Points of Interest
Ports
Journey to a Fabled Land of Fjords and Estuaries
The Ancient North American Rainforest
Explore the wild and remote regions of the central coast of British Columbia on a Great Bear Rainforest tour in the Autumn. The fall months bring the return of the salmon and with it a feeding frenzy to be witnessed. Whales, marine mammals, marine birds, bears and more all gather in this region to feast on the bountiful salmon that have returned to spawn in the rivers. This is the best chance to witness the rare spirit bear at a salmon stream or see a mother grizzly teach her cub how to catch a salmon in a major river estuary.
Great Bear Rainforest tours set out to explore fjordlands, remote islands, river estuaries, and west coast beaches. Get to know the intricate and complex temperate rainforest and the species that thrive here, with expert guides and an informative naturalist whose knowledge of the natural history will be shared with you.
Itinerary Details
- Ships: Maple Leaf, Swell, Cascadia
- Duration: 8 or 9 Days
- Ports: Prince Rupert, Kitimat, Bella Bella
- Includes a Canadian Geographic Itinerary
Switch between tabs to see itinerary options and departures
Great Bear Rainforest Sailing Ship Tour
- Maple Leaf
- 9 Days
Sample Itineraries: As with all expedition cruises, 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. River exploration, introduction to ‘salmon forest’.
Day 2-3: Cruising into Fjordland. Massive waterfalls, spectacular inlet, and pictographs. Cruising to one of the leading grizzly bear havens. Extended watching for bears. Optional evening kayak, fishing.
Day 4: Morning shore walk, visit Kitasoon/Xai’xais village of Klemtu. Cultural visit at beautiful big house and village tour by village guide. Whale watching on northward cruise. Anchor in spectacular inlet, shore trip watching for bears.
Day 5-6: Morning exploring bears’ world in estuary. Bear viewing. Cruising to new inlet for rainforest hike. Natural hot springs. Spirit bear island anchorage. Day-long excursion to spirit bear viewing site with our Gitga’at guides. Evening anchorage on Whale Channel.
Day 7-8: Exploring whales and marine mammals. Visit to remote whale research station. Outer coast exploration, beaches and possible wolf sighting. Returning inland.
Day 9: Cruise to Bella Bella, watching for wildlife.
Departures
Find ideal trip dates for our Great Bear Rainforest Sailing Ship Tour below. All prices are listed in Canadian dollars. For other itineraries and departures, switch the tabs above.
| Date | Price | # of Nights | Start Port | End Port | Ship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 31 – September 8, 2025 | $9,500 | 8 | Bella Bella | Bella Bella | Maple Leaf |
| September 9 – 17, 2025 | $9,500 | 8 | Bella Bella | Bella Bella | Maple Leaf |
| September 18 – 26, 2025 | $9,500 | 8 | Bella Bella | Bella Bella | Maple Leaf |
| September 27 – October 5, 2025 | $9,500 | 8 | Bella Bella | Bella Bella | Maple Leaf |
| October 7 – 15, 2025 | $9,500 | 8 | Bella Bella | Bella Bella | Maple Leaf |
| September 1 – 8, 2026 | $8,650 | 7 | Prince Rupert | Kitimat | Maple Leaf |
| September 9 – 16, 2026 | $8,650 | 7 | Kitimat | Bella Bella | Maple Leaf |
| September 17 – 24, 2026 | $8,650 | 7 | Bella Bella | Kitimat | Maple Leaf |
| September 26 – October 3, 2026 | $8,650 | 7 | Kitimat | Bella Bella | Maple Leaf |
* Prices are all-inclusive, and subject to a $200 sustainability fee per person. The trips in Canada are subject to 5% federal tax. See “Included in Our Price” for the exceptional value included. Fares are per person, based on double occupancy, and in Canadian dollars. For solo travellers, there is no single supplement on the SV Maple Leaf trips (shared accommodation), and there is a 50% single supplement on the MV Swell and Cascadia trips. For full-ship private charters, please contact us. Payment and cancellation policy is available online, in the brochures and by speaking with us. We welcome your contact.
