Bear Watching at Great Bear Lodge

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. 

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 

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 

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

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.

After breakfast, take your transfer to Vancouver airport for your flight back to the UK arriving on Day 9