Great Bear Rainforest Cruise: The Land of the Spirit Bear
Sail into the narrow, winding fjords of northern British Columbia and enter the domain of the rare Spirit Bear on this 11-day small ship cruise through Canada and Alaska. The Spirit Bear, also known as a Kermode bear, is a variant of the North American black bear and can only be found in the pristine wilderness of the Great Bear Rainforest. The forest is roughly the size of Ireland and one of National Geographic’s “Places of a Lifetime.” It stretches 250 miles across the central and northern coast of British Columbia and encompasses a quarter of the world’s coastal temperate rainforest. Hike along its salmon-rich streams, enter forests of towering cedars and see the protected region’s abundant wildlife.
Choose the 14-day Exploring Alaska, Great Bear Rainforest and the San Juan Islands Cruise Itinerary to take kayaks and Zodiacs deep into verdant fjords and wildlife-rich shores in search of bears, golden eagles, river otters and more. Journey into the most pristine forests in the region, inaccessible by road and managed by First Nations people. Immerse yourself in First Nations culture at Alert Bay’s Big House, where the Kwakwaka’wakw people share their traditional art, music and regional knowledge. Cruise the eastern coast of Princess Royal Island in search of the elusive spirit bear, a rare but thrilling sighting. Hike the San Juan Islands, and cruise nearby waters in British Columbia where orcas gather annually to hunt within the isles’ inlets and bays. Explore at water level in Tracy Arm for an up-close view of calving glaciers, towering forests and harbor seals afloat on iridescent icebergs
Travel aboard the 100-guest National Geographic Venture, with National Geographic photographers and photo instructors on board to share tips and years of expertise. The Nat Geo Venture is an ideal basecamp due to her upscale amenities and thoughtful design. Appreciate the onboard expedition technology, including a hydrophone, splash-cam, underwater video camera and video microscope. Also on board is a cultural interpreter who will share the legends and lore of their people, and the lands explored throughout the itinerary.
Set off on excursions to kayak deep into verdant fjords and along wildlife-rich shores; cruise by Zodiac in protected waters in search of grizzly, black and Kermode bears; experience the silence while standing among towering, monumental cedars; witness the surprisingly colorful undersea through video shot by the undersea specialist; and soak in rustic hot spring pools—conditions and wildlife permitting. Discover the region’s abundant wildlife, including mountain goats, cougars, grizzly bears, coastal grey wolves, killer whales, sea lions, sea otters and more. These amazing nature and wildlife opportunities qualify this itinerary for our handpicked selection of Alaska family cruises.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Canada cruises, Canada adventure travel, Alaska trips and Alaska small ship cruises.