Summary
Short description
Witness grizzly bears in their natural habitat at the famous Great Bear Rainforest
Highlights
- Head on twice daily grizzly bear excursions and interpretive walks to spot their tracks
- Spot grey wolf, black bear and eagle from your cosy lodge
- Sea kayak and cruise to glacial inlets
- Explore delightful Port Hardy's forest trails and serene shores
- Bookend your trip in Vancouver's big city charm
In Brief
- 2 Nights Vancouver
- 3 Nights Great Bear Lodge
- 1 Night Port Hardy
- 1 Night Vancouver
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Activity adventure | City | Fishing | Lodges | Natural world | Photography | Wildlife
This weeklong itinerary is a nature lover's dream, where you'll spend days viewing grizzly bears at a floating lodge nestled in the Great Bear Rainforest. You'll head on guided excursions, photographing, tracking and learning about the grizzlies that forage in the pristine salmon river, as well as spotting black bear, wolf and eagle. Enjoying two viewing sessions per day, with a maximum of 16 guests, you're guaranteed an intimate encounter with these giants of Canadian wildlife. Plus, you'll enjoy the likes of glacier boat cruises and sea kayaking excursions in between.Then, at each day's end, you'll return to your cosy lodge for gourmet meals featuring the finest in locally sourced ingredients. It's all bookended with luxury stays in the heart of Vancouver.
Day by day itinerary
Days
1-2
UK to Vancouver
Begin your trip in style with complimentary VIP airport lounge access before boarding your day flight to Vancouver. Upon arrival, explore your hotel, the wonderfully located Loden, featuring ultra-contemporary rooms and a luxury spa. Perhaps stroll to nearby Robson Street, Stanley Park and the seawall before sampling the Tableau Bar Bistro for French cuisine accompanied by seasonal cocktails.
Stay: The Loden (Superior)
Day
3
Vancouver to Great Bear Lodge
From Vancouver, take the 70-minute flight to Port Hardy and explore the charming town, perhaps strolling along Storey's Beach and the seawall before transferring to the plane base for a scenic flight over the stunning Queen Charlotte Strait and the floating Great Bear Lodge. Each suite in this wind and solar powered lodge comprises an en-suite and natural wood deck surrounds, perfectly taken in with a glass of wine come evening. On arrival, you'll head straight on a grizzly excursion in the spectacular Great Bear Rainforest, one of the best places in world to observe grizzly bears. Then, tonight, enjoy the first of your gourmet meals created with local produce, such as freshly caught salmon roasted on a cedar plank with maple syrup marinade.
Stay: Great Bear Lodge
Meals: B D
Days
4-5
Great Bear Lodge
The next two days will be spent following the trail of the grizzly bear, also exploring the surrounding area with interpretive rainforest walks, examining bear signs and footprints. You'll also enjoy such delights as sea kayaking on the serene water and boat cruises to explore magnificent glacier carved inlets. Take some time to relax and spot grey wolves, otters, black bears, mink and bald eagles from the sprawling decking of your lodge, returning for dinner before fascinating natural history presentations from expert wildlife biologists, and stargazing under the clear, dark skies.
Stay: Great Bear Lodge
Meals: B L D
Day
6
Port Hardy
After breakfast, you'll be transferred back to Port Hardy where you’ve got another chance to explore. Perhaps visit Fort Rupert and view intricately carved First Nation totems, or hike along the cedar forest trails along the Quatse River, even spotting an eagle or two. For something more thrilling, go diving in Bear Cove or catch a salmon or halibut on the world-renowned rivers. Then, enjoy a taste of the area’s famous candied smoked salmon at Hardy Buoys Smoked Fish before heading to your accommodation for this evening.
Stay: Port Hardy hotel
Meals: B
Day
7
Port Hardy to Vancouver
Transfer to Port Hardy airport for your included flight back to Vancouver. On arrival, take the chance to explore the serene Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, or head a little out of the city and walk along the Capilano Suspension Bridge, the world's longest and highest of its kind, absorbing the surrounding woodland and waterfalls. Or, the craggy rocks of Lighthouse Park provide a scenic place to while away the hours. Culminate today in one of the many Japanese restaurants, such as the excellent Miku, or cosy eateries that line the charming waterfront.
Stay: The Loden (Superior)
Meals: B
Days
8-9
Vancouver to UK
After breakfast, take your transfer to Vancouver airport for your flight back to the UK arriving on Day 9
Meals: B
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
9-day itinerary
from £4,525 pp incl. flights
Superior
07 May - 29 Jun 2025
from £4,640 pp. incl. flights
30 Jun - 17 Aug 2025
from £4,525 pp. incl. flights
20 Aug - 16 Oct 2025
from £5,915 pp. incl. flights
General Information: Grizzly Bear viewing at a floating lodge in the heart of the Great bear Rainforest, one of the best places in the world to observe grizzly bears, plus other wildlife such as wolves, black bears, otters, pine martins, mink and bald eagles
Includes:
- Complimentary UK airport departure lounge access
- Return flights to Vancouver
- 2 nights at The Loden pre and 1 night post Great Bear Lodge
- Return flight from Vancouver to Port Hardy
- 3 nights accommodation at Great Bear Lodge
- 1 night accommodation in Port Hardy
- Interpretive discussion and welcome orientation for wildlife viewing
- Morning and afternoon bear viewing sessions, guided by a wildlife biologist
- Wilderness-gourmet meals including complimentary wine with dinner
- Transfers to and from the Great Bear Lodge from Port Hardy
- Interpretive walks or boat excursions
- Rubber boots, rain gear and binoculars provided
- Stewardship fee for bear research in British Columbia
Departure Dates - 5 day / 4 night package - 2025
May 07 / 10 / 13 / 16 / 19 / 22 / 25 / 28 / 31
Jun 03 / 06 / 09 / 12 / 15 / 18 / 21 / 24 / 27 / 30
Jul 03 / 06 / 09 / 12 / 15 / 18 / 21 / 24 / 27 / 30
Aug 02 / 05 / 08 / 11 / 14 / 17 / 20 / 23 / 26 / 29
Sep 01 / 04 / 07 / 10 / 13 / 16 / 19 / 22 / 25 / 28
Oct 01 / 04 / 07 / 10 / 13 / 16
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
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