Great Bear Rainforest – Northern British Columbia

With 21 million acres of coastal temperate rainforest wilderness, this British Columbian “Amazon of the North” is home to a huge list of wildlife like mountain goats, wolves, cougar, sea lions and sea otters, whales, and, of course, bears.

The most bucket-list experience here, though, is to try to catch a glimpse of the elusive, cream-colored Kermode bear — aka the “spirit bear” — which are actually black bears with a recessive gene. There are local guides that can help you spot one from early September into mid-October.

Canadian Bucket List recommends Marven Robinson on Gribbell Island, “a man who knows these bears better than anyone.” There are still a few spots available on the 2019 tours, and plenty for 2020.