SPIRIT BEAR QUEST - Great Bear Rainforest

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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.

Coastal Cruise within the Great Bear Rainforest, Princess Royal Island

The Great Bear Rainforest, located on the midcoast of British Columbia, is true wilderness that sees very few human visitors, making it an exciting outdoor adventure destination. Within the Great Bear Rainforest lie some of the world’s last pristine coastal rainforest and the rare and elusive white Kermode bears.

8 days / 7 nights ~ from Prince Rupert or Bella Bella

This trip takes you to one of the world's most spectacular coastlines. You will explore the inlets, bays and old-growth forests of the spectacular midcoast of British Columbia, including Princess Royal Island, the ancestral home of the rare white Kermode Bear. The surrounding mountains and rainforest are home to grizzly bears, wolves, wolverines, black bears, spirit bears, deer, and beavers; the Great Bear Rainforest offers incredible variety.

Kermode bears

The white Spirit bear is a sub-species of black bear, little known other than to the Tsimshian-speaking people of British Columbia who have shared its territory for thousands of years. The Kermode Bears of the Great Bear Rainforest have had very little exposure to humans and can be difficult to locate. Over the years we have learned much about their behaviour and range and work closely with local Native groups and noted bear biologist, Wayne McCrory to search for, watch and photograph these elusive and exquisite animals.

What's Involved?

We will walk trails, explore creeks, search for and hopefully photograph Spirit Bears, black bears, grizzly and wolves. This trip will give you access to some of the best bear viewing locations in the world! Participants should arrive in good physical and mental shape prepared for a flexible itinerary that may require much physical activity, including hiking on uneven and wet terrain. Weather conditions may be variable and participants must be prepared for adverse weather including torrential rain and cold temperatures. 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.

Photo Gallery

Be sure to check out the Spirit Bear Quest Photo Gallery, for an up close encounter.

Brief Sample Itinerary
Trip Day	Meals	Activities
Day 0		Arrive in Prince Rupert or Bella Bella prior to trip start to prepare for an early morning departure on day 1 (accommodation not included). We invite you to contact our friendly and knowledgeable staff to assist with any pre or post trip travel arrangements.
Day 1	L / D	Early morning you will be flown from Prince Rupert or Bella Bella 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.
Days 2 - 7	B / L / D	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.
Day 8	B	The floatplane will meet the Ocean Light II in the morning for your return trip to Prince Rupert or Bella Bella.