We’re thrilled to announce a special opportunity for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers: due to the success of our shorter Great Bear Rainforest expeditions this summer, we’re offering a shorter version for this fall, too. This unique expedition, running from October 9th to 13th, 2024, is specially designed to immerse you in the breathtaking beauty and wildlife of the Great Bear Rainforest during one of its most magical seasons.
Why Autumn is a Perfect Time
Autumn in the Great Bear Rainforest is a peak time for bear viewing, as the first rains draw bears to the rivers to feast on the plentiful salmon. This season is also the only time you might, if lucky, encounter the elusive and rare spirit bear.
For Maple Leaf naturalist, Sherry Kirkvold, October in the Great Bear Rainforest feels like the “grand finale” of the season. During the last trip of the season, the entire area often seems to be teeming with action. “We’ve had time to find out which areas various species are using, and everything is taking advantage of the abundant food before they migrate, hibernate, or just settle into the slower pace that comes with winter,” Sherry explains.
As a bonus, the vibrant fall colours add to the already beautiful scenery.
The Journey Aboard Cascadia
For this five-day, four-night expedition, you’ll be cruising aboard our luxurious catamaran, Cascadia. With fewer than 24 guests on board, the journey promises an intimate and personalized adventure. The trip begins and ends in Kitimat, BC, with the nearest airport in Terrace, offering daily flights from Vancouver.
What’s Included
Your all-inclusive fare covers everything from meals and snacks to shore trips and guiding. Here’s a breakdown of the cabin pricing:
- Category 1 Cabin: $6,675/person + $200 Sustainability Fee and 5% GST
- Category 2 Cabin: $7,750/person + $200 Sustainability Fee and 5% GST
- Category 3 Cabin: $8,825/person + $200 Sustainability Fee and 5% GST
And here’s some exciting news for solo travellers: book a Category 1 cabin and we’ll waive the Single Supplement, allowing you to enjoy the comfort of your own cabin at no extra cost.
Itinerary Highlights
Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect on this adventure:
-
Day 1: After boarding in Kitimat, enjoy a welcome lunch and a cruise through stunning fjords, watching for marine mammals and birds. We’ll explore a river estuary and the surrounding rainforest before anchoring in a serene cove.
-
Day 2: We’ll navigate the Gardner Canal, a breathtaking fjord with towering peaks, where you’ll have opportunities for bear watching, kayaking, and learning about the rich cultural history of the Henaaksiala people.
-
Day 3: The adventure continues with bear viewing, a hot springs soak, and whale watching as we explore more of the untouched coast.
-
Day 4: Spend the entire day with our Gitga’at guides on Gribbell Island, seeking out black bears and, with a bit of luck, the spirit bear.
-
Day 5: The journey wraps up with a morning kayak and shore exploration before cruising back to Kitimat.
The Great Bear Rainforest: A Natural Wonder
The Great Bear Rainforest, located on Canada’s Inside Passage, is the world’s largest intact temperate rainforest. This remote wilderness, accessible only by water, is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and the rare spirit bear. The pristine environment and thriving ecosystems are a testament to the region’s natural splendour and the ongoing efforts to protect it.
Travel with Purpose
Our locally owned and operated crew has been deeply involved in the conservation of this region for decades. We work closely with the Coastal First Nations—the Heiltsuk, Kitasoo Xai’xais, Haisla, Gitga’at, and Henaaksiala—to develop a conservation-based model for tourism here, and offer authentic cultural experiences.
Experience Cascadia
Cascadia, our expedition-style catamaran, is built for high-quality, boutique cruises. With 12 luxurious cabins and a dedicated crew of 10, she offers an intimate, comfortable, and truly immersive experience of the BC coast.
Take a virtual tour of Cascadia to see what awaits you:
Your Personalized Adventure
This expedition is not just a trip; it’s a personalized journey that connects you with the wildlife, landscapes, and cultures of the Great Bear Rainforest. Whether you’re kayaking through calm waters, spotting bears in their natural habitat, or enjoying a gourmet meal prepared with fresh, local ingredients, every moment is designed to provide a wonderful sense of adventure.
Getting There
We’re happy to assist with booking your flights. Daily flights from Vancouver to Terrace arrive in time for an 11:15 am boarding, with return flights departing in the late afternoon.
Express Your Interest
To operate this trip, we need a minimum of six bookings. If you’re interested, please let us know as soon as possible. Once we confirm enough interest, we’ll make the trip official. Don’t miss this chance to experience the Great Bear Rainforest in all its autumn glory.
We look forward to welcoming you aboard!
Update: We have reached the minimum bookings required. Thank you to all those who inquired, and if you’re still mulling it over—reach out to our friendly team!
Inquire Today
