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Venture into the wild, untamed heart of British Columbia’s central coast on an autumn journey through the Great Bear Rainforest. This season marks the return of the salmon, drawing an extraordinary gathering of wildlife. Whales, marine mammals, seabirds, and bears converge to feed on the abundant salmon making their way upstream to spawn. Witness the elusive spirit bear fishing along a quiet stream or catch a glimpse of a mother grizzly teaching her cubs to catch salmon in a sprawling river estuary. On this Great Bear Rainforest expedition, you’ll explore stunning fjords, secluded islands, river estuaries, and rugged west coast beaches. Guided by experts, including a knowledgeable naturalist, you'll gain insight into the intricate ecosystems of this temperate rainforest, from its ancient trees to the remarkable species that call it home. This is a journey deep into nature's beauty and complexity—an unforgettable adventure in one of the world’s last great wildernesses.
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Day 1
Join Kitimat and embark Cascadia
Arrive at Terrace Airport, where a transfer is provided to the coastal town of Kitimat. Here, you'll board Cascadia, your boutique expedition catamaran and home for the week ahead. After settling into your cabin and meeting the crew and expedition team, we cast off and begin exploring the spectacular waterways of British Columbia's north coast. Surrounded by forested mountains and deep fjords, this first afternoon offers an introduction to the landscapes of the Great Bear Rainforest. Keep watch for whales and seabirds as we make our way toward a secluded anchorage. Before dinner, enjoy a guided rainforest walk and your first taste of this remarkable wilderness region.
Meals: D
Day 2
Cruising Hennaksiala territory
Today we venture deeper into Hennaksiala territory, a region rich in Indigenous history, culture and storytelling. Cruising through a dramatic fjord system, we pass beneath towering granite peaks that rise thousands of feet above the sea while waterfalls cascade from hanging valleys high above. Shore excursions may include walks through estuary meadows and wildlife-rich coastal habitats where grizzly bears are often found foraging during the autumn salmon season. This evening, weather permitting, there may be an opportunity to kayak in calm sheltered waters.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Great Bear’s island channels
A day of exploration among the intricate waterways and island channels of the Great Bear Rainforest. As Cascadia navigates through remote passages, we search for grizzly bears along shorelines and estuaries while learning about the natural and cultural history of this remarkable region. The maze of islands, hidden bays and forested inlets provides endless opportunities for discovery, with wildlife sightings possible throughout the day. The flexibility of expedition cruising allows us to adapt our plans to make the most of local conditions and wildlife activity.
Day 4
Search for spirit bear
One of the voyage's defining experiences awaits today as we visit the heart of Spirit Bear country with local Gitga'at guides. Conditions permitting, we spend the day at a dedicated viewing area overlooking salmon-bearing streams deep within the rainforest. This region is home to the rare white-coated Kermode Bear, known as the Spirit Bear, found only in a small corner of coastal British Columbia. While sightings can never be guaranteed, the opportunity to spend time in this extraordinary habitat and learn about its cultural significance is a highlight of the expedition.
Day 5
In search of whales
This morning we continue exploring estuaries and coastal habitats before cruising into the productive waters of Whale Channel. These nutrient-rich waterways provide important habitat for humpback whales and other marine mammals, making this one of the best locations on the coast for wildlife viewing. Throughout the day we keep watch for whales, porpoises, seals and sea lions. We may also visit a remote whale research station to learn about ongoing efforts to better understand and protect the marine life of the Great Bear Rainforest.
Day 6
Outer islands of Great Bear rainforest
Today we explore the rugged outer islands that form the western edge of the Great Bear Rainforest. Wild beaches, windswept headlands and remote archipelagos create a striking contrast to the sheltered inner channels explored earlier in the voyage. Guided walks may lead to scenic viewpoints overlooking the Pacific Ocean, while kayaking opportunities allow for closer exploration of quiet coves and shorelines. These outer islands are also excellent places to search for coastal wolves, seabirds and other wildlife adapted to life on this exposed coast.
