Know Before You Go

While all spring and summer months are lovely, autumn is also a wonderful time of the year to visit British Columbia. Temperatures are mild, the bears and whales are at their most active, and as the leaves begin to turn, the forests come alive with vibrant colors. Traveling during the shoulder seasons ensure a quiet and peaceful atmosphere as you explore the coast.

BC is an area of extreme weather variability due to its geographic location on the water. Generally, in early fall, the BC coast experiences mild to cool temperatures, which can sometimes get chilly at night or if the wind picks up. Rain is also highly possible, and with sudden downpours, temperatures can drop substantially. It is important to pack for all possibilities, as warm weather can turn into a torrential downpour at a moment’s notice.

Spirit bears are unique to the central and northern coast of British Columbia, Canada. They live on a select few islands in that area but can only be viewed in accessible areas, mostly on Princess Royal Island.

We view the bears on foot, hiking inland to the rivers where the bears are fishing. We sit quietly on the ground or on stools and wait. The bears may come within just a few feet from us!

Spirit bears are significant to Indigenous people of the area and are believed to be spirits of the forest, hence the origin of their name. Spirit bears may also get their name from their ghost-white fur. There is no definitive answer. They are also known as Kermode bears, named after Francis Kermode, who conducted the first studies into the origin of the species.

Spirit bears are an unusual genetic subspecies of the black bear specific to British Columbia. Most black bears are, well, black. But there are between 100 and 200 white bears with recessive genes concentrated in British Columbia.

You may have the opportunity to see grizzlies, gray wolves, mountain goats, orcas, northern sea lions, river otters, bald eagles and many other bird species.

Waterproof rain gear is essential along with rubber boots, which are not provided. Pack a fleece, short- and long-sleeved shirts, long pants, sturdy hiking boots, and a warm hat and gloves. For further ideas of what to bring, peruse this helpful packing list and check out Nat Hab’s online Gear Store for some of the key items recommended for your adventure.

There will be a chef on board who will cook for the group. Meals will be cooked based on dietary requirements, and most special needs can be accommodated as long as there is advance notice.

The official currency of Canada is the Canadian dollar, and though U.S. dollars are widely accepted throughout the country, we recommend exchanging your money at your home bank or airport to get the best exchange rate. Credit card acceptance is widespread but is never guaranteed, so we recommend having enough cash on hand for souvenirs, incidentals and gratuities. Click here for the most up-to-date exchange rate.

Wi-Fi Internet access will be available at the hotels but will not be available on the boat. We encourage guests to unplug during the adventure to enjoy an immersive experience in nature.

Yes! Families or friend groups can reserve entire departures on a private basis. Please call our office at 800-543-8917 to get details on group size and pricing.

Guests are responsible for making their own travel arrangements from their home city to British Columbia, Canada. We recommend that you use Natural Habitat Adventures’ Travel Desk, as our Air Travel Specialists are intimately familiar with the requirements of our trips and can arrange the most efficient and cost-effective travel. Please check the Getting There & Getting Home section on the Dates, Prices & Info page for info on required arrival and departure times for this adventure.

Nat Hab is happy to reserve a hotel room for you at our group accommodation before your British Columbia tour begins, but please note that pre-nights are subject to availability at the time of booking. Please speak with our Travel Desk if you’re interested in booking extra nights.