Note that the itinerary may change based on weather, wildlife activity, and interests of the guests. This itinerary is to give you a general idea of the trip.
Day 1: Welcome aboard in Haisla territory, cruising to evening anchorage, watching for whales. Evening rainforest walk before dinner.
Day 2: Cruising down a spectacular, long fjord, where granite mountains rise from thousands of feet below in the sea. Viewing waterfalls and possible mountain goats. Exploring ashore in estuary meadows, where some bears spend their days in the autumn. Learning about the daily life of bears, and the salmon cycle. Optional evening kayaking.
Day 3: Bear viewing among the fjords. Learning the indigenous history and stories of special sites in the region. Cruising the Great Bear’s island channels. Visit to village of Hartley Bay for a big house tour and cultural introduction by local guide.
Day 4: Cruising Whale Channel region, a critical habitat for several species of whales. Whale viewing. Visit whale researchers at remote station. Sea lion viewing. Island anchorage.
Day 5: Visit the Great Bear Rainforest’s wild outer islands and beaches. Beach visit and hike to views over the Pacific ocean. Kayaking or optional fishing. Cruising to and exploring archipelago of tiny islands, some areas so wild they’re not yet fully charted. Seabird viewing.
Day 6: Rainforest walk and salmon spawning stream. Cruising to historic cannery site of Butedale on Princess Royal Island. Optional hike to lake.
Day 7: Visit island known as the epicentre of spirit bears with local guides as well as Cascadia’s bear guides. Full day at viewing site for the best opportunity to view a spirit bear. Last night celebration dinner and events.
Day 8: Cruising to Kitimat, watching for wildlife.