Passing Cloud and Ocean Wayfinder, boarding in Bella Bella
Outer Shores Expeditions sails the Great Bear Rainforest with two small vessels, the schooner Passing Cloud and the ketch Ocean Wayfinder. Every sailing boards and returns in Bella Bella. Days run by inflatable boat to shore landings and walks into river systems during the salmon runs, watching for bears, wolves and whales along the estuaries and shoreline. Nights are spent aboard, moving slowly along the coast. It is a different rhythm from a land based lodge, and it suits travellers who want the journey itself to slow down.
One credential matters most. Outer Shores holds Tourism Protocol Agreements with three First Nations, the Heiltsuk, the Kitasoo Xai'xais and the Gitga'at, and operates under BC Parks permits, with access to limited entry bear viewing sites. This coast is Indigenous territory, and which estuaries a trip may enter depends on these agreements and permits.
Sailings follow the operator schedule, with the season year to be confirmed by the operator. Spring sailings run from late May to mid June, two departures, focused on grizzly bears and the spring migration. Fall sailings run from late August to early October, five departures, in salmon season. The fall photography departure, 9 nights, and the September 3 sailing are marked waitlist. Other sailings are marked available with remaining cabins noted, and live status is always subject to operator confirmation. Wildlife appears by season and by chance. Bears, wolves and whales are never guaranteed, and the spirit bear cannot be promised either.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Product | / Small vessel sailing expeditions, live aboard |
| Vessels | Passing Cloud; Ocean Wayfinder |
| Gateways / Gateway | Boarding and return in Bella Bella |
| Agreements & permits | Tourism Protocol Agreements with the Heiltsuk, Kitasoo Xai'xais and Gitga'at First Nations; BC Parks permits; access to limited entry bear viewing sites |
| Fall reference | 8 $9,950 CAD /; 7 $9,250 CAD /; 9 $11,200 CAD / （WAITLIST） |
| Price basis | Public retail reference, trade terms being confirmed |
| Taxes | BC: plus 5% GST only, as invoiced by the operator |
| Conservation fee | CAD 200 per person, charged by all three operators |
Seasons and Sailings
Getting There
- Bella Bella.
FAQ
What does waitlist mean? The sailing is currently full. If a guest withdraws, waitlist guests are contacted in order. The photography departure and the September 3 sailing are on waitlist. Registration does not promise a space. How is this different from the lodge? The lodge works from one fixed base each day. The sailing expedition lives aboard and moves along the coast, landing by inflatable boat and walking into river systems during the salmon runs. It covers more coastline at a slower pace. Can you guarantee bears? No. Spring focuses on grizzly bears and fall offers a chance of the spirit bear. Both are seasonal chances only, with no guarantee of any sighting. Are taxes included in the price? This product is in British Columbia, GST 5% only. Prices shown are public retail references before GST. A CAD 200 per person conservation fee also applies (charged by all three operators). The written confirmation will state the full tax included total before any payment is taken, as invoiced by the operator. Which year are these sailings? The schedule is listed for the coming season and is expected to be 2027, but the year is pending written confirmation from the operator. Until then we accept inquiries and waitlist registrations by season window only.
Inquiries
[ Outer Shores / ] → /contact/,: Outer Shores Expeditions. ｜sales@net2global.com｜+1-778-896-0508 : Operated by Net2global Holding Group Inc., BC Licence #66752.