Explore North America's largest coastal temperate rainforest, known for its breathtaking scenery and remarkable biodiversity. This pristine wilderness in remote British Columbia can only be accessed by seaplane or ship. The intimate Cascadia, accommodating 24 guests, is ideal for navigating narrow channels and winding fjords. Spend your days observing seabirds, bald eagles, marine mammals, coastal brown bears, black bears, wolves, and our ultimate quest, the Spirit Bear. This rare black bear, also called the Kermode bear, possesses a recessive gene affecting melanin production, with only 10% of the black bear population having it. The Great Bear Rainforest is their exclusive habitat. Join experienced Gitga’at guides in the search for the Spirit Bear and uncover the indigenous history of this ancient wilderness.
Banner image: Phil Stone
Three moments you’ll never forget
While gliding through the Whale Channel, keep your senses tuned for potential encounters with humpbacks, orcas, fin whales, and Dall's porpoises. Later, visit to a remote research station, where you can delve into their work and conservation initiatives
Spend time cruising a scenic archipelago of tiny islands, some so remote they’re not yet fully charted. Then go ashore to explore and search for a variety of seabirds in the true spirit of wilderness adventure.
Stand in awe on Gribbell Island, where elevated viewing platforms provide a commanding view of a bustling salmon run. Here, you have an excellent chance of witnessing both black bears and the elusive Spirit Bears expertly fishing in the stream.
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DAY 1
Vancouver, Canada
Arrive in Vancouver and transfer to our hotel. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers and expedition leaders for a welcome dinner and briefing.
DAY 2
Vancouver / Terrace / Kitimat / Embark Cascadia
After breakfast, board our flight to Terrace and depart overland for Kitimat. Board the Cascadia and set sail. There will be time to go ashore for an evening walk through the rainforest. Return to the ship for the first of many gourmet meals featuring locally-sourced ingredients.
DAY 3
Coastal Islands
Today we’ll cruise down a spectacular, long fjord, where granite mountains laced with waterfalls tower above. Keep an eye out for mountain goats scampering along the slopes. Go ashore to explore estuary meadows, where many bears like to spend their days in the autumn. Learn about the daily habits of bears, and the annual salmon cycle. This evening, enjoy an optional kayaking excursion.
DAY 4
Coastal Islands & Fjords
Continue exploring along the fjords today, where we hope to spot black bears and coastal brown bears. Visit the village of Hartley Bay for a big house tour and cultural introduction by local guide. Here we’ll learn more about the indigenous Gitga’at history and hear stories of special sites in the region.
DAY 5
Whale Channel
The Whale Channel region is a critical habitat for several species of whales. As we cruise the channel, there is a good chance of viewing humpback whales and Steller’s sea lions. Other species we may encounter include orcas, fin whales, and Dall’s porpoises. Then, visit with whale researchers at remote station to learn of their work and conservation efforts in the area.
DAY 6
Great Bear Rainforest
Today is dedicated to the Great Bear Rainforest and its wild outer islands and beaches. Take a stroll along a rugged beach a viewpoint overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy an opportunity to kayak or join an optional fishing excursion. In the afternoon we’ll cruise to an archipelago of tiny islands, some of these areas are so remote they’re not yet fully charted. Go ashore to explore and search for a variety of seabirds.
DAY 7
Princess Royal Island
Take a walk through the rainforest to a stream where we hope to view salmon spawning. Then we’ll cruise to Butedale, the site of a historic salmon cannery. Wander around the ghost town and admire Butedale Falls, which tumbles directly into the ocean. Those interested in a leg stretch may join an optional hike to view scenic Butedale Lake, set behind the town.
DAY 8
Spirit Bear Island / Gribbell Island
Today we’ll spend a full day at the island famous as the epicenter for viewing Spirit Bears. The raised viewing platforms overlook an active salmon run and we have a good chance of seeing both black bears and Spirit Bears fishing in the stream. This evening, enjoy a special celebratory dinner and entertainment.
DAY 9
Kitimat / Terrace / Disembark / Vancouver
Spend the morning cruising to Kitimat, then disembark and return to the Terrace airport for our flight to Vancouver. Check in to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 10
Vancouver / Depart
Board your independent homeward flight.
Coming soon:
Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands
Optional pre-trip extension
Trip details
September, 2025
Departure
The trip starts and ends in Vancouver, Canada
“There’s nothing quite like being out in the presence of marine mammals, especially the sound of a humpback whale on a quiet morning as it comes up for air. I’m so looking forward to exploring these pristine waterways, and learning about the cultures who have been living here for generations.”
— KRISTIN WORNSON
“One of my first big wilderness adventures was riding the ferry up through British Columbia’s Inside Passage, the excitement palpable among all of us glued to the ship railing in anticipation of our next wildlife sighting! A maze of islands and waterways, this remote and wild stretch of coast presents endless opportunities for exploration. And our boat, Cascadia, is the perfect platform on which to set out on our adventure. ”
— RICH PAGEN
A “go-anywhere” expedition style catamaran
Cascadia stands apart from other vessels providing expeditions in British Columbia. Designed exclusively for top-tier boutique cruises, this catamaran is a harmonious blend of light, spaciousness, and comfort, enabling access to the most remote locations along the BC coast. The onboard navigation bridge is accessible to all guests, offering 180-degree panoramic views and an opportunity to learn about the ship's navigation and systems. The decks are expansive and inviting, featuring indoor and outdoor seating areas where you can take in the journey's unfolding beauty.
More Detail
PRICING
Category 1 Per Person: $15,990
Double Occupancy
Category 2 Per Person: $17,990
Double Occupancy
Category 3 Per Person: $20,990
Double Occupancy
Deposit
Per Person: $2,000
Due to boat configuration, single rates are limited for this departure. Please inquire for more details.
What’s Included
2 nights hotel accommodations
7 nights onboard the Cascadia
All meals
Non-alcoholic beverages with lunch and dinner.
All excursions, transportation, and local guides
Internal flights within the program
Vancouver/Terrace & Terrace/VancouverPark fees, taxes, and permits
Gratuities
Arrival and departure transfers
Ready to Go?
Save your spot on our expedition by booking now.
September 2025
