Great Bear Rainforest

This 64,000 square kilometer coastal temperate rainforest is located along the central and north coast of British Columbia, Canada. It encompasses a vast network of fjords, old-growth forests, and islands. It was formally protected through land-use agreements announced in 2016.

The region is famously home to the Kermode bear, also known as the spirit bear, which is a rare white variant of the black bear. It also serves as a critical habitat for coastal wolves, grizzly bears, and several species of Pacific salmon. The ecosystem relies heavily on the nutrient cycle provided by these spawning salmon.

In 2016, the Canadian government, indigenous First Nations, environmental groups, and logging companies reached a historic consensus to protect 85% of the forest from industrial logging. This agreement also recognized the traditional territories and co-management roles of the local First Nations. It remains one of the most significant conservation efforts in North American history.

Yes, tourists can visit, though travel is usually restricted to specific seasons and requires careful planning due to the remote nature of the coast. Visitors typically access the region via small float planes or eco-tourism boats operating out of places like Bella Coola or Port Hardy. Guided wildlife-viewing tours are the primary attraction.