Great Bear Rainforest: What We Found in the Forest Book now for Spring-Fall 2023. If you're walking along the creek beds of the Great Bear Rainforest and see decapitated salmon scattered about, it's a tell-tale sign that sea . Great Bear Rainforest - Wikipedia If you prefer looking at life from the end of a paddle, consider a raft or drift-boat trip down the Atnarko River. Bella Coola, known as the Gateway to the Great Bear Rainforest, is accessible by car. The flights depart from Vancouver International Airports South Terminal (YVR), which is only a 5-minute car ride from the main terminal. Even without bears, there is a stunning mountain backdrop. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Cruising Quadra Island and Vancouver Island shores. We thought we knew turtles. This free app identifies more than 210 plants, 80 birds, 190 marine invertebrates, 50 fish, and 20 mammals and reptiles. From late August to mid-September, guests can take guided grizzly bear-viewing float trips on the bordering Atnarko River. Access to other communities is usually through one of these locations. Rome2rio makes travelling from Great Bear Rainforest to Vancouver easy. There are likely fewer than 400 of these rare bears in existence. More than 70% of its old-growth forest is now protected from logging. B.C. About 50 grizzlies have 450 sq km of protected wilderness here, which includes dense rainforest, a river mouth estuary, and ocean fjord. Watch for sea otters, seabirds, humpback whales and possible wolves. Fishing on the river is also permitted with an appropriate angling license and obeying fishing restrictions in certain sections of the river. A subspecies of black bear, the Kermode bear has naturally white fur. Leaving Williams Lake, take BC-97S toward Clinton, BC. Marine life is abundant and varied in the coastal waters of the Great Bear Rainforest. We recommend you reserve a spot on the ferry leaving Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal, as the wait for sail times can get quite long in the spring and summer months. Does eating close to bedtime make you gain weight? 250 km | 3 hours 34 mins The scenery between Lillooet and Whistler will leave you speechless. Mystical Haida Gwaii is an ancient archipelago off the coast of Northern BC. Much of the Bella Coola Valley is now protected as part of the Great Bear Rainforest and Tweedsmuir Provincial Park but examples of human history in the Valley are plentiful. This incredible trip covers an immense portion of the Great Bear Rainforest. What a magical and awe-inspiring adventure! 100 Mile House: Accommodations, activities and attractions. Or enjoy dramatic views of Mount Melikan and Mount Stupendous from the comfort of the large outdoor hot tub. Pemberton: The Pemberton area is addictive with its peaceful vibe and idyllic setting, low in a river valley surrounded by the stunning Coastal Mountain range. The Great Bear Rainforest is best explored by its waterwayseither by boat or kayak. Unauthorized use is prohibited. As you make your way through Queen Charlotte Strait, you will pass a few small islands and will have the opportunity to view Sea Lions and Harbor Seals and a variety of marine wildlife. The team spent approximately 400 days in the field. After youve seen the lookout, follow the trail that parallels the train tracks north. Whistler: A resort town in the southern Pacific Ranges of the Coast Mountains, Whistler is located 36 km south of Pemberton. The Great Bear Rainforest IMAX Film - Pacific Wild From Bella Coola, head out on a wildlife-viewing safari withBella Coola Grizzly Tours, or go on a boat ride through glacial fjords to a natural hot springs, where you can have a soak before tucking into a barbecue lunch. Vancouver Is Awesome on Instagram: "We are now doing presales for our *1234567891011121314151617181920, How many children? FromTweedsmuir Park Lodge, go heli-hiking in the Bella Coola Valley, take a guided nature walk, go birdwatching, or simply float down a river and take in the majesty. Part 8: Whistler to Vancouver. Anahim Lake:Located deep in the heart of the Carrier First Nation territory, Anahim Lake is the eastern gateway to Tweedsmuir Provincial Park and is known for excellent fishing, vast and virtually untouched wilderness, and some spectacular nearby ice fields and waterfalls. Alexis Creek: (Tsilhqotin)an indigenous people who live between the Fraser River and the Coast Mountains. The exploratory nature of these cruises, and the small number of passengers (10 or fewer per trip), creates a more intimate adventure with minimal ecological impact. "The wolves eat the brains," says William Housty. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Great Bear Rainforest Indigenous Tours with Nuxalk Nation | Callum Snape, Safe Travels by Word Travel & Tourism Council. For more on the regions ecology and biodiversity, plus the Queens Commonwealth Canopy and the Great Bear Rainforest Agreement, see theGreat Bear Rainforestwebsite. Lets support Canada together. The Camper's Code has nine rules that are really easy to follow. Observe and connect with the ancient and remote wonderland that is B.C.s Great Bear Rainforest. The Great Bear Rainforest has become a popular destination for travelers seeking first-hand views of the regions stunning landscapes, waterways and array of wildlife. Tweedsmuir Provincial Park: Easily accessible via Highway 20, Tweedsmuir is the transition zone from the Interior Plateau into the Rainbow Range and Coast Mountain Range and, as a result, it provides some of the most dramatic scenery in North America. And take a cultural tour to learn about the vibrant Nuxalk Nation. Unwind after your day of exploring by stretching your muscles and rehydrating in the cedar sauna. The Great Bear Rainforest is a land of fjords, rainforests, islands and great river estuaries. Riske Creek: The tiny community of Riske Creek, named after a Polish pioneer who settled there in the 1860s, is the gateway to a range of outdoor adventures along Highway 20. Watch for fin whales, orca, or possibly even a sea otter. The entrance is well-marked and easily visible. Availability 4 Night Tour Package Arrive Monday - Depart Friday KiNikiNik Lodge, Restaurant & Store:Situated in Redstone between the Chilancoh and Chilcotin Rivers, right on Hwy 20, you cannot miss the beautiful timber-framed, modern designed KiNiKiNiK! This is a breathtaking alternative way of getting to or travelling from Bella Coola. Where to Eat or Drink: If you're a sport fisherman, you can drop off your catch for processing in Prince Rupert at Dolly's Fish Market (it's a depot for St. Jean's Cannery & Smokehouse) before chowing down on the fish 'n' chipslightly battered and fried local halibut or ling cod chunks served piping hot with homemade fries and a Caesar salad. Directions: On the right side of the highway just outside of Lillooet (1881 Hwy 99 North) Lillooet: Lillooet is considered Mile Zero of the Cariboo leg of the Gold Rush trail and is the beginning of the famed Cariboo Waggon Road. The Inside Passage Coastal Adventure cruise is an eight-night journey from Vancouver all the way to Prince Rupert and back, passing alongside the bulk of the Great Bear Rainforest as you travel. Spirit Bears of the Great Bear Rainforest - Atlas Obscura Eagle, Prince Rupert, Grant Harder | Prince Rupert, Mike Seehagel | Nuxalk Nation totem pole, Bella Coola, Eric Berger. You can also choose to relax at the lodge and enjoy the quiet of the forest or participate in one of the self-directed activities such as lawn games, mountain biking or wildlife viewing. Description. Most of the trails are moderate for hiking and require sturdy footwear and a small backpack of snacks and water as the trails can take you quite a way (~2-3 hours). Great Bear Rainforest | Indigenous Tourism BC Here, the waters teem with whales, dolphins, sea otters, porpoises, sea lions, salmon and other creatures. Broughton Archipelago (Whales and Totems), Gulf Islands National Park and Salish Sea. The Kitasoo/Xaixais people guide you through the delicate ecosystem, straight to the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest. Make time to visit the wild and remote Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site, home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of SGang Gwaay. The North Coast and Central Coast regions of B.C. Despite once being the 2nd largest North American town in the 1860s, Lillooet has whittled itself down to a gorgeous small town with a nice mix of modern culture and a rich history of both indigenous peoples and settlers from the gold rush. 2023 Destination BC Corp. All rights reserved. Nimpo Lake: Known as the float plane capital of British Columbia, Nimpo Lake is a major launch point for flightseeing tours and fly-in fishing to the West Chilcotins pristine wilderness lakes and rivers. This beautifully photographed book#8230provides a sense of immediacy, conveying the authors' impassioned respect for the pristine region., The authors' passion for the Great Bear Rainforest, its inhabitants and for shaping attitudes toward protecting its special nature are evident throughout this appealing book#8230Will make a fascinating addition to your coffee table collection, great for . If possible, take a day to drive the road and enjoy the laid-back, relaxing ambience of sunshine and a winding road surrounded by peaked pinnacles. Between hikes, enjoy fresh, local food in town, take a surf lesson, or just gaze out at the wild, open Pacific Ocean. Observe and connect with the ancient and remote wonderland that is B.C.s Great Bear Rainforest. This is a test of the emergency broadcast system. Great Bear Circle Tour | BC Ferries Vacations Find all the transport options for your trip from Vancouver Airport (YVR) to Great Bear Rainforest right here. Spirit Bear Lodge, a tour/lodging outfitter in Klemtu, is owned and operated by the local Kitasoo/Xai'xais