The dense forest of the Great Bear Rainforest offers sanctuary to large numbers of black bear, brown (grizzly) bear, cougar, wolf, deer and beaver. The area is also home to the rare spirit bear - almost white in colour, this is a rare genetic mutation of the black bear.
This is one of the largest remaining tracts of unspoiled temperate rainforest left in the world, with one thousand year old western red cedars and 90-metre-high Sitka spruces. The forest’s unique nature is a result of its proximity to both the Pacific Ocean and the mountains of the interior, and no other mainland location offers such intimate wildlife encounters amidst such breathtaking natural splendour. Logging has now been banned in 33% of Great Bear Forest and the area now supports one of the world’s last sustainable populations of brown bear.
The magnificent brown, or grizzly, bear is a threatened species that requires large areas of habitat undisturbed by human activity. The massive grizzly definteiy sits at the top of the natural food chain and is essential for the balance of the ecosystem. As you explore remote fjords you can expect to see these impressive creatures, they will congregate at the estuaries of large rivers and feed on salmon, returning upriver to spawn. The primeval forests of Princess Royal Island are the habitat of the rare Kermode or ‘spirit’ bear – a unique subspecies of black bear with a recessive gene that produces white fur. Only some ten per cent of the bears are white, so although you can expect to see black bears, it requires luck and perseverance to spot a spirit bear.
The humpback whale is a common sighting here in the summer season, and you will spot its large blow, which sends a plume severalms high before the whale dives deep to feed on the plentiful shrimp and krill located on the sandy ocean bed. During a visit you’ll see various species of marine mammals, but Campania Sound and Whale Channel offer the best opportunities to watch humpbacks. Here you may see spectacular examples of behaviour such as breaching and a cooperative feeding technique known as bubble-net feeding.
You may also encounter the infamous orca, also known as killer whale, an extraordinary sight! Despite their name, orcas are in fact a member of the dolphin family. Orcas will eat pretty much anything that swims in front of them: seabirds, salmon, seals, squid, other whales etc – but not humans. The Pacific white-sided dolphin is a powerful and acrobatic swimmer and you will often see these beautiful mammals riding the bow waves of the vessels that ply these coastal waters. If fortunate you may even see a super pod, which can contain more than a hundred individuals.
You can also experience native culture, with permission from the local Gitga’at, Kitasoo/Xai’Xais, and Haisla First Nations peoples, and spend a day with local Gitga’at guides who will share their culture and history as they guide you to their favourite locations for bear watching.
The Great Bear Rainforest covers roughly 70,000 square kilometres of British Columbia's forested coastline, extending from the Discovery Islands in the south, north to the Alaskan border, and including the offshore islands.
Focus on seeing British Columbia’s largest carnivore - the brown or grizzly bear. Fly by floatplane to your wilderness lodge of choice, and enjoy daily bear watching trips, either by boat, kayak or from hides, affording some remarkably close up encounters and an unforgettable experience. Find out more about The Bear Essentials
Our Festival of Bears returns to one of our favourite locations for bear watching – Knight Inlet in Glendale Cove. Wildlife Worldwide Founder Chris Breen and guests accompany a special visit to the Great Bear Rainforest to see grizzlies at prime time and possibly humpback whales, orca and black bear. Find out more about Z) Festival of Bears
This exciting wildlife watching group holiday to British Columbia has been expertly designed to maximise wildlife sightings. Visiting both Vancouver Island and the Great Bear Rainforest, we should see a whole range of mammals and birds including orca, sea otters, grizzly and black bears. Find out more about British Columbia’s Wildlife Highlights
A small ship adventure to search for the legendary all-white spirit bear, and humpback whales deep in the Great Bear Rainforest. A maze of islands and waterways, the area is also home to black bears and grizzlies, and there are daily sea kayak excursions to view wildlife and visit traditional communities. Find out more about Great Bear Rainforest