A note about flights in 2024: As it is the high season, local flights sell quickly at Pacific Coastal Airlines. To ensure our guests have the flights they need, we have pre-reserved Bella Bella flights for you that you can book through us for the Oct 7-15 sailings. For the Aug 31-Sep 8 sailings on Maple Leaf and Swell, we have booked and included a complimentary hotel room for you (value $250) on the night of Sep 8, so you can get the flight from Bella Bella to Vancouver on Sep 9. For the Aug 18-26 sailing on Maple Leaf, we have booked and included a complimentary hotel room for you (value $250) on the night of Sep 17, so you can get the flight from Vancouver to Belle Bella on Sep 17. We’ll review this during your booking, but feel free to contact us anytime for details.
Great Bear Rainforest Tugboat Tour
- Swell
- 9 Days
Sample Itineraries: As with all expedition cruises, 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.
Note: This itinerary is for the trip that departs Bella Bella and arrives at Kitimat or Prince Rupert. For the reverse itinerary, reverse the days.
Day 1: Board your ship in Bella Bella, BC, orientation, cruising. Island anchorage, river exploration, and learning about the ‘salmon forest’
Day 2: Beach walk. Cruise into Fjordland for an in depth Great Bear Rainforest tour. Massive waterfalls, spectacular inlet*, pictographs, estuary exploration and search for bears.
Day 3: Cruising to area frequented by grizzly and black bears. Extended bear viewing. Optional evening kayak, fishing, quiet time.
Day 4: Morning shore walk, visit First Nations village, Klemtu. Big House tour by village guide. Intertidal life. Fjord anchorage.
Day 5: Exploring coastal river by zodiac. Forest walk. Sea lion and black or grizzly bear viewing. Nature hike. Hot springs.
Day 6: Spirit Bear Island anchorage. Shore excursion to spirit bear viewing site with bear stands.
Day 7: Whale Channel, humpback whale watching. Sailing down coastal channel, Island, visit whale research station. Optional evening kayak.
Day 8: Cruising Gardner Canal, the most spectacular fjord on the coast. Evening shore exploration, fishing, kayaking, wildlife viewing. Farewell dinner.
Day 9: Cruise to port, watching for whales.
Departures
Find ideal trip dates for our Great Bear Rainforest Tugboat Tour below. All prices are listed in Canadian dollars. For other itineraries and departures, switch the tabs above.
| Date | Price | # of Nights | Start Port | End Port | Ship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 31 – September 8, 2025 | $12,150, $13,250, $15,300 | 8 | Prince Rupert | Bella Bella | Swell |
| September 9 – 17, 2025 | $12,150, $13,250, $15,300 | 8 | Bella Bella | Kitimat | Swell |
| September 18 – 26, 2025 | $12,150, $13,250, $15,300 | 8 | Kitimat | Bella Bella | Swell |
| September 27 – October 5, 2025 | $12,150, $13,250, $15,300 | 8 | Bella Bella | Kitimat | Swell |
| October 7 – 15, 2025 | $12,150, $13,250, $15,300 | 8 | Kitimat | Bella Bella | Swell |
| September 12 – 19, 2026 | $11,150, $12,150, $14,060 | 7 | Bella Bella | Kitimat | Swell |
| September 20 – 27, 2026 | $11,150, $12,150, $14,060 | 7 | Kitimat | Bella Bella | Swell |
| September 28 – October 5, 2026 | $11,150, $12,150, $14,060 | 7 | Bella Bella | Kitimat | Swell |
| October 7 – 14, 2026 | $11,150, $12,150, $14,060 | 7 | Kitimat | Bella Bella | Swell |
* Prices are all-inclusive, and subject to a $200 sustainability fee per person. The trips in Canada are subject to 5% federal tax. See “Included in Our Price” for the exceptional value included. Fares are per person, based on double occupancy, and in Canadian dollars. For solo travellers, there is no single supplement on the SV Maple Leaf trips (shared accommodation), and there is a 50% single supplement on the MV Swell and Cascadia trips. For full-ship private charters, please contact us. Payment and cancellation policy is available online, in the brochures and by speaking with us. We welcome your contact.
