The premiere ferry experience is aboard the Northern Expedition, the pride of BC Ferries fleet and staple on the Port Hardy to Prince Rupert route. Or venture further north to Chezacut Wilderness & Ranch Adventures. Whichever way you choose, be sure to plan and prepare in advance, as the journey can be challenging. All Rights Reserved. The goal of the new Great Bear Rainforest Education and Awareness Trust is to foster a deeper public recognition and appreciation of the unique nature of the Great Bear Rainforest and how the Government of BC, First Nations, industry and environmental organizations developed aworld-classand innovative approach tomanagingboth the natural environment and human activities. Pacific Coastal Airlines offers direct flights from Vancouver to Port Hardy, typically one in the morning and one in the early evening. Vancouver Island to Great Bear Rainforest - Maple Leaf Adventures Find places to stay, experience providers, and special offers. A hot breakfast, served to order, is available at 8am. Get to Port Hardy - Great Bear Lodge 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. Activities cannot be pre-planned and are dependent upon weather conditions and wildlife activity in the area. British Columbia's Rainforest | Super, Natural BC - HelloBC Heckman Pass Summit: As you leave Bella Coola and reach the top of the switchbacks, take a few minutes to stop in at the Heckman Summit and have a boo at the valley beyond. 6: Further exploration among the fjords and inner channels of the Great Bear Rainforest. To book the tour, pop into the Museum at #1419 on the Highway through town. 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. 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. To save chestnut trees, we may have to play God, Why you should add native plants to your garden, What you can do right now to advocate for the planet, Why poison ivy is an unlikely climate change winner. British Columbia is home to close to 25% of the worlds temperate rainforest. All Rights Reserved, Automated page speed optimizations for fast site performance. While the town carries historical significance, its surroundings are equally enamouring for tourists. 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. But for your purposes now, we have also provided information on how you get to and back from all of our ports. The Historic Chilcotin Lodgea hunting lodge built in 1940offers gourmet meals, comfortable yet rustic accommodations, plus a gift store and tea house to relax before your journey continues. Recommended option Fly to Bella Coola, travel 4h 58m Fly from Vancouver (YVR) to Bella Coola (QBC) YVR - QBC Hike, sail, fly in and out. Set off from the coastal village ofKlemtuto see the bears on their home turf of Princess Royal Island. Wildlife viewing abounds, from eagles to grizzly bears, sea otters to dolphins and whales. Check out 5 facts you may not know about BC's temperate rainforest. After breakfast, head on a pre-planned half-day excursion with an experienced . Comments will be sent to 'servicebc@gov.bc.ca'. 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. Telephone (778) 572-5251. Access points include Prince Rupert in the North, Bella Coola in the Heart of Great Bear Rainforest and Port Hardy in the South. Questions about the collection of information can be directed to the Manager of Corporate Web, Government Digital Experience Division. A visit to the Great Bear Rainforest involves many different experiences. Owned by Homalco First Nations, this tour operation offers the best blend of land- and water-based wildlife viewing opportunities. 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. Bears and wolf packs thrive as they have for millennia. 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. than by rail. The CEDR program is part of CleanBC, the Province's pathway to a more prosperous . This is a test of the emergency broadcast system. 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. Heres how paradise fought back. You can approach the Great Bear Rainforest in several different ways: roads get you only so far in the wilderness. Rainforest Explore travel Ideas in BC's unique rainforests. Looking down the valley, you can see the point where the boreal forest gives way to the coastal rainforest in the valley below and the ocean stretches out beyond the mountains. Telephone (778) 572-5251. Sail through Queen Charlotte Sound and into the Great Bear Rainforest. Great Bear Rainforest - Province of British Columbia 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. 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. The Kitasoo/Xaixais people guide you through the delicate ecosystem, straight to the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest. This is a breathtaking alternative way of getting to or travelling from Bella Coola. 820 likes, 4 comments - Ada'itsx / Fairy Creek Blockade (@fairycreekblockade) on Instagram: " Chek News of 2022 According to Chek News. Vancouver to Great Bear Rainforest via plane, and ferry - Rome2rio Black and grizzly bears are common in these parts, and bear viewing tours are available. Puntzi Lake and Redstone: 11 km off the Hwy at Chilanko Forks, awaits Puntzi lake where biking and hiking trails, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hunting and birdwatching are plentiful. Dense rainforest covers much of the landscape, and opportunities for hiking are everywhere you look. If you are considering flying into Prince Rupert Airport (YPR), Air Canada offers direct flights from the Vancouver airport (YVR). It covers 6.4 million hectares (15.8 million acres). 