On British Columbia’s Central Coast, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the coastal mountains, lies one of the largest temperate rain forests left on earth, and one of the last unspoiled wildernesses. 

The Great Bear Rain Forest covers over two million hectares of sitka spruce, hemlock and cedars. Many of these trees are hundreds of years old, and some of them have been standing for more than a millennium; some are over ninety meters tall. 

This great canopy shields a host of pristine waterways and an amazing menagerie of wildlife. Salmon teem in river estuaries; Orcas and humpback whales patrol the deeper coastal waterways; eagles soar among the towering mountain peaks, while wolves, grizzly bears, black bears, and the mythical kermode or “spirit bears,” forage amid the towering old-growth forests. 

The Great Bear Rain Forest, however, is also home to Native cultures that are far older than the thousand-year-old sitkas spruce trees. And now you have the opportunity to travel along these waterways, venture inside the forest, seeking out wildlife, meeting native guides and learning why the Great Bear Rainforest is one of the last gems on the Pacific Coast.

How This Holiday Rainforest Sailing Tour in Canada Makes A Difference:

Touring by sailing vessel is a relatively non-intrusive way approaching wildlife, compared to other means of marine transportation. Even when the small zodiacs are boarded by passengers in a small group who have been briefed by our biologist about habits and needs of the marine and land animals, the disturbance to their patterns of subsistence is quite negligible. These animals are wild; they have this fear of humans, and we are quickly able to tell if a colony of Steller sea lions is uncomfortable with our presence. That is why we bring a generous supply of binoculars.

We have an on-going wildlife log so all significant sightings are catalogued. We are travelling in parts of the coast that researchers seldom get to. For 20 years, we have been doing marine mammal sightings in conjunction with the Vancouver Aquarium and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ Pacific Biological Station in Nanaimo.

The efficiency of our conventional power train is enhanced by the shape of sailing vessels which are slender and foster easier movement through the water than more blunt hulls. All the lights on-board are 12-Volt, so they run off the batteries. We don’t have incandescent lights; everything is compact fluorescent. 

We recycle glass and tin along the coast, in the small communities we work out of. Tin, glass and cardboard in some cases require us to hop in a cab because the recycling facility is outside of town. Oil recycling is imperative and responsible disposal is essential. We also compost out in deeper water. There are all sorts of marine organisms like crabs that are detritus feeders. Some of the organic matter, like orange peels, will float, so we avoid composting those in places that are more densely populated like the Gulf Islands.

In all Canadian areas that are part of First Nations territory, we work collaboratively with them. In the Great Bear Rainforest—the most tangible example—we signed protocol agreements with two First Nations that carry 90% of our operating area. Hartley Bay’s Gitga’at people is one; and the Kitasoo Native Band at Klemtu is the other. Our tour activities generate $10 per person per night as a fee that is paid for the use of their territory. It is our recognition of their historic rights. We are committed to hiring local guides. At Hartley Bay, on all of our Great Bear Rainforest trips, we will spend a day with a guide hired through the Gitga’at development corporation. Typically, that is a Spirit bear-focused experience.

“Appreciate wilderness, respect wildlife and native cultures”

We only travel in small groups of 12-16 guests. Small groups can watch in awe as a bear feeds on salmon. Smaller boats can float silently among the whales.

We adhere to the principals of ecotourism. We support local communities, promote conservation, ensure our practices are low impact, and provide guests with world-class knowledge about the coast, the wildlife and Native cultures. We travel together in a relaxed, fun style (our lives are here to be enjoyed). We contribute to a variety of whale and seabird research programs and support conservation groups working to protect coastal wilderness.

On each trip we are committed to introducing participants to the wonders of nature. An experienced naturalist leads daily walks ashore and often provides short evening slide shows or presentations. Participants find learning engages their curiosity, and enriches the trip immensely.

On all our voyages we intentionally keep our itineraries flexible to take advantage of wildlife sightings, weather and tides, and the interests of the group.

Personal Identification Needed:

Passengers will require a valid passport when crossing the US/CDN border for all trips.

What's Included:

All meals from lunch on the first day to breakfast on the last day; all accommodation onboard ship; skipper, cook, naturalist; full use of all onboard facilities.

Not Included:

Transportation to the start point and from the finish point of the trip; any accommodation or meals prior to the start of the trip or after the completion; travel or cancellation insurance; airport transfers. The only money participants require during the trip is for optional purchases and gratuities for the crew.

Notes:

• We ask that you bring a sleeping bag, as there are no facilities for laundry onboard. If you are taking a trip in the Spring or Fall a warm sleeping bag is recommended.
• Rain gear needs to be completely waterproof and strong enough to stand up to wear. Rubber boots should be comfortable. Knee high boots will ensure dry feet. Expect daily use stepping ashore from small boats at the ocean's edge and walking in west coast rainforest.
• We cannot accommodate suitcases 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.
• Be prepared to dress in layers to accommodate changes in weather. Good warm outer clothing (including warm hat and gloves or mittens) and good rain clothing allows you to remain comfortable in windy or wet conditions. A good, light thermal layer can go along way to providing comfort. (Remember the whales don't stop just because it's raining).
• Please be aware that there may be weight restrictions for floatplanes, if your trip includes this option. If you are concerned about seasickness your doctor can recommend medications designed to prevent motion sickness.

 Meals

A professional cook is in charge of all the cooking during the tour. We carry ample quantities of fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, grains and dairy products for the duration of the voyage. Meals are served buffet style. We are confident that you will be very impressed with the variety and excellence of the meals that are prepared for you. Complimentary wines are served with dinner. There is no bar onboard to purchase additional drinks. Guests are responsible and welcome to bring their own cocktail, beer and soft drinks.

Non-smoking

There is no smoking allowed onboard the boats.

Weather

While guests should come prepared for some gusty winds and the possibility of rain, we usually experience clear skies and a good amount of sunshine. It always feels cooler on the water than actual temperatures may be.Photography

• Recommendations for the serious wildlife photographer
  • A 300mm camera lens seems ideal, while 180-300mm lenses generally give good results with orcas and bears.
  • Consider bringing fairly fast film to capture moving wildlife, and to allow for photography in the low light of morning or evening. Most people use more film than they expect.
   

 Rainforest Sailing Tour in Canada