Great Bear Rainforest Canada Cruise

Bluewater Adventures offers three different route options for this itinerary. Please check your trip’s dates to confirm your start/end location.

Prior to your trip start, fly into Terrace. Pick up on the morning of Day 1 will be at select hotels (refer to your Itinerary Package for further details). The shuttle will transfer guests from Terrace to Kitimat where you will meet your Bluewater Adventures crew & vessel. Following boarding, we’ll depart into a land of dense forests reaching to the water’s edge, towering rocky fjords, and lush valley estuaries.

As we explore the waters of southern Douglas Channel and at various other places along our journey, we expect to encounter humpback whales. We’ll take the time to observe these 15-metre-long creatures whenever the opportunity arises and hope to witness spectacular behaviours like breaches, pectoral slaps, and possibly bubble-net feeding (an amazing cooperative foraging technique). We also hope to have luck in spotting other marine mammals like fin whales, orca, porpoise, and Steller sea lions. Time allowing, we may visit local whale researchers to learn about their fascinating work.

There may be an opportunity to visit Bishop Bay hot springs for a soothing soak amidst an eclectic collection of fishing floats.

As we travel along Princess Royal Island, we keep a close watch on the shoreline, since this is the best-known area for seeing the elusive, all-white Spirit bear (also known as Kermode bear). These white bears are black bears expressing a genetic variation resulting in light coloured fur. We are fortunate to spend a day with local Gitga’at First Nation guides who will take us to their favourite bear viewing areas. With a little patience, we hope to be lucky enough to see black bears and the Spirit bear fishing for salmon at quiet spawning streams hidden in the thick of the forest. 

This unique coastal ecosystem supports impressive biodiversity – from salmon and marine mammals in the sea, to bears, coastal wolves, birds, and massive trees on land. We expect some good grizzly viewing at the water’s edge when visiting lush estuaries in the beautiful river valley of Khutze Inlet (K’ootz/Khutze Conservancy) and Fiordland Conservancy with its rocky cliff faces.

Our trip finishes in the small First Nations coastal town of Bella Bella – also known as Waglisla – which is the home of the Heiltsuk First Nation. We will arrive at the Bella Bella Municipal Dock just before noon in time to catch the afternoon flight back to Vancouver. Guests can also explore the area further on their own – nearby Shearwater is a short seabus ride away and offers the most amenities for visitors.

Bluewater Adventures offers three different route options for this itinerary. Please check your trip’s dates to confirm your start/end location.

We keep our itineraries purposefully flexible allowing our captains to cater to the needs and interests of their group as well as take into account weather, wildlife sightings, and more. 

Vessel Type: Motor Sailer

Length: 68f / 20.7m

Passenger Capacity: 12

Island Odyssey is a 68-foot motor-sailer offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere for intimate coastal adventures. Originally built as a luxury yacht in 1984 and fully renovated for expedition cruising, she has been exploring the remote Pacific Northwest since 2003. With space for just 12 guests in six double-occupancy cabins and three shared bathrooms with hot showers, Island Odyssey combines comfort with the ability to reach places larger vessels cannot. Her open-concept, teak-finished salon and enclosed wheelhouse create a relaxed setting to share stories, watch for wildlife, or simply admire the passing scenery.

Life on board blends adventure and homely comfort. Guests can enjoy wildlife viewing from the enclosed seating area, explore quiet coves by kayak, or access remote shores via the two expedition Zodiacs. A thoughtfully curated library below deck offers a peaceful retreat, while her small group size allows for flexible itineraries and a close connection with nature. Operating in Southeast Alaska and the Great Bear Rainforest during summer, Island Odyssey provides a truly personal way to experience the wild Pacific coast in safety, style, and sustainable harmony with the environment.

Vessel Type: Motor Sailer

Length: 68f / 20.7m

Passenger Capacity: 12

Island Roamer is a classic 68-foot motor-sailer that pioneered small-ship eco-tourism along British Columbia’s rugged coastline. Launched in 1983, she was the first vessel of her kind to explore the remote northern reaches of the coast, offering an intimate wilderness experience with just 12 guests on board. Her size and shallow draft allow access to narrow channels and secluded bays that larger vessels cannot reach, giving travellers the chance to encounter wildlife and landscapes up close. With six comfortable double-occupancy cabins, shared bathrooms with hot showers, and protected on-deck seating, Island Roamer provides a welcoming and practical base for coastal exploration.

Life aboard Island Roamer blends adventure with comfort. Guests can relax in the cosy below-deck library with its beautiful teak finishing, enjoy panoramic views from the enclosed wheelhouse, or take to the water in stable sea kayaks and two expedition Zodiacs for respectful wildlife viewing. Operating from May to mid-October, she travels through some of the most spectacular marine environments, from estuaries rich with bears in spring to salmon-filled rivers in autumn. Thoughtfully equipped with organic toiletries, marine binoculars, and safety systems that meet rigorous standards, Island Roamer offers an authentic and memorable sailing experience in one of the world’s most pristine coastal regions.

Vessel Type: Yacht

Length: 82 feet/24.9 meters

Passenger Capacity: 12

Built: 2017

Island Solitude is a purpose-built expedition yacht designed to explore some of the wildest and most remote coastal regions of British Columbia in comfort and style. Launched in 2017 and locally crafted in Richmond, BC, she was created as a larger, more eco-efficient version of Island Roamer, carrying just 12 guests to ensure an intimate, low-impact adventure. With double occupancy ensuite cabins, a spacious enclosed wheelhouse with 360-degree views, and ample deck seating, Island Solitude offers a welcoming base for wildlife watching, kayaking, and dining al fresco beneath the sunset.

Operating from mid-May to mid-October, the vessel travels through the southern reaches of Haida Gwaii in spring and summer before venturing to the Great Bear Rainforest in late summer and autumn. Her small size allows access to remote coves and channels that larger ships cannot reach, while features such as stable sea kayaks, an extensive onboard library, and thoughtful amenities—organic toiletries, marine binoculars, and warm duvets—enhance the experience. With a highly trained crew and rigorous safety standards, Island Solitude combines sustainability, safety, and elegance to create unforgettable coastal expeditions.