Grizzly Bear Viewing, Great Bear Rain Forest       Sample Itinerary for 3 Day/3 Night

Note: Tours are typically 1 Overnight to 7 days

Day 1:

Departing from Port Hardy at midday, you will leave behind the noise of modern life for a pristine wilderness. Transportation is either by seaplane flight or whale-watching boat charter, depending on the weather and wildlife activity. Journeying to our site is a spectacular adventure in itself, traveling past the breathtaking scenery of the central coast and over the rich waters of Queen Charlotte Strait, the home of orca, gray and humpback whales.

Upon your arrival at the lodge, your hosts will be on the dock to welcome you to your wilderness retreat. Settle into your private room at the lodge, before joining the group for a late lunch. In the afternoon, your grizzly bear experience begins. We have a range of different viewing sites, and will choose one according to where the bears have been most active. Estuary sites are reached by boat, while river sites are reached by a van. The viewing blinds on the river have been constructed with the photographer in mind, and are optimal and comfortable places from which to view bears.

There is nothing quite like seeing your first grizzly emerge from the forest.

Returning to the lodge that evening, you will be treated to a gourmet meal. Our biologist will present slides and videos, explaining the interaction of the grizzly bear with this unique ecology.

Day 2:

At dawn, you will be on the trail of the grizzly bear. (Even those choosing to be out at first light will be fortified with good coffee and fresh baked goods!) A typical viewing session lasts three hours. Our viewing sessions are non-strenuous, requiring our guests only to step into a boat or to walk 50 feet from the van to the viewing blind.

Brunch will be served at the lodge in the late morning. Spend the early afternoon exploring the surrounding area with the guide. A popular activity is the interpretive rainforest walk, examining bear sign and the general ecology of the area. In mid-afternoon you will venture out to see the bears before relaxing in the lodge for dinner. On clear nights, the stars are amazing.

Day 3:

As your stay at the lodge continues, you begin to settle into the natural rhythm of the valley. The bears are generally most active in the early morning and late afternoon hours, which is why we focus our viewing sessions on these times. Over the course of your stay we will take you a variety of sites, depending on the bear activity.

For the afternoon recreation today we may take a guided sea-kayaking tour of the estuary, or a boat cruise to explore the glacier-carved inlet. Or you may prefer to relax and enjoy the view from the lodge. The Great Bear Rainforest is home to many animals, including grey wolves, otters, black bears, mink and bald eagles.

If salmon is on the menu for dinner tonight, you might want to join the guide to catch the fish. One of our favorite dishes is herb-encrusted, pan-seared salmon which is served on cilantro cream sauce with a chipotle mayonnaise.

Day 4:

After your parting session with the bears and a farewell brunch, you will be returned to Port Hardy in the early afternoon.

All grizzly bear tours include the following:

- Two grizzly bear viewing sessions per day, with a wildlife biologist as guide*
- Accommodation in a private room with washroom
- Gourmet meals with complimentary wine
- Optional activities such as interpretive hikes, boat cruises and/or sea kayaking
- Return transportation from Port Hardy to the Lodge**
- First Nations user fee
- Rain ponchos and rubber boots, if required

* On your arrival and departure days, you will be able to participate in one session.
** Transportation is either by floatplane or whale watching charter boat

Why choose this tour operator?
- It is the only wildlife viewing operation in this river system, ensuring an uncrowded experience.
- A maximum group size of 10 guests ensures a personalized experience.
- All tours are guided by a wildlife biologist.
- You will be able to enjoy the adventure of a wilderness experience without roughing it: return to the lodge for gourmet meals, hot showers and a cozy night’s rest.
- This spectacular wilderness of the British Columbia coast is less than an hour flight from Vancouver

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