OCEAN LIGHT II ADVENTURES                         
Quest for the Spirit Bear  
GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST - SPIRIT BEAR  

Aboard the ‘Ocean Light II’

2005 will be our 15th year operating in the Great Bear Rainforest region of the BC Coast. This area stretches from the Skeena River southward to Rivers Inlet. Within the Great Bear Rainforest lie some of the world's last pristine coastal forests: Old growth hemlock; and cedar forests; tidewater estuaries rich with grasses, roots and berries; cascading waterfalls and sparkling streams. This area is the largest tract of intact temperate rainforest left on earth. This wilderness boasts close to eighty pristine river systems each with abundant Pacific salmon runs. The salmon in turn support the rainforest wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves and the elusive spirit bear.
We are the originators of Spirit Bear tours into this rainforest paradise, and still offer the only professionally guided bear tours. In the past we have worked closely with bear biologist Wayne McCrory, who helped us become more knowledgeable of the area and its wildlife. Ocean Light II Adventures was the first operation to be given an extensive tenure for operating on the BC Coast from the Khutzeymateen southward into the Great Bear Rainforest. We have also signed working protocol agreements with the First Nations people on the coast.

The entire mid Coast is currently under pressure from the logging companies. We are continually trying to show the world the importance of what we have on our BC Coast. Only through education can the area be saved. Protection is needed not only for the Spirit Bears but also for the trees, fish and other birds and animals that depend on an intact ecosystem for their survival. In conjunction with the Valhalla Society and Raincoast Conservation Society, we are focusing our efforts in this area in the hopes that it will remain intact and pristine.
Aboard the Ocean Light II you will explore BC's spectacular coast with its inlets, rivers, waterfalls, old-growth forests and wildlife. On our 8 day tour we use the Ocean Light II to travel to different locations and as a floating base. Our meals are eaten on board with the exceptions of some picnic lunches while exploring the heart of the rainforest. Healthy, hearty food is served including seafood, fresh salads, fruit, home-made soups and fresh baked breads and goodies. The Ocean Light II offers very comfortable accommodation for sleeping and relaxing. We use the motorized inflatable to transfer people to shore and we have six kayaks in which you can explore on your own. The photographic opportunities are amazing. You will have access to some of the best bear viewing in the world; grizzly, black and white bears. An exact itinerary is difficult as we design our trips around the bears and travel to different locations will depend on the fish, the weather, the time of year and the group needs. However the rewards are great as you work with us to become a part of a small percentage of people who have viewed this amazing part of the coast and this unique bear.
 

"The wolves, salmon and the rainforest. I feel incredibly nourished and nurtured in every way. This experience will live in me forever. I look forward to more adventures on this gorgeous boat with you." - Susan Schlosser, Oregon

"I am impressed with your commitment to the preservation of this wild and wonderful place - one makes choices in life - I honor yours." - Connie Rogers, Arizona

"You are great hosts on an absolutely fantastic boat" - Lois Schlyer, Montana

"I leave with a vibrantly living experience in my mind's eye and in my heart, of goodness and caring, of beauty and wildness." - Marie Badaraccio, New Jersey

"I am restored and refreshed by joining you in this wonderland of peace and quiet"
- Roland Dixon, Colorado

"Great to be back on my home away from home. As always, great company, great food and a fabulous boat." - Ihor Macijiwsky, Ontario