Great Bear Rainforest - Wikipedia 9: Cruising to Bella Bella, watching for wildlife en route. This free app identifies more than 210 plants, 80 birds, 190 marine invertebrates, 50 fish, and 20 mammals and reptiles. 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. If you are considering flying into Prince Rupert Airport (YPR), Air Canada offers direct flights from the Vancouver airport (YVR). Explore the worlds of several northwest First Nations: the Heiltsuk, Kitasoo Xaixais, Haisla, Gitgaat and Henaaksiala. The Via Ferrata is a network of 360 metal rungs, ladders and wires that enable most people from kids to seniors to safely climb cliffs without needing rock-climbing skills. Directions: Approximately 18km from Anahim Lake on BC-20E. Search Indigenous Tourism British Columbia for things to do, places to go, and more. Those interested in seeing bears should check out our Grizzly Bear Safari package. Helpful Links: Great Bear Nature Tours, National Geographic article, National Geographic map of the area. In addition to endless hiking trails found throughout the park, there is also a world-renowned multi-day, seven-lake canoe trip (the Turner Lake Chain) that begins at Turner Lake and excellent fishing opportunities in the Bella Coola, Atnarko, and Dean Rivers. Ferry to Vancouver Island and drive north to Port McNeil, where your Indigenous hosts will chart the way through the Traditional Territories of the Kwakwakawakw people. Activities cannot be pre-planned and are dependent upon weather conditions and wildlife activity in the area. Not only do local guides serve as welcoming hosts, they offer a wealth of information about this area, the wildlife, the history, and local cultures. 1: Board at Campbell River. 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). Travel up the coast of Vancouver Island to Port Hardy and embark on an unforgettable ferry ride. Applications will be open soon. 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. For nature and wildlife addicts, Scout Island houses a nature sanctuary with a beach, picnic grounds and a wide variety of small animals and birds. We thought we knew turtles. 2023 Destination BC Corp. All rights reserved. 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. Follow Big Bar for approximately 43.5 km and then turn left off of Big Bar (unnamed road) and follow that road for another 10.5 km. Its also well stocked with Rainbow and Kokanee and sports wild lake trout, burbot and mountain whitefish. Very easy to find. The great blue heron is often seen quietly standing at the waters edge. When you are ready, board the Northern Sea Wolf and head North into Great Bear Rainforest. Walk in rainforest and wildflower meadows with naturalist. From here, adventurers can access isolated cabins nestled in scenery that is unmatched for its dramatic setting or enjoy all that Nimpo Lake itself has to offer including terrific rainbow trout fishing, day-hikes, bird-watching and other wildlife viewing right from Nimpo Lake Resort, Retreat Wilderness Inn,Stewarts Lodge & Tweedsmuir Air, also offering flight-seeing tours of Tweedsmuir Park and its magnificent Hunlen Falls, access to over 25 air only access lakes or custom adventures in the rugged backcountry such as Nuk Tessli. The terms are said to preserve 85 per cent of the coastal forest, giving rise to grumbling in some quarters that after 20 years of pressure, 15 per cent of the Great Bear Rainforest remains . Great Bear Circle Route. Train service is available three times per week from Prince George to Terrace. The lodge has a number of incredible and immersive activity options: You can slowly drift down the meandering Atnarko River between lush green forests and with the snow-capped peaks of the Coast Range Mountains towering overhead. Description. The flights depart from Vancouver International Airports South Terminal (YVR), which is only a 5-minute car ride from the main terminal. Visit local villages and, welcomed by residents, learn about coastal culture, from First Nations earliest culture to the present. From mid-September to mid-June, ferry service is available twice a month from Bella Coola to coastal communities ofBella Bella,ShearwaterandOcean Fallswith transfers at McLoughlin Bay inBella BellatoPrince RupertandKlemtu, orPort Hardy. 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. Book now for Spring-Fall 2023, Whale watching tours in BC fill up fast! Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., calls the Great Bear Rainforest "the planet's last large expanse of coastal temperate rain forest." Open June to September, the lodge is accessible only by floatplane. Up to 80% of the yearly nitrogen in the ancient trees that grow along salmon rivers is derived from salmon nutrients. Great Bear Rainforest - Maple Leaf Adventures Great Bear Rainforest Conservation | BC - Pacific Wild An unbelievable experience with the most dedicated and involved crew Ive ever experienced. 