The Bella Coola Valley has an extensive network of hiking trails that range from easy to moderate. Between hikes, enjoy fresh, local food in town, take a surf lesson, or just gaze out at the wild, open Pacific Ocean. I give consent to Destination BC Corp. interactive map of the Great Bear Rainforest. Ferry service to Bella Coola is operated by BC Ferries beginning in June and continuing approximately until the second week of September. Looking down the valley, you can see the point where the boreal forest gives way to the coastal rainforest in the valley below and the ocean stretches out beyond the mountains. The Kermode (Spirit) bear, a subspecies of black bear with a white coat and British Columbia's provincial mammal, is found almost exclusively in the Great Bear Rainforest. Learn the proper protocols so you know what to do if you encounter wildlife. Highway 20 from Williams Lake leads to Bella Coola, or fly there on scheduled flights from Vancouver. [1] Its northern end reaches up Portland Canal to the vicinity of Stewart. 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. Be prepared to be blown away by not only the abundant wildlife but also the vastness of this ever-changing landscape. YES. There are many viewing blinds and platforms situated near the most accessible spots on the river for wildlife to access. We walk gently and encourage education and exploration about the rich and diverse Indigenous cultures in British Columbia. For those flying from Calgary airport (YYC), there will be a short stop over in Vancouver. Drive another 40 minutes on a steep and unpaved road will bring you to the top of what is known as one of Canadas last frontiers The Hill. TheGreat Bear Rainforest Education and Awareness Trust is registered as a charitable organization effective January 1, 2018. Kayaking around Klemtu, Bella Bella, and Shearwater located in the central and northern coastal areas of the Great Bear Rainforest promise dramatic natural experiences but can be logistically challenging for those unfamiliar with these waters. 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. This itinerary is to give you a general idea of the trip. 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. Bella Coola, known as the Gateway to the Great Bear Rainforest, is accessible by car. Explore the regions other wildlife, including whales, wolves, bald eagles, and other marine mammals and birds. For a spectacular view from the road during the spring and summer months, consider driving onto the ferry at Prince Rupert, then follow the Skeena River via Highway 16 to Terrace. Copyright 2023 Landsby, a Division of OST.travel Inc.. All rights reserved. Junction Sheep Range Park & Farwell Canyon: Located at the confluence of the Fraser and Chilcotin Rivers, Farwell Canyon is home to Canadas largest population of bighorn sheep, which range in the park and are often seen scaling the steep cliffs and hoodoos. 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. Also a great time to spot whales and seabirds. New long-term care home coming to Vancouver. 9: Cruising to Bella Bella, watching for wildlife en route. To approach a question 400 million years in the making, researchers turned to mudskippers, blinking fish that live partially out of water. Rainforest walk. The Great Bear Rainforest is a boating, cruising and sailing paradise and provides an incredible nautical adventure. The voyage from Port Hardy to Bella Coola via the most direct route takes ten hours. A visit to the Great Bear Rainforest involves many different experiences. 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. Directions: On the right side of the highway just outside of Lillooet (1881 Hwy 99 North) Lillooet: Lillooet is considered Mile Zero of the Cariboo leg of the Gold Rush trail and is the beginning of the famed Cariboo Waggon Road. 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. For full-ship private charters, please contact us. Opening image: Kermonde (Spirit) bear in the Great Bear Rainforest. 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. Definitely, plan to spend at least a day or two in Port Hardy to explore or just unwind in the ocean breeze. Shore trips on west coast beach, viewing intertidal life, coastal bog forest trail, rainforest. The drive from Williams Lake along Highway 20 is approximately 6.5 hours (450km/280mi). Directions: On the left side of the highway between Hat Creek Ranch and Lillooet. Those interested in seeing bears should check out our Grizzly Bear Safari package. TheBella Coola Valleyalso offers prime wildlife and grizzly viewing. But trust us, it will all be worth it when you finally arrive in this stunning natural wonderland. Post lunch, enjoy another guided adventure or choose to take an interpretive nature walk or guided hike. 