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. This is the weather cam on West Beach of Calvert Island, provided byHakai.org, that updates every few minutes during daylight hours. 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. 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. For a web-based platform, visitwww.centralcoastbiodiversity.org, *Don't provide personal information . Your guide will advise you of trail conditions best suited for hiking and wildlife sightings. The best time to view the largest number of bears and cubs is when they feed on salmon. Rome2rio makes travelling from Great Bear Rainforest to Vancouver easy. I give consent to Destination BC Corp. interactive map of the Great Bear Rainforest. Very easy to find. See our Privacy Policy for details on the storage of personal information outside of Canada. Those interested in seeing bears should check out our Grizzly Bear Safari package. The lakes are teeming with fish and the park is also popular with bird watchers due to the large diversity of birdlife in the area. 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! 318 km | 5 hours 49 mins This leg of the journey will take you into the sweeping Chilcotin Plateau and down into the valley and Williams Lake. All British Columbians have a stake in protecting it. Phone: (250) 949-9496 View Listing The fully self-contained floating lodge is situated at an outstanding. Often, bears are seen wandering through town. Great Bear Rainforest: What We Found in the Forest Wildlife viewing, delicious chef-prepared meals and deluxe on-site amenities add to the magical experience. People can safely view this abundance of activity from a space constructed at rivers edge that serves as a blind or hide. Three Seasons in the Great Bear Rainforest. 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. These tours often onboard sailing or restored heritage vessels draw rave reviews from visitors and travel media alike. Take Highway 97 to Williams Lake, then continue west on Highway 20 for a 4-hour drive to Anahim Lake. Mystical Haida Gwaii is an ancient archipelago off the coast of Northern BC. The flights depart from Vancouver International Airports South Terminal (YVR), which is only a 5-minute car ride from the main terminal. June to August are the warmest months to visit the area. Payment and cancellation policy is available online, in the brochures and by speaking with us. Every day was magical. 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. Fishing is also bountiful in Bella Coola and Prince Rupert. 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. While it is possible to see grizzly bears in the spring and summer they usually dont arrive to the Bella Coola Valley until the end of August. Reservations are required. 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. How this animal can survive is a mystery. This part of the Chilcotin is steeped in the First Nations history of many different peoples, as well as the settler traditions of ranching and guide outfitting. Open June to September, the lodge is accessible only by floatplane. Spirit Bay Lodge offers guided wilderness tours and ocean-front lodging with grand views of the Pacific Ocean. are unique because of the highly diverse plant, animal, and marine life and the equally diverse geography and climate. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Keep an eye out for schools of dolphins, which enjoy playing in the wake, as well as orcas and humpback whales that may be blowing spray or breaching in the area. 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. 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. The Great Bear Rainforest, a vast stretch of wilderness on Canada's remote west coast is also one of the most beautiful - and remote places - to visit. A Quick Guide to the Great Bear Rainforest | Keep Exploring The last shoot that contributed footage to the film was in April, 2018. Book now for Spring-Fall 2023, Whale watching tours in BC fill up fast! A hot breakfast, served to order, is available at 8am. Hike a seemingly endless number of rainforest trails, many of which lead to cascading waterfalls, or search for local wildlife. But trust us, it will all be worth it when you finally arrive in this stunning natural wonderland. 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. If you are excited to explore Tweedsmuir for a few days, but prefer to stay at a lodge, check outTweedsmuir Park Lodgelocated right in the heart of the park! 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. It's 549 km or 341 miles from Vancouver to Williams Lake, which takes about 6 hours and 30 minutes to drive. Fish traps, bark-stripped trees and longhouse remains give testimony to a way of life tuned to the rhythm of nature. Continue on BC-20E toward Williams Lake. 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. The flight time is about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Contact us for more information and pricing! About 50 grizzlies have 450 sq km of protected wilderness here, which includes dense rainforest, a river mouth estuary, and ocean fjord. B.C. Fall asleep in your chalet or suite to the sounds of the forest each room is designed to offer privacy and beautiful views. Helpful Links: Great Bear Nature Tours, National Geographic article, National Geographic map of the area. Even without bears, there is a stunning mountain backdrop. 