Great Bear Rainforest: Canadian Coast

Bear cub climbing a tree in Canada's Great Bear Rainforest
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May 30-June 6, 2025 Explore deep fjords and watch wildlife (including grizzlies!) emerge during the vibrant spring season in British Columbia's famed coastal rainforest.

The Great Bear Rainforest along Canada’s lush west coast is alive with color each spring. Explore deep fjords and their hidden passageways, walk through estuaries that are home to marine birds and wildlife, and witness nature emerging into the season. From observing grizzly and black bears in their natural habitat to spotting marine mammals in protected sanctuaries to learning from First Nations hosts and Academy biologists, this trip offers an abundant range of experiences for all.

  • When: May 30-June 6, 2025
  • Where: Maple Leaf Adventure’s Swell
  • Activity level: Moderate
  • Price: $9,986 (based on double occupancy rooms)
    • Please note: single occupancy rooms are SOLD OUT

Explore more details below!

Save your spot!

Click the "Register now" button below to reserve your spot and submit your trip deposit.

Please note: You must be an Academy member or donor to register for this trip.

Register now
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Image of Scott D. Sampson, PhD

Your Academy expert

Scott D. Sampson, PhD, Executive Director and William R. and Gretchen B. Kimball Chair

Dr. Scott D. Sampson leads the institution’s world-class museum as well as its programs of scientific research, sustainability, and education. He is a renowned paleontologist, passionate science communicator, and seasoned museum leader.

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Image of Swell tugboat

Trip highlights

  • Take the trip of a lifetime to explore wild coastal islands, spectacular fjords, and verdant estuaries alongside the Academy’s Executive Director, Dr. Scott Sampson, and expert guides with Maple Leaf Adventures.
  • View grizzly bears, wolves, and a variety of other land-based wildlife—maybe even “spirit bears.”
  • Venture by boat through the largest intact temperate rainforest on Earth, with vast expanses of centuries-old trees.
  • Experience humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and other marine mammals.
  • Learn from local Indigenous hosts about regional human history and modern First Nations culture.
  • Visit with researchers actively engaged in both science and conservation in this stunning region.
Itinerary

Day 1: Board your ship and enter the Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia, orientation, cruise into Fjordland, viewing spectacular mountains and waterfalls. Rainforest walk.

Day 2: Visit great Fjordland river estuaries, wildflower meadows, and bear habitat. Possible bear viewing.

Day 3: Visit the First Nations community of Klemtu, including a guided tour and conversations at the big house, as well as examples of First Nations artistry, culture, and architecture.

Day 4: Mainland inlet, bear viewing, rainforest walk, waterfalls, inside passage cruising, hot springs visit.

Day 5: Visit the coastal community, sail down whale channel, and view marine mammals, including whales and sea lions. Visit remote whale research station and speak with scientists. Cruise to west coast beach and explore.

Day 6: Sailing the outer coast, exploring remote islands. Intertidal life, whales, seabirds, beaches.

Day 7: Exploring north coast wolf habitat, cruising from outer coast to inner coast, rainforest walk.

Day 8: Cruising to Kitimat, wildlife viewing.

Details

Pricing:

  • $9,986 per person based on double occupancy
  • 25% single supplement fee (Please note: single occupancy rooms are SOLD OUT)

Payment schedule:

  • $1,000 deposit is required per person to reserve your spot (by December 20, 2024).
  • Final Payment due on February 1, 2025. 
  • Cancellations received before February 1, 2025, will be assessed a cancellation fee of $500 per person.
  • Cancellations received on or after February 1, 2025, are subject to a 100% penalty of all deposits and payments, regardless of the booking date.

What's included:

  • All accommodations and meals in trip itinerary
  • All transportation within trip itinerary
  • Guided field trips, excursions, and tours
  • Expert tour guides 
  • Gratuities to local guides and drivers

What's NOT included:

  • International roundtrip airfare to Canada
  • Room service
  • Personal room charges (phone calls, baggage charges, laundry, etc.)
  • Travel or medical insurance

Travel insurance:

  • We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance as the cancellation penalty listed above and in the trip registration will apply. A list of travel insurance providers made available upon request.

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