Great Bear Rainforest at a Glance
The Great Bear Rainforest is one of the largest temperate rainforests left on
the planet, a total of 18,000 sq. km (6, 950 sq. mi) of land and sea. It is comprised
of some of the oldest and largest trees in the world, sheltering coves and coastlines,
which return the favour in the form of winds and rain created by the ocean's currents.
In 2006, loggers, First Nations peoples and environmental groups came together
to ensure the protection of the biodiversity of the thousands of species that
have made the land home. The forest takes its name from its most mystic resident,
the Kermode, or "spirit" bear, a unique white subspecies of the black bear whose
territory ranges from Prince Rupert
and Stewart
to the north, Hazelton
to the east, and Kitimat
and Bella
Coola to the south
Spot the Kermode, grizzly bears, black bears, cougars, wolves, foxes and many
more fascinating animals on nature tours
and hikes,
and the cool waters provide some of the finest sport fishing
opportunities in Canada. Throughout the summer sailboats
silently skirt the waves, and kayakers
slip along the rarely-explored coastline.
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