Summary
Short description
Discover British Columbia's incredible wildlife in the Great Bear Rainforest, the largest intact temperate rainforest on the planet
Highlights
- Embark on an authentic and cultural journey in search of the elusive Spirit Bear
- Watch orcas and humpbacks play in the Pacific swell
- Return each evening to the comfort of Spirit Bear Lodge commanding panoramic Pacific Ocean views
- Explore with local Kitasoo guides
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Activity adventure | City | History & culture | Natural world | Off the beaten track | Wildlife
There are fewer than 400 spirit bears left in the wild and seeing them catch salmon in their natural environment is certainly a thrill. This itinerary, which takes in British Columbia's Great Bear Rainforest, includes four nights at Canada's Spirit Bear Lodge, where each month has a distinct season and feel. In June and July you'll see grizzly's with cubs as they seek out the high protein sedge grass, humpbacks are also a frequent sight as they hug the coastline foraging for herring and mackerel. August sees the bears anticipating the arrival of the great salmon run as they gather in large numbers, while the elusive spirit bear is often more visible. Autumn then brings the full force of the salmon spawning, with grizzlies, black bears and spirit bears all competing for the best fishing spots. Speak to our specialists about longer stays.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
UK/Vancouver
Arrive in Vancouver, British Colombia, a city with a spectacular location on Canada's beautiful west coast. On arrival make your way to your hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxing and exploring the city.
Stay: Sutton Place Hotel, Vancouver (Superior)
Day
2
Spirit Bear Lodge
This morning you'll fly from Vancouver to Bella Bella and then join a scenic boat ride to Spirit Bear Lodge by water taxi. On arrival you'll be greeted with coffee, a snack and a brief orientation preparing you for the adventures to come over the next few days. Your Spirit Bear Lodge experience begins with a boat journey into the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest, heading to Carter Inlet in search of spirit bears, grizzly bears, black coastal bears and a myriad of other native wildlife which includes wolves, dolphins and whales. This beautiful estuary also boasts stunning scenery.
Stay: Spirit Bear Lodge
Meals: L D
Days
3-5
Spirit Bear Lodge
A early start on day three sees you head by boat to Mussel Inlet where you'll disembark for a full day walking excursion in search of bears. You'll return to the lodge early evening for a relaxing evening and hearty dinner. The next morning its time to get back on board one of the lodge's motorboats for a final day of wildlife viewing. Head out to one of the pristine valleys in the Spirit Bear conservancy where your expert guide will take you to a number of hidden observation points as you search for bears and other wildlife. In the afternoon, a marine tour will take you to the best places to spot humpback whales on their annual migration (Jun & July).
Stay: Spirit Bear Lodge
Meals: B L D
Day
6
Vancouver
This morning you'll have a choice of excursions which include a grizzly tracking tour, a rainforest walk or a cultural excursion before an early lunch and transfer by boat and plane via Bella Bella back to Vancouver. The remainder of your time in this vibrant waterfront city is free to explore at your own pace.
Stay: Sutton Place Hotel, Vancouver (Superior)
Days
7-8
Depart Vancouver
Transfer to the airport at any time to board your onward flight home.
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
8-day tailor-made Journey
from £5,735 pp incl. flights
Superior
Spirit Bear Lodge is open from 07 Aug - 06 Oct 2025
Departure dates from Vancouver: 07, 17, 27 Aug / 06, 16, 26 Sep / 06 Oct 2025
Includes:
- Complimentary UK airport departure lounge access
- Return flights to Vancouver
- 2 nights at Sutton Place Hotel 1 x pre and 1 x post your stay at Spirit Bear Lodge
- Return flight from Vancouver to Bella Bella and shuttle to Bella Bella Dock
- Return water taxi transportation from Bella Bella dock to Spirit Bear Lodge
- 4 nights accommodation at Spirit Bear Lodge
- All meals ad snacks at Spirit Bear Lodge
- Professional guides services on all programs
- Day excursion and transportation to main grizzly viewing area
- Evening guide presentation and slideshow
- Evening Big house interpretive tour
- Half-day optional excursion on departure day – choose from either cultural and natural history sites, grizzly tracking tour or Estuary exploration by sea-kayak
- Extended cultural and natural history sites interpretive wildlife tour
- Marine tour for humpback whale viewing (seasonal)
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.
Meet our experts
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