The Great Bear Rainforest
The Great Bear Rainforest on the pacific coast of British Columbia is the largest coastal temperate rainforest on earth; home to Spirit Bear Lodge and our world class cultural and wildlife tours.
The Great Bear Rainforest is located on the west coast of the British Columbia mainland, stretching from just north of Knight Inlet (off north-central Vancouver Island) to Princess Royal Island and all the way north to the Alaskan border. Very little of Kitasoo Xai’xais Traditional Territory remains completely unprotected, which makes it what some call the crown jewel of The Great Bear Rainforest.
The historic Great Bear Rainforest Agreement placed 9 million acres off-limits to logging and millions of acres under strict forest management guidelines.
British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest is the largest intact coastal temperate rainforest on Earth. This is a land of mist-shrouded valleys and glacier-cut fjords, old-growth forests, wildlife like rare spirit bears and rich salmon streams. Stand in awe under massive old growth trees, marvel at the variation in mosses, lichens, and numerous unique plant species.
The forest acts as a carbon sink, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. In one year, an acre of mature trees can absorb the same amount of CO2 produced when you drive your car 42,000 Kilometers (26,000 Miles). The importance of keeping this “last of its kind” forest protecte cannot be denied.
“Landscapes like The Great Bear Rainforest are why we get up in the morning” -Nicole Rycroft
Ancient Sitka Spruce and Red Western Cedars frequently exceed 1000 years old and can attain heights from 60-70 Meters. These trees support and are supported by the surrounding ecosystem, which includes some of the largest species and the smallest organisms on the planet.
With 4.2 million acres monitored by Indigenous Guardians annually, 767 new, permanent jobs have been created in First Nations communities.
The Spirit Bear
The Great Bear Rainforest is the only place on Earth where you can encounter the Spirit Bear — a rare white-coated black bear. Found almost exclusively within the coastal rainforests of British Columbia’s north and central coast, the Spirit Bear is not albino, but carries a recessive gene passed down through generations of bears in this region.
Revered for centuries by the Kitasoo Xai’xais and neighbouring First Nations peoples, the Spirit Bear holds deep cultural significance — a living symbol of the ancient relationship between the land, the sea, and the people who have stewarded this coast since time immemorial. It is no coincidence that the world’s largest intact coastal temperate rainforest is also home to one of the world’s rarest mammals.
Estimates suggest 50-150 Spirit Bears exist in the wild — all within the Great Bear Rainforest. Responsible, low-impact wildlife viewing with Indigenous-led guides offers one of the only ways to observe these bears in their natural habitat without disturbing the ecosystem that sustains them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Great Bear Rainforest located?
The Great Bear Rainforest is located on the central and north coast of British Columbia, stretching from just north of Knight Inlet all the way to the Alaskan border. It encompasses Princess Royal Island (which has the largest population of spirit bears) and large areas of Kitasoo Xai’xais Traditional Territory.
What makes the Great Bear Rainforest unique?
The Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia is the largest intact coastal temperate rainforest on Earth. It is home to the rare Spirit Bear, ancient Sitka Spruce and Red Cedar exceeding 1,000 years old, and some of the most productive salmon streams in the Pacific Northwest.
Can you visit the Great Bear Rainforest?
Yes, but due to its remote location on BC’s central coast, it is primarily accessible by boat or floatplane. Most visitors choose to stay at a wilderness lodge, like Spirit Bear Lodge in Klemtu, which provides the logistics, local transport, and expert guides necessary to navigate the rugged terrain safely.
Can you camp in the Great Bear Rainforest?
While there are some designated provincial park campsites, camping is challenging due to the dense wilderness, high bear population, and extreme weather. Most visitors prefer the safety and comfort of an established eco-lodge, which offers a “leave no trace” experience and professional bear-safety protocols.
Are there grizzlies in the Great Bear Rainforest?
Yes, the Great Bear Rainforest is home to a high concentration of grizzly bears, along with black bears and the rare, white-furred Spirit bear. The region’s rich salmon streams provide an essential food source, making it one of the best places in the world for guided grizzly bear viewing.