One of the world’s largest coastal rainforests is in BC and it’s larger than Switzerland

British Columbia is blessed to be home to some of the most diverse wildlife in the world, and no place represents that better than the famed Great Bear Rainforest.

The network of ancient forests and critical ecosystems encompasses a quarter of the world’s remaining coastal rainforests, making it truly one of the last of its kind. Practically nowhere else on Earth will you find ancient glaciers, rainforests, ocean life, and some of the world’s longest fjords all in one place – and all British Columbians have a role in protecting this global treasure for generations to come.

The elusive “Spirit” bear

Named for the exceedingly rare “Spirit bear,” the rainforest encompasses a huge part of northern and central BC. So much so, that its size is even greater than the entire country of Switzerland! 

“The creator Raven wanted to remind the Kitasoo Xai’xais Peoples of a time when this land was covered in ice, so he decided to turn one in ten black bears white,” says Indigenous Tourism BC. “The white bear reminds us to be thankful for the lush and bountiful land of today.”

Bella Coola

The largest community within the rainforest is Bella Coola, which has outdoor thrills for adventurers of all kinds – whether you’re into hiking, climbing, sailing, rafting, or a combination of the four.

According to Indigenous Tourism BC, the region receives a massive amount of annual rainfall (an average of 6,650 mm a year!), making it one of the rainiest places in North America.

In terms of stays, visitors can check out the Spirit Bear Lodge (on the ancestral Kitasoo/Xai’xais lands) and take part in numerous Indigenous-led wilderness tours, including BC Grizzly Bear Homalco Tours.

There are also a plethora of cozy cabins, yurts, resorts, cottages, and campsites to choose from.

Location & info

To get to Bella Coola and The Great Bear Rainforest, visitors can take a direct ferry from Vancouver Island, fly from downtown Vancouver, or drive down the famed “Freedom Road” Heckman Pass, which boasts breathtaking views.

Looking for a great rainy day adventure? Tourism Bella Coola recommends exploring the West Nusatsum Forest Service Road and venturing to Odegaard Falls!

So there you have it, BC. It’s definitely a trek from Vancouver, but there’s truly no place like the Great Bear Rainforest!

The Great Bear Rainforest

How to get there: Drive six hours and 30 minutes from Vancouver to Williams Lake via Trans-Canada Highway/BC-1 E, Trans-Canada Highway/BC-1 and Cariboo Highway/BC-97 N. Then continue west on Highway 20 for four hours to Anahim Lake, continuing for 40 more minutes on a steep and unpaved road to ‘The Hill.’ Finally, drive down the hill for 20 minutes to the Valley floor, continuing for another hour of flat driving to the village of Bella Coola.

Recent Posts:
BC’s world-famous swaying suspension bridge will soon have millions of sparkling holiday lights
One of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan is in Vancouver