A note about flights in 2024: As it is the high season, local flights sell quickly at Pacific Coastal Airlines. To ensure our guests have the flights they need, we have pre-reserved Bella Bella flights for you that you can book through us for the Oct 7-15 sailings. For the Aug 31-Sep 8 sailings on Maple Leaf and Swell, we have booked and included a complimentary hotel room for you (value $250) on the night of Sep 8, so you can get the flight from Bella Bella to Vancouver on Sep 9. For the Aug 18-26 sailing on Maple Leaf, we have booked and included a complimentary hotel room for you (value $250) on the night of Sep 17, so you can get the flight from Vancouver to Belle Bella on Sep 17. We’ll review this during your booking, but feel free to contact us anytime for details.
Great Bear Rainforest Catamaran Tour
- Cascadia
- 8 Days
Sample Itineraries: As with all expedition cruises, 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.
Looking for our new 5-Day Itinerary? Visit the link here for more information, itinerary highlights and specials.
Day 1: Welcome aboard in Haisla territory, cruising to evening anchorage, watching for whales. Evening rainforest walk before dinner.
Day 2: Crossing into Hennaksiala territory, with traditions and stories of our mentor, Killer Whale Clan elder Wa’xaid (Cecil Paul). Cruising down a spectacular fjord, where granite mountains rise from thousands of feet below the sea. Viewing waterfalls and possible mountain goats. Exploring estuary meadows, where grizzly bears spend their days in the autumn. Optional evening kayaking.
Day 3: Grizzly bear viewing among the fjords. Learning the Indigenous history and stories of special sites in the region. Cruising the Great Bear’s island channels.
Day 4: Visit island known as the epicentre of spirit bears with our Gitga’at friends and guides. Full day at viewing site for the best opportunity to view a spirit bear.
Day 5: Morning shore exploration in estuary. Cruising Whale Channel region, a critical habitat for several species of whales. Marine mammal viewing. Visit whale researchers at remote station. Island anchorage.
Day 6: Visit the Great Bear Rainforest’s wild outer islands and
beaches, with hike to views. Kayaking, possible wolf sighting. Cruising to and exploring archipelago of tiny islands, some areas so wild they’re not yet charted. Seabird viewing.
Day 7: Cruising inner channels. Rainforest shore trip. Visit natural hot springs for a soak. Last night dinner in natural anchorage.
Day 8: Cruising to port, watching for wildlife.
Departures
Find ideal trip dates for our Great Bear Rainforest Catamaran Tour below. All prices are listed in Canadian dollars. For other itineraries and departures, switch the tabs above.
| Date | Price | # of Nights | Start Port | End Port | Ship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 29 – September 5, 2025 | $12,150, $14,120, $16,070 | 7 | Kitimat | Kitimat | Cascadia |
| September 15 – 22, 2025 | $12,150, $14,120, $16,070 | 7 | Kitimat | Kitimat | Cascadia |
| September 23 – 30, 2025 | $12,150, $14,120, $16,070 | 7 | Kitimat | Kitimat | Cascadia |
| October 1 – 8, 2025 | $12,150, $14,120, $16,070 | 7 | Kitimat | Kitimat | Cascadia |
| October 9 – 16, 2025 | $12,150, $14,120, $16,070 | 7 | Kitimat | Kitimat | Cascadia |
| August 30 – September 6, 2026 | $12,350, $14,350, $16,320 | 7 | Kitimat | Kitimat | Cascadia |
| September 16 – 23, 2026 | $12,350, $14,350, $16,320 | 7 | Kitimat | Kitimat | Cascadia |
| September 24 – October 1, 2026 | $12,350, $14,350, $16,320 | 7 | Kitimat | Kitimat | Cascadia |
* Prices are all-inclusive, and subject to a $200 sustainability fee per person. The trips in Canada are subject to 5% federal tax. See “Included in Our Price” for the exceptional value included. Fares are per person, based on double occupancy, and in Canadian dollars. For solo travellers, there is no single supplement on the SV Maple Leaf trips (shared accommodation), and there is a 50% single supplement on the MV Swell and Cascadia trips. For full-ship private charters, please contact us. Payment and cancellation policy is available online, in the brochures and by speaking with us. We welcome your contact.
Great Bear Rainforest with Canadian Geographic
- Cascadia
- 8 Days
Sample Itineraries: As with all expedition cruises, 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.
