The Village of Klemtu looks out over a protected bay deep in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest. Take one of several guided tours and keep an eye out for Kermode and grizzly bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
Great Bear Rainforest
The best-known residents of the Great Bear Rainforest are Kermode bears, or Spirit bears. In spring, Kermode bears have stark white coats, which change to a butter yellow in fall. They also have black eyes and noses, differentiating Kermode bears from albino bears. Kermode bears are especially visible along the waters' edge during salmon spawning season.
Other wildlife in the Great Bear Rainforest includes brizzly bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, cougars, bald eagles, hawks, and coastal wolves. As well, whales, dolphins, porpoises, and sea lions make a home in the nutrient rich waters.
Tours and Access
Spirit Bear Adventures, operating out of an office at the public dock, offers eco-cultural/wildlife viewing tours, which explore the traditional territory of the Kitasoo/Xai'xais people. Guides highlight ancient cultural sites that signify the connection between local First Nations and the natural environment.
Experienced kayakers can also take self-guided wildlife viewing tours. Kayaks are available for rent from Spirit Bear Adventures. Kayakers heading out on self-guided tours are encouraged to stop in at the Tourism Office on the public dock to review of the code of ethics for traveling in the Kitasoo/Xai'xais traditional territory. Staff can also provide information regarding camping spots, which are difficult to find in this area, and the best wildlife viewing locales.
Practical Points
- Only those with extensive outdoor experience should venture out on self-guided wildlife viewing tours.
- Keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
- Carry bear spray at all times.
- Respect sites of cultural significance: Archeological artifacts and petrogyphs are fragile and should not be disturbed.