Spotlight on… The Infinite Coast
This feature was originally published in Selling Travel
The Infinite Coast follows British Columbia’s dramatic shoreline along the Pacific Ocean, encompassing Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, Great Bear Rainforest, the North Coast and Sunshine Coast. Ocean, mountains and rainforest converge to offer visitors endless opportunities to experience moments of rugged beauty. A creative spirit thrives here, shaped by the Indigenous Peoples that call this place home.
50 First Nations steward the coastline, preserving deep-rooted culture and traditions that are woven into the landscape. Immerse yourself in cultural learning and ecotourism experiences to hear stories of art, creativity, food and sustainability that invite visitors to connect with the region on a deeper level. At Hazleton’s ‘Ksan Historical Village and Museum, seven longhouses recreate a Gitxsan village that stood on the same riverbank for centuries. Each of the houses, set in a row facing the river, reveals a different aspect of Gitxsan culture, from feast traditions to tales of the distant past.
Explore the region by car on an iconic road trip or travel by ferry, foot, floatplane and boat. From the air visitors can witness breathtaking fjords, islets, glaciers and waterfalls. By boat you’ll sail past quaint seaside communities, secluded beaches and intriguing islands, home to wildlife and life-affirming outdoor adventures.
In the convivial town of Tofino on Vancouver Island, surfers gather to catch some of the best waves in the region. Come autumn, go storm chasing and watch the huge swells and moody skies put on a wild natural display. Inland, visitors can walk deserted mountain trails that lead to an unmatched wilderness, explore Old Growth Rainforests and marvel at the mighty Salmon Glacier, the fifth largest in Canada.
Wildlife encounters
Wildlife is all around you on the Infinite Coast, no more so than in the Great Bear Rainforest. Forming one of the world’s largest intact forests and covering a vast 6.4 million hectares – an area larger than Ireland – visitors shouldn’t miss one of North America’s most untouched wildernesses. The rainforest is home to grizzly bears, black bears, wolves and the elusive spirit bear – a rare, white-coated subspecies that’s sacred to British Colombia’s Indigenous Peoples.
Discover the numerous waterways, forests, waterfalls and hot springs that are all managed by local First Nations. Northern BC Jetboat Tours offers charter-based tours of the area where it’s not uncommon to spot bears and whales along the way.
Getting there is all part of the journey. Begin in Campbell River or Port Hardy on the northern tip of Vancouver Island, then cross to the mainland via ferry or floatplane. From there, small-ship cruises and eco lodges offer immersive ways to explore. Look out for sea lions and eagles on a kayaking adventure.
In the bays and inlets, don’t be surprised if you see migratory humpback whales breaching in the bays and orcas swimming in the crystal-clear waters. Lodges like Tweedsmuir Park Lodge offer low-impact ways to observe bears from dedicated platforms – best seen in spring.
Coastal journeys
From Victoria to Prince Rupert, British Columbia’s coastline affords visitors a glimpse of untouched nature and unique landscapes framed by the mighty Pacific Ocean. Along its craggy coastline you’ll find thriving coastal communities and a vibrant arts scene. Across the region, artists and changemakers take inspiration from the coastal contrasts, crafting stories and experiences that reflect both ancient traditions and modern transformation.
In the artsy Southern Gulf Islands, visitors are encouraged to go in search of quiet leisure. Cowichan Bay is the first Cittaslow-designated “slow community” in North America. The charming seaside village is home to foodies, galleries, boating enthusiasts, artisans and a bohemian local community. Similarly, Chemainus, the Sunshine Coast, Prince Rupert, Terrace and Bella Coola showcase experiences inspired by place, while annual events like the Sunshine Coast Art Crawl and Skeena Salmon Arts Festival are lively local events that are worth seeking out.
Take an iconic train ride through spectacular landscapes of canyons and never-ending valleys on the VIA Rail from Prince Rupert along the Skeena River Valley. British Colombia’s Indigenous Peoples impart their cultural and ecological knowledge of the region – at stops like Kitselas Canyon, the Ts’msyen share stories about the river’s role in trade, migration and everyday life.
Each spring, around 20,000 grey whales migrate along the Infinite Coast. Prince Rupert, Bella Bella, Bella Coola and Vancouver Island offer guided tours that provide a safe way to witness the journey while supporting local marine research and stewardship efforts. Further north, seek out the remote oceanfront hot springs, only accessible by boat from Bella Coola or Kitimat. From Campbell River, wildlife tours give visitors a glimpse of elusive bears and whales in their natural habitat.