In Search of the Spirit Bear in the Great Bear Rainforest

The Great Bear Rainforest of British Columbia is the largest piece of intact temperate rainforest in the world.

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The Great Bear Rainforest of British Columbia is the largest piece of intact temperate rainforest in the world. Towering forested mountains give way to richly diverse river valleys and estuaries teaming with sea life. The area is home to eagles, wolves, cougars, grizzly bears, black bears and the elusive Spirit Bear – one of the great preserves of wild animals in the northern hemisphere.

Spirit Bear Lodge is on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, which is home to orca and humpback whales that hunt and forage in the complex of fjords and channels. This trip is an exclusive chance to discover the elusive Spirit Bear.

The Kitasoo / Xai’xais people share their ancient homeland with the Spirit Bear. According to legend, the local people believe that raven made one out of every ten black bears white to remind the people of a time when glaciers covered their territory so they can be grateful for the lush and bountiful land of today. They believe the Spirit Bear holds supernatural powers.

The Kitasoo / Xai’xais people have lived in harmony with the creatures around them since time immemorial. Kitasoo / Xai’xais culture is integrated into each day through spending time with local guides, visiting cultural sites, and learning the history of the Kitasoo / Xai’xais people.

 

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Day 1: Klemtu

Depart Vancouver on Pacific Coastal Airlines to Bella Bella followed by a shuttle transfer to the boat dock. The Spirit Bear Lodge water taxi will pick you up at the dock for a scenic 90-minute boat ride to Klemtu and Spirit Bear Lodge.

After check-in and a brief orientation, relax and take in the sights and sounds of the Great Bear Rainforest. You are here! In the evening you will enjoy a buffet dinner and a briefing for the next day’s activities, as well as a presentation on coastal ecology.

Spirit Bear Lodge

Everyday at Spirit Bear Lodge is unique, you will visit many diverse and awe-inspiring locations in search of wildlife including the Spirit Bear.

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Days 2-4: Discover the Heart of the Great Bear Rainforest

Tours vary depending on recent wildlife sightings, guest interests, and weather. Some days could be spent waiting patiently in one river system for wildlife to appear, while others could involve visiting several locations. For the more adventurous, hiking, kayaking, and canoeing options in some of nature’s most stunning places are available.

Day 5: Depart Klemtu

After breakfast, you have a choice of guided excursions including a morning sea kayak paddle along the shores of south of Klemtu, a rainforest walk, a wildlife-viewing tour, or a cultural tour. After an early lunch, board the water taxi to Bella Bella for your flight back to Vancouver.

To book

How to get there:

Pacific Coastal Airlines (Vancouver to Bella Bella) (YVR – ZEL)
https://www.pacificcoastal.com