First Nations community. Access points include Prince Rupert in the North, Bella Coola in the Heart of Great Bear Rainforest and Port Hardy in the South. Its estimated that over two million people visit annually to ski in the winter and mountain bike in the summer. Pacific Coastal Airlines has scheduled flights into Port Hardy, Bella Coola and Bella Bella from Vancouver while Air Canada flies into Prince Rupert for Northern access. All are first come, first served. In February 2016, the Government of B.C., First Nations, environmental groups, and forest industry representatives announced their final agreement on how the Great Bear Rainforest would be managed. It depends. Check out 5 facts you may not know about BC's temperate rainforest. From mid Vancouver Island venture into the Discovery Islands and north into the Broughton Archipelago. Visit local villages and, welcomed by residents, learn about coastal culture, from First Nations earliest culture to the present. While it is likely you will see an abundance of wildlife on your hike, there are no guarantees. What we can learn from Chernobyl's strays. The eclectic breakfast-to-dinner menu options range from pancakes to chow mein, but stick to the beef burgers: thick, juicy, and with toppings galore. Page not found Instagram You can find information about each day, by clicking on a number. Discover BC's Great Bear Rainforest | Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Experience the entirety of this special region, by taking the time to get to know its rhythms and intricacies, through cruising by yacht and anchoring in special places each night. Follow these tips to travel safely and responsibly in BC. Just click this tab in your browser to flip between this page and the How to Get Here page. Maple Leaf Adventures is a pioneer of tourism in the Great Bear Rainforest, having designed tours here starting in 1991 and advocated for its protection. Alternatively, you can fly or sail into a remote lodge on the coast, such as Farewell Harbour Lodge,Nimmo Bay ResortorKnight Inlet Lodge, and base your adventure there. Become part of Pacific Wild's wolf community and advocate for the protection of wolves in . You can approach the Great Bear Rainforest in several different ways: roads get you only so far in the wilderness. Tour the Great Bear Rainforest | Top BC Road Trips - Land Without Limits For a web-based platform, visitwww.centralcoastbiodiversity.org, *Don't provide personal information . The Great Bear Rainforest is one of the most remote and beautiful places on Earth, and getting here can be half the adventure. For more information on Aboriginal experiences in the Great Bear Rainforest and throughout B.C., visit Indigenous Tourism BC and HelloBC. 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. People can safely view this abundance of activity from a space constructed at rivers edge that serves as a blind or hide. Kitimat, Terrace, and Prince Rupert also have road access from the interior of B.C., and Port Hardy has road access from the rest of Vancouver Island. If youre keen on whale watching, the Johnstone Strait and the Broughton Archipelago (between mainland BC and northernVancouver Island) are two of the best places in the world to spot orcas. Clinton: Clinton is known for its gold rush and pioneer history but also as the Guest Ranch Capital of BC. Explore the wildlife, the waterfall-filled wonder, and the human history of one of the planet's most spectacular coastlines - often called "the last stand of the great North American rainforest. You can reserve waterfront accommodation in Klemtu atSpirit Bear Lodge, a community-based ecotourism venture owned and operated by the Kitasoo/Xaixais First Nation. (With very few roads, the Great Bear Rainforest is accessed mainly by boat or floatplane.). Fun Fact: In what was considered a landmark agreement, a major portion of the Great Bear Rainforest, five million acresalmost the size of New Jerseywas declared off-limits to loggers in 2006. Among other learning tools, this website provides detailed information around: You can also find lessons plans, backgrounders, photographs and other information that can be helpful to further your learning. If this were a real emergency Vancouver and Nanaimo are both gorgeous, well-known and bustling west coast ports in British Columbia. offers direct flights from the Vancouver airport (YVR). Packages - Spirit Bear Lodge Part 2: Side Trip to the West Coast. You can approach the Great Bear Rainforest in several different ways: roads get you only so far in the wilderness. The Great Bear Rainforest is one of the largest temperate rainforests remaining in the world, a sublime and protected ecological wonder. Bear viewing tours in BC fill up fast! A small-boat cruise provides another dramatic perspective for anyone seeking an amazing rainforest visitor experience. The annual salmon run starts around late August and peaks in September or October. This Vancouver