Day 7
Spirit Bear Island
Our final full day is spent exploring the rainforest-clad islands and protected waterways of the inner coast. Shore excursions provide opportunities to walk beneath towering cedars and explore the rich ecology of the temperate rainforest. Later, enjoy a visit to natural hot springs where warm mineral waters offer a relaxing way to reflect on the week's adventures. This evening we gather for a farewell dinner aboard Cascadia while anchored in a beautiful wilderness setting surrounded by the landscapes of the Great Bear Rainforest.
Day 8
Disembark in Kitimat where trip concludes
Enjoy a final morning of scenic cruising as we make our way back toward Kitimat. Keep watch for whales, seabirds and other wildlife as the expedition draws to a close. After breakfast, we farewell the crew and fellow travellers before disembarking. A transfer to Terrace Airport is available for onward travel. Please note: Expedition plans remain flexible and may vary according to wildlife activity, weather, sea conditions and local opportunities. The order of activities and locations may change to maximise the experience and take advantage of the best wildlife viewing opportunities available.
Meals: B
What's included
What's not included
Our voyages are designed for curious travellers — not just passengers. While our itineraries offer a range of activities, from gentle Zodiac cruises to more challenging hikes and paddles, it’s important to understand the nature of this experience before you join us. These expeditions are suitable for most travellers with an adventurous spirit, good health, and the ability to move confidently around a vessel — especially in variable weather and sea conditions. Some shore landings and excursions may involve uneven terrain, wet landings, or light scrambling. Boarding Zodiacs and navigating the boat may require balance and agility, though our experienced team is always on hand to assist. Each trip may include a variety of optional activities, most of which require no prior experience. Of course, all activities are optional — you’re always welcome to stay aboard and enjoy the ship at your own pace. Not sure if this trip is right for you?
Get in touch with our team — we’re here to help you choose the experience that best suits your interests, comfort, and curiosity.
Cascadia is a go-anywhere, expedition-style catamaran. She accommodates up to 24 guests in 12 luxurious cabins, with a crew of 10.
She is unlike any other vessel offering expeditions on the BC coast, having been built specifically for high-quality, boutique cruises. Light, spacious and comfortable, she is also capable of reaching the wildest, most naturally rich places on the coast.
Her small size and guest numbers provide an authentic, human-scale experience that respects the carrying capacity of coastal inlets and communities.
Category 3 cabins
Prince of Wales and Princess Royal, are the largest cabins available, both situated on the Bridge Deck. With 235 square feet of space, they offer a comfortable king-sized bed and a 3-piece en-suite bathroom. These cabins feature outside windows and provide convenient access to both the deck and ship interior.
Category 2 cabins
Admiralty, Calvert, Moresby, and Vancouver, are located on the Main Deck. These cabins offer 195 square feet of space and feature either a queen-sized bed or two twin beds. Each cabin has a 3-piece en-suite bathroom and provides convenient access to both the deck and the corridor through separate doors. Windows fill the space with natural light.
Category 1 cabins
Kunghit, Salt Spring, Cortes, Hanson, and Penelakut, are located on the Lower Deck, and Campania is located on the Promenade Deck. These cabins offer 160 square feet of space and feature a queen-sized bed or two twin beds. Each cabin is equipped with a 3-piece en-suite bathroom and convenient door access to the inside of the ship corridor. The cabins on the Lower Deck feature two large porthole windows, filling the space with natural light and charming ocean views.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Explore places the big ships can’t with the widest selection of genuine small-ship, activity-first cruising. On Water Expeditions offers exceptional value, quality services, no hidden costs, and plenty of inclusions.
Don't watch the action sail past your window, dive into it! Designed for active travellers, these itineraries give you more time to adventure off the boat.
Activity is built into every journey. From paddling to hiking, enjoy a basecamp-style experience that injects fun, meaningful connections and thrilling adventure into it.
Each voyage is thoughtfully selected for low-impact exploration, supporting genuine conservation and sustainability while respecting local communities and environments.
5 Days
6 Days