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. Great Bear Rainforest - Province of British Columbia TheGreat Bear Rainforest Education and Awareness Trust is registered as a charitable organization effective January 1, 2018. Sail the fjords, where 4,000-foot cliffs rise above you. So, start planning your trip now! A visit to the Great Bear Rainforest involves many different experiences. From late August to mid-September, guests can take guided grizzly bear-viewing float trips on the bordering Atnarko River. This incredible trip covers an immense portion of the Great Bear Rainforest. On clear nights, take in the beauty of the night sky. Everything in the rainforest is connected, a cycle of life in perfect balance. It's my hidden secret gem, but the new Wheelhouse Brewing Company is an up-and-coming competitor." Visit in the winter for dramatic storm watching. Access points include Prince Rupert in the North, Bella Coola in the Heart of Great Bear Rainforest and Port Hardy in the South. Learn about this incredible place and the historic agreement that will conserve this area for generations to come. Rates include transportation, gourmet meals, and guided tours. Phone: (250) 949-9496 View Listing Experience the feeding frenzy firsthand as bears, eagles, sea lions, and whales fill up on the fall salmon for the long winter ahead. The longer voyages can last for either 24 or 36 hours. Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours depart from Campbell River and travel on the Salish Sea to Bute Inlet. The Great Bear Rainforest is one of the most remote and beautiful places on Earth, and getting here can be half the adventure. In February 2016, the Government of B.C., First Nations, environmental groups, and forest industry representatives announced the final decision on how the Great Bear Rainforest would be managed now and into the future. To approach a question 400 million years in the making, researchers turned to mudskippers, blinking fish that live partially out of water. Vancouver Is Awesome on Instagram: "We are now doing presales for our Places to stay in Bella Coola include Bella Coola Grizzly Tours & Outfitting, Bella Coola Mountain Lodge, and Nusatsum River Guest House. Directions: In 100 Mile House at 155 Wrangler Way. The Bella Coola Valley has an extensive network of hiking trails that range from easy to moderate. 7: Exploring spectacular Fjordland in spring, including two of its beautiful estuaries. Always check trail conditions before you head out, and no matter what outdoor activity you are planning, be prepared. The Great Bear Rainforest is a land of fjords, islands and great river estuaries. To stay at the waterfront lodge, constructed in traditional west coast First Nations longhouse style, reserve a spot on a three-to-seven-night Spirit Bear Lodge bear viewing and cultural heritage tour. Several fishing resorts and serviced RV campsites are located on the lake including Barneys Lakeside Resort and Woodlands Fishin Resort! Pacific Rim is an area on the west coast of Vancouver Island that includes the communities of Tofino and Ucluelet. Vancouver Island to Great Bear Rainforest - Maple Leaf Adventures Rome2rio displays up to date schedules, route maps . Recommended option Fly to Bella Coola, travel 4h 58m Fly from Vancouver (YVR) to Bella Coola (QBC) YVR - QBC To see these again later, type ", {"type": "chips","options": [{"text": "More languages"},{"text": "COVID-19 safety"},{"text": "COVID-19 vaccine"},{"text": "Travel"},{"text": "COVID-19 testing"},{"text": "Self-isolation"},{"text": "COVID-19 data"},{"text": "Connect by phone"}]}, Employment, business and economic development, Employment standards and workplace safety, Birth, adoption, death, marriage and divorce, Environmental protection and sustainability, Tax verification, audits, rulings and appeals, Transportation and infrastructure projects, Fraser Valley Highway 1 Corridor Improvement Program, Highway 1 - Lower Lynn Improvements Project, Belleville Terminal Redevelopment Project, Learn more about the Great Bear Rainforest, Great Bear Rainforest Agreement Highlights, Great Bear Rainforest Education and Awareness Trust. Plan and prepare because getting thereis part of the adventure. The Indigenous Tourism Association of British Columbia is a non-profit, membership-based organization that is committed to growing and promoting a sustainable, culturally rich Indigenous tourism industry. Historic Ripple Rock, watch for porpoises. Sail into fjordand and witness the great feast as grizzly bears, black bears, bald eagles feed on the bounty of salmon. The Duffey Lake Road (aka BC-99S) is actually considered its own attraction (especially to motorcycle aficionados) and has been mentioned in the Vancouver Province more than once as one of BCs top drives. A Quick Guide to the Great Bear Rainforest | Keep Exploring Sign up to stay in touch with us on all things Indigenous travel. The gory history of Europes mummy-eating fad, This ordinary woman hid Anne Frankand kept her story alive, This Persian marvel was lost for millennia. Here, the waters teem with whales, dolphins, sea otters, porpoises, sea lions, salmon and other creatures. 