Great Bear Rainforest Expedition: Spring & Fall Adventures

Highlights

Witness grizzly and rare spirit bears in their pristine natural habitat

Connect with Indigenous coastal communities and rich cultural heritage

Cruise through dramatic fjords and untouched coastal wilderness

Explore ancient old-growth rainforests and hidden waterfalls

Experience an intimate small-ship expedition led by expert naturalist guides

8 days

From AUD10,744

AUD 10,594

Save $150pp

per person, twin share

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All services are subject to availability.

Overview

Venture into one of the world’s most pristine and untamed wildernesses – the Great Bear Rainforest – aboard the intimate MV Swell expedition vessel. From lush spring landscapes alive with newborn wildlife to the dramatic fall salmon runs attracting spirit bears, grizzlies, and orcas, this journey offers an unforgettable encounter with nature at its most spectacular. With just a small number of guests on board, MV Swell provides exclusive access to remote fjords, estuaries, and hidden wildlife habitats, along with immersive experiences with First Nations communities. Explore the rainforest trails, cruise through pristine estuaries, and witness the raw beauty of British Columbia’s wild coast in two breathtaking seasons, all from the comfort and unique vantage of this boutique expedition vessel.

Spring and fall offer distinct experiences:

Spring Experience (May–June):
In spring, the rainforest awakens. Grizzly and black bears emerge from hibernation, estuaries bloom with wildflowers, and wildlife activity peaks. The season also provides opportunities to engage with the Klemtu First Nation, learning about local culture and traditions while exploring trails and coastal waterways.

Fall Experience (September–October):
Autumn brings dramatic salmon runs that attract grizzlies, black bears, and the rare white-furred spirit bear. The coastal waters are alive with whales and other marine wildlife, while the temperate rainforest is painted in autumn hues. Guests also have the opportunity to interact with First Nations communities and witness traditional practices during the season.

Note: Itineraries vary by season to maximise wildlife viewing and seasonal highlights.

Inclusions

7 nights onboard MV Swell in Category 1

All meals, snacks and beverages are prepared from the freshest ingredients

Fine wines & craft beer featured with the evening meal

Services of our naturalist and professional crew

Shore excursions

Use of gear on board, including rubber boots, kayaks

Itinerary

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Sail Maple Leaf Adventures MV Swell

The MV Swell is a beautifully restored 88-foot boutique expedition vessel operated by Maple Leaf Adventures, offering an intimate and comfortable way to explore Canada’s wild West Coast. With just six private cabins accommodating up to 12 guests, Swell combines classic maritime character with modern comforts. Her inviting interiors feature warm wood panelling, a relaxed salon and dining area, and a covered aft deck for scenic lounging. Guests can unwind in the on-deck hot tub or venture out on guided shore excursions by Zodiac for close encounters with wildlife and coastal landscapes. Purpose-built for small-group exploration, Swell delivers an authentic, personalised and environmentally responsible adventure experience through some of the most remote and breathtaking waters in British Columbia and Alaska.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

MV Swell | Credit: Jeff Reynolds / Maple Leaf Adventures

Day 1 Welcome Aboard | Bella Bella

Embark on your adventure as you board the MV Swell and set sail into the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest. As you cruise through the dramatic fjords of British Columbia, your crew provides an introduction to life aboard and the natural wonders ahead. Glide past towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush forested valleys before stepping ashore for your first guided rainforest walk – an inspiring introduction to this ancient ecosystem where moss-draped trees and crystal streams abound.

Overnight onboard MV Swell

Dinner

MV Swell | Credit: Jeff Reynolds / Maple Leaf Adventures

Day 2 - 3 Great Bear Rainforest & First Nations Culture

Awake to the serene beauty of Fjordland’s protected channels, where river estuaries meet the sea. Step ashore to explore wildflower meadows and lush estuaries that provide essential feeding grounds for bears and birdlife, with the chance to spot grizzlies or black bears along the shoreline. Later, visit the remote Kitasoo/Xai’xais First Nation community of Klemtu. Enjoy a guided tour and cultural exchange at the impressive Big House, learning about enduring traditions, artistry, and architecture, while gaining insight into the community’s deep connection to the land and sea.

Overnight onboard MV Swell

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - 6 Into Bear Country

Over the next three days, venture deep into some of the most pristine and remote areas of the Great Bear Rainforest, exploring some of the region’s most remote and pristine areas. Cruise into sheltered mainland inlets, prime bear territory, with opportunities for bear viewing along the shorelines, and step ashore for guided rainforest walks among towering cedars and lush undergrowth, pausing to admire cascading waterfalls before continuing along the Inside Passage, with the option to soak in natural hot springs. Visit a coastal community and sail down Whale Channel, a key corridor for marine mammals, keeping watch for whales, sea lions, and other wildlife, and stop at a remote whale research station to meet scientists and learn about their conservation work, before exploring a wild west coast beach. Continue along the exposed outer coast, discovering remote islands, observing intertidal life, seabirds, and marine mammals, and explore pristine beaches and tide pools, rounding out an immersive coastal wilderness experience.

Overnight onboard MV Swell

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - 8 Coastal Exploration

Continue your journey along the remote north coast, an area renowned for its pristine wilderness and elusive coastal wolf habitat. Cruise from the rugged outer coast to the sheltered inner passages, taking time to enjoy guided rainforest walks through ancient forests and lush coastal landscapes. Keep a keen eye out for wildlife along the way, from eagles and seabirds to marine mammals in the surrounding waters. As the voyage draws to a close, sail towards Kitimat, taking in the dramatic scenery and spotting whales, sea lions, and other wildlife that inhabit these rich coastal ecosystems, providing a memorable finale to your Great Bear Rainforest adventure.

Overnight onboard MV Swell

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Additional information

2026 Departures onboard Maple Leaf Adventures MV Swell

May - 17, 26*
June - 03, 18*
September - 12, 20*, 28
October - 7*

Notes:

26 May operates Kitimat to Bella Bella
18 June operates Kitimat to Prince Rupert
20 September operates Kitimat to Bella Bella
07 October operates Kitimat to Bella Bella

Sample Itineraries: As with all expedition cruises, the itinerary may change based on weather, wildlife activity, and guests’ interests. This itinerary is to give you a general idea of the Great Bear Rainforest Spring expedition. The sample itinerary for the Fall expedition is below as a guide.

Days 1-3 Embark on Your Great Bear Rainforest Tour
Board your ship in Bella Bella, BC. Meet Heiltsuk guide who welcomes us to the territory. Visit spectacular big house. Beach walk. Cruise into Fjordland for an in depth Great Bear Rainforest tour. Massive waterfalls, spectacular inlet*, pictographs, estuary exploration and search for bears. Cruising to area frequented by grizzly and black bears. Extended bear viewing. Optional evening kayak, fishing, quiet time.

Days 4-6 Land of the Spirit Bear
Morning shore walk, visit First Nations village, Klemtu. Big House tour by village guide. Intertidal life. Fjord anchorage.Exploring coastal river by zodiac. Forest walk. Sea lion and black or grizzly bear viewing. Nature hike. Hot springs. Spirit Bear Island anchorage. Shore excursion to spirit bear viewing site with bear stands.

Days 7-8 Whale Channel
Whale Channel, humpback whale watching. Sailing down coastal channel, Island, visit whale research station. Optional evening kayak. Cruising Gardner Canal, the most spectacular fjord on the coast. Evening shore exploration, fishing, kayaking, wildlife viewing. Farewell dinner. Cruise to port, watching for whales.

Excluded

International airfares and taxes
Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.),
Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package

FAQs

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Great Bear Rainforest: Spring & Fall Expeditions on MV Swell

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