Great Bear Rainforest
Embark on a North American Safari In the Fall
Follow magnificent runs of wild salmon to the home of black, grizzly, and the elusive white-furred spirit bear.
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: 6 – 10 Days
- Ports: Prince Rupert, Kitimat, Bella Bella
- Includes a Canadian Geographic Itinerary
Switch between tabs to see itinerary options and departures
Great Bear Rainforest Autumn
- Maple Leaf & Swell
- 7 nights, 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.
Day 1:
Shuttle to Bella Bella from airport. Welcome to Heiltsuk territory by local guide. Visit to spectacular big house in Bella Bella with cultural interpretation. Board ship, cruising through islands and fjords. Early evening river exploration with spawning salmon, and learning about the “salmon forest.”
Day 2:
Morning kayak or beach walk. Cruising into Fjordland. Spectacular channels surrounded by granite mountains. Massive waterfalls, pictographs. Explore river estuary by boat and foot, watching for grizzly bears who live here, in one of the best havens for bears.
Day 3:
Morning bear viewing, then cruising spectacular inside passage watching for whales. Visit beautiful fjord laced with waterfalls. Afternoon shore trip.
Day 4:
Exploring the fjord’s small river by zodiac. Natural history of a grizzly bear’s life, watching for bears who live here. Afternoon wildlife viewing shore trip on other side of river. Coastal cruising to new anchorage. Hot springs visit and soak.
Day 5:
Spirit bear island anchorage. Shore excursion to one of the places with the best chance for viewing spirit bears. Cruising into Whale Channel, humpback whale watching en route to anchorage.
Day 6:
Visit with whale researchers at remote station. Sailing down coastal channel, watching whales in one of the coast’s most important habitats for cetaceans. Visit sea lion haulout. Anchorage near west coast. Optional evening kayak or shore trip.
DAY 7:
Cruising outer coast to scenic island anchorage. Visit beautiful, wild beach. Optional hike to view. Look for wolf tracks, listen for wolves and if really lucky perhaps view a glimpse of one. Cruising through inner channels watching for whales. Island anchorage.
DAY 8:
Short morning exploration. Cruising to port to disembark. Shuttle to airport.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| August 30 – September 6, 2027 | $9,400 | 7 | Bella Bella | Kitimat | Maple Leaf |
| September 7 – 14, 2027 | $9,400 | 7 | Kitimat | Bella Bella | Maple Leaf |
| September 15 – 22, 2027 | $9,400 | 7 | Bella Bella | Kitimat | Maple Leaf |
| September 24 – October 1, 2027 | $9,400 | 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
- 8 or 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 that trips in 2025 include an extra day of exploration
Day 1: Board your ship in Bella Bella, BC. Meet Heiltsuk guide who welcomes us to the territory. Visit spectacular big house.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| September 11 – 18, 2027 | $12,030, $13,090, $15,120 | 7 | Bella Bella | Kitimat | Swell |
| September 19 – 26, 2027 | $12,030, $13,090, $15,120 | 7 | Kitimat | Bella Bella | Swell |
| September 27 – October 4, 2027 | $12,030, $13,090, $15,120 | 7 | Bella Bella | Kitimat | Swell |
| October 5 – 12, 2027 | $12,030, $13,090, $15,120 | 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
- Catamaran
- 7 Nights, 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.
Day 1:
Welcome aboard in Haisla territory, cruising to evening anchorage, watching for whales. Evening rainforest walk before dinner.
Day 2:
Morning small boat cruise exploring marine world of Great Bear Rainforest. Cruising into fjords, crossing into Henaaksiala territory, with traditions and stories of our mentor, Killer Whale Clan elder Wa’xaid (Cecil Paul). Cruising down the Gardner Canal, 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.
Day 3:
Optional morning kayak or small boat tour. Learning the Indigenous history and stories of special sites in the spectacular fjords and inlets of Henaaksiala territory. Visit remote coastal hot spring.
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. Cruising west into Whale Channel, watching for whales en route to anchorage.
