As the leaves begin to turn golden yellows and the salmon reach the end of their grueling migration, our operating season in the Great Bear Rainforest ramps up. Running from the end of August to mid-October, the Great Bear Rainforest is the final itinerary of our season and offers two locations from reach our guests can start or end their trip: Bella Bella or Terrace.
Why Extend Your Trip?
Regardless if you are coming from overseas or from right here in Vancouver, extending your trip helps reduce your flight carbon footprint and also puts money back into the small, coastal communities we operate out of. As regenerative and sustainable travel are core pillars of our operations, staying two or three extra days before or after your trip is always something we recommend.
Getting There
Bella Bella
Potentially our most remote port we operate out of, arriving to, or departing from Bella Bella is a journey. Not accessible by roads, Bella Bella is reached either by plane or ferry. Serviced by Pacific Coastal on one or two flights daily, it is possible to fly to Bella Bella on your smaller than average plane. For those with a bit more time and a passion for slow travel, one could rent a car from Vancouver or Victoria and drive up Vancouver Island to Port Hardy, where a ferry then travels up the southern end of the Inside Passage to Bella Bella.
Terrace
Terrace is more readily accessible than Bella Bella with many flights a day heading in and out both with Air Canada and WestJet. Lying in from the coastline by about 50km, Terrace is the start of the Northwestern BC experience offering either a great ending point to a scenic and varied drive north, or a perfect launching off point to Canada’s North.
Where to Stay
Bella Bella
Bella Bella is a small coastal town which is reflected in their access to accommodation. Accommodation in Bella Bella itself it very limited, so we recommend folks take the water taxi from Bella Bella over the Shearwater Resort, where they can find accommodation from rooms with an oceanfront balcony to more quaint rooms in their Kwalilas hotel.
Terrace
Though our Great Bear Rainforest trips officially end in Kitimat, Terrace is a bit of a larger hub when looking for accommodation. There is no shortage of the standard hotels that one would find in a city in Terrace, most are close to the airport.
One can also find readily available accommodation in Kitimat – offering both motel and hotel options, in addition to a few riverside bed & breakfasts, one kind find what they’re looking for in Kitimat.
Things to Do
Bella Bella: Gateway to the Great Bear Rainforest
Bella Bella, nestled in Heiltsuk territory, acts as the southern gateway to the Great Bear Rainforest, offering abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Heiltsuk Cultural Education Centre: For over 30 years, this center has been dedicated to researching, preserving, and revitalizing the history, language, and cultural traditions of the Heiltsuk Nation. It showcases traditional art and artifacts, offering a deep dive into the local indigenous heritage.
Terrace: Northwest BC Adventure
Terrace has no shortage of activities to pass a couple days in British Columbia’s northwest region. Boasting everything from outdoor adventure to museums to First Nations culture, Terrace has an abundance of sights to see. Some of our favourites include:
- Skeena Salmon Arts Festival Society Murals: the Skeena Salmon Arts Festival Society is “… a First Nation’s Arts Collective bringing public art to Northwest, BC. Establish in 2018, the Skeena Salmon Arts Festival Society has partnered with property owners, business operators, the City of Terrace, the Terrace Downtown Improvement Area Society among other to delivery high caliber public art projects.” With about 30 murals spread around Terrace, head on a walking tour to see if you can spot them all. Click on each mural to see where it is located.
- Kitselas Canyon National Historic Site: Located about 10 minutes outside of Terrace, this National Historic Site shares the home and history of the Ts’mysen people. With a gentle and scenic forest trail to the Skeena River, four clan poles, and a small interactive visitor centre, this is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the history of the local First Nations.
- Terrace Mountain Trail: a well maintained 5km loop that brings adventurers up to a viewpoint over the city. Make sure to visit the Terrace Wolfpack sculpture at the first viewpoint before heading up the rest of the trail.
- Kitselas Canyon National Historic Site: Located about 10 minutes outside of Terrace, this National Historic Site shares the home and history of the Ts’mysen people. With a gentle and scenic forest trail to the Skeena River, four clan poles, and a small interactive visitor centre, this is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the history of the local First Nations.
- Terrace Mountain Trail: a well maintained 5km loop that brings adventurers up to a viewpoint over the city. Make sure to visit the Terrace Wolfpack sculpture at the first viewpoint before heading up the rest of the trail.
We’re Here to Help
If extending your coastal adventure on either side of your Bluewater trip is something you’re interested in, please contact the office to run over your tentative plan so we can confirm it aligns with your trip departure and arrival needs. Hoping to explore more of BC but not sure where to start? We’re also happy to help offer some guidance.
