Deep in the green, primeval forests of the British Columbia Central Coast, elusive large white animals roam. They are called "Spirit Bears” or Kermode Bears and result from a recessive gene among the local Black Bears. Only 10% of Black Bears in the area are Kermode, so though we expect to see Black Bears, it will require good luck and perseverance to spot a Spirit Bear. When you sail the Great Bear Rainforest you will see islands and intricate waterways beneath towering mountains; lush, coastal temperate forests; wilderness alive with eagles, ravens, salmon, bears and wolves; ten thousand year-old native cultures; and now the opportunity to adventure along these waterways inside the forest, search for wildlife, meet native guides, and learn why the Great Bear Rainforest is one of the last gems on the Pacific Coast.
We’ll travel a long, convoluted maze of narrow waterways and fiords. Emerald forests of Western Hemlock and Western Red-cedar cloak lush river valleys and broad estuaries. Biologically abundant and diverse, the area is also ecologically fragile. Along our route we’ll be on the lookout for the magnificent Grizzly Bear, a species that requires large areas of habitat undisturbed by human activity. The rainforest is home to a significant population of Gray Wolves and a rich and varied bird population including Bald Eagles and colourful seabirds such as Pigeon Guillemots and Rhinoceros Auklets. During our voyage there are excellent chances of seeing Humpback Whales, Gray Whales and Orcas. We travel in this area with permission from the local Gitga’at, Kitasoo and Xais Xais (members of the Tsimshian Nation). We plan to spend a day with local Gitga’at guides sharing their culture and history and visiting their favourite bear viewing sites. We will visit ancient native villages where old building remains lie, see petroglyphs, and visit the newly built longhouses in Klemtu or Hartley Bay.
2022 Expedition Dates
Aboard the SV Island Odyssey
Sold out! Waitlist only.
Aboard the SV Island Roamer
October 7 - 14, 8 Days, Start/End in Terrace / Bella Bella
Aboard the SV Island Solitude
September 28 - October 5, 8 Days, Start/End in Bella Bella / Terrace
2023 Expedition Dates
Aboard the SV Island Odyssey
August 27 - September 3 8 Days, Start/End in Bella Bella / Terrace
September 4 - 11, 8 Days, Start/End in Terrace / Terrace
September 12 - 19, 8 Days, Start/End in Terrace / Terrace
September 28 - October 5, 8 Days, Start/End in Terrace / Terrace
October 6 - 13, 8 Days, Start/End in Terrace / Terrace
Aboard the SV Island Roamer
August 28 - September 4 8 Days, Start/End in Bella Bella / Terrace
September 5 - 12, 8 Days, Start/End in Terrace / Bella Bella
September 13 - 20, 8 Days, Start/End in Bella Bella / Terrace
September 21 - 28, 8 Days, Start/End in Terrace / Bella Bella
September 29 - October 6, 8 Days, Start/End in Bella Bella / Terrace
October 7 - 14, 8 Days, Start/End in Terrace / Bella Bella
Aboard the SV Island Solitude
August 26 - September 2 8 Days, Start/End in Bella Bella / Terrace
September 3 - 10, 8 Days, Start/End in Terrace / Bella Bella
September 11 - 18, 8 Days, Start/End in Bella Bella / Terrace
September 19 - 26, 8 Days, Start/End in Terrace / Bella Bella
September 27 - October 4, 8 Days, Start/End in Bella Bella / Terrace
October 5 - 12, 8 Days, Start/End in Terrace / Bella Bella
What’s included: Accommodation in double occupancy aboard the vessel, most meals, all activities while on board the ship and ashore, park entrance fees, services of crew and local naturalist, shuttle fees between the Bella Bella or Terrace airport and the Bella Bella or Terrace Municipal Dock.
Ship Information
Sail on board the Canadian registered S/V Island Roamer, a custom 68-foot ketch launched in the early 1980s. The boat's design, safety and comfort make it particularly well-suited for this trip. She accommodates 14 passengers in 7 private cabins and has 3 heads with hot showers, a large comfortable inside lounge with an extensive natural history library, a well-equipped galley and a large covered seating area on deck with protection in all types of weather.
The new S/V Island Solitude is 82’ long and 30% by volume larger than the S/V Island Roamer. Like her smaller cousin, she will carry 12 – 14 guests but she provides larger cabins with two lower beds (no upper/ lower bunks) and en suite bathrooms. The on-deck wheelhouse will accommodate the entire group for gourmet meals - surrounded by exceptional views.
The 68-foot ketch named S/V Island Odyssey is the sister-ship to ‘Island Roamer’. Originally built as a luxurious private yacht in 1984, it completed a major renovation in 2003 to update the cabins and all safety systems. It features 8 private cabins (double occupancy), 3 heads with hot showers and a comfortable salon with a natural history library. On deck, the large deckhouse provides a comfortable spot to watch for wildlife.