to the water, so do the bears. Startled by something (a nearby male?), they paddle past us like furry torpedoes, noses just clearing the water. Seconds later, they clamber up onto the safety of the far shore. Then vanish into the deep, dark woods.
No lingering like the frustrated sea wolf for this pair. Although the cub can’t resist glancing back at these colourful and curious creatures that have respectfully and peacefully entered the lair of the great bears.
IF YOU GO
About Maple Leaf Adventures
Voted one of National Geographic Traveler’s Tours of a Lifetime, Maple Leaf Adventures offers several small group, multi-day sailing cruises into the Great Bear Rainforest between April and October, as well as tours to Haida Gwaii, the Gulf Islands, Vancouver Island and Alaska’s Inside Passage. For more information, visit mapleleafadventures.com or call 1-888-599-5323
The Great Bear Rainforest trips start in Bella Bella and end in Prince Rupert, both of which are accessible by regular, daily commercial flights. Maple Leaf offers complete travel planning assistance and arranges for taxi or shuttle services to and from airports.
Prince Rupert has a range of hotels and motels, including the Crest Hotel, which offers panoramic waterfront views. In Bella Bella, no accommodation is necessary because guests of Maple Leaf Adventures arrive and depart for the Great Bear Rainforest on the same day.
Things to do
In Prince Rupert, explore the historic Cow Bay area, which is lined with interesting cafés and shops. From there, it is a short walk to the Museum of Northern B.C., which features traditional northwest coast architecture and exhibits that explore the fascinating history of the area’s First Nations. Also worth a visit is the Firehall Museum, which displays a rebuilt 1925 R.E.O. Speedwagon fire engine. Prince Rupert is also a world famous sport fishing destination.
For more information about the Raincoast Conservation Foundation’s ongoing efforts to protect the lands, waters and wildlife of coastal British Columbia, visit www.raincoast.org.