Mothership Adventures > Kayaking Tours of BC > Great Bear Rainforest Kayak Tour

BC Great Bear Rainforest Kayak Tour

A Sea Kayak tour on the central coast of BC Canada

kayakers by waterfall The Great Bear Rainforest, on BC’s central coast offers some of the most stunning sea kayaking in Canada (gallery).This vast wilderness contains the largest remaining tract of unspoiled temperate rainforest left on the planet. Over two thousand separate runs of Pacific salmon, an important keystone species, intertwine through an ecosystem rich with wildlife including genetically distinct wolves, white spirit bears, grizzly bears, humpback whales and sea otters. With its huge distances, rugged terrain, and less predictable weather, the central coast is where the mothership concept truly shines. Journey the many miles in absolute comfort aboard the Columbia III as we take you to new and varied paddling areas each day. The diversity of landscapes, abundance of wildlife, and endless opportunity for exploration makes the Great Bear Rainforest a truly superb sea kayaker's destination. See this fantastic set of photos and videos posted by one of our 2010 guests.

These tours depart from and return to the remote British Columbia First Nation’s village of Bella Bella (map).

"Having booked nearly a year in advance and coming for the second time my expectations were high and yet exceeded by all that was seen and experienced. Thanks"
Scott, Maryland 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010

For 2012 we are offering two distinct Great Bear Rainforest paddling areas.

Great Bear Rainforest South: June 24-30, July 1-7

kayakers on the beach These kayaking tours in late June and early July, when the days are warm and long, will focus on the Hakai Pass, Goose Islands and Spider Islands areas south of Bella Bella. The Hakai Luxvbalis Conservancy, the largest marine park on the central coast, boasts innumerable islands and islets with stunning white sand beaches along the open edge of the Pacific. We'll paddle the outer coastline, watch sea otter rafts and experience the gentle ocean swells. Vibrant intertidal life thrives on the surf-swept exposed shores. This is kayaking at its best. We will also visit spectacular steep-sided inlets on this tour, their granite cliffs a contrast to the low windswept landscape of the conservancy. This is truly a kayaker's paradise!

"Spectacular,
Rugged,
Uncrowded,
Untouched,
Untapped,
Unforget table.
Words used to describe the magnificent Great Bear Rainforest. Some could also be applied to the beautiful mothership and her caring, competent, professional stewards and crew. You four made this a truly unforgettable experience for us all. It truly was a trip pf a lifetime. From the grizzlies to the humpbacks, the Spirit Bear to the hot springs, paddling in the rain to that spectacular star show last night. Your music, your enthusiasm, your knowledge, your skill, your wit - all enhanced our enjoyment of these ten days and allowed us to step out of that "real" world into this almost dream world. It’s been a trip! Thank-you. Our warmest wishes for continued success on the Columbia III."
Barb 2008, 2009, Lou-Anne, Niamh 2008, 2009, 2010, Pat 2007, 2008, 2009, reserved whole boat charter for 2013, Jane, Kevin 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011 and reserved whole boat charter for 2012 & Pat, British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Ireland, Washington

Great Bear Rainforest North: Aug 24-30, Aug 31-Sept 6, Sept 7-13

These paddling tours in late August and September, will combine outer island kayaking and superb wildlife viewing in the regions north of Bella Bella. This is the time of year when the Pacific salmon are returning to their rivers to spawn. Often called the backbone of the coast, salmon are food for many species and this becomes apparent as the days unfold. While exploring the river estuaries in the steep-sided, glacial-carved inlets, we’ll often observe grizzly bears, black bears, wolves and eagles, all fishing for salmon. In a rare instance we may even spot a spirit bear. Towards the open Pacific the mountains give way to lower rocky islets with exquisite white sand beaches and intertidal life. Sea otters and seals play in the kelp beds and seabirds swoop overhead. This area is spectacular for kayaking!

"We're quiet and reserved - we're almost back to 'reality'. As I look around at the books and the couch and windows I wonder about all the people that have come on this boat before me. They thumbed through the pages of Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest, and sipped teas with their feet curled up under them on the couch. We come for a week and this boat becomes our home. But we all leave eventually (we were lucky enough to get 9 days of adventure). I find myself amazed by your generosity of spirit that you can continue to open your home (your baby, Ross) and give us all experiences of a lifetime. I thank you for what you've given me, and because I'm neither the first nor the last, you have my respect and admiration. Thanks for putting up with 'us' all. Love and hugs,"
Katie, Ontario Canada 2006, 2007

Great Bear Rainforest 9 Night Tour: Sept 15-24

The extra days on our 9 night tour gives us more time for kayaking and exploring in the vast and less travelled regions of the Great Bear Rainforest. Paddle the rugged inlets and coves of famous Princess Royal Island and enjoy a gourmet lunch on the windswept shores of Campania Island. Explore the wide Khutze Inlet estuary, travel the narrow Inside Passage and drift down the secluded Aaltanhash River. Some of our many options include visiting the stunning big houses in the remote First Nations communities of Klemtu and Hartley Bay, listening to humpback whale songs at Cetacea Lab, soaking in a secluded hot spring and viewing grizzly bears. But best of all, we dedicate a day to the elusive spirit bear on Gribble Island. Accompanied by our fascinating and knowledgeable Gitga'at First Nations guides we have been very lucky with superb sightings of this rare and beautiful bear, symbol of the Great Bear Rainforest. Please take a look at our spirit bear photo gallery.

"I have been inspired once again by this beautiful coast and inspired once again by this wonderful family. All my expectations were exceeded. I feel recharged. Thank you so much."
Barry. Ontario, Canada 2006, 2007, 2011

"Thank you for an amazing week in such a fantastic part of the world. The images you helped me to capture - humpbacks, spirit bears, grizzlies, phenomenal coastal scenery - will be put to good use for years to come in my efforts to help protect this place we all love. And the human connections on this trip are something I will also cherish and hopefully continue to develop. The sense of humour, knowledge, and adventurous spirit of the crew and guests on this trip made for a thoroughly enjoyable time. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for what has surely been one of the most memorable and inspiring in my life. Sincerely,"
Damien, British Columbia

We offer directions to Bella Bella (our point of departure) and planning information.

2012 BC Great Bear Rainforest Kayaking Tour Dates and Cost
June 24-30, July 1-7 South	6 nights	$3,095.00 CDN
Aug 24-30, Aug 31-Sept 6, Sept 7-13 North	6 nights	$3,095.00 CDN
September 15 - 24 9-night	9 nights	$4,595.00 CDN

Trip size limited to 8 - 10 participants. Our trips are all inclusive from the point of departure. Trip prices are per person in Canadian dollars plus 12% H.S.T. Exchange rates are updated every 15 minutes.

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