Spirit Bears & Humpback Whales of BC

• Explore the world’s largest remaining tract of virgin temperate rainforest
• Search for rare white spirit bears, grizzlies, black bears and wolves
• Sail with whales through some of the most remote wilderness on earth

In the wild valleys of the Coast Range on Canada’s far western edge, the planet’s oldest and tallest trees rise along salmon-studded rivers that rush to the Pacific. Thousand-year-old cedars, and Sitka spruce soaring 350 feet into the clouds, provide shelter for the white spirit bear of native legend. Here, too, are grizzlies and wolves, and eagles nest in ancient branches. At sea, humpback whales ply the pristine fjords. We join them as we sail a maze of inlets on the central BC coast – a wilderness voyage into one of the earth’s most magnificent – and most at-risk – natural realms.

Location of Adventure
British Columbia, Canada

Group Size Limit: Approximately 14 travelers
A very important feature of our trips is the limited group size, as nature expeditions are best experienced with smaller groups of travelers.

Included

Internal floatplane flight from Hartley Bay to Prince Rupert (or from Prince Rupert to Hartley Bay, depending on itinerary direction), accommodations, meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on final day, bottled water, services of NHA Expedition Leaders, local guides and boat crew, most gratuities, airport transfers in Bella Bella or Prince Rupert on Day 1 and final day, permits and entrance fees, all taxes.

Not Included
Travel to and from start and end point of trip (Bella Bella and Prince Rupert), alcoholic beverages, some gratuities, passport and visa fees, optional activities, items of a personal nature (phone calls, souvenirs, etc.), airline baggage fees, airport and departure taxes, optional travel insurance.

Physical Requirements
Easy / Moderate / Flexible
This adventure does not require a high degree of physical fitness although some short walks may be required should you wish to participate in every activity. Kayaking will be an option available to guests. It is easy to learn, and we expect that most of our guests have little or no experi­ence. It does, however, take an adven­turous spirit.

Important Information about This Trip

While this adventure focuses on spirit bears and humpback whales, our guests are immersed in one of the most magnificent natural landscapes on earth, which we will also experience through land-based exploration. It should be noted that spirit bears are rare and the coastal rainforest is very dense and sightings can never be guaranteed. That said, the areas we visit provide the best chance for seeing these elusive creatures and our naturalist and crew are adept at finding them.

Getting There & Getting Home
We have pre-booked spaces for our travelers on flights from Van­couver to Bella Bella and from Prince Rupert to Vancouver (or the reverse direction, depending on the direction of your itinerary). These flight times are not determined until late spring. We will notify you at that time so you may book your arrival and departure flights in and out of Vancouver. Please note that the cost of these flights is not included in your trip fee and will be assessed separately.

Bears & Eagles of Chilko Lake
Watch for abundant grizzlies as they hunt for salmon in the azure blue waters of Lake Chilko.

Grizzlies & Wildlife of British Columbia
North America's newest grizzly-viewing hotspot -- brown bears of Tweedsmuir and Bella Coola.

9 Days

2010 Dates

Sep 11-19 (Begins in Prince Rupert)
Sep 19-27 (Begins in Bella Bella)

2011 Dates
Sep 11-19 (Begins in Prince Rupert)
Sep 19-27 (Begins in Bella Bella)

2012 Dates
Sep 11-19*
Sep 19-27

*2012 dates and itinerary directions are tentative and subject to change.

2010 Fees

$5,995
Single Supp.:  Available on first night of trip only.  For Sep 11-19 trip, $70 supplement for single in Prince Rupert. For Sep 19-27 trip, no added fee for single in Bella Bella. 
Deposit: $500 

2011 Fees

$5,995
Single Supp.:  Available on first night of trip only.  For Sep 11-19 trip, $65 supplement for single in Prince Rupert. For Sep 19-27 trip, no added fee for single in Bella Bella. 
Deposit: $500 

Prices are per person based on double occupancy and are given in US Dollars. 2012 dates and fees may change slightly.