Day 5:
Cruising Whale Channel region, a critical habitat for several species of whales. Marine mammal viewing. Visit whale researchers at remote station. Visit sea lion haulout. Anchorage near west coast. Optional evening kayak or shore trip.
Day 6:
Cruising outer coast to scenic island anchorage. Visit beautiful, wild beach. Optional hike to view. Look for wolf tracks, listen for wolves and if really lucky perhaps view a glimpse of one.
Day 7:
Cruising to and exploring archipelago of tiny islands, some areas so wild they’re not yet charted. Seabird viewing. Cruising through inner channels watching for whales. Island anchorage.
Day 8:
Cruising to port, watching for wildlife.
Departures
Find ideal trip dates for your Great Bear Rainforest 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 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 | $13,995, $17,995 | 7 | Kitimat | Kitimat | Cascadia |
| August 26 – September 2, 2027 | $13,170, $15,260, $17,340 | 7 | Kitimat | Kitimat | Cascadia |
| September 12 – 19, 2027 | $13,170, $15,260, $17,340 | 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
- 7 Nights, 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.
Day 1:
Welcome aboard in Haisla territory, cruising to anchorage, watching for whales. Evening talk by Wade Davis.
Day 2:
Crossing into Hennaksiala territory, cruising down a spectacular fjord, where granite mountains rise from thousands of feet below the sea. Learning the stories of this land shared with us by our mentor Wa’xaid. Perspectives discussion with Wade. 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:
Wildlife viewing and exploring landscapes among the fjords. Cruising the Great Bear’s island channels. Visit to natural hot springs.
Day 4:
Visit island known as the epicentre of spirit bears with our Gitga’at guides. Full day at viewing site for the best opportunity to view a spirit bear.
Day 5–7:
Morning shore exploration in estuary. Cruising Whale Channel region, critical habitat for several whale species. Visit whale researchers at remote station. Morning shore trip in beautiful inlet. Optional kayaking. Cruise to port, watching for wildlife. Visit wild outer islands and beaches, with hike to view. Cruising to and exploring archipelago of tiny islands, some areas so wild they’re not yet fully charted. Possible wolf sighting. Additional conversations, presentations and one-on-one time with Wade. Last night dinner and photo sharing.
Day 8:
Morning shore trip in beautiful inlet. Optional kayaking. Cruise to port, 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 7 – 14, 2026 | $12,850, $14,890, $16,950 | 7 | Kitimat | Kitimat | Cascadia |
| September 3 – 10, 2027 | $13,695, $15,835, $17,995 | 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 Supervoyage
- Swell
- 9 Nights, 10 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 aboard and cruising through the islands of the Great Bear Rainforest. Evening kayaking in scenic bay before welcome dinner.
Day 2:
Cruising the islands of the outer coast, watching for wildlife. Exploring the kelp forest by small boat or kayak. Shore trips on beautiful beaches and shoreline, including habitat of the coastal wolf. Hike to view and evening beach fire.
Day 3:
Further remote island exploration – beaches, kayaking, small boat tours. Whale watching in one of the best areas for viewing humpback whales, and possibly fin whales or other species.
Day 4:
Sea lion haulout, whale watching, visit whale researchers at a remote station. Cruising into the inner channels of the Great Bear Rainforest. Natural hot springs visit.
Day 5:
Meet our Gitga’at guides from Hartley Bay to spend the day in a location well known for the rare spirit bear.
Day 6:
Cruising Inside Passage to mainland fjord. Rainforest hike and interpretation. Cruise to second, different mainland inlet, laced with waterfalls. Early evening shore trip for wildlife viewing in habitat for grizzly bears.
Day 7:
Morning exploration of different part of river by small boat, watching for grizzly bears. Walking the estuary meadow, learning about the lifestyle of coastal grizzlies. Cruising through spectacular inside passage, watching for wildlife. Evening kayak.
Day 8:
Morning shore walk exploring the rainforest ecosystem and the salmon running into it. Cruising spectacular Fjordland full of granite mountains, waterfalls. Visit estuary where grizzly bears live. Shore trip to explore and watch for wildlife.