Your 2025 Canadian Geographic Ambassador: Jenny Wong, an RCGS Ambassador and Nikon Ambassador, is an acclaimed visual storyteller, specializing in adventure, wildlife and conservation photography. Known for her work in wild places like the Canadian Arctic, Jenny uses her craft to highlight the beauty of nature and the importance of conservation. On our trip, she will share her photography techniques and stories through engaging lectures and one-on-one sessions, inspiring you to capture the wild beauty of the Great Bear Rainforest. Read More
Day 1: Welcome aboard in Haisla territory, cruising to evening anchorage, watching for whales. Evening rainforest walk before dinner. Photography presentation and lecture.
Day 2: Crossing into Hennaksiala territory, cruising down a spectacular fjord, where granite mountains rise from thousands of feet below the sea. Viewing waterfalls and possible mountain goats. Exploring ashore in estuary meadows by salmon streams, where grizzly bears spend their days in the autumn. Optional evening kayaking.
Day 3: Bear viewing among the fjords. Learn from photography guide in action. 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. Evening lecture on post-processing techniques.
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 or extra time for photography.
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 photo sharing.
Day 8: Cruising to Kitimat, watching for wildlife.
Departures
Find ideal trip dates for our Great Bear Rainforest with Canadian Geographic Tour below. All prices are listed in Canadian dollars. For other itineraries and departures, switch the tabs above.
| Date | Price | # of Nights | Start Port | End Port | Ship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 6 – 13, 2025 | $12,650, $14,690, $16,730 | 7 | Kitimat | Kitimat | Cascadia |
| September 7 – 14, 2026 | $12,850, $14,890, $16,950 | 7 | Kitimat | Kitimat | Cascadia |
* Prices are all-inclusive, and subject to a $200 sustainability fee per person. The trips in Canada are subject to 5% federal tax. See “Included in Our Price” for the exceptional value included. Fares are per person, based on double occupancy, and in Canadian dollars. For solo travellers, there is no single supplement on the SV Maple Leaf trips (shared accommodation), and there is a 50% single supplement on the MV Swell and Cascadia trips. For full-ship private charters, please contact us. Payment and cancellation policy is available online, in the brochures and by speaking with us. We welcome your contact.
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Fly to the Great Bear Rainforest Flight Credit 2025
Enjoy a Flight Credit on your 2025 Great Bear Rainforest Fall expedition!
Enjoy a $300 credit on your fare per person when you book select Fall 2025 trips to the Great Bear Rainforest aboard the SV Maple Leaf and the MV Cascadia. Offer valid if you book and pay for your trip by July 31, 2025. See terms for qualifying trip dates.
Terms and Conditions
You must book and pay for your deposit by the offer expiry date to qualify. – Offer not transferable to other dates and is not redeemable for cash or credit toward another trip. – Offer not valid with any other promotions or special offers, except pay in full offer and standard back-to-back trip offer. Eligible trips: Eligible trips: Great Bear Rainforest Aug 31-Sep 8, Sep 9-17, Sep 18-26, Sep 27-Oct 5, Oct 7-15 SV Maple Leaf & Great Bear Rainforest Aug 29-Sep 5; Oct 9-16 MV Cascadia only.
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Fly to the Great Bear Rainforest Round Trip Flight on Select Trips- 2026
Book your Great Bear Rainforest fall trip and not only will we book your flights for you but you'll receive them for free!
Book your Great Bear Rainforest fall trip by Feb 28, 2026 and not only will we book your flights for you but you’ll receive them for free!
Terms and Conditions
You must book and pay for your deposit by Feb 28, 2026 – Offer not transferable to other dates and is not redeemable for cash or credit toward another trip. – Offer not valid with any other promotions or special offers, except pay in full offer and standard back-to-back trip offer. Eligible trips: Eligible trips: Great Bear Rainforest Sept 1-Sep 8, Sep 9-16, Sep 17-24, Sep 26-Oct 3, Oct 4-9 SV Maple Leaf & Great Bear Rainforest Aug 30-Sep 6 and Oct 10-15 MV Cascadia only.
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Solo Traveller Special
We’re waving the single supplement!