92 km | 1 hour 7 mins Since this part of the country is well and truly Cowboy Country, it makes sense to spend some time immersing yourself in the cowboy culture and becoming familiar with the big sky beauty this area has to offer. You can zoom into different regions on thisinteractive map of the Great Bear Rainforest. Sail past some of the most stunning landscapes in the world into the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest. Page not found Instagram Respect for the land and safety are priorities, making these 10-hour tours perfect for families with children ages six and up. offers direct flights from the Vancouver airport (YVR). Its 549 km or 341 miles from Vancouver to Williams Lake, which takes about 6 hours and 30 minutes to drive. Lets support Canada together. Where to Stay: Built in 1929 as a hunting lodge, Tweedsmuir Lodge has 11 chalets and cabins (most facing a central lawn) on 60 wilderness acres in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park. 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 . Learn the proper protocols so you know what to do if you encounter wildlife. Type a question or click on a popular topic below. January 24, 2019, Whats so great about theGreat Bear Rainforest? By using this website, you agree to our use of cookies as explained in our Privacy Policy. (Steve Woods) Advertisement. Get ready for days of adventure and wildlife, supported by a very comfortable expedition ship, a gourmet chef and welcoming guides. From the beach, the lake is framed by densely forested hillsides on two sides with an amazing view of snow-capped Mr. Rohr between them. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., calls the Great Bear Rainforest "the planet's last large expanse of coastal temperate rain forest." The majority of the crew were based on a sailboat for the duration of filming. Visit the estuary to see birds and marine mammals. The Great Bear Rainforest is a boating, cruising and sailing paradise and provides an incredible nautical adventure. Return to the lodge for a hearty lunch and a rest. Dinner is served in the large communal dining room, which offers spectacular views over the property as well as a lounge and an outdoor patio. Pacific Coastal Airlines operates non-stop flights to Bella Coola Airport (QBC) year-round, and it takes approximately 70 minutes to fly from Vancouver. The many protected, unlogged and ancient rainforests, and the quiet, nutrient-rich ocean, support wildlife and ecosystems as they would have been thousands of years ago across the continent where grizzly bears and wolf packs roam free and live from what they naturally have always lived from, including abundant salmon runs. TheBella Coola Valleyalso offers prime wildlife and grizzly viewing. Great Bear Circle Route | Super, Natural BC - HelloBC 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. She suggests their juniper ales if they're available. Top 5 places in BC to spot the province's biggest residents. Duffey Lake Provincial Park: Duffey Lake is situated in the Cayoosh Creek Valley and was historically used as a travel route between Lillooet First Nations on Lillooet Lake and the Stlaltimx First Nations on the Fraser River. Learn about key travel restrictions and how to travel safely in BC this season. There is even a sunken boat at the north end of the lake that sports a skeleton and a treasure box. Fly-in fishing lodges, often right on the doorstep of prime fishing grounds, are found in Hakai Pass, Rivers Inlet, and Millbanke Sound. The trips in Canada are subject to 5% federal tax. In short, it doesnt get more off-the-beaten path than this. 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. Everything in the rainforest is connected, a cycle of life in perfect balance. Directions: Approximately 26.5km from 70 Mile House, turn left onto Chasm Road and follow it for 4 km to the viewing platform. Cruising Fitzhugh Sound and the central Great Bear Rainforest inlets. The Great Bear Rainforest is a global treasure that covers 6.4 million hectares on British Columbia's north and central coast - equivalent in size to Ireland. The remote Bella Coola Valley sits along BCs central coast. Highway 20 from Williams Lake leads to Bella Coola, or fly there on scheduled flights from Vancouver. Youll visit modern villages, talk with local residents, and see the ancient art traditions still in place today. 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. The annual salmon run starts around late August and peaks in September or October. If this were a real emergency Vancouver and Nanaimo are both gorgeous, well-known and bustling west coast ports in British Columbia. Hike a seemingly endless number of rainforest trails, many of which lead to cascading waterfalls, or search for local wildlife. The lake is on the left-hand side and there is good signage announcing it. You'll explore from south to north, along protected passages, an inland sea and from island to island, with frequent . These zones impact the health of the water and creatures who live there; not only fish, but also beavers, otters and muskrats. Ferry service to Bella Coola is operated by BC Ferries beginning in June and continuing approximately until the second week of September. We welcome your contact. Photographers will love this excursion as the slow pace of travel offers ample opportunity for memorable picture-taking. Rates include transportation, gourmet meals, and guided tours. Experience the feeding frenzy firsthand as bears, eagles, sea lions, and whales fill up on the fall salmon for the long winter ahead. Nestled in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest, this Climate-Positive-certified wilderness lodge offers world-class service in an awe-inspiring setting and acts as your homebase to explore the spectacular Bella Coola Valley. Unwind after your day of exploring by stretching your muscles and rehydrating in the cedar sauna. Other great bear viewing sites include Knight Inlet which is only a day trip fromTelegraph CoveandCampbell Riveron Vancouver Island. Watch grizzly bears in the wild, search for the rare Kermode bear, or enjoy a guided river wildlife tour. Copyright 2023 Landsby, a Division of OST.travel Inc.. All rights reserved. Special packages are available through the Canadian Rockies and Pacific Coast areas, with an overnight stay in Prince George, and travel along the mighty Skeena River. Part 4: Bella Coola through Tweedsmuir Provincial Park. The voyage from Port Hardy to Bella Coola via the most direct route takes ten hours. 