Day 9:
Further explorations and wildlife viewing in Fjordland.
Day 10:
Morning kayak or shore walk. Cruising to port. Meet Heiltsuk guide who welcomes us to the territory. Visit spectacular big house in Bella Bella that includes cultural interpretation.
Departures
Find ideal trip dates for your Great Bear Rainforest 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 2 – 11, 2026 | $13,950, $15,250, $17,600 | 9 | Prince Rupert | Bella Bella | Swell |
| September 1 – 10, 2027 | $14,570, $15,900, $18,330 | 9 | Prince Rupert | 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.
Great Bear Rainforest Catamaran (6-Day)
- Cascadia
- 5 Nights, 6 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:
Local Heiltsuk territorial welcome. Depart from Bella Bella, cruising through islands to a protected conservancy in beautiful natural fjords.
Day 2:
Explore fjords and estuaries and grizzly bear habitat, by small boat and walk, learning about bears’ lifecycle and looking for bears. Cruising the inner channel waters, watching for whales. Afternoon shore trip in bear habitat. Rainforest walk and watching for wildlife.
Day 3:
Cruising up Dean Channel fjord. Stop at historic site, then visit to inlet covered in scenic waterfalls or scenic cove with kayaking and wildlife viewing potential.
Day 4:
Morning kayak. Visit and soak in natural hot springs, next to ocean, in scenic inlet. Exploring the waterways and the Quatlena River system. Rainforest interpretive walk.
Day 5:
Cruising across Fitzhugh Sound, watching whales. Entering the realm of the Great Bear Rainforest’s outer islands. Small boat exploration of the many islands in Nalu Passage. Heading to the offshore Goose Group of islands. Shore trips on island beaches, watching for sea otters. Exploring the fascinating intertidal life of the outer shores.
Day 6:
Morning kayaking among the pretty Goose Group islands, watching for sea otters. Meet Heiltsuk guide who welcomes us to the territory. Visit spectacular big house in Bella Bella.
Departures
Find ideal trip dates for your Great Bear Rainforest 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 4 – 9, 2026 | $8,890, $10,350, $11,770 | 5 | Bella Bella | Bella Bella | Cascadia |
| October 10 – 15, 2026 | $8,890, $10,350, $11,770 | 5 | Bella Bella | Bella Bella | Cascadia |
| September 30 – October 5, 2027 | $9,360, $10,860, $12,325 | 5 | Bella Bella | Bella Bella | Cascadia |
| October 6 – 11, 2027 | $9,360, $10,860, $12,325 | 5 | Bella Bella | Bella Bella | 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 Sailing Ship (6-Day)
- Maple Leaf
- 5 Nights, 6 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:
Local Heiltsuk territorial welcome and tour of beautiful big house with local guide. Welcome aboard and departure. Seaforth Channel and then cruising among the islands. Shore trip to explore the coastal temperate rainforest and the salmon running into it.
Day 2:
Morning kayak in protected rainforest bay. Inside Passage cruising, looking for marine mammals and bald eagles. Cruising north through the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest to spectacular mainland inlet laced with waterfalls. Bear viewing in this beautiful estuary.
Day 3:
Morning looking for grizzly bears. Estuary walk and exploration of the lifestyle and home of grizzly bears. Wildlife viewing and river exploration. Cruising inside passage, watching for whales. Afternoon visit to second spectacular mainland inlet, rainforest hike.
Day 4:
Meet our Gitga’at guides from Hartley Bay to spend the day in a location well known for the rare spirit bear.
Day 5:
Visit and soak in natural hot springs. Whale watching. Explore third and different mainland inlet estuary, looking for wildlife and estuary walk.
Day 6:
Morning kayak in beautiful inlet. Cruising to port, watching for wildlife.
Departures
Find ideal trip dates for your Great Bear Rainforest 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 4 – 9, 2026 | $6,300 | 5 | Bella Bella | Kitimat | Maple Leaf |
| October 10 – 15, 2026 | $6,300 | 5 | Kitimat | Bella Bella | Maple Leaf |
| October 2 – 7, 2027 | $6,900 | 5 | Bella Bella | Kitimat | Maple Leaf |
| October 8 – 13, 2027 | $6,900 | 5 | 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.
