Today, guests on board National Geographic Venture awoke in the pristine waters of the Great Bear Rainforest. We learned about this rich and diverse island from an expert on these lands: Marven Robinson. Marven and his son Nelson are true locals from a First Nations People. They offered us a unique experience on a platform that Marven built with his own two hands. This platform was designed to view the incredibly rare white color morph black bear – the Spirit Bear! To reach the platform, we went on a half-mile hike through a dense alder forest along an old logging road. Although we did not see a Spirit Bear today, we did spend the day with Marven and Nelson, who shared a wealth of knowledge about their culture and how all people are connected to the beautiful salmon stream to which we hiked today.
9/19/2023
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National Geographic Venture
Prince Rupert
The first full day within the boundaries of the temperate rainforest set the scene for our upcoming trip as the weather consisted mostly of rain. After embarking in Ketchikan, Alaska, our first stop was Prince Rupert, Canada to fill out customs forms and visit the town. The rain did not dampen anyone’s spirits, as over half the boat hiked the Rushbrook trail. Alders and red cedars lined the trail on either side. Some of the cedar trees were culturally modified, as bark strippings were observed. Those not on the hike visited the North Pacific Cannery, or the Museum of Northern British Columbia, and don’t forget time spent wandering around town! Returning from the day’s activities, guests had a chance to stop at Cowpuccino’s, a local coffee shop where they could order a complimentary hot beverage. As the day came to an end and the rain subsided, a rainbow broke out to cap off a wonderful day spent exploring Prince Rupert.