Don’t miss this great opportunity for solo travellers, in their own cabin with no single supplement, to discover the rich indigenous culture and natural wonder of the BC coast!
Terms and Conditions
Subject to availability and booking limits on select sailings, as designated by Maple Leaf Adventures. Available in category 1 cabins on Cascadia and category 1 or 2 cabins on Swell (limited availability). Not combinable with other offers, except pay-in-full and standard back-to-back trips. For 2025, eligible departures include the Salish Sea Expedition with Canadian Geographic (Apr 18-22, MV Swell); Desolation Sound (Apr 25-29, Apr 30-May 4, MV Swell; May 1-5, MV Cascadia); Haida Gwaii (May 9-16, May 16-23, MV Cascadia); Whales & Wild Isles (Jul 28-Aug 5, Aug 6-14, Aug 16-20, MV Cascadia); Great Bear Rainforest (Aug 29-Sep 5, Oct 9-16, MV Cascadia); Desolation Sound & Fjords of BC (Oct 20-27, MV Cascadia; Oct 19-26, MV Swell); Craft Beer Cruise (Oct 27-31, MV Swell); and Wines & Islands (Oct 29-Nov 2, MV Cascadia). For 2026, eligible departures include the Salish Sea Expedition with Canadian Geographic (Apr 14-18, MV Swell); Desolation Sound (Apr 21-25, Apr 25-30, MV Swell; May 3-7, MV Cascadia); and Haida Gwaii (May 11-18, May 18-25, MV Cascadia).
Experience the Great Bear Rainforest
See the Great Bear Rainforest through the eyes of our guests.
Highlights
Explore Wildlife, Natural Wonder, and Human History
Home to grizzlies, coastal wolves and the mysterious white Spirit Bear. Our tours are timed for peak natural events.
Related Stories
Follow our coastal expeditions with notes from the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to your questions about our Great Bear Rainforest itineraries. Refer to our Frequently Asked Questions for more general trip and booking information.
To reach Prince Rupert, Kitimat, or Bella Bella you can fly Pacific Coastal Airlines through Vancouver airport (YVR). For flights arriving into Kitimat or Bella Bella, we will arrange to pick you up at the airport and shuttle you to the ship. If you are ending in Kitimat or Bella Bella, transport is arranged back to the airport along with other guests on your tour. For guests arriving into Prince Rupert airport, you will need to collect your luggage and load it onto the luggage vehicle before you board a separate shuttle. Both vehicles will drive you to the ferry and cross to downtown Prince Rupert drop off. Collect your luggage and taxi to the marina (contact information for taxi companies is provided to you before your tour).
Our schedule is designed to accommodate incoming flights on the day of departure and most guests will arrive on the day. But, if you would like to arrive a little early to avoid the stress of possible flight delays, you will find recommendations for local hotels and activities in your welcome aboard package.
Fall brings mild temperatures to the Great Bear Rainforest, averaging 10-15°C (50-59°F) with occasional rain. The region’s temperate rainforest thrives in this season, showcasing its vibrant colours. Be prepared with waterproof clothing and layers for changing weather conditions and check local forecasts before your trip for the most up-to-date information.
One of the peak seasons to visit the Great Bear Rainforest is during the Fall, specifically from late August to October. This period coincides with the salmon run, when millions of salmon return to the rivers to spawn. This natural phenomenon attracts a wide range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, black bears, and the rare white Spirit Bear, all gathering along the coast to feast on the abundant salmon. It’s important to note that the Great Bear Rainforest experiences a temperate climate, which means it can be visited year-round. However, if you specifically want to witness the salmon run and maximize your chances of seeing bears, Fall is an ideal time to plan your visit.
Spirit bears live in the Great Bear Rainforest year-round. The best time for the opportunity to view a spirit bear is after the rains have come in autumn. This means you should plan to come in September or October. It’s important to note that this is a rare bear that lives in an extremely rugged, mountainous environment. We do not guarantee that you will see a spirit bear, even in September and October. But because we know the area so well, we have an excellent track record.
If you don’t care about that (or you are a betting person, knowing that at least 50% of the time people see spirit bears in late August), but you do want to be sure to have a good chance to view grizzly bears, then you can come in August as well.