9: Cruising to Bella Bella, watching for wildlife en route. Part 3: Ferries to Bella Coola. Trust, which is partnering with Coast Funds to support applications from First Nations with communities in the Great Bear Rainforest and on Haida Gwaii. It follows the edge of the canyon quite a ways and the views are worth the hike. 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. Travel with humpbacks through channels and island groups, watchingfor black bears along shorelines. Enjoy a glass of wine as you take in the serene forest surroundings. The vast, sodden land encompasses 1,000-year-old cedars, waterfalls spouting off the sides of moss-covered mountains, granite-dark waters, and glacier-cut fjords. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. See what's happening now with these recent posts. Book now for Spring-Fall 2023. 10 hours Bella Coola At the Port Hardy Ferry Terminal (6800 BC-19 in Bear Cover), board the Northern Sea Wolf, which offers direct service from Port Hardy to Bella Coola in the summer months. (Spotting a spirit bear takes a lot of patience, even more luck, and the expert tracking skills of a local guide.). Note that as with all expedition cruises, the itinerary may change based on weather, wildlife activity, and interests of the guests. You may see the entirety of this special place from the air, or sail along the coastline by sea. FromPrince Rupert, you can take a float plane or boat trip to the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Sanctuary, home to one of the largest concentrations of grizzly bears in North America. Vancouver Island to Great Bear Rainforest - Sailing Ship From mid Vancouver Island venture into the Discovery Islands and north into the Broughton Archipelago. The River Valley Trail also offers a 12 km gravel trail down to the Fraser River thats great for walking, running, mountain biking and horseback riding. Bright green fjords, estuaries filled with wildflowers, wheregrizzly bears forage in spring. 105 km / 2 hr 45 Min Nestled in the Bridge River Valley among the towering peaks of the South Chilcotin Mountains,Gold Bridge, Bralorne&Pioneer await history buffs who enjoy poking around old ghost towns and abandoned mines, as well as outdoor enthusiasts who will appreciate the valleys fishing, hunting, mountain biking, rock hounding, and rugged mountain beauty! How to Get Around: Since many areas are accessible only by floatplane, booking an all-inclusive tour covering transportation, meals, and lodging is the most convenient option. By Destination British Columbia This stone has a mysterious past beyond British coronations, Ultimate Italy: 14 ways to see the country in a new light, 6 unforgettable Italy hotels, from Lake Como to Rome, A taste of Rioja, from crispy croquettas to piquillo peppers, Trek through this stunning European wilderness, Land of the lemurs: the race to save Madagascar's sacred forests. *How many adults (ages 12+)? From the Kitlope witness steep snow capped peaks, grizzly bears relaxing among tall green sedges, and colourful wildflowers in shades of purple and blue. Wild west coast beaches with white sand and plenty to explore. Definitely, plan to spend at least a day or two in Port Hardy to explore or just unwind in the ocean breeze. Great Bear Rainforest | Indigenous Tourism BC The longer voyages can last for either 24 or 36 hours. (With very few roads, the Great Bear Rainforest is accessed mainly by boat or floatplane.). From mid Vancouver Island venture into the Discovery Islands and north into the Broughton Archipelago. Take a tour of the Bella Coola Valley, where the worlds most extensive interconnected fjord system, the worlds largest intact temperate rainforest and a very dramatic mountain landscape of glaciers, plunging creeks, pristine rivers and granite cliffs converge. A typical week-long voyage might include touring a First Nations village or cultural site, soaking in a natural hot spring on a remote shoreline, cruising mist-shrouded inlets where towering granite cliffs soar from the waters edge, and visiting pristine river estuaries to view grizzly bears in their natural environment. Located in the Traditional Territory of the Nuxalk People, Copper Sun Gallery hosts local Indigenous art sales and provides opportunities to meet community artists. Or enjoy dramatic views of Mount Melikan and Mount Stupendous from the comfort of the large outdoor hot tub. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Many believe there is no better way to see scenic B.C. 106 km | 1 hour 19 mins Prepare yourself for a change of scenery as the road will take you out of the flatlands of the Cariboo and roll you into the southern Chilcotin region of winding rivers, thick forests, and rising peaks. Some sailings go straight to Bella Coola, while some make stops in outlying coastal communities along the way such as McLoughlin Bay, Shearwater, Klemtu, and Ocean Falls.
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