Note: This story was originally published in January 2018.
Everything in the rainforest is connected, a cycle of life in perfect balance. From the lush green that carpets the base of towering, centuries-old trees, to the salmon that attract grizzlies, black bears, and birds to feed, it’s an environment that nourishes everything in it. No wonder so many people—lives entrenched in technology, disconnected from nature, and sometimes each other—are drawn to the tranquillity of the rainforest.
Tune in with these rainforest facts:
Less than 10% of the world’s land surface is rainforest, yet rainforests are responsible for nearly one-third of the world’s oxygen production. You know you’re breathing fresh rainforest air when you see lichen hanging from trees. Some lichens have survived for thousands of years and are extremely susceptible to pollution.
Close to 25% of the world’s temperate rainforest is in BC. Most of it is coastal (where you’ll find the protected Great Bear Rainforest), but BC is also home to the Ancient Forest, a rare inland rainforest near Prince George.
Get More Travel IdeasWhat’s the difference between BC’s temperate rainforest and a tropical rainforest? Tropical rainforests are warmer and close to the equator. Temperate rainforests are at latitudes between the two Tropics and Polar Circles. What they have in common is a lot of rain, which causes the lush rainforest canopies to flourish.
Go Forest BathingA diverse collection of wildlife calls BC’s rainforest home, including five species of salmon, multiple bird varieties (including the bald eagle), black-tailed deer, grey wolf, grizzly bear, and black bear. The elusive Kermode (Spirit) bear, found in BC’s Great Bear Rainforest, is a black bear with a rare recessive gene.
Browse Wildlife ToursCompared to tropical rainforests, temperate rainforests decompose slowly, resulting in a rich vegetation base (including a variety of mushrooms) but few tree varieties (mostly coniferous), due to the climate and low light levels.
For details on BC’s coastal rainforest visit the Canadian Wildlife Federation. and continue browsing for more travel ideas. For a closer look at the Great Bear Rainforest check out BC’s Great Bear Rainforest.
Tammy is an avid yogi and road trip enthusiast. You will likely find her paddle boarding the early morning still waters of Deep Cove, or on a quest to find the perfect chai. Born and raised in BC, Tammy is also a Destination British Columbia staffer.
Here are five places to experience the unique ecosystem that is the temperate rainforest.
Here's what you need to know before you go, including a map of the location, wildlife viewing, and where to see a Kermode (Spirit) bear.
Old cedars are part of what makes snowshoeing the Ancient Forest in Northern British Columbia special.
Seeing bears in the wilderness is more emotional than you might think. Follow along on a boat trip into BC's Khutzeymateen Grizzly Sanctuary.
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