One of Canada's largest protected areas, and a pristine wilderness, the Great Bear Rainforest stretches over 400km up the west coast of Canada. A temperate rainforest, this landscape is one of the richest in Canada and arguably one of the world's most beautiful landscapes. What makes this area so special is the mix of land-based and sea-based wildlife
On land you can expect to see black and grizzly bears (even the iconic spirit bear on Princess Royal Island) and wolves, while in the maze of waterways you can see orca, humpback whale, bald eagle and sea otter. The region belongs to the First Nations people and has spiritual significance and is protected under law.
This is for many people, considered to be one of the best wilderness areas and its inaccessibility has meant it hasn't been spoiled by mass tourism.
On land you can expect to see black and grizzly bears (even the iconic spirit bear on Princess Royal Island) and wolves, while in the maze of waterways you can see orca, humpback whale, bald eagle and sea otter. The region belongs to the First Nations people and has spiritual significance and is protected under law.
This is for many people, considered to be one of the best wilderness areas and its inaccessibility has meant it hasn't been spoiled by mass tourism.
When to Go
The main reason for visiting the wilderness of the Great Bear Rainforest is to enjoy the wildlife, particularly the bears, and so there is a short season to enjoy these wild delights.
August to October is the best time of year to explore the waterways and forests of the Great Bear Rainforest. It is this time that the annual salmon run brings the bears (and even orca) to the water's edge as they look for an easy meal. Certain locations are best for grizzly bears and others are brilliant for black and spirit bears, specific fjords are best for whale watching, sea otters and wolves.
August to October is the best time of year to explore the waterways and forests of the Great Bear Rainforest. It is this time that the annual salmon run brings the bears (and even orca) to the water's edge as they look for an easy meal. Certain locations are best for grizzly bears and others are brilliant for black and spirit bears, specific fjords are best for whale watching, sea otters and wolves.
Getting there
One of the most inaccessible parts of Canada, traditional transport methods are not really viable.
By Floatplane
You read that right. Many of the lodges are inaccessible by road and only accessible by floatplane. They are usually chartered, or intermittently scheduled.
By Boat
One of the best ways to explore the waterways and fjords of the Great Bear Rainforest is by boat. We highly recommend you join a scheduled cruise on a small vessel which allows unrivalled access to some of the most remote areas and to maximise your chances of seeing more wildlife.
By Floatplane
You read that right. Many of the lodges are inaccessible by road and only accessible by floatplane. They are usually chartered, or intermittently scheduled.
By Boat
One of the best ways to explore the waterways and fjords of the Great Bear Rainforest is by boat. We highly recommend you join a scheduled cruise on a small vessel which allows unrivalled access to some of the most remote areas and to maximise your chances of seeing more wildlife.
Where to Stay
Some of the finest wilderness lodges and vessels can be found in the Great Bear Rainforest. Here are just a few of our suggestions ...
Why not combine with
We recommend you combine Banff National Park with the following destinations in Canada: