Cruises & Boat Tours

BC Ferries Discovery Coast Passage

The BC Ferries Discovery Coast Passage route (Port Hardy to Bella Coola) gives passengers a front row seat to jaw dropping scenery. Scan the shore for wildlife, take part in an outdoor barbeque, listen to the crew call out points of interest, or pitch a tent on deck for overnight sailings. It's also possible to make arrangements to wet launch kayaks from the ferry itself. This ferry is summer service only and trip times can vary depending on stops; reservations are strongly recommended.

Great Bear Rainforest Adventure Cruises

Voyage around the Great Bear Rainforest to watch for grizzlies, black bears and rare Kermode (Spirit) bears on shore and to look for whales, dolphins and other marine life in the water. This area is the world’s largest remaining continuous tract of intact temperate rainforest.

Sailing tour companies include Bluewater Adventures, a “Best Adventure Travel Company on Earth” (National Geographic Adventure, 2009) and Maple Leaf Adventures, named “Trip of a Lifetime” by Frommer’s (2010). On some tours, visit First Nations longhouses, explore tidal beaches and kayak lush estuaries.

Ocean Light II Adventures and Ocean Adventures Charter Co. also run several cruises into the Great Bear Rainforest. Sail picturesque channels in search of Orcas, humpback whales or playful Dall's porpoises. Some tours join Gitga’at First Nations in Hartley Bay for traditional drumming, dancing and feasting.

Pacific Yellowfin Charters offers custom luxury adventure cruises to this area on a classic wooden yacht. All aspects of a trip can be customized, including meals prepared by a chef formerly of acclaimed Whistler restaurant Araxi.

Cruises near Bella Coola

Bella Coola Grizzly Tours’ Pacific Grizzly Nautical Adventures charts a customized course based on guest interests. Cross glacial waters in search of Aboriginal pictographs, then pull up traps to catch jumbo prawns and dungeness crab for a fresh seafood dinner on the MV Pacific Grizzly.

Bella Coola Yacht Charters allows experienced skippers to charter their own boat (there’s a skippered charter option, too). Custom itineraries or maps to popular destinations, such as the oceanside Eucott Bay Hot Springs, are provided. Coast Mountain Lodge’s guided tours also visit Eucott Bay Hot Springs, along with totem poles, giant cedars and the Mackenzie Rock historical monument.

Cruises near Klemtu

Looking for wildlife photo opportunities? Ocean Adventures Charter Co.'s autumn cruise to the Fiordland Conservancy drifts down Mussel Inlet, walled with sheer granite cliffs and waterfalls, to watch bears fish salmon-filled rivers against brilliant fall colours. There’s also a visit to the Kitasoo/Xai’xais Peoples’ Big House in Klemtu for history, legends and culture.

Tugboat Cruises

Explore Bella Bella's coastal waters on Westwind Tugboat Adventures’ 1941 tugboat MV Parry. Scan the shoreline for abandoned canneries and cabins, catch dinner by clam digging, or relax by the tugboat's fireplace with a glass of wine.

Practical Points

• The peak season for cruising is from March to October, but some tours are offered year-round.
• Most multi-day cruises require reservations, while some harbour and day cruises can be booked on the spot. It’s best to check in advance.
• Most cruise operators provide all food, beverage, equipment and some outdoor clothing, but remember to bring warm, layered clothing as ship decks can be breezy.
• Seasickness is generally not an issue in the sheltered inside passages but for trips on open waters be prepared for some motion.
• Visit local Visitor Centres for help with trip ideas, planning and transportation.

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