Island to Great Bear Rainforest tour covers a broad area of the Canadian Inside Passage, from the dryer Discovery Islands in the south to the steep-sided, rainforest islands and fjords in the north. Rats invaded paradise. The bar for my next adventure. On land, your hosts will guide you through estuaries and share ethnobotanical knowledge and the chance to get personal with feasting bears and other wonders from safe viewing decks. Settle into your room and head to the welcome reception and property orientation. Williams Lake accommodation, activities and attractions. The pace is slow, allowing visitors to take their time to adjust to its rhythms, intricacies, and seasonal changes. Who buys lion bones? Every day was magical. You may travel to remote islands, valleys, streams and estuaries for a chance to spot this unique sub-species of the black bear, noted for its near-white coat. Questions about the collection or use of this information can be directed to Chief Financial Officer, 12th Floor, 510 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 3A8, Canada. From fish to forests, how . February 1, 2023. The amazing sea wolves of the Great Bear Rainforest British Columbia is home to close to 25% of the worlds temperate rainforest. Also wildlife have their own agendas and while we plan our trips in the peak season and areas for wildlife viewing, with very experienced guides, we do not guarantee sightings. Remote reaches of coastal fjords are full with salmon throughout the fall. Look for the lakes and the sign for the park. 2023 Great Bear Tales. Sign up to stay in touch with us on all things Indigenous travel. There is no direct connection from Vancouver Island to Great Bear Rainforest. Great Bear Rainforest, Knight Inlet Lodge, remote floating resort Tweedsmuir Wilderness Lodge is located in the Bella Coola Valley and can be reached via a 70-minute direct flight from downtown Vancouver, on the BC Ferries system from Port Hardy or by car along Highway 2 from Williams Lake. Take Highway 97 to Williams Lake, then continue west on Highway 20 for a 4-hour drive to Anahim Lake. Our experienced crew and naturalist will take you to areas where youll be able to witness peak wildlife events: See each trips sample itineraries for specific wildlife that it is customary to see in each season. Watch grizzly bears in the wild, search for the rare Kermode bear, or enjoy a guided river wildlife tour. The same year, their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge officially endorsed the Great Bear Rainforest under The Queens Commonwealth Canopy Initiative. From Prince Rupert, you can head out on the water withPrince Rupert Adventure Toursto theKhutzeymateen, which boasts the largest population of grizzly bears on Earth. Situated in a valley along the Fraser River, the town is bordered by mountains and surrounded by outlying lakes. It displays a spectacular array of colour during the spring and summer months, with a startling contrast between the red, brown, and purple lava walls of the gorge and the green of the Ponderosas and grasses of the valley below. See "Included in Our Price" for the exceptional value included. 9: Cruising to Bella Bella, watching for wildlife en route. Visit the estuary to see birds and marine mammals. Trust, which is partnering with Coast Funds to support applications from First Nations with communities in the Great Bear Rainforest and on Haida Gwaii. Fly-in fishing lodges, often right on the doorstep of prime fishing grounds, are found in Hakai Pass, Rivers Inlet, and Millbanke Sound. Instead, everyone travels by water. But archaeology is confirming that Persia's engineering triumph was real. In a word, epic. But if you have the time, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see some of the most distant and isolated coastal towns in British Columbia. beginning in June and continuing approximately until the second week of September. Nearby Clearwater Lake is a departure point for float plane trips into remote fishing lakes and rivers and for exploring the regions Alpine Wilderness. are unique because of the highly diverse plant, animal, and marine life and the equally diverse geography and climate. Directions: Turn left off BC-97N at the 70 Mile Store and follow the road until it forks into Green Lake N and Green Lake S. The majority of the campsites and resorts are on the north side of the lake. Carved by melting glaciers and erosion over the past 10 million years, the Chasm is 8 km long, 600 metres wide, and 300 metres deep. Farwell Canyon hike: From the park entrance, you can see several trails that lead down into the canyon. For a true pasture to plate experience, stop and sample the cuisine made with locally provided organic meats and vegetables. If History interests you, Williams Lake has a rich First Nations history and it is actually named after Chief William of the Secwepemc First Nation. This is our award-winning journey into the nature, wildlife