This picturesque stretch of highway is chock full of quaint towns, camping and fishing spots, wineries and craft breweries, and so much more. The majority of the crew were based on a sailboat for the duration of filming. This agreement will conserve 85 per cent of the forest and 70 per cent of old growth over time. Very easy to find. Clinton: Clinton is known for its gold rush and pioneer history but also as the Guest Ranch Capital of BC. Part 2: Side Trip to the West Coast. This personal information is collected for the purpose of marketing under the authority of section 26(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Watch for mountain goats above the ocean, and bears in meadows. Travel up the coast of Vancouver Island to Port Hardy and embark on an unforgettable ferry ride. Find all the transport options for your trip from Vancouver Airport (YVR) to Great Bear Rainforest right here. These zones impact the health of the water and creatures who live there; not only fish, but also beavers, otters and muskrats. Dense rainforest covers much of the landscape, and opportunities for hiking are everywhere you look. Keep an eye out for bears, deer, marmots, and bighorn sheep. Check provincial campgrounds and park closures. Take the trail that leads southwest and is lined by giant Ponderosa Pines. Several companies specialize in small-boat rainforest cruises andguided sailboat excursions. A hot breakfast, served to order, is available at 8am. Directions: In 100 Mile House at 155 Wrangler Way. All Rights Reserved. Other great bear viewing sites include Knight Inlet which is only a day trip fromTelegraph CoveandCampbell Riveron Vancouver Island. For solo travellers, there is no single supplement on the SV Maple Leaf trips (shared accommodation), and there is a 50% single supplement on the MV Swell and Cascadia trips. In summertime, explore the wilder parts of the Great Bear, and its amazing community of whales. One of the most popular recreational lakes in the Cariboo, the lake includes campgrounds, resorts, and a bait and tackle shop. Immersive Indigenous experiences are expansive, transformational, and authentic. Marine life is abundant and varied in the coastal waters of the Great Bear Rainforest. In a word, epic. On some occasions witness the rare sprit bear as it emerges from the forest. Join Canadian Geographic expert photo instructor to learn new photography techniques. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and hot drinks are provided as you glide through the Broughton Archipelago, home to migrating humpback whales. This itinerary is to give you a general idea of the trip. Who buys lion bones? 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. Keep an eye out for schools of dolphins, which enjoy playing in the wake, as well as orcas and humpback whales that may be blowing spray or breaching in the area. You may travel to remote islands, valleys, streams and estuaries for a chance to spot this unique sub-species of the black bear, noted for its near-white coat. 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. 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. Accommodation recommendations include: Crystal Springs (Historical) Resort and Kokanee Bay Motel & Campground Directions: Approximately 66.5 km from Williams Lake on the right side of the highway. Embark on guided small-group excursions through the regions diverse landscapes, discovering the jagged Pacific coast, the temperate rainforest and the Chilcotin Plateau. The Great Bear Rainforest stretches some 400 kilometres (250 miles) along the central and northern coast of British Columbia from Knight Inlet to the Alaska Panhandle. that specialize in small-group charters through Great Bear Rainforest. offers direct flights from the Vancouver airport (YVR). June to August are the warmest months to visit the area. There are not many places in the world where you can see grizzly bears up close in their natural habitat. Description. 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. Johnstone Strait and the Broughton Archipelago are some of the best places in the world to view orcas in their natural environment. From Bella Coola, head out on a wildlife-viewing safari withBella Coola Grizzly Tours, or go on a boat ride through glacial fjords to a natural hot springs, where you can have a soak before tucking into a barbecue lunch. All Rights Reserved, Automated page speed optimizations for fast site performance. The switchbacks and blind corners require caution and care when navigating. Leaving Williams Lake, take BC-97S toward Clinton, BC. TICO Registration #50014459 and #50014570, An intimate & immersive wilderness experience at one of BCs top luxury lodges, Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley, Transfers to and from the Bella Coola airport or the BC Ferries terminal on arrival and departure days, Accommodation (double occupancy) in beautiful, private timber frame chalets at Tweedsmuir Park Lodge, All food and non-alcoholic beverages (hot or cold breakfast, lunch menu or picnic on the trail, apres snacks, and multi-course dinners), A