Great Bear Rainforest

Whether you come to fish, hike, bike, ocean kayak, take a wildlife eco-tour, soak in hot springs, or simply enjoy the natural splendor, you’ll be treated to wonders found in few places on earth. The mist-draped coastline of the Pacific is lined with towering, snow-crowned peaks, massive ice fields, and some of the world’s longest fjords. Old-growth stands of cedar and spruce blanket the land, while rich, salmon-filled streams weave through the valley basins, providing sustenance for the magnificent creatures that inhabit the coast—killer whales, eagles, marine wolves, and bears, including the mysterious white Spirit Bear, or Kermode.

The Great Bear Rainforest is a region that deserves ample time to explore fully, with the ultimate recommended experience being the complete Great Bear Rainforest Loop. However, you can also opt for a 3-day or 5-day trip, each offering unique routes and activities. No matter which journey you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time in this magical land.

Bella Coola Valley: The Heart of the Great Bear Rainforest

Tucked away in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest, the Bella Coola Valley presents an extraordinary mix of natural wonders where glaciers, rainforests, and the vast ocean come together in a stunning display of landscapes. This remarkable destination serves as both a journey through some of British Columbia’s most untouched environments and a portal into the world’s largest coastal temperate rainforest.

This remote area is easily accessible via Pacific Coastal Airlines from Vancouver International Airport, by road along Chilcotin Highway 20, or by ferry with BC Ferries from spring through fall. Once you arrive, your chosen adventure awaits—from wildlife viewing and cultural tours to hikes and moments spent soaking in the majestic scenery.

For a comprehensive Bella Coola Valley guide, click here.

Tweedsmuir Provincial Park: Great Bear Rainforest’s Secluded Wonder

One of BC’s largest parks, Tweedsmuir Provincial Park offers some of the most spectacular scenery in North America. It attracts anglers, campers, hikers, and explorers travelling by horseback or canoe, with the Turner Lake Chain being a popular route. Winter recreation is also a highlight. Visitors are drawn to the park’s notable features, including the impressive shield volcanoes and Hunlen Falls. As a critical bear habitat, it’s essential for visitors to be prepared for potential encounters and to be bear aware.

Wildlife in the Great Bear Rainforest

Hakai Pass | Great Bear Rainforest

The Great Bear Rainforest is renowned for its incredible wildlife, including both bears and whales. Guided tours* offer a unique opportunity to see the majestic grizzly and the rare Spirit Bear up close.

Whale watching is another highlight, with the chance to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The best time for whale watching in the Great Bear Rainforest and surrounding regions is from April to October, with peak season running from May to September.

In addition to bear and whale viewing, the region is famous for its exceptional fishing experiences. Anglers flock to historic lodges known for producing some of the world’s largest salmon, while giant halibut cruise the inlets, and lingcod weighing up to 27 kg (59.5 lb) can be caught near the reefs.

*Book your bear viewing with a certified Commercial Bear Viewing Association operator.

The Indigenous Heritage of the Great Bear Rainforest

Petroglyph Tours with Copper Sun Journeys | Tyler Cave

The Great Bear Rainforest is home to several ancient First Nations cultural sites. Princess Royal Island, a primordial wilderness accessible only by boat or air, is the primary habitat of the Kermode or Spirit Bear. Aside from the Tsimshian (sim-SHE-an), who once inhabited a coastal village here, few humans have ever set foot on the island.

Long before white explorers arrived in the Great Bear Rainforest, the First Nations of the central coast thrived, sustaining themselves from both land and sea and trading with interior tribes. Today, approximately two-thirds of the coast’s population is First Nation.

In Bella Coola, the Nuxalk (new-halk) are renowned for their intricate carvings, masks, and paintings, which can be seen throughout the valley with Copper Sun Journeys. Meanwhile, in Bella Bella, the Heiltsuk people warmly welcome visitors to experience the majestic Central Coast of British Columbia at the Heiltsuk Cultural Education Centre.

Click here for a full list of Indigenous experiences.

Great Bear Rainforest: A Global Treasure

The Great Bear Rainforest is a global treasure that covers 6.4 million hectares on British Columbia’s north and central coast. In 2016, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (better known as Prince William and Kate Middleton), visited Bella Bella to dedicate the Great Bear Rainforest to the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy initiative, a “global network of forests that will benefit indigenous communities, wildlife and tourism.”

Take a visual tour, read stories as told by Indigenous people that call this region home, watch videos that shoot from impossible proximity to these great, reclusive kings of the forests and discover what sets this area apart from anywhere else in the world. Visit www.greatbeartales.com for an up-close and intimate experience.

For authentic lodging experiences in the Great Bear Rainforest, from luxury cabins to RV sites and campgrounds, book now.