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. Watch for sea otters, seabirds, humpback whales and possible wolves. If you are extremely lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the elusive Kermode (Spirit) bear, a rare black bear with white fur found only on BCs north and central coast. You will come across spectacular granite cliffs, deep evergreen trees, and sometimes, empty stretches of beach that are hammered by Pacific Ocean. 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. This itinerary is to give you a general idea of the trip. There are many viewing blinds and platforms situated near the most accessible spots on the river for wildlife to access. 100 Mile Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary: According to the South Cariboo tourism association, almost forty species of waterfowl can be found on South Cariboo lakes and wetlands. The word, Landsby comes from the Nordic word for Village. YES. The Rainbow Range gets its name from its multicoloured volcanic peaks and the day hike in to see them is well-known to be a long-time favourite of park visitors. 2023 Great Bear Tales. Anchorage Port Neville. Spirit Bear Lodge, a tour/lodging outfitter in Klemtu, is owned and operated by the local Kitasoo/Xai'xais First Nations community. This is a test of the emergency broadcast system. Ferry service to Bella Coola is operated by BC Ferries beginning in June and continuing approximately until the second week of September. To explore it fully, youll need a home base and we suggest you stick around for a day or two to get your adventure on. 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. There is even a sunken boat at the north end of the lake that sports a skeleton and a treasure box. How to Get to The Great Bear Rainforest - [4 Ways] How do we reverse the trend? Its estimated that over two million people visit annually to ski in the winter and mountain bike in the summer. Junction Sheep Range Park & Farwell Canyon: Located at the confluence of the Fraser and Chilcotin Rivers, Farwell Canyon is home to Canadas largest population of bighorn sheep, which range in the park and are often seen scaling the steep cliffs and hoodoos. Note that as with all expedition cruises, the itinerary may change based on weather, wildlife activity, and interests of the guests. It has a fenced viewing platform at the top and there are hiking trails all over it. For more on the regions ecology and biodiversity, plus the Queens Commonwealth Canopy and the Great Bear Rainforest Agreement, see theGreat Bear Rainforestwebsite. On the water, guests are gifted the chance to see humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, porpoises, dolphins, bald eagles, and other seabirds. For ferry service to these locations outside summer months, see theInside Passage Fall/Winter/Spring schedule. This remote expanse is home to many First Nations communities as well as abundant wildlife: coastal gray wolves, grizzly bears, Sitka deer, cougars, mountain goats, orca, salmon, sea lions, sea otters, humpback whales, and its most celebrated resident, the rare, cream-colored Kermode bear, or sprit bear, considered sacred by the T'simshian people. This stretch of the highway is very picturesque and has two popular stops, Chasm Provincial Park and Marble Range Provincial Parks. The Kermode (Spirit) bear, a subspecies of black bear with a white coat and British Columbia's provincial mammal, is found almost exclusively in the Great Bear Rainforest. Find all the transport options for your trip from Vancouver Airport (YVR) to Great Bear Rainforest right here. Set off from the coastal village ofKlemtuto see the bears on their home turf of Princess Royal Island. Those are the four different ways to get to The Great Bear Rainforest. March 22, 2023 9:30 AM . The flight time is about 1 hour and 20 minutes. What to Read or Watch Before You Go: The Great Bear Rainforest: Canada's Forgotten Coast showcases more than 150 photographs, as well as journal entries and maps from conservationists Ian and Karen McAllister's sailing odysseys along the western Canadian coastline. The maze of winding channels, sprawling archipelagos, and the abundance of marine life provide visitors with gentle, yet up-close interaction with water, land, and nature. YES. For a web-based platform, visitwww.centralcoastbiodiversity.org, *Don't provide personal information . Part 7: Pemberton to Whistler. For those flying from Calgary airport (YYC), there will be a short stop over in Vancouver. June to August are the warmest months to visit the area. Wildlife viewing, delicious chef-prepared meals and deluxe on-site amenities add to the magical experience. You'll explore from south to north, along protected passages, an inland sea and from island to island, with frequent shore trips. Its a good idea to stop here, or at nearby Redstone for gas and supplies as the stations along the highway begin to dwindle. There are incredible sacred petroglyphs said to be 5,000-10,000 years old, totem poles and culturally modified trees in a large cedar grove. You could also see humpback and grey whales from late July to September. The Great Bear Rainforest is a boating, cruising and sailing paradise and provides an incredible nautical adventure. Owned by Homalco First Nations, this tour operation offers the best blend of land- and water-based wildlife viewing opportunities. Great Bear Rainforest - National Geographic Stretching from Vancouver Island, north along the mainland coast, it forms a significant section of the famous "Inside Passage" route to Alaska - a name that started with the gold rush of the 1800's. Williams Lake accommodation, activities and attractions. Spy whales and other marine spectacles through the 20-foot ocean viewing windows in a common room where stories, Tsimshian art, and quiet healing are shared. Sail through Queen Charlotte Sound and into the Great Bear Rainforest. Its particularly popular among wakeboarders, power boaters, and anglers. Learn about the rich diversity of marine life, mammals, birds, plants and trees that make B.C's Great Bear Rainforest their home and contribute to the natural beauty of the region. 2023 Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism. Axolotls and capybaras are TikTok famousis that a problem? Approximately 10 minutes from the turnoff. For a true pasture to plate experience, stop and sample the cuisine made with locally provided organic meats and vegetables. For more information on Aboriginal experiences in the Great Bear Rainforest and throughout B.C., visit Indigenous Tourism BC and HelloBC. If you need to stretch your legs, hike around the 2km Chilcotin River Interpretive Trail, which highlights protected archaeological sites (please do not disturb) and displays the diverse array of plant life in the area. Bella Coola. 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. Frequent visitor Kalen Morrow recommends the restaurant at Prince Rupert's Crest Hotel for its halibut steak and "panoramic view of the harbor. Farwell Canyon hike: From the park entrance, you can see several trails that lead down into the canyon. Highway 20 from Williams Lake leads to Bella Coola, or fly there on scheduled flights from Vancouver. The Great Bear Rainforest extends from the Discovery Islands in the south to the BC-Alaska boundary in the north, it includes all offshore islands within this range except Vancouver Island and the archipelago of Haida Gwaii. In short, it doesnt get more off-the-beaten path than this. But for your purposes now, we have also provided information on how you get to and back from all of our ports. Part 5: Lakes and Hoodoos. Three Seasons in the Great Bear Rainforest. The team spent approximately 400 days in the field. Other great bear viewing sites include Knight Inlet which is only a day trip fromTelegraph CoveandCampbell Riveron Vancouver Island. Follow these tips to travel safely and responsibly in BC. A heritage site welcomes visitors as they roll into the north end and contains 12 historic buildings from a period between 1860 and 1914, including one of the last Clydesdale barns still standing in Canada. Go Bear Watching In Churchill And The Great Bear Rainforest Only available for a short time period each year, witness both polar bears and grizzly bears in their natural habitat while traveling across Canada on VIA Rail's Canadian train. King Pacific Lodge is a luxurious, floating, 17-room resort anchored in Barnard Habour along the shores of Prince Royal Island. The entrance is well-marked and easily visible. Also a great time to spot whales and seabirds. 2023 Destination BC Corp. All rights reserved. Fares are per person, based on double occupancy, and in Canadian dollars. For starters, its a vast area of pristine wilderness about the size of Ireland. All British Columbians have a stake in protecting it. Marble Range Provincial Park: Known for limestone karst formations (a type of formation created by dissolved limestone, dolomite, and gypsum that results in sinkholes and caves), this park exists in an alpine and subalpine habitat. In addition to the heritage sites and many kilometres of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding, there is also a 9.2 km trail winding around 108 and Sepa lakes that is an easy walk for the whole family. Named after Chief Alexis of the Chilcotin, the small community of Alexis Creek is a service centre for the East Chilcotin Region. The tour includes many buildings built 100-200 years ago, including China Town/Pioneer cabins, and the old schoolhouse turned museum, built in 1892. The park does not provide any facilities and does not contain water sources, so be sure to prepare yourself accordingly. A must-see surprise for little ones. It covers 6.4 million hectares (15.8 million acres). The Great Bear Rainforest IMAX Film - Pacific Wild Learn more about what this amazing place has to offer including how to get there and what is available to see once you arrive. Terrace sits near the bottom of the Alaska Panhandle, and is home to the mighty Skeena River, a spot known to host some of the worlds best steelhead fishing. We walk gently and encourage visitors to educate themselves on the Indigenous cultures in BC. No matter where you are coming from and which travel method you choose, you are in for an amazing adventure. Take Highway 97 to Williams Lake, then continue west on Highway 20 for a 4-hour drive to Anahim Lake. The port of departure for the ferry is Port Hardy, which is located on the northern