Great Bear Rainforest 12 Passenger Expedition

Great Bear Rainforest Adventure Cruise

Prices From £6,220pp
August to October | 7 nights

Great Bear Rainforest Adventure Cruise

Aboard: Island Solitude

Carrying just 12 Passengers. Journey deep into the Great Bear Rainforest, one of the planet’s last great wildernesses. This remarkable expedition through British Columbia’s remote coastal fjords and lush temperate rainforest reveals a world where ancient trees, salmon-filled rivers, and wildlife-rich shores thrive in perfect harmony.

Cruising between Kitimat and Bella Bella, you’ll explore mist-shrouded valleys, tranquil inlets, and pristine estuaries alive with life. Watch for humpback whales, orca, and sea lions in the rich coastal waters, and join Gitga’at First Nation guides in search of the legendary Spirit bear, the rare white variant of the black bear found only in this region.

Each day brings new discoveries, from soaking in Bishop Bay hot springs to exploring the towering fjords of Fiordland Conservancy. With expert naturalists on board, the trip offers an immersive and respectful way to experience the cultural heritage, ecological beauty, and wild heart of Canada’s Pacific coast.

Please note: Some departures will operate in reverse. Please enquire for full dates and rates.

Highlights

  • Explore the pristine fjords and forests of the Great Bear Rainforest, discovering remote inlets, estuaries, and lush coastal valleys
  • Search for grizzly and black bears, and spend time with Gitga’at First Nation guides in search of the rare Spirit bear
  • Watch for humpback whales, orca, fin whales, porpoises, and Steller sea lions in the rich coastal waters
  • Exceptional Birding 
  • Explore the magnificent Khutze Inlet and Fiordland Conservancy, home to grizzlies, coastal wolves, and ancient cedar forests
  • Visit Bishop Bay hot springs for a relaxing soak surrounded by wild mountain scenery
  • Learn about local whale research and conservation from scientists working along the Douglas Channel
  • Experience the Great Bear Rainforest’s powerful blend of culture, wildlife, and natural beauty in one of the world’s last intact temperate rainforests

What's Included

  • All meals onboard ship from lunch on the first day to breakfast on the last
  • Shuttle between select hotels in Terrace and the marina in Kitimat on Day 1
  • Transportation from the marina to the airport in Bella Bella on Day 8
  • Applicable permits, Park user fees, and First Nations protocol fees
  • Full use of all facilities aboard the vessel
  • Captain, Chef, Crew, Naturalist

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Terrace to Kitimat - Embark
1Day

Terrace to Kitimat - Embark

Arrive independently to Terrace, British Columbia, where your adventure begins. A scenic shuttle transfer takes you to the coastal town of Kitimat, where you’ll meet your expert crew and step aboard your vessel. As the ship departs, settle into life on board and take in your first glimpses of the Great Bear Rainforest, a realm of towering fjords, mist-shrouded forests, and winding estuaries alive with life.

Please note: The voyage follows one of three route variations. Please enquire for specific start and end locations.

Winding Waterways & Wonderful Wildlife
2 - 4Days

Winding Waterways & Wonderful Wildlife

Over the next few days, your vessel navigates the winding waterways of the southern Douglas Channel, a region teeming with marine life and breathtaking scenery. Keep watch for humpback whales surfacing nearby. These gentle giants may treat you to spectacular displays of breaching, pectoral slaps, or even the rare sight of bubble-net feeding, a remarkable display of cooperation and intelligence. With luck, you might also encounter orca, fin whales, porpoises, or Steller sea lions along the way. When time allows, visit a team of local whale researchers to gain insight into their ongoing conservation work. There may even be a chance to unwind with a soak in the Bishop Bay hot springs, surrounded by forested peaks and a colourful collection of fishing floats. This will offer a perfect moment of calm amid the wild beauty of the Great Bear Rainforest.

The “Salmon Forest”
5 - 7Days

The “Salmon Forest”

Over the next few days, we explore the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest, often called the “Salmon Forest” for the life-giving streams that sustain this extraordinary ecosystem. Cruising along the shores of Princess Royal Island, we keep a careful watch for the elusive Spirit bear, a rare, all-white variant of the black bear, revered by the local Gitga’at First Nation. Accompanied by Gitga’at guides, we’ll venture deep into their traditional territory to quiet spawning streams where, with patience and luck, we may witness Spirit bears and black bears fishing for salmon in the shadow of towering cedars.

This lush coastal wilderness overflows with life. Grizzlies, coastal wolves, and countless bird species thrive here, alongside salmon and marine mammals in the surrounding waters. As we travel through the pristine Khutze Inlet and Fiordland Conservancy, expect breathtaking views of mist-draped fjords, steep granite cliffs, and emerald valleys that define one of the most biodiverse and awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth.

Bella Bella (Waglisla) - Disembark
8Day

Bella Bella (Waglisla) - Disembark

Your journey through the Great Bear Rainforest concludes in the small coastal community of Bella Bella (Waglisla), home to the Heiltsuk First Nation. Arriving at the Bella Bella Municipal Dock before noon, there’s time to bid farewell to your crew and fellow travellers before transferring to the airfield for flights to Vancouver. If you wish to linger a little longer, the nearby settlement of Shearwater, just a short seabus ride away, offers additional amenities and the chance to continue exploring this remote and beautiful corner of British Columbia’s coast.

A view from Above

All Aboard

Island Solitude
Adventure vessel

Island Solitude

Launched in 2017 and custom-built in British Columbia, the Island Solitude is a modern expedition yacht designed to explore Canada’s remote Pacific coast in comfort and style. Carrying just 12 guests, this elegant single-masted sloop combines adventure with sustainability, reaching secluded coves and fjords that larger ships cannot. With an experienced crew and a strong commitment to low-impact travel, each voyage offers an intimate connection with nature and wildlife.

On board, guests enjoy six double-occupancy ensuite cabins featuring cosy duvets, organic toiletries, and opening portholes. The spacious wheelhouse offers 360° views and transforms each evening into a warm, communal dining space, while the aft cockpit and foredeck provide perfect spots for alfresco meals or whale watching. Between zodiac excursions, kayaking, and quiet moments on deck, the Island Solitude delivers a refined yet down-to-earth expedition experience along one of the world’s most spectacular coastlines.

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Canada adventure for you.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

Simon’s deep passion for and first-hand knowledge of a vast range of destinations all over the world gives him the ideal skills to help you create a truly unforgettable wildlife inspired adventure to the most exciting places on the planet.

Sheena Ogley Senior Travel Expert

With countless travel experiences and an enduring hunger for adventure, Sheena knows exactly what’s needed to craft a holiday of a lifetime. Her experience and generosity of spirit are legendary and she’ll help you build an itinerary that will make all your dreams come true.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike lives and breathes adventure travel and has a wealth of experience in some of the most exciting and inspirational destinations in the world. His expertise and first-hand experience afford him the skills to help build holidays to remember.

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Outside the uk
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Call us
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+ 44 1625 5811 43

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Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

Chat Now

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

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