Amongst the forested, mist-shrouded islands off the coast of British Columbia, we spend time exploring this pristine habitat on land and by sea in search of two of Canada’s apex predators, the grizzly bear and elusive coastal wolf, in addition to a supporting cast of other intriguing species. Find out more about In Search of Coastal Wolves & Grizzly Bears
Seeing a humpback whale lunging through a school of bait fish, or a pod of killer whales surfacing in unison, are often considered to be once in a lifetime experiences, yet they are both possible on this water-based tour, along with the other star of British Columbia’s extraordinary wildlife – the grizzly bear. Find out more about Kayaking with Whales & Grizzlies
Travel to Canada's West Coast and take time to immerse yourself in one of the finest wildlife locations in North America. By spending six nights you can appreciate the serenity and splendour of the Broughton Archipelago, Great Bear Rainforest and Johnstone Strait as well as the region's wealth of wildlife. Find out more about Safari Slowly on Canada’s West Coast
Originally built in 1896 as a hunting lodge, this historic retreat lies in the heart of the Bella Coola Valley and is surrounded by cascading waterfalls, old growth rainforest and – of course – bears! It has just 14 rooms, all with mountain views, and there are waking trails starting from the property. Find Out More about Bella Coola Mountain Lodge
Berry Island Wilderness Lodge is nestled on the coast, surrounded by 12 hectares of forest. Located between Vancouver Island and mainland British Colombia, this unique and charming lodge offers spectacular panoramic views of the Canadian coastline and features just 12 bedroom suites with private bathrooms. Find Out More about Berry Island Wilderness Lodge
This bright and airy timber-built floating lodge is located in in the Nekite Valley, part of the Great Bear Rainforest, and is accessed by floatplane from Port Hardy. The lodge operates two fully-guided bear-watching sessions per day; other guided activities include sea kayaking and interpretive hikes. Find Out More about Great Bear Lodge
Some 60 kilometres inland along the largest fjord on the British Columbia coast, Knight Inlet Lodge is tucked into Glendale Cove. Situated in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest, this floating lodge offers boat trips to explore the hidden coves of the inlet, allowing you to view bears at eye-level. Find Out More about Knight Inlet Lodge
Built in traditional style, Spirit Bear Lodge is a waterfront lodge and a comfortable place to relax after exploring the Great Bear Rainforest. It has 12 rooms, all with ocean or forest views, where you can gaze out towards the Pacific Ocean and watch for passing orcas, dolphins and sealions. Find Out More about Spirit Bear Lodge
Dating from the 1930s, Tweedsmuir Park Lodge is a classic former hunting lodge that now accommodates eco visitors. The chalets are in a spacious setting with spectacular views; bears and other wildlife are regularly seen in the grounds and the lodge organises drift trips down the McKenzie River. Find Out More about Tweedsmuir Park Lodge
EXPEDITION VESSEL
Island Odyssey is a 21-metre ketch-rigged yacht, designed for cruising the coastlines of British Columbia and Alaska. Originally built as a luxurious private yacht, she has been renovated to update the cabins and all safety systems. Accommodation consists of eight double cabins, showers and a lounge/library. Find Out More about Island Odyssey
EXPEDITION VESSEL
A 21-metre ketch-rigged yacht, the Island Roamer is large enough for comfort, privacy and safety, yet small enough to create a good atmosphere on board. She features eight private cabins, showers, a large salon and lounge areas. On deck, a large covered seating area provides protection against the elements. Find Out More about Island Roamer
EXPEDITION VESSEL
The Island Solitude accommodates 12 guests in large, spacious cabins, each with two lower berths and an en suite bathroom. At 24 metres in length, she has been built locally and specifically designed for cruising the coastline of British Columbia in search of the prolific wildlife to be found there. Find Out More about Island Solitude
British Travel Awards
Awarded Silver in Favourite Tour Operator for Nature & Wildlife 2024 & 2025
Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards
Awarded Bronze in Best Travel Company for Wildlife & Nature Holidays 2024
