Princess Royal Channel, British Columbia

A scenic fjord in British Columbia.

A stunning landscape shot of Princess Royal Channel, Canada, with a small house nestled among dense green forests and a waterfall flowing down the hillside into the tranquil water.

Overview

Princess Royal Channel, British Columbia Cruise Port

The Princess Royal Channel is a stunning, elongated body of water located along the remote North Coast of British Columbia, Canada. It separates Princess Royal Island from the mainland, forming a crucial part of the legendary Inside Passage route to Alaska. This channel is not a traditional port of call but rather a breathtaking scenic cruising passage, offering an immersive journey through one of the world's most pristine temperate rainforests – the Great Bear Rainforest.

Named in 1788 by Captain Charles Duncan, the channel's waters are deep and often calm, flanked by steep, forested mountains that plunge directly into the sea. The area is largely uninhabited, save for a few small First Nations communities like Klemtu and Hartley Bay. A transit through Princess Royal Channel provides an unparalleled opportunity to witness the raw, untamed beauty of British Columbia's coastal wilderness, renowned for its incredible biodiversity, ancient forests, and elusive wildlife.

Top Things to Do in Princess Royal Channel, British Columbia

Search for the Elusive Spirit Bear (Kermode Bear)

The Princess Royal Channel region, particularly Princess Royal Island, is the exclusive home of the Spirit Bear (Kermode Bear), a rare white subspecies of the black bear. While sightings from a large cruise ship are incredibly rare, being in this ecosystem offers the unique possibility. Smaller expedition vessels or pre-arranged land-based tours (if available in associated areas) offer a better chance.

Tip: Focus on the lower slopes near the water's edge, especially near salmon spawning streams. Binoculars are essential for any wildlife viewing from the ship.

Spot Diverse Bear Species (Grizzly & Black Bears)

Beyond the Spirit Bear, the channel's shores and estuaries are prime habitats for both grizzly bears and black bears. Keep a vigilant eye on the forested slopes and river mouths, especially during salmon season, as bears often come down to the water's edge to feed.

Tip: The best times for bear viewing are typically early morning or late afternoon when the bears are most active. Your ship's naturalists will often provide commentary during these prime viewing hours.

Observe Marine Wildlife in Abundance

The nutrient-rich waters of the Princess Royal Channel are teeming with marine life. Look for various species of whales (including humpbacks and orcas), Dall's porpoises, Pacific white-sided dolphins, harbor seals, and elephant seals.

Tip: Spend time on the outdoor decks or in observation lounges. Cetaceans (whales, dolphins, porpoises) can appear suddenly, so a constant watch is key.

Marvel at the Ancient Great Bear Rainforest

Immerse yourself in the majesty of the Great Bear Rainforest, the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world. As you cruise through the channel, admire the towering, ancient trees that blanket the mountainsides, creating a lush, emerald green landscape.

Tip: Notice the unique ecosystem where the forest meets the sea, with trees growing right to the water's edge and often mist-shrouded peaks above.

Birdwatch for Raptors and Seabirds

The channel is a fantastic area for birdwatching. Look for magnificent bald eagles soaring overhead or perched on tall trees. You might also spot golden eagles and various seabirds, including the endangered marbled murrelet, nesting in the coastal areas.

Tip: Bring a good pair of binoculars to get close-up views of the raptors and other birdlife.

Experience Remote Canadian Wilderness

A transit through Princess Royal Channel offers a profound sense of remote Canadian wilderness. Far from major urban centers, this journey provides a unique opportunity to connect with an untamed landscape, where nature reigns supreme and the silence is broken only by the sounds of wildlife or the ship gliding through the water.

Tip: Allow yourself to simply relax and soak in the vastness and tranquility of the surroundings from the comfort of your ship.

Overview