That's the Spirit

Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia

06.09.2015

This summer, take an international vacation that's easy to get to and full of adventures! British Columbia, Canada, is about to give your vacation photo album an upgrade. Especially if you visit the place that's been called "the last magnificent stand of the great North American Rainforest," and named a Best Trip by National Geographic for its appeal to serious adventurers and casual explorers alike. The Great Bear Rainforest is an untouched wilderness on the northern coast of British Columbia—a place so well preserved it's the only home to the legendary Kermode, or spirit, bear, distinguished by its silvery-white coat and found nowhere else on earth. Hike, kayak, safari to see wildlife ... this is as off-the-beaten-path as adventures get, yet comfort isn't compromised. Stay and relax in remote wilderness lodges (or even a floating lodge). Hike hidden valleys and kayak secret estuaries in search of the spirit bear, or see grizzly bears, black bears, humpback whales, and orcas. A guided paddle tour through a labyrinth of sublime fjords leads to remote passages in this expansive rainforest. Trust us, you won't need to photoshop any pictures from this trip! British Columbia is Super, Natural.

TOP 10: The Great Bear Rainforest is just one of the Top 10 Places to Go in British Columbia: Check out the full list!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Three Cheers

    Good things come in threes when you visit Sonoma. Head out on a short hike right from town, sip and stroll the historic plaza, then take in the magical holiday lights.

    View

  2. Island Tree Topper

    The light display atop Angel Island State Park’s Mount Livermore has long been a cheerful twinkle visible from many cities throughout the Bay Area on holiday season nights. Get into the festive spirit by hiking the 2-mile (one-way) trail from Ayala Cove up to the "Angel Lights."

    View

  3. Go, Tell It on the Mountain

    {NOTE: Due to atmospheric rivers that can come this time of year, always be sure to check ahead for trail closures and hazards. And of course, wait for better weather and drier con

    View

  4. Serene Las Gallinas

    A serene stroll alongside marshland, passing ponds and grasses frilled in seasonal wildflowers, with Mount Tam a beacon in the background … how nice. As part of the esteemed Bay Trail, San Rafael’s Las Gallinas Valley Birding Loop and Wildlife Ponds comprises about 3.5 miles of wide-open trail.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

    View

  2. Dune It Right

    Want a beach that will really get you away from it all? Monterey's Fort Ord Dunes State Park is just the ticket. And it often glows golden toward sunset.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Redding Lights and Silent Nights

    Give your holiday events calendar a major glow up this winter in California’s sunniest city. Redding is a revelation: Surrounded by iconic scenery like Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.

    View
  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View