Expedition update from Maple Leaf Adventures Naturalist, Marcus Atkins, in the Great Bear Rainforest:
“Anchored on the outer coast of the Great Bear Rainforest, we knew we were in active wolf territory—though your chances of seeing one are slim. But, as they say, if you don’t buy a ticket, you can’t win the lottery.
So as the sun dipped low on the horizon, we loaded up the boats with eager guests—all hopeful for a glimpse of the elusive coastal wolf. We scoured the white, sandy pocket beaches where fresh tracks had been spotted earlier in the day, eyes straining through binoculars as dusk began to settle. A little disheartened (but unsurprised) as no wolves came, we turned back to Cascadia ready to call it a night. Just as we were about to leave, several shadowy canine figures emerged from the treeline. Light was fading fast, but the feeling of elation was palpable as we watched three playful pups and two adult coastal wolves bounding about the sand, their forms barely visible.
With renewed excitement we set out again at first light, this time in kayaks, gliding quietly through the morning mist. Although we only caught a fleeting glimpse of the young pups, the morning gifted us with the sight of an adult wolf lounging lazily on the beach. Seemingly unperturbed by our kayaks, we sat silently offshore, watching as the wolf yawned, stretched, and wandered along the sand, pausing to sniff at anything the tide had brought in overnight. Soon after it slipped back into the forest, leaving us in a still wonder…”
Photo: Marcus Atkins
A coastal wolf rests on the white sand, its fur almost indistinguishable from the driftwood and shoreline—an ideal camouflage for this coastal predator.
While coastal wolves (or sea wolves) are a symbol of the Great Bear Rainforest’s untamed wilderness, their story here is not without its challenges. In British Columbia, the struggle for the survival of coastal wolves is exacerbated by alarming statistics: approximately 1,200 wolves are killed annually for “recreational” purposes.
In response, our friends at Raincoast Conservation Foundation are taking significant steps to enshrine their protection, purchasing hunting tenures to secure safe havens for this unique subspecies. You can learn more about coastal wolves and their conservation at the Raincoast website.
The Great Bear Rainforest is home to a rich tapestry of wildlife, including the rare coastal wolf. Join us on an adventure where no two outings are the same—though all offer a chance to connect with the nature that surrounds us. Explore our itineraries that cover the habitat of sea wolves, and embark on a journey of discovery. By choosing to book with Maple Leaf Adventures, you are contributing to the protection of coastal wolves and their habitat—as part of every trip fare goes toward incredible organisations like Raincoast Conservation Foundation through our 1% For the Planet membership.
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