as a loop departing from/returning to Terrace. Please contact us for specific details of each individual departure date.

Vessel Finder

There are a choice of vessels available for this voyage. Compare the facilities at a glance then talk to our Travel Specialists who will be happy to advise which one is right for you.

Island Roamer

The Island Roamer is a custom 68-foot ketch featuring just 8 private cabins.

The Island Roamer is a custom 68-foot ketch featuring just 8 private cabins. The vessel is large enough to provide comfort, privacy and safety, yet small enough to create a good rapport among passengers and crew. The boat's comfort and design make her perfect for exploring the beautiful coastline of British Columbia.

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Passengers: 16
Class: Sailing
Optional Activities

Island Odyssey

The Island Odyssey is a custom 68-foot ketch featuring just 8 private cabins.

The Island Odyssey is a 68′ ketch and is the sister-ship to ‘Island Roamer’. Originally built as a luxurious private yacht in 1984, she completed a major renovation in 2003 to update the cabins and all safety systems. The boat’s comfort and design make her perfect for exploring the beautiful coastline of British Columbia.

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Passengers: 16
Class: Sailing
Optional Activities

Island Solitude

An 82-foot-long sloop with just 6 private cabins, the Island Solitude was designed specifically for small group expeditions.

Launched in December 2017, the Island Solitude is a custom built 82’ inch sloop designed specifically for small group expeditions.

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Passengers: 12
Class: Sailing
Optional Activities

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Prices and Departures

Price from £4937 excluding flights

Airfares start from around £550 per person and are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
Note: Airfares tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.

What's Included

Accommodation in twin-share rooms on board
All meals (from lunch on day 1 until breakfast on day 8)
Wine is included with dinner
Services of a naturalist guide for the duration of the cruise
Parks, First Nations and forestry service fees
Sustainability fee
Return transfers in Terrace (transfers in Bella Bella payable locally, approx $15)
24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
No surcharge guarantee
Full financial protection

2024 Departures

Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin. Please get in touch for a tailored quote based on the best available price for your preferred voyage.

Departure	Duration	Vessel	Prices from (pp)
Aug - Sep 2024	8 days	Island Roamer	£5,183
Oct 2024	8 days	Island Roamer	£4,937
Aug - Sep 2024	8 days	Island Odyssey	£5,183
Oct 2024	8 days	Island Odyssey	£4,937
Aug - Sep 2024	8 days	Island Solitude	£6,450
Oct 2024	8 days	Island Solitude	£6,144

2025 Departures

Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin. Please get in touch for a tailored quote based on the best available price for your preferred voyage.

Departure	Duration	Vessel	Prices from (pp)
Aug - Oct 2025	8 days	Island Roamer	£5,308
Aug - Oct 2025	8 days	Island Odyssey	£5,308
Aug - Oct 2025	8 days	Island Solitude

Please contact us for further details including specific departure dates, or for a full quote for your holiday plans to include pre- and post-sailing arrangements.

Group Size

Minimum: 8 | Maximum: 16

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Sailing the Great Bear Rainforest

Highlights