Journey to a Fabled Land of Fjords and Estuaries
The Last Stand of 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. 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
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.
