Grizzly Bears of the Great Bear Rainforest
Trip Overview
Travel by boat along the Great Bear Rainforest on the north-most shore of Vancouver Island in search of the magnificent grizzly bear. Led by a Wildlife Biologist, this tour offers wonderful photography opportunities.
Frontiers North’s lodge-based Great Bear Rainforest tour runs from early spring to late fall, allowing guests to experience British Columbia’s grizzly bears in different seasons.
- Early spring tours witness the bears as they emerge from the mountains to graze on succulents and grasses at the river estuary.
- During the summer months, guests will float quietly along the estuary sloughs to observe the bears and the numerous birds and other animals that inhabit the area.
- Mid-August to late fall, when thousands of salmon return to the river estuaries, guests can watch from enclosed viewing stands along the riverbank as the bears gorge themselves in preparation for their impending hibernation.
The below is a sample itinerary of a three-day package, however you may choose to spend more time at the Great Bear Lodge. Contact us to learn more about six-day packages at the lodge.
Photo © Marg Leehane
Contact us to book a trip, or view the itinerary to learn more.
The Experience
Get a glimpse into the daily life of the magnificent grizzly bear as you explore the coast along the Great Bear Rainforest.
Day 01
Welcome to Great Bear Lodge
We depart from Port Hardy in the afternoon, leaving behind the noise of modern life for a remote wilderness. Journeying by seaplane to our site is a spectacular adventure in itself, traveling over 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 our arrival at the lodge, the hosts are on the dock to welcoming us to this wilderness retreat. Once we settle into our private room at the lodge we join the group for our first wildlife viewing session.
We head to one of many viewing sites: estuary sites are reached by boat, while river sites are reached by a wilderness track. 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.
Returning to the lodge that evening, we are treated to a wilderness-gourmet meal. A biologist presents slides and videos, exploring the interaction of the grizzly bear with this unique ecology.
Photo © Tom Rivest
Day 02
Wildlife Viewing
In the morning, we are on the trail of the grizzly bear again after some good coffee and breakfast. A typical viewing session lasts three hours.
After a morning of adventure, we return to the lodge for lunch and a chance to relax.
We spend the early afternoon exploring the surrounding area with the guide. A popular activity is the interpretive rainforest walk, examining bear sign and learning about the general ecology of the area. The Great Bear Rainforest is home to many other animals, including grey wolves, otters, black bears, mink and bald eagles.
In mid-afternoon we venture out to see the bears before relaxing in the lodge for dinner.
Photo © Tom Rivest
Day 03
Wildlife Viewing
As our stay at the lodge continues, we 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 the viewing sessions are focused around these times.
Over the course of our stay we have visited a variety of sites, depending on the bear activity. For our afternoon recreation we may take a boat excursion to explore the glacier-carved inlet, and then return to the Lodge to enjoy a glass of wine and take in the view.
Photo © Tom Rivest
Day 04
Final Wildlife Viewing
After our parting session with the bears, lunch and an afternoon activity, we are returned to Port Hardy by floatplane in the early evening.
Photo © Tom Rivest
Itinerary
Day 01
Welcome to Great Bear Lodge
Afternoon flight from Port Hardy, British Columbia; Afternoon wildlife viewing session. Meals: D
Day 02
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing sessions; Rainforest walk; Relaxation at the Great Bear Lodge. Meals: B, L, D
Day 03
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing sessions; Relaxation at the Great Bear Lodge. Meals: B, L, D
Day 04
Final Wildlife Viewing
Morning wildlife viewing session; Return to Port Hardy, British Columbia by float plane. Meals: B, L
Testimonials
"From the moment your floatplane arrives at the Great Bear Lodge, in the middle of the spectacular rainforest, you know you are in for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Experiences like seeing a grizzly emerge from the rainforest or watching two bears playing with each other along the river, and maybe that's why Great Bear Nature Tours was rated by National Geographic as one of the best adventure travel companies on earth."
Karen - British Columbia, Canada
"In the few short days of being here, I had captured some of the most special memories tavelling so far. The Great Bear Lodge is a remarkable place, floating on the edge of the glassy BC waters. It's almost completely self-sufficient, it's only link being the sea planes that bring tourists and a few small supplies. Primarily running on wind and solar energy, it gives you a hotel-esque comfort while providing you with one of the freshest and best ecotourism experiences in the world. What a perfect way to end the day, fresh crab that we caught right here in the estuary outside. The Great Bear Lodge really is your own private piece of paradise, because not only do you get to see real life grizzlies, you get to see a side of nature that you've never experienced before."
Nick - Australia
Join the Adventure
2023
| Dates | Adventure | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 19-19, 2023 Tour Code: Grizzly | Grizzly Bears of the Great Bear Rainforest Lodging: 4 nights Maximum 16 people Autumn season runs from: August 20 to October 19 | $3,507 USD $2,803 USD Single Supplement |
| Oct 19-19, 2023 Tour Code: Grizzly | Grizzly Bears of the Great Bear Rainforest Lodging: 7 nights Maximum 16 people Autumn season runs from: August 20 to October 19 | $6,476 USD $5,049 USD Single Supplement |
Call To Reserve Your Spot Today
1 800 663 9832 (toll free)
1 204 949 2050 (international)
All prices CAD, plus applicable taxes.
All prices, inclusions, and dates may be subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control.
The sample itinerary above is for a three-night stay at Great Bear Lodge. All prices based on double occupancy. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory.
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