Great Bear Rainforest Sailing Adventure

West Coast Wonder

Your Great Bear Rainforest Sailing Adventure journey begins in Bella Bella—a tiny coastal town with a mighty heart. Tucked away on remote Campbell Island, Bella Bella (or Waglisla) is the home of the Heiltsuk First Nation, whose traditional territory spans over 16,000 square kilometres of wild, coastal beauty. With a population of just 1,450, this community is rich in culture, spirit, and deep connection to the land and sea. You’ll find it about 181 km north of Vancouver Island and 144 km west of Bella Coola.

Pro tip: Coastal weather can be unpredictable, so we strongly recommend arriving in Bella Bella the day before your trip starts to keep things smooth sailing (literally). Most folks stay just across the water at Shearwater Resort on Denny Island—a short water taxi ride from town. This charming spot, now proudly owned and operated by the Heiltsuk Nation, offers lodging, a pub-style restaurant, and a couple of cozy shops to browse.

When you land at Bella Bella Airport, grab your bags outside and look for the Bella Shuttle—an easy-to-spot passenger van that will be waiting for you. They’ll whisk you off to the Municipal Dock, where you’ll hop on a water taxi for the 10-minute crossing to Shearwater Resort. (Good news: your shuttle fare is covered in your trip fees!)

Once you reach the dock, just head down the ramp and catch your water taxi to Denny Island (currently $10 per person, subject to change). From there, it’s a short walk to the resort. You’ve officially arrived—and the Great Bear Rainforest Sailing Adventure is about to begin!

Accommodations

Northern Shores Lodge

Where the Forest Meets the Sea

After breakfast, we’ll meet the crew at the dock and board our expedition vessel. Once cabins are assigned and the safety briefing is complete, we’ll set sail into the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest—one of the wildest and most biodiverse corners of the planet.

As we cruise through Milbanke Sound, keep an eye out for sea otters bobbing in the kelp. Transplanted from Alaska decades ago, these playful creatures now make rare but increasing appearances along the Central Coast. Seeing one here, curled in a frond to keep from drifting, is like spotting a living comeback story.

Each evening brings us to a new, remote anchorage with unforgettable views. During the day, we’ll explore by small boat or on foot, with our onboard naturalist helping identify the rich array of coastal plants, marine life, and bird species.

If you’re up for it, grab a kayak and paddle through the still, protected waters—this place invites you to slow down, tune in, and truly see.

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations

Island Odyssey

Supernatural Sailing

As we cruise north through Mathieson or Finlayson Channel, keep your eyes glued to the shoreline— you might spot a grizzly foraging near the water’s edge, or hear the raspy call of a raven (nature’s original trickster) echoing through the trees. Bald eagles soar overhead, and if weather and tides are on our side, we’ll step ashore to wander quiet beaches and wildlife trails where the signs of bears and coastal wolves come to life.

Our journey winds deep into the jaw-dropping beauty of Fiordland Conservancy—a remote paradise where waterfalls spill down towering granite cliffs and salmon-thick estuaries draw grizzlies in for a feast. With any luck, we’ll spot a mama bear guiding her cubs through the shallows. These are the goosebump moments that stay with you.

If time allows, we may visit the village of Klemtu, home of the Kitasoo/Xai’xais First Nation, where we’ll get a glimpse of their stunning Big House—a modern symbol of tradition, strength, and cultural pride. It’s a stop that connects the wild outside with the deep stories within.

From there, we set course for Khutze Inlet, a breathtaking river valley wrapped in rainforest magic. Keep watch for a whole chorus of coastal birds—kingfishers, dippers, mergansers, gulls, and the ever-regal bald eagle. Here, the wild feels bigger, deeper, and more alive.

Included Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodations

Island Odyssey

Spirit Bears

As we travel along Princess Royal Isalnd- this stretch of rainforest paradise is world-renowned for Kermode bear sightings—also called the elusive Spirit bear. With its creamy-white fur and quiet grace, this rare bear (a genetic variation of the black bear) roams the moss-draped forests and salmon-filled streams of the Great Bear Rainforest.

We’ll be guided by the Gitga’at First Nation, whose deep-rooted knowledge of these lands and waters turns every moment into a masterclass in cultural connection. They call the Spirit bear Moksgm’ol, and with their guidance, we journey to sacred, secluded bear-viewing sites where patience, silence, and respect open the door to once-in-a-lifetime encounters.

With luck (and quiet hearts), you may just witness the breathtaking sight of a Spirit bear fishing for salmon, or a black bear padding silently through the forest’s emerald hush.

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations

Island Odyssey

Whale Channels and Wind-Kissed Waters

As we sail through the southern reaches of Douglas Channel—Wright Sound, Squally Channel, and Whale Channel—keep your binoculars close and your sense of wonder wide open. These rich waters are prime humpback whale territory.

Watch for towering spouts on the horizon and get ready for the magic: full-body breaches, pectoral slaps, spy-hopping, and, if we’re lucky, the rare spectacle of bubble-net feeding. When whales show up, we slow down and stay awhile—because moments like these deserve your full attention.

In recent years, fin whales—the ocean’s sleek speedsters—have been spotted more often, and we’re crossing our fingers for a sighting. Orcas may also grace us with their presence, along with curious porpoises and the playful roars of Steller sea lions lounging in lively haul-outs. Time permitting, we’ll visit a local whale research station to learn more about these incredible creatures from the people dedicating their lives to protecting them.

And while these channels offer sheltered sailing, we’ll be hoping for a steady wind to raise the sails and glide in silence—just the creak of the rigging and the rhythm of the water. If we’re feeling extra lucky (and have the time), we’ll make a detour to Bishop Bay hot springs. Soaking in a warm, natural pool surrounded by rainforest and weathered fishing floats? Let’s just say it’s the kind of wild luxury you never forget.

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations

Island Odyssey

From the Rainforest, With Love

We’ll arrive in Kitimat around noon, marking the final stretch of your Great Bear Rainforest Sailing Adventure.

From here, it’s about an hour’s drive to Terrace. Wild Women Expeditions will provide transportation for you and your luggage to the Terrace Airport for a mid-to-late afternoon flight. Prefer to linger a little longer? You’re welcome to spend an extra night in Terrace and depart on the evening flight or the following day.

If you do choose to stay, Terrace has plenty to explore. Step into the past at the Heritage Park Museum, stroll across the iconic “Old Bridge”—a National Historic Site of Canada—or visit the George Little House, built by the founder of the town itself. Local galleries showcase Northwest Coast artwork, and the House of Sim-oi-Ghets offers stunning Indigenous art and gifts.

Your shuttle from the Kitimat Marina to Terrace Airport on Day 8 is included in your trip fees. Any additional transportation or accommodations beyond that point will be at your own arrangement.

As you leave this Great Bear Rainforest Sailing Adventure and wild landscape behind, may you carry its quiet power, deep stillness, and untamed beauty with you—wherever your next adventure leads.

Included Meals

Breakfast