Quest for the Spirit Bear

Day 1: Arrival
Participants should plan to arrive at the Seal Cove Float Plane Base in Prince Rupert by early morning.** We will board our plane for our flight to Hartley Bay where we meet our boat. Once all provisions and gear are stored, we will have lunch and get under way.

Each passenger will be assigned a double berth - there are no single spaces aboard the boat. We will arrive at the boat in time for an excellent lunch and spend some time getting our gear stowed. O/N Boat

Day 2: Aboard Island Odyssey
This is a land of deep, glacier-carved fjords and deeper-still sounds filled with rich marine life. While we’re underway, watch for the spouts of humpback whales as they feed on huge schools of herring. Dall porpoise play in our bow wave and Orcas breech in the glassy water. We’ll encounter many varieties of wildlife while on our “Quest for the Spirit Bear”.

Our entire cruising area is located in perfect bear habitat, with its old-growth hemlock, cedar forest, tidewater estuaries rich with grasses, roots and berries, sparkling salmon streams and very few human visitors. Our native Gitga’at guide will take us to some of his favorite bear-viewing areas where we hope to see black, brown and Spirit Bears. O/N Boat

Days 3 & 4: Bear viewing on Gribbell Island
Due to rough terrain and to maximize our chances of a seeing Spirit Bear, we will utilize native built viewing platforms. A 15-minute walk takes us to bear viewing platforms constructed by the Gitga’at, of the Tsimshian Nation. The platforms are located next to a picturesque creek that is frequented by Spirit Bears and black bears, including mothers and cubs. After a short wait, bears that have melted into the underbrush will re-emerge into the stream, looking for spawning pink salmon. While most bears we will see will be black, this is one of the best locations to expect the kermode bears.

Both days will be spent bear viewing from the platforms with sack lunches provided. We’ll return back to the boat in time for dinner. Since we expect to be out all day, bringing along good raingear and rubber boots is essential! O/N Boat

Day 5: Klemtu & Princess Royal Island
This morning we’ll travel south, inside Princess Royal Island. We will have time to stop at Klemtu, a little village of the Kitasoo tribe of the Tsimshian First Nations tribe, and tour the big ceremonial house with a native guide. We’ll also visit the Kitasoo Spirit Bear Conservancy. O/N Boat

Day 6 & 7: Explore Fjordland Recreation Area
We will explore the inlets, bays and old growth forests of the spectacular northern coast of British Columbia. The Fjordland Recreation Area encompasses Mussel, Kynock and Roscoe Inlets; glacially carved inlets have granite cliffs which soar to over 3000 feet. Everywhere, ribbons of waterfalls cascade down the sheer cliffs.

We will travel by Zodiac to the inlet estuaries for closer inspection. Of particular note is Khutze Inlet where we have excellent chances to view and photograph grizzly and black bears, including, occasionally, mothers and cubs. With some luck we’ll be able to make some very close approaches.

Other wildlife such as eagles (and, if we’re lucky, a wolf) gather along the stream banks to capitalize on the wealth of nutrition provided by the salmon runs. This area is also rich in marine mammals including the majestic humpback whale, and we’ll take advantage of any photo opportunities these enormous animals present.

Please be aware that the weather conditions and location of wildlife will dictate the frequency of activities. There are kayaks on board for those who would like to explore on their own. O/N Boat

Day 8: Depart boat, fly home*
We arrive this morning in Bella Bella Participants can make flight arrangement to return home anytime after 12 noon.

*Please contact our office prior to booking your airline tickets as this is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. Note that this itinerary is an example only and is subject to change.

**It will be necessary to stay the night of September 27 in Prince Rupert, prior to your float plane flight to Hartley Bay to meet the boat. We will be happy to make reservations for you at a local hotel or B&B at your request.

*Please contact our office prior to booking airline tickets as this is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.