Central Great Bear Expedition

Bella Bella, BC, Canada

NH
Norm Hann Expeditions
  • Email address verified
14 reviews
Jul 7 - 14, 2025
Group size: 4 - 9
Central Great Bear Expedition
Bella Bella, BC, Canada

Norm Hann Expeditions
  • Email address verified
14 reviews

Jul 7 - 14, 2025
Group size: 4 - 9

About this trip

The central coast of the Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia holds some of the most scenic, remote and spectacular coastal shorelines found anywhere in the world. This territory belongs to the Heiltsuk First Nations and our journey begins in their community of Bella Bella. For five nights and six days we will explore the countless channels, islets and remote windswept outer island beaches. This trip will provide you an opportunity to experience an incredible coastal ecosystem, abundant wildlife and connect you to the ancient traditional lands of the Heiltsuk people. Archaeological digs at a remote and ancient village sites in the area dates land use back to over 14000 years. There are few places left in the world that rival the beauty of the central and northern coastlines of British Columbia . This experience will be a true expedition style of trip, with the potential for rough waters, more challenging weather and requiring multi day paddling experience where you will be packing and carrying all of your own gear.

Experience Level

This trip is for those who have paddle board touring experience and who are comfortable on multi day trips as you are required to carry your own personal camping gear. Daily mileage can range from 10-20 km depending on the weather. The better the weather the further we can paddle. You should be comfortable paddling a fully loaded touring board and expect windy and wavy conditions at times. 

Cancellation Policy

A $300 non refundable deposit is required at the time of booking with full payment, auto billed,  due 60 days prior to the trip start date. A full refund will be issued less deposit if you cancel at least 60 days prior to the trip start date. Cancellation less than 60 days prior to the first day of the trip will result in the full loss of the trip fee.  Please purchase travel insurance to secure protection for your trip in case you need to cancel for any reason including medical. 

What’s included

  • All Paddling Equipment
    Touring boards, adjustable paddles, leash and PFD's
  • All Food
    From lunch on Day 2 to breakfast on day 8
  • Backcountry Chefs
    Sarah & Sue Glenn with kayak support.
  • Expedition Guide
    Norm Hann
  • Water Taxi
    Pick up on final day campsite with return to Bella Bella.
  • Protocol Fees
    All protocol & land use fees with the Heiltsuk First Nation
  • Cultural Tour
    Tour of the Heiltsuk big house prior to trip departure.

What’s not included

  • Travel
    To and from Bella Bella
  • Accommodation
    First and last nights accommodations in Shearwater.
  • Gratuities

Available Packages

Central Great Bear Expedition
Deposit: C$300
Only 1 left

Our week long guided Great Bear Rainforest experience for one person. 

C$3,575
Deposit: C$300
Guide Booking
C$0

Available Add-Ons

Drybag Rental Package
C$100

50 L, 30L and 20L Aquaquest Drybag Rental

GST
C$179
Deposit: C$0

5% GST Autobilled two months prior to trip start date.



Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival Day in Bella Bella

You will make your way to the Heiltsuk community of Bella Bella on the central coast of British Columbia. This trip is built around the BC ferry schedule that services Bella Bella from Port Hardy located on the northern end of Vancouver Island. You can also fly into Bella Bella from Vancouver with Pacific Coastal airlines. Once you have arrived you will make your way to Shearwater where you can check into your accommodations. We will meet that evening for a group dinner in Shearwater where we will get ready for the following morning departure. 

Your Organizer


NH
Norm Hann Expeditions
14 reviews
Norm has been a sea kayak, saltwater fishing, wildlife and paddleboard expedition guide for the last twenty five seasons on the coast of British Columbia. Adopted into the Raven clan of the Gitga'at people, he is passionate about protecting the Great Bear Rainforest through 1% for the Planet and connecting clients to our spectacular coastline. Originally from Sudbury, Ontario, Norm now lives with his family in Royston on the east coast of Vancouver Island.

Reviews

Thank you to Norm for another great experience at Discovery Island lodge. I have done this trip numerous times and each time has been different based on weather, tidal currents and group goals. It is such a unique area for sea life to explore and the dynamic conditions allow for a great opportunity to practice paddling in currents and fast moving water and develop stronger paddling skills. With amazing chef prepared food, wood fire sauna & ocean cold plunges and always great people this is a trip not to be missed!
By Heather M for Discovery Island Ocean Camp on Jun 12, 2025
Another fantastic coastal touring camp at Discovery Island lodge. Mother Nature provided a great variety of some challenging and idyllic conditions, with turquoise waters, bays, channels. A true pleasure being so close to such a variety of marine life. A great learning environment and wonderful food by Isabel. Look forward to going back!
By Chris S for Discovery Island Ocean Camp on Jun 11, 2025
The Explore paddles in Comox provides an opportunity to have Coach Neil work specifically with you to fine tune your paddling skills and to give you a better understanding of efficient trip planning and reading the marine chart. As conditions changed we learned what to look for with wind swell and tidal and river current and how the water patterns change to help identify the safest route to take. It is so beneficial to annually review and refresh all the SUP skills before heading out on your own. There is always some new takeaway every time I am out on the water with Coach Neil. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and stoke out on the water. See you on the next Explore paddle!
By Heather M for Explore Comox Paddles on May 05, 2025
Fantastic 4 days on the water circumnavigating Vargas Island, led by Norm who challenged us while making safety and education a priority at the same time. We are better at understanding the interplay of tide/currents/swell/wind/weather/route/hazards/goals for our trip planning after this rewarding educational experience, and come away with renewed motivation to continue progressing our navigation and paddle skills - and what a glorious amphitheatre to learn in! Thanks Norm and Tina!
By Vikki H for Vargas Island Expedition Training Custom Group on Apr 28, 2025
This camp was my first with Norm and company. I’d heard wonderful things about his tours and retreats and am happy to report that my expectations were far surpassed. The atmosphere of the camp was warm and fun-loving yet, very informative and the instruction was effective. I thoroughly enjoyed and was impressed by all the staff involved in this retreat and can see why there was a noticeable number of repeat guests. I’m eager to do another trip with NHE.
By Lorraine R for Sunova Spring Surf Retreat on Apr 20, 2025
Show More Reviews