Great Bear Rainforest

Feel the rugged solitude of this untouched wilderness, where the mist-covered rainforest holds secrets and wonders at every bend

View Itinerary

A Heightened Wilderness Experience

Covering 6.4 million hectares, an area larger than the country of Croatia, the Great Bear Rainforest is one of the largest untouched temperate rainforests in the world. Teeming with wildlife both on land and in the coastal smooth waters we traverse, the Great Bear Rainforest is raw, unfiltered wilderness at its finest.

Extending from the northern tip of Vancouver Island all the way to Alaska, this coastal refuge offers unparalleled wildlife viewing and ample opportunity to view grizzly bears, black bears, and even a Kermode, or spirit bear, in their natural habitat.

Moments Captured

Stills from epic moments in the Great Bear Rainforest.

Main Focal Points

From pumping waterfalls to coastal wolves to monolithic mountain corridors, there is no shortage of highlights on this tour. Here are a select few highlights that sets the Great Bear Rainforest apart.

Bear Viewing

We time our arrival to the Great Bear Rainforest with the salmon run which offers us the best chance to see black bears, grizzly bears, and maybe even a spirit bear, hunting for salmon in the rushing rivers and streams. With bear viewing opportunities both on land and via zodiac, we have ample chance to view these rulers of the rainforest feasting on their choice meal at the best time of year to do so.

“Spirit” Bears

The Great Bear Rainforest is the only place in the world to catch a glimpse of the elusive spirit bear. The result of an expressed recessive gene, only 10% of black bears are covered in off-white fur making any encounter with them incredibly special. With some perseverance and good luck, we hope to spot one of these rare creatures in their natural habitat.

Coastline Spectacle

Beneath towering mountains lies intricate waterways, creating an idyllic home for countless species. Whether your binoculars are focused on the shoreline looking for a scavenging coastal wolf, eyes peeled to the waterline for a plume of mist from a surfacing whale, or appreciating the stoicism of a bald eagle watching carefully for its next meal, there is always a natural show of wonder to behold in the Great Bear Rainforest.

Spawning salmon on the BC coast in a creek

Salmon Run

Aligning our schedule with nature, we time our arrival to the Great Bear Rainforest to be when the salmon, historically, begin to run upstream and spawn. A spectacle in and of itself, the salmon run is an incredible natural phenomenon to witness, and the stage it sets for further wildlife viewing is awe inspiring.

Current Great Bear Rainforest Sailings

Running from late August to mid-October, we have ample sailings to choose from to take part in this bucket list trip. Browse our schedule to find a date and vessel that works best for you.

Great Bear Rainforest Sailings

Visiting Responsibly

How we Sustainably Tour the Great Bear Rainforest

Bluewater Adventures is proud to hold protocol agreements with all coastal First Nations who have called the Great Bear Rainforest home and been stewards of this special land since time immemorial. Working with the Gitga’at, Kitasoo Xai’Xais, Heiltsuk, and Haisla First Nations, we ensure that our tours are permitted to travel within each First Nations’ ancestral territory and vow to conduct our tours and wildlife viewing in a responsible and sustainable manner.

When conducting bear viewing on any of our trips, we agree to facilitate our wildlife observation in an ethical and respectful manner with minimal impact to the wildlife we see. In collaboration with and guidance of the Commercial Bear Viewing Association (CBVA), we ensure all of our crew leading bear viewing experience for our guests are certified Level 1 Guides and strictly adhere to the safe and responsible practices outlined by the CBVA.

Trip Reflections from the Great Bear Rainforest

A collection of guest reviews from previous Bluewater Adventures sailings in the Great Bear Rainforest.

“Every time I’ve come to the Great Bear Rainforest, I’ve left inspired, motivated, and energized. But this trip has gone above and beyond. We witnessed nature in its full glory, from bears to whales to wolves on the beach. What made this all possible and so enjoyable was the crew. You guys are amazing – so dedicated, passionate. Thank you for the most amazing experience and can’t wait for our next adventure!”
L.P., Washington, USA
“So many (highlights)….my first exposure to west coast environment, the majesty of the wilderness, waters; this was an in-depth education of the land, its people; day by day new experiences unfolded; diving into this area, its culture with such expert crew was exceptional. Back here on land, on line, I long for the peace & tranquility that held me for those 8 days.”
P.K., Ottawa, ON
“Thank you for a true wildlife experience. I am very impressed with the knowledge, experience & competence of all crew. Thanks for always being positive and creating such a welcoming atmosphere. I will never forget the dark, magic forests of this gorgeous part of the world! And of course all the wildlife – the musical ravens, the silently soaring eagles, the whales, and the Great Bear Rainforest bear show.”
I.C., London, ON
“Was this trip #9 or #10 with Bluewater? I’ve lost count. But it doesn’t matter – every trip has its own magic and gives me renewed and respectful appreciation for this amazing coast. It’s hard to pick one highlight, but if bringing me close to tears is a measure, nothing compares to that white apparition appearing out of the dark, green forest. I’ll repeat the words I mouthed (silently) at the time – oh my God.”
V.S., Victoria, BC