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Sail into the narrow, winding fjords of northern British Columbia and enter the domain of the rare Spirit Bear. Also known as a Kermode bear, it is a variant of the North American black bear and can only be found in the pristine wilderness of the Great Bear Rainforest. The forest is roughly the size of Ireland and one of National Geographic’s “Places of a Lifetime.” It stretches 250 miles across the central and northern coast of British Columbia and encompases a quarter of the world’s coastal temperate rainforest. Hike along its salmon-rich streams, enter forests of towering cedars, and see the protected region’s abundant wildlife. This Alaska itinerary aboard National Geographic Venture will enable you to:

• Kayak deep into verdant fjords and along wildlife-rich shores
• Cruise by Zodiac in protected waters in search of grizzly, black, and Kermode bears
• Experience the silence as you stand among towering, monumental cedars
• Witness the surprisingly colorful undersea through video shot by our undersea specialist
• Soak in rustic hot spring pools—conditions and wildlife permitting

Discover the region's abundant wildlife

A diverse and healthy population of wildlife species thrive in the rainforest. Search for mountain goats, cougars, grizzly bears, as well as subspecies and genetically unique populations like the coastal grey wolves. The seas teem with killer whales, sea lions, sea otters, and more. Sail into the narrow Grenville Channel, which pinches to less than a quarter-mile across and is a gathering place for killer whales. Zodiac and kayak to a salmon run where bears come to feed.

Learn the history of First Nations people

Joining us aboard is a cultural interpreter who will share the legends and lore of their people and the lands we explore. In British Columbia see a coastal longhouse built of bark-stripped cedar and a museum’s collection of First Nations artifacts. And in Ketchikan visit the Totem Heritage Center to view a unique collection of 19th-century Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian totem poles recovered from abandoned villages.

Search for the Kermode Bear

Circumnavigate Gribbell Island, what the Valhalla Wilderness Society has dubbed “Mother Island of the White Bear,” in search of this elusive spirit bear. It is believed that 10 - 20 percent of bears in this region are born with the recessive gene that causes the white fur; fewer than 400 are estimated to exist.

Travel in excellent company

Explore under the sure guidance of an expedition leader, veteran naturalists, including a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor and an undersea specialist, plus a wellness specialist. Their knowledge and passion for the region is the key to your once-in-a-lifetime experience. Meet the team.