Kayaking the Great Bear Rainforest
The Great Bear Rainforest, on the central coast of BC, is part of the largest remaining temperate rainforest in the world. On this trip we'll head to the outer coast to explore that wind- and wave-tossed fringe that exemplifies the coastal wilderness of British Columbia. Remote beaches, whales, sea otters, wolf tracks in the sand, undeveloped campsites. A self-supported sea kayaking expedition to the Great Bear Rainforest is perfect for satisfying your need to get away from it all.
Remote Expedition Kayaking with Expert Guides
Length:
8 Days
Location:
Great Bear Rainforest
For Who:
Expedition travel, some wilderness experience
* Kayaking trips & tours are priced and charged in Canadian dollars and are subject to 5% GST and $25 / person environmental sustainability fee. Please see our Terms and Conditions for complete terms. To check live availability on any trip, click the Book Now tab and select a trip date.
EXPLORE THE WILD CENTRAL COAST WITH US
This tour offers you a chance to paddle one of the most unique kayak routes in North America. It combines travel through an area teeming with wildlife along with excellent paddling amongst the beautiful outer islands of the Great Bear Rainforest. This trip takes place in the traditional territory of the Heiltsuk First Nation.
THE AREA
We start and end this tour in the Heiltsuk community of Bella Bella, located on the Central Coast of BC (a 2.5-hour flight from Vancouver). The Great Bear Rainforest is the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world which means camping amongst giant Sitka spruce trees, ancient red cedars and western hemlocks that are nothing short of awe-inspiring. The area’s cold water and great tidal exchanges – not to mention healthy kelp forests – provide ample oxygen to support an incredible diversity of sea life from tiny shore creatures to majestic whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
THE TOUR
This tour aims to help you experience the best and most beautiful parts of the Hakai Lúxvbálís Conservancy by kayak. Bella Bella is a great location for starting our journey and from here we explore the intricate shoreline, beautiful long beaches, and windswept islands making our way towards Calvert Island. The water taxi transport on our last tour day means we see somewhere new and different every day of our journey, making the most of your time in the Great Bear Rainforest.
WHAT MAKES THIS TOUR SO UNIQUE?
Paddle through ancient islands, wander white sand beaches, and experience one of the most preserved and remote areas along the central coast of British Columbia for yourself. With a water taxi pick-up on each end, the Great Bear Rainforest expedition makes the most of our route by maximizing our distance covered with no backtracking needed (weather and group permitting of course).
This tour also provides a special opportunity to learn about the land and culture of the Heiltsuk First Nation, a coastal Indigenous community whose expansive oral history of life in this territory goes back over 14,000 years. On Day 1, we have the privilege of spending the morning with a local cultural interpreter who shares meaningful stories and insight to help build inspiration for our time spent in the outer islands.
CAMPING AMONG STUNNING ISLANDS
There are so many beautiful places to stay you will be hard pressed to choose a favourite campsite. Each site has unique attributes either tucked in amongst towering forests, atop ancient village sites or overlooking wildlife rich waters. This is a true expedition style trip, which means we will move from camp to camp each day.
THE PADDLING
We will traverse both the relatively open waters of Hakai Passage, Kildidt Sound as well as the more protected islands of the islets in one of the most stunning seascapes around. This area has been featured in many documentaries and publications and is part of one of the largest protected areas on the coast because of its stunning beauty.
What’s Cooking?
Your multi-talented guides are not only experts on the water but also skilled in the kitchen, crafting delicious meals at camp. From preparing dishes with fresh vegetables and local ingredients to accommodating a variety of dietary needs, no one ever goes hungry! Tasty, wholesome meals are crafted daily, starting with a nourishing breakfast to fuel your day of exploration. A picnic lunch is prepared each day and enjoyed during a relaxing break on one of the stunning beaches along the coast. Upon reaching your destination, enjoy an appetizer to celebrate a fantastic day of paddling. To wrap up the day, enjoy in a delicious dinner, followed by a nightly sweet treat—after all, dessert tastes even better in the wild! Learn more on our Food page.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- Professional guiding service
- All kayaking equipment
(including kayaks, PFDs, paddles, pumps, ropes and sponges) - Meals (lunch day 1 to lunch day 8)
- Cooking equipment and group shelter (tarps)
- Camping equipment including tents and Therm-a-Rest sleeping pads
- Park and land use permits
- Water taxi drop off and pick up
If you are planning on bringing any of your own equipment please double-check the packing list to ensure you have the appropriate gear and please let our office know in advance of the tour to avoid us bringing duplicates.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
Not included in the tour cost are accommodation before or after the kayaking portion of your trip;
- Flights, airport transfers, ferries, seabus, taxis, parking
- Travel/medical insurance
- Alcoholic or carbonated beverages
- Rain gear*
- Sleeping bags*
- Personal items (toiletries, clothing, etc.)
*Sleeping bags and rain gear may be rented if you prefer not to travel with them (please reserve in advance; may be booked online with your trip reservation).
Spirit of the West acknowledges and operates in the unceded traditional territory of the Mamalilikulla, 'Namgis, Tlowitsis, Kwikwasut’inuxw, Nuu-chah-nulth, We Wai Kai, Homalco, Klahoose and Heiltsuk First Nations.