and culture of the Great Bear Rainforest. Also a great time to spot whales and seabirds. The vast, sodden land encompasses 1,000-year-old. Hello, this is an automated Digital Assistant. With close to 40 campsites in the park, both in the backcountry and along the highway, there is always a place for park goers to bunk down while enjoying the area. 7: Exploring spectacular Fjordland in spring, including two of its beautiful estuaries. Ferry service to Bella Coola is operated by. YES. Trips typically occur between May and October. Sail into fjordand and witness the great feast as grizzly bears, black bears, bald eagles feed on the bounty of salmon. Large vehicles may find it difficult to navigate the tight turns, so drivers should pay attention to their speed and the conditions of the road. The great blue heron is often seen quietly standing at the waters edge. Definitely, plan to spend at least a day or two in Port Hardy to explore or just unwind in the ocean breeze. This ruggedly scenic area is a 45-minute drive from Victoria, and it offers spectacular beaches backed by thick rainforest. A visit to the Great Bear Rainforest involves many different experiences. Enter your email address if you would like a reply: The information on this form is collected under the authority of Sections 26(c) and 27(1)(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act to help us assess and respond to your enquiry. Its also well stocked with Rainbow and Kokanee and sports wild lake trout, burbot and mountain whitefish. Comments will be sent to 'servicebc@gov.bc.ca'. Several fishing resorts and serviced RV campsites are located on the lake including Barneys Lakeside Resort and Woodlands Fishin Resort! Wildlife includes marine mammals, seabirds and sometimes bears. Part 6: Williams Lake to Clinton. Fall asleep in your chalet or suite to the sounds of the forest each room is designed to offer privacy and beautiful views. Fly from Vancouver to Bella Bella and travel by boat to Spirit Bear Lodge, in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest and the ancestral lands of Kitasoo/Xai'xais First Nation. We walk gently and encourage education and exploration about the rich and diverse Indigenous cultures in British Columbia. Find places to stay, experience providers, and special offers. You will come across spectacular granite cliffs, deep evergreen trees, and sometimes, empty stretches of beach that are hammered by Pacific Ocean. Other points of entry include Bella Bella, Klemtu, and Prince Rupert. If you are interested in exploring some backcountry or experiencing a taste of the cowboy life that permeates this region, consider contacting some local outfits and booking a stay atBracewells Alpine Wilderness Adventures, Escott Bay Resort,Rainbow Mountain Outfitting,Taseko Adventures, orTerra Nostra Guest Ranch. The pace is slow, allowing visitors to take their time to adjust to its rhythms, intricacies, and seasonal changes. that specialize in small-group charters through Great Bear Rainforest. Vancouver to Great Bear Rainforest via plane, and ferry - Rome2rio Head back toward the 70 Mile Store and then turn left back onto BC-97S toward Clinton. In 2016, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (better known as Prince William and Kate Middleton), visited Bella Bella to dedicate the Great Bear Rainforest to the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy initiative, a "global . Fly from Vancouver to Bella Bella and travel by boat to Spirit Bear Lodge, in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest and the ancestral lands of Kitasoo/Xaixais First Nation. Visit ancient villages and shell middens inhabited by wolves, eagles, and bears as Indigenous interpreters read the surrounding land and waters. The Discovery Coast Passageoperates in the summer only, and runs between Port Hardy on the north tip of Vancouver Island and Bella Bella, Shearwater, Klemtu, Ocean Falls, and Bella Coola. You may see the entirety of this special place from the air, or sail along the coastline by sea. Dramatic landscape surrounds as you cruise deep into the coastal mountain range. The village of Whistler is spectacularclean, innovative, invitingwith a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and accommodation dotting the landscape. Reservations are required. The longer voyages can last for either 24 or 36 hours. Type a question or click on a popular topic below. Great Bear Rainforest & Chilcotin Coast Road Trip - 11 Days Walk in rainforest and wildflower meadows with naturalist. Prices are all-inclusive, and subject to a $200 sustainability fee per person. Through these titles readers can learn about every corner of the Great Bear Rainforest and its creatures. How to Visit the Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia | Super If possessing nautical skill and boating knowledge, private boaters and captains can cruise through Great Bear Rainforest and BC Inside Passage as well.