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. These include not only various ducks and geese, but also trumpeter and tundra swans, and the odd white pelican. Located in the Traditional Territory of the Nuxalk People, Copper Sun Gallery hosts local Indigenous art sales and provides opportunities to meet community artists. Access points include Prince Rupert in the North, Bella Coola in the Heart of Great Bear Rainforest and Port Hardy in the South. Local cultural guides conduct tours to areas where there have been sightings. Access points include Prince Rupert in the North, Bella Coola in the Heart of Great Bear Rainforest and Port Hardy in the South. A 3-course dinner is prepared fresh every evening. 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. 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. Upon arrival, you will be picked up from the airport or ferry terminal and transferred to the lodge. You may see the entirety of this special place from the air, or sail along the coastline by sea. Rats invaded paradise. Fort Berens Winery: Love wine? Fishing on the river is also permitted with an appropriate angling license and obeying fishing restrictions in certain sections of the river. 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. Walking Tour: If you are interested in the history of the area, consider taking a historical 20-stop walking tour. Ferry to Vancouver Island and drive north to Port McNeil, where your Indigenous hosts will chart the way through the Traditional Territories of the Kwakwakawakw people. Part 7: Pemberton to Whistler. The pace is slow, allowing visitors to take their time to adjust to its rhythms, intricacies, and seasonal changes. It offers something for everyoneshopping, outdoor recreation, hiking, amazing mountain biking, backcountry trekking, river rafting, fishing, and so much more. 250 km | 3 hours 34 mins The scenery between Lillooet and Whistler will leave you speechless. Approximately 10 minutes from the turnoff. 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. 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. Inside South Africas skeleton trade. Carved by melting glaciers and erosion over the past 10 million years, the Chasm is 8 km long, 600 metres wide, and 300 metres deep. Learn about key travel restrictions and how to travel safely in BC this season. The Great Bear Rainforest, a vast stretch of wilderness on Canada's remote west coast is also one of the most beautiful - and remote places - to visit. Highway 20 from Williams Lake leads to Bella Coola, or fly there on scheduled flights from Vancouver. Check out Tourism Vancouver Islandfor the lowdown on the islands activities and sights. The approach is Ecosystem-Based Management(EBM)and is based in science as well as traditional, local knowledge. Part 2: Side Trip to the West Coast. A heritage site welcomes visitors as they roll into the north end and contains 12 historic buildings from a period between 1860 and 1914, including one of the last Clydesdale barns still standing in Canada. The Great Bear Rainforest incorporating traditional areas known as Txalgiu, Tsee-Motsa, Waglisla, Klemdulxk, Aweenak'ola and more to local First Nations is a rare and remarkable ecosystem stretching 64,000 square kilometres from the northern tip of Vancouver Island to Alaska. 2023 Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism. Always check trail conditions before you head out, and no matter what outdoor activity you are planning, be prepared. Its about another 1 hour of flat driving to the village of Bella Coola, which is the largest community within The Great Bear Rainforest. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. EBM provides a big picture view of how people interact with their environment, how peoples needs are met while co-existing with plants, animals, seasonal changes and climate. You'll also visit a few cultural sites. 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. 2: Johnstone Strait and the steep-sided islands of the Broughton Archipelago. You can fly into one of the nearby airports, sail along the coastline, or even drive (though only up to a certain point). Yes, please opt me into the newsletter. By Destination British Columbia The park does not provide any facilities and does not contain water sources, so be sure to prepare yourself accordingly. The Great Bear Rainforest is best explored by its waterwayseither by boat or kayak. Its estimated that over two million people visit annually to ski in the winter and mountain bike in the summer. Pacific Coastal Airlines has scheduled flights into Port Hardy, Bella Coola and Bella Bella from Vancouver while Air Canada flies into Prince Rupert for Northern access.