Great Bear Rainforest aboard 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

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

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.

Meals:  B,L,D

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.

Meals:  B,L,D

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.

Meals:  B,L,D

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.

Meals:  B,L,D

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.

Meals:  B,L,D

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