3-Day Trip to the Great Bear Rainforest

Lush rainforests, breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and captivating culture—all await as you journey through the Great Bear Rainforest. However, if time isn’t on your side, fret not: you can still enjoy and explore a portion of the loop. This edited guide for a three-day trip is perfect for experiencing what the region has to offer and will leave you wanting to come back for more.

Check out the 5-day Trip to the Great Bear Rainforest
Check out the 10-day Trip to the Great Bear Rainforest Loop

Vancouver to Bella Coola via Pacific Coastal Airlines (Day 1)

Flight duration: Around 1 hour and 30 minutes

Great Bear Rainforest | Tyler Cave

Ready to see some amazing scenery from above? That’s right. If you only have three days to spare to explore the Great Bear Rainforest, the best option is the 1 hour and 30-minute flight with Pacific Coastal Airlines from Vancouver straight to the magnificent lands of Bella Coola. The flight typically departs early in the morning (so grab a cup of coffee on the way to the airport!), allowing you plenty of time to explore Bella Coola on your first day.

After checking into your accommodation of choice, be sure to grab your backpack, your camera, and put on your best hiking shoes. You have a whole afternoon ahead of you, and what better way to explore the region than by going on a self-guided hike? You can consult the Bella Coola Valley trail guide and choose the best trail for your available time.

Alternatively, for a dose of history and culture, take a tour of the Bella Coola Museum. Housed in a building dating back to 1892, this museum offers a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the area’s heritage and trace the history of the town and its surrounding areas.

After a day filled with incredible memories, recharge at your accommodation and get ready for your second day: more adventure awaits you in the stunning Bella Coola!

Check out the 10-day Trip to the Great Bear Rainforest Loop

Full Day in Bella Coola (Day 2)

Bella Coola Grizzly Tours | Geoff Moore

Rise and shine! A full day of adventure awaits just outside your door. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your lodge, breathe in the fresh air as you plan the second day of your 3-day trip in the Great Bear Rainforest, and let’s get going!

With plenty of options available and full day ahead of you, take on a couple of longer adventures: selecting a Guided Tours is a great way to access local gems such as Clayton Falls and the Petroglyphs at Thorson Creek, just to name a couple.

If the call of the ocean beckons, you can plan accordingly to embark on amazing water tours adventures such a visit to secluded hot springs and incredible wildlife viewing such as grizzly bears and humpback whales with Great Bear Sailing Adventures. For personalized tours, Inner Coast Inlet Tours will take you to awe-inspiring remote locations along the central coast. If what you’re seeking is a bit more action, join Aegir Sea Kayaking Tours for kayaking amidst the hidden secrets of the Great Bear Rainforest with certified guides. Choose your favourite adventure with our detailed list of Things to Do in the Bella Coola Valley.

After a day filled with marvelous landscapes and fun activities, rest well at your accommodation and pack your things for the trip back the next morning.

Bella Coola to Vancouver via Pacific Coastal Airlines (Day 3)

Flight duration: Around 1 hour and 30 minutes

Tyler Cave

As you wake up feeling energized and ready to return home, reflect on the amazing moments you’ve experienced during this short yet delightful three-day trip in the Great Bear Rainforest Loop. This breathtaking and mysterious land surely misses you already and awaits your return for even more days of adventure whenever you’re ready.

Again, flying with Pacific Coastal Airlines for the return journey is the recommended route since it saves you time: flights usually depart around 11 am and take only 1 hour and 30 minutes. On your way to the airport, make sure to grab a good old cup of coffee at the cozy, family-owned Bella Cafe as you pick up some souvenirs and conclude your adventure, taking your cherished memories of the Great Bear Rainforest with you. Until next time!