complimentary bottle of wine upon arrival (one per group), Two half-day or one full-day guided activity on each full day of the package (no activities on arrival or departure day), Guide service by certified wilderness guides, All safety equipment; lifejackets, rain gear, radios, umbrellas, binoculars, Use of all self-directed indoor and outdoor recreation equipment, games area with billiards table, foosball table, dart board, satellite TV, and a retail shop, 1,200 sq/ft spa building with a yoga stretching room, weights and stationary bikes, cedar, Access to wildlife viewing stand, lawn games and E-bikes, Scenic Atnarko River Drifts (requires additional guide as boat only seats 6), Highlights of the Bella Coola Valley Tour, The Via Ferrata (subject to additional charge for semi private packages, included as an option in private packages), River Fishing (included as an option in Private packages), 25% deposit is required at the time of booking with balance due 90 days prior to travel. You'll also visit a few cultural sites. The goal of the new Great Bear Rainforest Education and Awareness Trust is to foster a deeper public recognition and appreciation of the unique nature of the Great Bear Rainforest and how the Government of BC, First Nations, industry and environmental organizations developed aworld-classand innovative approach tomanagingboth the natural environment and human activities. It displays a spectacular array of colour during the spring and summer months, with a startling contrast between the red, brown, and purple lava walls of the gorge and the green of the Ponderosas and grasses of the valley below. This free app identifies more than 210 plants, 80 birds, 190 marine invertebrates, 50 fish, and 20 mammals and reptiles. Recommended accommodation includes Anahim Lake Resort & RV Park andEagles Nest Resort. Coffee, tea and a cold buffet is ready for self-service at 7am and you can wander down to the lodge's wildlife viewing platform to take in the forest as it wakes up. I give consent to Destination BC Corp. interactive map of the Great Bear Rainforest. Black and grizzly bears are common in these parts, and bear viewing tours are available. Heres what you need to know before you go. While it is likely you will see an abundance of wildlife on your hike, there are no guarantees. There are half-day and full-day hikes, as well as rafting trips that wind through a wealth of nature viewing opportunities on the Bella Coola River. As part of their 2016 Royal Tour, Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge officially endorsed the Great Bear Rainforest underThe Queens Commonwealth Canopyinitiative. Explore the fjords and islands during the summer. Three Seasons in the Great Bear Rainforest. All rights reserved. Bear-viewing season runs from June to October. The pace is slow, allowing visitors to take their time to adjust to its rhythms, intricacies, and seasonal changes. 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. Questions about the collection of information can be directed to the Manager of Corporate Web, Government Digital Experience Division. The best time to view the largest number of bears and cubs is when they feed on salmon. We thought we knew turtles. Consider it a quest: people travel from far and wide for the chance to spot the rare Kermode bear, which is found only in this part of the world. Explore fjords in search of bears. Those interested in seeing bears should check out our Grizzly Bear Safari package. Part 1: Ferry to Vancouver Island. Hello, this is an automated Digital Assistant. 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. Inside South Africas skeleton trade. The lakes are teeming with fish and the park is also popular with bird watchers due to the large diversity of birdlife in the area. 6: Further exploration among the fjords and inner channels of the Great Bear Rainforest. Hike, sail, fly in and out. If this were a real emergency Vancouver and Nanaimo are both gorgeous, well-known and bustling west coast ports in British Columbia. Find places to stay, experience providers, and special offers. 100 Mile House: Accommodations, activities and attractions. For the actual sailing that you book, youll receive a detailed How to Get Here and Boarding Time sheet. This free app identifies more than 210 plants, 80 birds, 190 marine invertebrates, 50 fish, and 20 mammals and reptiles. Spend days travelling among humpback whales and marine birds. Highly recommend stopping here to have a look (or paddle if you have kayaks or boards). 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. Bear viewing (from shore boats, on land, and in some cases at a bear viewing stand), Marine mammal viewing (whales, sea lions) and bird viewing, Natural history through hands on experience and talks with your naturalist and any scientists encountered on your trip, Village visit, cultural history and experience, Spirit bear (rare) and black furred black bear. The size of the lake, the temperature and clarity of the water, and the numerous campgrounds and resorts located along its shoreline are alluring to anyone who loves fishing, water sports (such as wakeboarding, kayaking, and paddleboarding) or just relaxing on the shore in the sun. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. The views are epic with the Pacific Ocean on the right and the mountains rising up on the left. Theres even a waterfall on the far end of Turquoise Lake (an easy 15-minute hike from the parking lot). Its about another 1 hour of flat driving to the village of Bella Coola, which is the largest community within The Great Bear Rainforest. Also, because Williams Lake is in the heart of Cowboy Country, it hosts a famous rodeo, the Williams Lake Stampede, every year in July, drawing rodeo buffs from all over the world. Tweedsmuir Provincial Park: Easily accessible via Highway 20, Tweedsmuir is the transition zone from the Interior Plateau into the Rainbow Range and Coast Mountain Range and, as a result, it provides some of the most dramatic scenery in North America. You'll explore from south to north, along protected passages, an inland sea and from island to island, with frequent shore trips. The approach is Ecosystem-Based Management(EBM)and is based in science as well as traditional, local knowledge. But archaeology is confirming that Persia's engineering triumph was real. Experience the feeding frenzy firsthand as bears, eagles, sea lions, and whales fill up on the fall salmon for the long winter ahead. Rome2rio makes travelling from Great Bear Rainforest to Vancouver easy. An unbelievable experience with the most dedicated and involved crew Ive ever experienced. All are first come, first served. The Graham Inn is available for overnight accommodation, as is the Tatla Lake Manor. We value your privacy and never share your information, and you may withdraw your consent and unsubscribe at any time. Local cultural guides conduct tours to areas where there have been sightings. Alexis Creek: (Tsilhqotin)an indigenous people who live between the Fraser River and the Coast Mountains. Day 2-5: Explore the Great Bear Rainforest. Many believe there is no better way to see scenic B.C. From late August to mid-September, guests can take guided grizzly bear-viewing float trips on the bordering Atnarko River. If you have the time, plan to spend several days exploring and staying in the park. Pacific Coastal Airlines operates direct flights from Vancouver to the Great Bear Rainforest communities of Bella Bella, Bella Coola, and Klemtu. The Discovery Coast Passageoperates in the summer only, and runs between Port Hardy on the north tip of Vancouver Island and Bella Bella, Shearwater, Klemtu, Ocean Falls, and Bella Coola. If you would like to partner with us, please dont hesitate to reach out. You can also choose to relax at the lodge and enjoy the quiet of the forest or participate in one of the self-directed activities such as lawn games, mountain biking or wildlife viewing. 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. Rainforest Explore travel Ideas in BC's unique rainforests. Along British Columbia's coast, the Great Bear Rainforest is a lush, isolated beauty. The annual salmon run starts around late August and peaks in September or October. *1234567891011121314151617181920, How many children? Check out Tourism Vancouver Islandfor the lowdown on the islands activities and sights. 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. The Inside Passage Coastal Adventure cruise is an eight-night journey from Vancouver all the way to Prince Rupert and back, passing alongside the bulk of the Great Bear Rainforest as you travel. Stretching from Vancouver Island, north along the mainland coast, it forms a significant section of the famous "Inside Passage" route to Alaska - a name that started with the gold rush of the 1800's. Continue on BC-97S and turn right at the junction onto BC-99N toward Lillooet. Here are five places to experience the unique ecosystem that is the temperate rainforest. Train service is available three times per week from Prince George to Terrace. Recommended option Fly to Bella Coola, travel 4h 58m Fly from Vancouver (YVR) to Bella Coola (QBC) YVR - QBC Chasm Provincial Park: Often referred to as the Mini Grand Canyon, the Painted Chasm is one of the most geologically unique parks in the Cariboo. Through these titles readers can learn about every corner of the Great Bear Rainforest and its creatures. This is the weather cam on West Beach of Calvert Island, provided byHakai.org, that updates every few minutes during daylight hours. Walk along the dramatic, rocky coast, or hike forested trails that lead to quiet, sheltered coves. BC Ferries offers a summer-only ferry service to many local communities through its Discovery Coast Passage. 318 km | 5 hours 49 mins This leg of the journey will take you into the sweeping Chilcotin Plateau and down into the valley and Williams Lake. 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 After youve seen the lookout, follow the trail that parallels the train tracks north. Approximately 10 minutes from the turnoff. While marine wildlife is often seen on bear viewing trips, dedicated whale watching and wildlife tours can be taken from: For more information, visit Indigenous Tourism BC. Its also a mountain biking mecca that serves up some of BCs best biking on Westsyde Ridge, Desous Mountain, and Fox Mountain. Here, the waters teem with whales, dolphins, sea otters, porpoises, sea lions, salmon and other creatures. The lake is on the left-hand side and there is good signage announcing it. Telephone (778) 572-5251. Questions about the collection or use of this information can be directed to Chief Financial Officer, 12th Floor, 510 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 3A8, Canada. King Pacific Lodge is a luxurious, floating, 17-room resort anchored in Barnard Habour along the shores of Prince Royal Island. 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. What a magical and awe-inspiring adventure! And take a cultural tour to learn about the vibrant Nuxalk Nation. The entrance is well-marked and easily visible. 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. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Located in the Great Bear Rainforest Knight Inlet Lodge, 240 kilometers (150 miles) northwest of Vancouver, lies in the southern reaches of one of the last intact temperate rainforests on earth, the Great Bear Rainforest - home to Indigenous peoples, ancient forests, and wild bears since time immemorial. 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. Human cultures that have evolved in this landscape for millennia. Look for the lakes and the sign for the park. Follow along on a boat trip into BC's Khutzeymateen Grizzly Sanctuary. For a more intimate environment, take a small-ship cruise that offers on-board chef service, such asMaple Leaf AdventuresorOuter Shores Expeditions. Visit in the winter for dramatic storm watching. Broughton Archipelago (Whales and Totems), Gulf Islands National Park and Salish Sea. 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. 2023 Destination BC Corp. All rights reserved. Special packages are available through the Canadian Rockies and Pacific Coast areas, with an overnight stay in Prince George, and travel along the mighty Skeena River. Nearby Clearwater Lake is a departure point for float plane trips into remote fishing lakes and rivers and for exploring the regions Alpine Wilderness. The central coast region of British Columbia's scenic and intricate shoreline has a long history. With close to 40 campsites in the park, both in the backcountry and along the highway, there is always a place for park goers to bunk down while enjoying the area. 250 km | 3 hours 34 mins The scenery between Lillooet and Whistler will leave you speechless. KiNikiNik Lodge, Restaurant & Store:Situated in Redstone between the Chilancoh and Chilcotin Rivers, right on Hwy 20, you cannot miss the beautiful timber-framed, modern designed KiNiKiNiK! Visit ancient villages and shell middens inhabited by wolves, eagles, and bears as Indigenous interpreters read the surrounding land and waters. This ruggedly scenic area is a 45-minute drive from Victoria, and it offers spectacular beaches backed by thick rainforest. Comments will be sent to 'servicebc@gov.bc.ca'. Go light on breakfast and head to Dolly's before 11 a.m. for an early lunch. The final leg of the drive begins with a 20-minute hill descending to the Valley floor. Search Indigenous Tourism British Columbia for things to do, places to go, and more. Trips typically occur between May and October. 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. Become part of Pacific Wild's wolf community and advocate for the protection of wolves in . The Great Bear Rainforest is best explored by its waterwayseither by boat or kayak. And, its the only corner of the planet where you can spot the elusive white Kermode bear, also known as the, Spirit bear., Need more? *01234567891011121314151617181920, When are you thinking of travelling?When are you thinking of travelling? Bella Coola. Directions: As you turn onto BC-99N, you will see the ranch on the left side. Your guide will advise you of trail conditions best suited for hiking and wildlife sightings. While the town carries historical significance, its surroundings are equally enamouring for tourists. All Rights Reserved. Take shore trips into estuaries.. 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. While it may take some effort to reach, the journey is well worth it for the once-in-a-lifetime experiences that await. Set off from the coastal village ofKlemtuto see the bears on their home turf of Princess Royal Island. Axolotls and capybaras are TikTok famousis that a problem? Be prepared to be blown away by not only the abundant wildlife but also the vastness of this ever-changing landscape. While it is possible to see grizzly bears in the spring and summer they usually dont arrive to the Bella Coola Valley until the end of August. 