Sail into fjordand and witness the great feast as grizzly bears, black bears, bald eagles feed on the bounty of salmon. Part 7: Pemberton to Whistler. Catch a glimpse of the rare Spirit Bear in the Great Bear Rainforest Stay at historic, family-run ranches and wilderness lodges in the heart of this remote wilderness Brief Itinerary Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Vancouver Stanley Park and downtown Vancouver The Great Bear Rainforest is a global treasure that covers 6.4 million hectares on British Columbias north and central coast equivalent in size to Ireland. Learn more about what this amazing place has to offer including how to get there and what is available to see once you arrive. Bella Coola. Even without bears, there is a stunning mountain backdrop. Directions: Approximately 26.5km from 70 Mile House, turn left onto Chasm Road and follow it for 4 km to the viewing platform. 2023 Destination BC Corp. All rights reserved. From mid Vancouver Island venture into the Discovery Islands and north into the Broughton Archipelago. At theTalleho Cannery, watch salmon and trout spawning in late August and learn about this history of the salmon-processing industry. Ferry service to Bella Coola is operated by. [1] Its northern end reaches up Portland Canal to the vicinity of Stewart. Overnight accommodation options are plentiful including Clearwater Lake Lodge and Terra Nostra Guest Ranch. Observe and connect with the ancient and remote wonderland that is B.C.s Great Bear Rainforest. 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. Through these titles readers can learn about every corner of the Great Bear Rainforest and its creatures. Mystical Haida Gwaii is an ancient archipelago off the coast of Northern BC. A visit to the Great Bear Rainforest involves many different experiences. All British Columbians have a stake in protecting it. There are incredible sacred petroglyphs said to be 5,000-10,000 years old, totem poles and culturally modified trees in a large cedar grove. Black and grizzly bears are common in these parts, and bear viewing tours are available. Only one ancient account mentions the existence of Xerxes Canal, long thought to be a tall tale. 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. After checking out at 11 am, youll transfer to the airport or ferry terminal for your return home. This is our award-winning journey into the nature, wildlife and culture of the Great Bear Rainforest. Pemberton: The Pemberton area is addictive with its peaceful vibe and idyllic setting, low in a river valley surrounded by the stunning Coastal Mountain range. For current road conditions, visit DriveBC. Wildlife viewing, delicious chef-prepared meals and deluxe on-site amenities add to the magical experience. Plan and prepare because getting thereis part of the adventure. Reservations are required. The Great Bear Rainforest is a global treasure that covers 6.4 million hectares on British Columbia's north and central coast. 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! The eclectic breakfast-to-dinner menu options range from pancakes to chow mein, but stick to the beef burgers: thick, juicy, and with toppings galore. Encompassing a quarter of the worlds coastal temperate rainforest, its the perfect place to soak up a whole lot of silence and drink in lush green surroundings. The entrance is well-marked and easily visible. 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. In addition to private boats, there are a number of charter operators like Maple Leaf Adventures or Seaforth Expeditions that specialize in small-group charters through Great Bear Rainforest. 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. Anahim Lake:Located deep in the heart of the Carrier First Nation territory, Anahim Lake is the eastern gateway to Tweedsmuir Provincial Park and is known for excellent fishing, vast and virtually untouched wilderness, and some spectacular nearby ice fields and waterfalls. Hunlen Falls, one of the other highlights of the park, plunges 855 ft into the Atnarko River and can be seen on many flightseeing tours in the area and is also an easy 20-minute hike in from Turner Lake. Be careful you dont get caught up in gaping at the views and cause an accidentits been known to happen! To stay at the waterfront lodge, constructed in traditional west coast First Nations longhouse style, reserve a spot on a three-to-seven-night Spirit Bear Lodge bear viewing and cultural heritage tour. While the salmon run continues into December, many bears begin to move towards hibernation by the end of October. There are 4 ways to get from Vancouver to Great Bear Rainforest by plane or ferry Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. British Columbia is home to close to 25% of the worlds temperate rainforest. Day 2-5: Explore the Great Bear Rainforest. Directions: 7 km (10 mins) west of Alexis Creek on BC-20E look for the sign on the right side of the highway pointing to the creek. Great Bear Rainforest is a pristine and protected environment so please practice responsible tourism by not leaving trash or chemicals in the forest, rivers, or ocean. Heres what you need to know before you go. Click or tap to ask a general question about $agentSubject. In summertime, explore the wilder parts of the Great Bear, and its amazing community of whales. Stretching for more than 250 miles along the coast of British Columbia, the 21-million-acre wilderness is sometimes called the Amazon of the North. Port Hardy to the south, and Bella Bella, Bella Coola, and Prince Rupert to the north, are the main transportation hubs on and around the Central Coast. We walk gently and encourage visitors to educate themselves on the Indigenous cultures in BC. The best time to view the largest number of bears and cubs is when they feed on salmon. Flights are subject to seasonal and weather changes. Hike a seemingly endless number of rainforest trails, many of which lead to cascading waterfalls, or search for local wildlife. The Landsby Brand Guide can be found here. She suggests their juniper ales if they're available. More adventurous travelers can soar above the tree line and explore the peaks of the Coast Mountains on a heli-hiking trip in spring and summer, or a heli-skiing trip in winter. Sign up to stay in touch with us on all things Indigenous travel. The Via Ferrata is a network of 360 metal rungs, ladders and wires that enable most people from kids to seniors to safely climb cliffs without needing rock-climbing skills. Get ready for days of adventure and wildlife, supported by a very comfortable expedition ship, a gourmet chef and welcoming guides. A subspecies of black bear, the Kermode bear has naturally white fur. The best and easiest way to get to Great Bear Rainforest is by air. Directions: Approximately 18km from Anahim Lake on BC-20E. Learn about key travel restrictions and how to travel safely in BC this season. Our experienced crew and naturalist will take you to areas where youll be able to witness peak wildlife events: See each trips sample itineraries for specific wildlife that it is customary to see in each season. Nearby Clearwater Lake is a departure point for float plane trips into remote fishing lakes and rivers and for exploring the regions Alpine Wilderness. Fort Berens Winery: Love wine? This newfound behavior may offer a clue to how these reptiles will respond to a warming planet. Top 5 places in BC to spot the province's biggest residents. Continue down BC-97S toward Clinton. The Great Bear Rainforest is best explored by its waterwayseither by boat or kayak. Very easy to find. Rome2rio makes travelling from Great Bear Rainforest to Vancouver easy. Arguably one of the most gorgeous roads to travel in the world, BCs Highway 99S from Whistler to Vancouverlocally known as the Sea-to-Sky Highwaywill not disappoint you. 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. Just click this tab in your browser to flip between this page and the How to Get Here page. 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. Rats invaded paradise. This exciting odyssey along the coast as spring arrives is for people who like the road less travelled. Questions about the collection of information can be directed to the Manager of Corporate Web, Government Digital Experience Division. Regular train travel is also available between Prince George and Prince Rupert. The majority of the crew were based on a sailboat for the duration of filming. This ruggedly scenic area is a 45-minute drive from Victoria, and it offers spectacular beaches backed by thick rainforest. Enter your email address if you would like a reply: The information on this form is collected under the authority of Sections 26(c) and 27(1)(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act to help us assess and respond to your enquiry. Here are some of the top places to experience BCs rainforest. Several fishing resorts and serviced RV campsites are located on the lake including Barneys Lakeside Resort and Woodlands Fishin Resort! Directions: As you turn onto BC-99N, you will see the ranch on the left side. Well-rounded experiences on the Fraser River with Great River Fishing Adventures. 100 Mile Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary: According to the South Cariboo tourism association, almost forty species of waterfowl can be found on South Cariboo lakes and wetlands. Only a few roads actually reach the coast, but they end once they reach small harbor towns . If you are extremely lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the elusive Kermode (Spirit) bear, a rare black bear with white fur found only on BCs north and central coast. Clinton: Clinton is known for its gold rush and pioneer history but also as the Guest Ranch Capital of BC. The historic agreement that secures the future of the Great Bear Rainforest means more old- and second-growth forest will be protected, while still ensuring opportunities for economic development and jobs for local First Nations. 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. For a web-based platform, visitwww.centralcoastbiodiversity.org, *Don't provide personal information . Local favorite Bella Coola Valley Restaurant is a burger joint in Bella Coola. Does eating close to bedtime make you gain weight? A little further east you will find Redstone, a small first nations community with the Redstone Store a key stop for fuel and supplies on your Hwy 20 Road Trip. Wildlife viewing typically marine mammals and possible spring bears. Returning salmon have filled the estuaries and wildlife is everywhere! This is the weather cam on West Beach of Calvert Island, provided byHakai.org, that updates every few minutes during daylight hours. It is covered in pristine rainforest, much of it protected jointly by Parks Canada and the local Haida Nation, whose rich cultural heritage you can experience here. Photographers will love this excursion as the slow pace of travel offers ample opportunity for memorable picture-taking. New long-term care home coming to Vancouver. 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. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and hot drinks are provided as you glide through the Broughton Archipelago, home to migrating humpback whales. Book now for Spring-Fall 2023, Whale watching tours in BC fill up fast! Vancouver Is Awesome on Instagram: "We are now doing presales for our Along British Columbia's coast, the Great Bear Rainforest is a lush, isolated beauty. Always check trail conditions before you head out, and no matter what outdoor activity you are planning, be prepared. Packages - Spirit Bear Lodge Hike, sail, fly in and out. Historic Ripple Rock, watch for porpoises. Directions: Turn left off BC-97N at the 70 Mile Store and follow the road until it forks into Green Lake N and Green Lake S. The majority of the campsites and resorts are on the north side of the lake. "The wolves eat the brains," says William Housty. in Prince Rupert offers significant cultural exploration, Consider hiring a local guide and cultural interpreter. Seymour Narrows, the dividing line between southern and northern climates. A hot breakfast, served to order, is available at 8am. Vancouver Island to Great Bear Rainforest - Maple Leaf Adventures 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. You can depart from Northern Vancouver Island on daytrips or multi-day trips. Follow along on a boat trip into BC's Khutzeymateen Grizzly Sanctuary. 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. YES. Home to 1000-year old trees and more than 20 First Nations, the beauty of the Great Bear Rainforest has inspired many preservation efforts. Access points include Prince Rupert in the North, Bella Coola in the Heart of Great Bear Rainforest and Port Hardy in the South. Ferry service to Bella Coola is operated by BC Ferries beginning in June and continuing approximately until the second week of September. Watch for whales and explore island beaches. Eagle, Prince Rupert, Grant Harder | Prince Rupert, Mike Seehagel | Nuxalk Nation totem pole, Bella Coola, Eric Berger. How to Get to The Great Bear Rainforest - [4 Ways] Telephone (778) 572-5251. Description. Historic Hat Creek: Used historically as a stopover for gold rushers in the 1860s, its now a BC Heritage Site in a beautiful setting with original buildings, equipment, and tours. Other points of entry include Bella Bella, Klemtu, and Prince Rupert. There is so much territory to explore and such a wide array of wildlife and sights that you may never want to leave! I give consent to Destination BC Corp. interactive map of the Great Bear Rainforest. This picturesque stretch of highway is chock full of quaint towns, camping and fishing spots, wineries and craft breweries, and so much more. 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. agree I consent to receive email communications from IndigenousBC.com and agree to visit the privacy policy. 7: Exploring spectacular Fjordland in spring, including two of its beautiful estuaries. From fish to forests, how . We value your privacy and never share your information, and you may withdraw your consent and unsubscribe at any time. Its about another 1 hour of flat driving to the village of Bella Coola, which is the largest community within The Great Bear Rainforest. Part 5: Lakes and Hoodoos. This Vancouver Island to Great Bear Rainforest tour covers a broad area of the Canadian Inside Passage, from the dryer Discovery Islands in the south to the steep-sided, rainforest islands and fjords in the north. Be prepared to be blown away by not only the abundant wildlife but also the vastness of this ever-changing landscape. Visit the Great Bear Rainforest - Province of British Columbia The approach is Ecosystem-Based Management(EBM)and is based in science as well as traditional, local knowledge. This area boasts sandy beaches that stretch on for kilometres, fringed by thick, lush rainforests perfect for hiking. 358 likes, 11 comments - Vancouver Is Awesome (@viawesome) on Instagram: "We are now doing presales for our collaboration sweater, produced as a partnership between Vancou." Vancouver Is Awesome on Instagram: "We are now doing presales for our collaboration sweater, produced as a partnership between Vancouver Is Awesome and Granted Sweater Co . Type a question or click on a popular topic below. Photographers can set up a tripod here. The Sugar Shack: Find a little piece of Quebec in the heart of the Cariboo with maple syrup products & gifts, as well as authentic, no-shortcut poutine! Marble Canyon Provincial Park A favourite playground for locals and visitors. Guides will showcase the salmon life cycle and give an overview of the human history in the valley, including that of the Nuxalk First Nation. Website: Pacific Coastal Airlines. Search Indigenous Tourism British Columbia for things to do, places to go, and more. If this were a real emergency Vancouver and Nanaimo are both gorgeous, well-known and bustling west coast ports in British Columbia. This is a breathtaking alternative way of getting to or travelling from Bella Coola. Bear Watching In Churchill - Fresh Tracks Canada You can experience the area by ferry throughBC FerriesInside Passage routeand theDiscovery Coast Connector. See "Included in Our Price" for the exceptional value included. Not to be missed isEast Sooke Regional Park. A hub for outdoor lovers in Northwestern BC, Terrace continues to deliver through the winter months. Vancouver Airport (YVR) to Great Bear Rainforest via plane - Rome2rio Great Bear Rainforest - Wikipedia More than 70% of its old-growth forest is now protected from logging. While it is likely you will see an abundance of wildlife on your hike, there are no guarantees. Serenely nestled in the rugged Pavilion Mountain Range, this limestone canyon is a rare geological formation in British Columbia. While the town carries historical significance, its surroundings are equally enamouring for tourists. Helpful Links: Great Bear Nature Tours, National Geographic article, National Geographic map of the area. Most of the regions 64,000 sq km are roadless wilderness, making transportation by land limited. Spirit Bear Lodge, a tour/lodging outfitter in Klemtu, is owned and operated by the local Kitasoo/Xai'xais First Nations community. Super, Natural British Columbia, Super, Natural, Hello BC and Visitor Centre and all associated logos/trade-marks are trade-marks or Official Marks of Destination BC Corp. Sooke Hills Wilderness Regional Park | Tourism Vancouver Island, Skeena River | Northern BC Tourism/Andrew Strain, Search Hello BC for activities, events, places and more, Here are some of the top places to experience. You can find information about each day, by clicking on a number. In February 2016, the Government of B.C., First Nations, environmental groups, and forest industry representatives announced their final agreement on how the Great Bear Rainforest would be managed. Check provincial campgrounds and park closures. Two-hour walking explorations of the Great Bear Rainforest include visits to ancient petroglyphs, towering cedars, and totem poles that tell creation stories or smayustas. 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. There are no roads. When to Go: From late August to the middle of October, thousands of returning salmon draw wildlife to the local rivers, making this the best time to view grizzly bears and the elusive Kermode bear. There are a variety of full-service fishing lodges for anglers and boaters. The maze of winding channels, sprawling archipelagos, and the abundance of marine life provide visitors with gentle, yet up-close interaction with water, land, and nature. 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. Whichever way you choose, be sure to plan and prepare in advance, as the journey can be challenging. Its 549 km or 341 miles from Vancouver to Williams Lake, which takes about 6 hours and 30 minutes to drive. After breakfast, head on a pre-planned half-day excursion with an experienced . Visit local villages and, welcomed by residents, learn about coastal culture, from First Nations earliest culture to the present.