Your 2026 Canadian Geographic Ambassador
Jenny Wong is a visual storyteller, wildlife and adventure photographer, whose work brings science, conservation, and place to life through careful observation and compelling imagery. On these Special Edition expeditions, Jenny shares both her photographic approach and her broader perspective on conservation storytelling, helping guests slow down, observe carefully, and engage more deeply with the landscapes and wildlife of the wild Pacific Northwest.
September 7 – 14, 2026
Your 2027 Canadian Geographic Ambassador
Joining us in September 2027, Wade Davis brings rare depth of perspective to this coast. An anthropologist, ethnobotanist, writer, and Honorary Vice-President of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, Wade has spent a lifetime engaging with knowledge rooted in place and the landscapes that sustain it. On this Canadian Geographic Special Edition Expedition, his perspective invites reflection on stewardship, continuity, and why the Great Bear Rainforest matters far beyond its shores.
September 3 – 10, 2027
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Fly to the Great Bear Rainforest in 2027
Enjoy Complementary Airfare between the Great Bear Rainforest and Vancouver/Victoria
Book your Great Bear Rainforest fall trip by Feb 28, 2027 and not only will we book your flights for you but you’ll receive them for free!
Qualifying Trips
- Great Bear Rainforest, Aug 30-Sept 6, Sep 7-14, Sep 15-22, Sep 24-Oct 1, Oct 2-7, Oct 8-13 2027, SV Maple Leaf
- Great Bear Rainforest, Aug 26-Sep 2 and Oct 6-11 2027, MV Cascadia
Terms and Conditions
Economy fare. (NB there is only economy fare available on these routes.) This offer cannot be transferred to other destinations. Offer has no cash or credit value and cannot be redeemed for alternative benefits. For the trips, Maple Leaf Adventures is responsible for arranging and covering the cost of airfare from Vancouver to the specified destination as a part of this special offer. However, we do not assume responsibility for any matters, including delays, lost baggage, or any incidents that occur during the flight itself. Cannot be combined with another offer, except Pay in Full and standard back to back trip offers. Must book the deadline to qualify. Flight tickets will be issued after final balance paid and after we receive them from the airline. Does not include additional baggage. This offer is not applicable to full-ship charters aboard the Maple Leaf when booked through travel trade partners..
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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 culture and natural wonder of the BC coast!
Qualifying Trips (2026)
- Salish Sea Expedition with Canadian Geographic, Apr 14-18, Swell
- Desolation Sound, Apr 21-25, Apr 25-30, Swell, May 3-7, Cascadia
- Haida Gwaii May 11-18, May 18-25, Cascadia.
- Whales and Wild Isles, Aug 9-17, Cascadia
- Whales and Wild Isles 5 days, Aug 18-22, Cascadia
- Great Bear Rainforest, Aug 30-Sep 6, Oct 10-15, Cascadia
- Desolation Sound & Fjords of BC, Oct 18-26, Cascadia, Oct 18-27, Swell
- Craft Beer Cruise, Oct 28- Nov 1, Swell
- Wines & Islands, Oct 27-31, Cascadia
Qualifying Trips (2027)
- Salish Sea Expedition with Canadian Geographic, Apr 12-16, Swell
- Desolation Sound, Apr 24-28, Apr 29-May 3, Swell
- Desolation Sound, April 15-19, Cascadia
- Haida Gwaii May 5-12, May 12-19, Cascadia
- Whales & Wild Isles 5 Days, Aug 2-7, Aug 9-17, Cascadia
- Great Bear Rainforest, Aug 26-Sep 2 and Oct 6-11, Cascadia
- Des Sound & Fjords of BC, Oct 15-24, Cascadia
- Des Sound & Fjords of BC, Oct 17-26, Swell
- Craft Beer Cruise, Oct 27-31, Swell
- Wines & Islands, Oct 25-29, Cascadia.
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.
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.