108 Mile Ranch:Once a working cattle ranch, 108 Mile Ranch is now a small residential community 12 km north of 100 Mile House. We welcome your contact. We highly recommend planning a day to explore each citys landscape and culture. This tiny town still boasts some original buildings from its inception (the Clinton Museum is located in the original schoolhouse built in 1892) and offers an abundance of history and memories of gold rush days while also still serving as a central hub for many outlying ranches and smaller communities. 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. Fly from Vancouver to Bella Bella and travel by boat to Spirit Bear Lodge, in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest and the ancestral lands of Kitasoo/Xai'xais First Nation. 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. Serenely nestled in the rugged Pavilion Mountain Range, this limestone canyon is a rare geological formation in British Columbia. Part 8: Whistler to Vancouver. Definitely something for everyone and a fantastic way to spend a day out on the lake in the sun. Or venture further north to Chezacut Wilderness & Ranch Adventures. From the Highway at Riske Creek, turn left onto Farwell Canyon Road and follow it approximately 21 km to the park. You can experience the area by ferry throughBC FerriesInside Passage routeand theDiscovery Coast Connector. Return to the lodge for a hearty lunch and a rest. Many migratory species live here during the summer months or pass through in the spring and fall during their annual passage. (With very few roads, the Great Bear Rainforest is accessed mainly by boat or floatplane.). 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. Historic Ripple Rock, watch for porpoises. Vancouver is consistently named as one of the top five worldwide cities for livability and quality of life and Nanaimo, known as The Harbour City is the gateway for other destinations on northern Vancouver Island. Whistler: A resort town in the southern Pacific Ranges of the Coast Mountains, Whistler is located 36 km south of Pemberton. The road was built in 1953 by local residents and features a 15 km ascent from the valley floor to the Chilcotin Plateau, gaining 1,600m in elevation to the summit at Heckman Pass with a number of steep grades and switchbacks. Guided rainforest hikes are often part of bear viewing tours, and most lodges have some hiking options. Note that as with all expedition cruises, the itinerary may change based on weather, wildlife activity, and interests of the guests. Just click this tab in your browser to flip between this page and the How to Get Here page. 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. Located on the Central and North Coasts and including the archipelago of Haida Gwaii, the GBR is a vast network of deep and lesser valleys, crystal clear lakes and streams, and fjords and inlets that host one of the densest and most diverse arrays of plant and animal life on Earth. Directions: Approximately 26.5km from 70 Mile House, turn left onto Chasm Road and follow it for 4 km to the viewing platform. Watch for fin whales, orca, or possibly even a sea otter. Regular train travel is also available between Prince George and Prince Rupert. Multi-day cruises, day trips and fishing charters are available throughout the Great Bear Rainforest during the prime June to October summer and wildlife season. 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. Fishing on the river is also permitted with an appropriate angling license and obeying fishing restrictions in certain sections of the river. Even without bears, there is a stunning mountain backdrop. Check out 5 facts you may not know about BC's temperate rainforest. Hello, this is an automated Digital Assistant. For starters, its a vast area of pristine wilderness about the size of Ireland. The lodge has a number of incredible and immersive activity options: You can slowly drift down the meandering Atnarko River between lush green forests and with the snow-capped peaks of the Coast Range Mountains towering overhead. The 2016 Great Bear Rainforest Land Use Order and Great Bear Rainforest (Forest Management) Act will conserve 85% of the forest and 70% of old growth over time, achieving a high level of ecological integrity. The Great Bear Rainforest is one of the largest temperate rainforests remaining in the world, a sublime and protected ecological wonder. You can zoom into different regions on thisinteractive map of the Great Bear Rainforest. Whichever way you choose, be sure to plan and prepare in advance, as the journey can be challenging. What to Read or Watch Before You Go: The Great Bear Rainforest: Canada's Forgotten Coast showcases more than 150 photographs, as well as journal entries and maps from conservationists Ian and Karen McAllister's sailing odysseys along the western Canadian coastline. The pack stops to howl on the beach, perhaps to mark their territory. Part 5: Lakes and Hoodoos. Type a question or click on a popular topic below. Its estimated that over two million people visit annually to ski in the winter and mountain bike in the summer. Find all the transport options for your trip from Great Bear Rainforest to Vancouver right here. Home to 1000-year old trees and more than 20 First Nations, the beauty of the Great Bear Rainforest has inspired many preservation efforts.