Princess Royal Island, British Columbia

A remote island known for rare wildlife.

An aerial view of the snow-covered mountains of Princess Royal Island, Canada, with a partially frozen lake in the foreground and the beautiful blue ocean in the distance.

Overview

Princess Royal Island, British Columbia Cruise Port

Princess Royal Island, located off the central coast of British Columbia, is a large, rugged, and almost entirely uninhabited island situated within the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest. This remote and pristine wilderness is globally renowned as the primary habitat of the Kermode bear, also known as the "Spirit Bear" – a rare white subspecies of the black bear found nowhere else on Earth. The island is characterized by ancient, towering temperate rainforests, dramatic fjords, abundant salmon-rich streams, and a diverse array of coastal wildlife.

While traditional cruise ships typically transit the Princess Royal Channel adjacent to the island, smaller expedition vessels may offer more intimate opportunities for wildlife viewing, often involving Zodiac cruises or land-based excursions to key bear-viewing areas. A visit to Princess Royal Island is not about a bustling port, but about immersing oneself in one of the planet's most unique and ecologically significant wilderness areas, offering a profound connection to nature and a rare chance to glimpse its elusive, iconic residents.

Top Things to Do in Princess Royal Island, British Columbia

Search for the Elusive Spirit Bear (Kermode Bear)

The ultimate highlight of Princess Royal Island is the chance to search for the elusive Spirit Bear. These rare white black bears are found almost exclusively in this region. While large cruise ships will offer scenic cruising in the surrounding channel, dedicated land-based excursions or smaller expedition cruises often lead to prime salmon streams where these unique bears are most likely to be spotted.

Tip: Patience is key. Spirit Bear sightings are incredibly rare and never guaranteed. Guided tours with local Indigenous communities, who have deep knowledge of the area, offer the best opportunities.

Observe Black and Grizzly Bears in Their Natural Habitat

Even if the Spirit Bear remains hidden, Princess Royal Island is home to significant populations of black bears and grizzly bears. During transit of the surrounding channels or on specialized tours, you can often see these powerful animals foraging along the shoreline, especially during the salmon run when they come to the rivers to feed.

Tip: Bring powerful binoculars or a spotting scope. Look for movement along the tree line and at the mouths of rivers and estuaries.

Encounter Abundant Marine Wildlife

The waters surrounding Princess Royal Island are rich in marine life. Keep a lookout for humpback whales breaching, orcas (killer whales) hunting, and playful Dall's porpoises and Pacific white-sided dolphins often riding bow waves. Seals are also commonly seen resting on rocks or in the water.

Tip: Spend time on the open decks with your binoculars. The early morning and late afternoon can be particularly active times for marine wildlife.

Immerse Yourself in the Great Bear Rainforest

Beyond the wildlife, the island itself is a vital part of the Great Bear Rainforest, a globally significant temperate rainforest ecosystem. Admire the ancient, moss-draped trees, plunging waterfalls, and the sheer biodiversity of this untouched wilderness as you cruise past its shores.

Tip: Notice the vibrant green hues of the mosses and ferns, and the way the mist often clings to the ancient trees, creating a mystical atmosphere.

Birdwatch for Coastal Raptors and Seabirds

The skies and coastal areas around Princess Royal Island are home to a variety of impressive birdlife. Keep an eye out for majestic bald eagles soaring overhead or perched atop tall trees, and various seabirds like common murres and kittiwakes.

Tip: A bird identification guide specific to the Pacific Northwest can help you identify the many species you'll encounter.

Experience Remote Canadian Wilderness

Visiting Princess Royal Island, whether by cruising its channels or on a dedicated small-ship expedition, offers a profound experience of remote and pristine Canadian wilderness. This is a place where nature is truly wild and largely undisturbed by human presence, providing a unique sense of solitude and connection to the natural world.

Tip: Embrace the quiet and vastness. This is a rare opportunity to witness an ecosystem in its natural, untamed state.

Overview