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Adventure into this remote wilderness, seeking wildlife, meeting native guides ... learn why the Great Bear Rainforest is one of the last gems on the Pacific Coast.

Islands and intricate waterways beneath towering mountains... lush, coastal temperate forests... wilderness alive with eagles, ravens, salmon, bears and wolves... ten thousand year old native cultures...

The central coast region of British Columbia’s scenic and intricate shoreline has a long history. 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. Many of the gold seekers stayed on the coast, attracted to the plentiful resources of fishing and the lush forests. Native peoples have lived along this coast for at least 10,000 years, and built a renowned culture based upon these same fish and trees. Unfortunately, diseases spread from the first European settlers, decimated the old villages, and now the native peoples are centered in a few, small coastal villages - Bella Bella, Klemtu, and Hartley Bay. It was only in the last few years with the introduction of the name “Great Bear Rainforest”, that this magnificent wilderness has deservedly found itself in the spotlight of international attention.

Native Culture: We visit and explore this incredible area with permission from the local Gitga’at, Kitasoo/Xai’Xais, and Haisla First Nations. In the concept of eco-tourism visitors respect local cultures and share a portion of revenues with local communities.
Bluewater Adventures fully supports this concept and has committed to Protocol Agreements with all these First Nations. We plan to spend a day with local Gitga’at guides who will share their culture and history as they guide us to their favourite bear viewing sites. We also make efforts to visit the newly built Big Houses in Klemtu or Hartley Bay.

Kermode Spirit Bear: These primeval forests are the only habitat of the Kermode or “spirit bear”. An elusive and rarely seen wonder, the Spirit Bear is a genetic throwback - a black bear with a “recessive” gene for snow-white fur. Princess Royal Island is one of the few areas on the coast where one can find the Kermode. Only 10% of black bears in the area are white, so though we expect to see black bears, it will require good luck and perseverance to spot a Spirit Bear.

Humpback Whales: During our voyage there are excellent chances of seeing various species of marine mammals. Campania Sound and Whale Channel are good areas for viewing humpback whales.
We often see spectacular humpback behaviours such as breaching and a cooperative feeding technique called ‘bubble-net feeding’. As well, we sometimes encounter the infamous orca (killer whale).

Grizzlies: This area is home to the magnificent grizzly bear, a species that requires large areas of habitat undisturbed by human activity. These great bears, once roamed across North America but due to the advance of civilization, diminished food supply and continued hunting, they are now threatened in their remaining range.
Weighing in at more than a quarter of a ton, grizzly bears sit at the top of the food chain and are a critical part of this coastal ecosystem. These bears are drawn to the estuaries of large coastal rivers to feast on the salmon moving upriver to spawn. They depend on these salmon to survive. The Great Bear Rainforest supports one of the last sustainable populations. We plan on exploring up remote coastal fiords and expect to see these majestic creatures.

Notes:

• Applicable Canadian taxes will be added in addition to trips in British Columbia (12%)
• Some departures may be reserved for groups. If you are interested in chartering a date for your group, special pricing is available
• Bring a sleeping bag as there are no facilities for laundry onboard except for North America clients because of weight restrictions
• Rain gear needs to be completely waterproof
• Rubber boots should be comfortable. Rubber boots are essential
• Suitcases cannot accommodate aboard the boat and ask that your clothing and equipment be brought aboard in soft sided, compressible bags, for example duffel bags or some other soft case that can be easily stowed
• Plan to dress in layers to accommodate changes in weather
• Please be aware that there may be weight restrictions for float planes, if your trip includes this option
• If you are concerned about seasickness your doctor can recommend medications designed to prevent motion sickness. - We do not travel in rough waters, and anchor each night in a secluded bay
• If you are traveling on a Southeast Alaska departure, a passport is needed! Trips aboard the Island Odyssey or the Snow Goose require participants bring identification for clearing customs and immigration. A birth certificate and passport are the best type of identification. USA regulations now require all travelers to the USA have passports

CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

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Interested in Trip:	University of British Columbia in Great Bear Rainforest

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