coast of Vancouver Island. You can experience the area by ferry throughBC FerriesInside Passage routeand theDiscovery Coast Connector. We highly recommend planning a day to explore each citys landscape and culture. We value your privacy and never share your information, and you may withdraw your consent and unsubscribe at any time. Great Bear Rainforest, Knight Inlet Lodge, remote floating resort Hello, this is an automated Digital Assistant. Walking Tour: If you are interested in the history of the area, consider taking a historical 20-stop walking tour. However, you can take the taxi to Campbell River airport, fly to Bella Coola, then take the travel to Great Bear Rainforest. Most of the regions 64,000 sq km are roadless wilderness, making transportation by land limited. Page not found Instagram A subspecies of black bear, the Kermode bear has naturally white fur. The road was built in 1953 by local residents and features a 15 km ascent from the valley floor to the Chilcotin Plateau, gaining 1,600m in elevation to the summit at Heckman Pass with a number of steep grades and switchbacks. TheBella Coola Valleyalso offers prime wildlife and grizzly viewing. Tourism provides a number of communities with income from the Great Bear Rainforest and this sector is continuously growing. Reservations are required. Getting to this remote and beautiful destination is not as hard as you think. The Great Bear Rainforest incorporating traditional areas known as Txalgiu, Tsee-Motsa, Waglisla, Klemdulxk, Aweenak'ola and more to local First Nations is a rare and remarkable ecosystem stretching 64,000 square kilometres from the northern tip of Vancouver Island to Alaska. For those flying from Calgary airport (YYC), there will be a short stop over in 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. Consider it a quest: people travel from far and wide for the chance to spot the rare Kermode bear, which is found only in this part of the world. Clinton: Clinton is known for its gold rush and pioneer history but also as the Guest Ranch Capital of BC. This protected, coastal temperate rainforest is home to the infamous cream-coloured Spirit Bear. The final leg of the drive begins with a 20-minute hill descending to the Valley floor. Situated in a valley along the Fraser River, the town is bordered by mountains and surrounded by outlying lakes. Bella Coola, known as the Gateway to the Great Bear Rainforest, is accessible by car. The winding roadoften more switchbacks than highwayis often single lane and the sites along the way are sublime. For a web-based platform, visitwww.centralcoastbiodiversity.org, *Don't provide personal information . 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. Wildlife gather to feast on the fish allowing you to watch grizzly bears, bald eagles and black bears. Human cultures that have evolved in this landscape for millennia. Rainforest Explore travel Ideas in BC's unique rainforests. The typical viewing distance is from three-to-100 metres. Highly recommend having a look at this lake and spending some quality time there. 385 km | 4.5 hours Coming out of Nanaimo, take Highway BC-19N toward Campbell River and follow it all the way up to Port Hardy, where you will board a ferry to Bella Coola. The CEDR program is part of CleanBC, the Province's pathway to a more prosperous . Discover the Bella Coola Valley: A Great Bear Rainforest Experience National Geographic named the Great Bear Rainforest one of its "Best Trips" in 2013. Located in the Great Bear Rainforest Knight Inlet Lodge, 240 kilometers (150 miles) northwest of Vancouver, lies in the southern reaches of one of the last intact temperate rainforests on earth, the Great Bear Rainforest - home to Indigenous peoples, ancient forests, and wild bears since time immemorial. Wildlife viewing abounds, from eagles to grizzly bears, sea otters to dolphins and whales. Watch grizzly bears in the wild, search for the rare Kermode bear, or enjoy a guided river wildlife tour. Check provincial campgrounds and park closures. 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. Seton Lake Recreation Area: Excellent swimming and day picnic area. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. View Listing Wildlife Tours, Resorts & Wilderness Lodges Great Bear Lodge Great Bear Lodge is located 50 air miles from Port Hardy, British Columbia. For a spectacular view from the road during the spring and summer months, consider driving onto the ferry at Prince Rupert, then follow the Skeena River via Highway 16 to Terrace. These zones impact the health of the water and creatures who live there; not only fish, but also beavers, otters and muskrats. that specialize in small-group charters through Great Bear Rainforest. Kleena Kleen:is a tiny settlement 61 km/ 38mi west of Nimpo Lake. Great Bear Rainforest Cruise - Tours of Exploration Take shore trips into estuaries.. The bar for my next adventure. You'll also visit a few cultural sites. 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. Maple Leaf See Dates & Itineraries Fish traps, bark-stripped trees and longhouse remains give testimony to a way of life tuned to the rhythm of nature.