The Great Bear Rainforest is a land of fjords, islands and great river estuaries. It’s world’s largest intact temperate rainforest. Bears and wolf packs thrive as they have for millennia. Explore the wildlife, the waterfall-filled wonder, and the human history of one of the planet’s most spectacular coastlines – “the last stand of the great North American rainforest,” according to one expert.
The Great Bear Rainforest is a land of fjords, rainforests, islands and great river estuaries. There are no roads. Instead, everyone travels by water.
The many protected, unlogged and ancient rainforests, and the quiet, nutrient-rich ocean, support wildlife and ecosystems as they would have been thousands of years ago across the continent – where grizzly bears and wolf packs roam free and live from what they naturally have always lived from, including abundant salmon runs.
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. calls it “the last stand of the great North American rainforest”.
Explore the worlds of several northwest First Nations: the Heiltsuk, Kitasoo Xai’xais, Haisla, Gitga’at and Henaaksiala. Everywhere is evidence of their civilization.
Fish traps, bark-stripped trees and longhouse remains give testimony to a way of life tuned to the rhythm of nature.
You’ll visit modern villages, talk with local residents, and see the ancient art traditions still in place today.
Get ready for days of adventure and wildlife, supported by a very comfortable expedition ship, a gourmet chef and welcoming guides. Maple Leaf Adventures is a pioneer of tourism in the Great Bear Rainforest, having designed tours here starting in 1991 and advocated for its protection.
Three Seasons in the Great Bear Rainforest
Our experienced crew and naturalist will take you to areas where you’ll be able to witness peak wildlife events:
See each trip’s sample itineraries for specific wildlife that it is customary to see in each season. Not all species are visible in all seasons. Also wildlife have their own agendas and while we plan our trips in the peak season and areas for wildlife viewing, with very experienced guides, we do not guarantee sightings.
Human cultures that have evolved in this landscape for millennia.
Bright green fjords, estuaries filled with wildflowers, where grizzly bears forage in spring. Travel with humpbacks through channels and island groups, watching for black bears along shorelines. Migrating birds, local villages, and much more....
Dramatic landscape surrounds as you cruise deep into the coastal mountain range. From the Kitlope witness steep snow capped peaks, grizzly bears relaxing among tall green sedges, and colourful wildflowers in shades of purple and blue....
Wild west coast beaches with white sand and plenty to explore. Spend days travelling among humpback whales and marine birds. Watch for fin whales, orca, or possibly even a sea otter. Enjoy adventurous shore trips with knowledge guides....
In summertime, explore the wilder parts of the Great Bear, and its abundance of whales. Highlights: remote islands, white sand beaches, whale research station, humpback whales, orcas, seabirds and more....
Explore the fjords and islands during the summer. A wonderful time for coastal exploration, beaches, and exploring remote estuaries. Also a great time for whales and seabirds. This is our award-winning journey into the nature, wildlife and culture of...
Explore the fjords and islands in peak season for bear viewing. This is our award-winning journey into the nature, wildlife and culture of the Great Bear Rainforest. We travel in the traditional territory of the Haisla, Henaaksiala, Gitga'at and sometimes...
Returning salmon have filled the estuaries and wildlife is everywhere! Sail into fjordand and witness the great feast as grizzly bears, black bears, bald eagles feed on the bounty of salmon. Possibly even see the rare and unique spirit bear....
Remote reaches of coastal fjords are full with salmon throughout the fall. Wildlife gather to feast on the fish allowing you to watch grizzly bears, bald eagles and black bears. On some occasions witness the rare sprit bear as it emerges from the forest....
Join Canadian Geographic expert photo instructor to learn new photography techniques. Explore fjords in search of bears. Take time in perfect light to capture the photos you want....
From mid Vancouver Island venture into the Discovery Islands and north into the Broughton Archipelago. Watch for whales and explore island beaches. Sail through Queen Charlotte Sound and into the Great Bear Rainforest. Take shore trips into estuaries....