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UP-CLOSE IN THE GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST
Track grizzly bears and hike lush heritage trails in British Columbia
DISCOVER LUSH RIVERBEDS WITH A BEAR ECOLOGIST
In early September, the start of the Pacific Salmon migration draws hungry bears to the banks of the Atnarko River in great droves. Grizzlies and black bears frolic and feed in the fish-filled waters, fuelling up for hibernation against a spectacular backdrop of autumnal trees and snow-dusted peaks.
On this 6-day journey, soak up Vancouver from the Fairmont Pacific Rim before bedding down at Tweedsmuir Park Lodge, where cubs play across the mountain-backed grounds and grizzlies scavenge along the riverbed. Learn how to track wildlife through the Great Bear Rainforest and Bella Coola Valley with bear ecologists, and watch on from river rafts and an accessible-any-time viewing platform within walking distance of your chalet.
JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS
GUIDED GRIZZLY BEAR TRACKING
Led by an experienced bear ecologist through Bella Coola’s plunging valley, learn to spot signs of bear activity such as claw and bite marks, day beds, and tufts of fur in the bark of rub trees. Come face to face with grizzlies in the Great Bear Rainforest, with a rare opportunity to photograph these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
DRIFT DOWN THE ATNARKO RIVER
With an expert wildlife-watcher and oarsman at the helm, float along the gentle waters of the Atnarko River while keeping your eyes peeled for black bears, bald eagles, river otters, and salmon. The slow-paced flow gives photographers ample opportunity to capture the rugged scenery and its wild residents, backed by the Coast Range Mountains.
OVERNIGHT IN A WILDERNESS CHALET
Stay within a landscape steeped in Indigenous legend at Canada’s historic Tweedsmuir Park Lodge, the first accommodation of its kind on the West Coast. The locally crafted, timber-framed loft chalets sit within a forest-fringed meadow, just steps from the Atnarko River and lodge’s wildlife-viewing platforms.
ALEXANDER MACKENZIE HERITAGE TRAIL
Follow in the footsteps of Scottish explorer and fur trader, Sir Alexander Mackenzie, tracing part of his epic crossing of Canada in 1793 on a guided hike around the Valley Loop Trail. It’s worth the moderate climb just for the views of Stupendous Mountain alone.
THE JOURNEY
6-day journey uncovering the wildlife of British Columbia.
DAY 1
Arrive at Vancouver Airport for a private transfer into the city.
Spend the day at leisure exploring Vancouver.
Overnight at Fairmont Pacific Rim Vancouver.
DAY 2
Private transfer to Vancouver airport for flight to Bella Coola, where a transfer to the lodge awaits.
After check-in there is a short orientation of the lodge property and all the activities available.
Enjoy a stroll down to the river, visit the Wildlife Viewing Station, go for a short hike on the Esker Trail through old growth forests, or simply relax on the deck of your cabin and enjoy the view of Mt. Stupendous and Mt. Mellikan.
A 3-course set menu is served at 7:00pm every night.
Overnight at Tweedsmuir Park Lodge in a Loft Chalet.
DAY 3
Start the day with a Scenic Drift down the Atnarko River, perfect for wildlife-spotting and photography.
Lunch will be served back at the lodge, after which a guided hike on the Valley Loop Trail, part of the historic Alexander Mackenzie Heritage Trail.
After the hike return to the lodge to enjoy some hors d’oeuvres on the sun deck before dinner.
DAY 4
In the company of a naturalist, embark on a Nature Walk in the old growth forests of Tweedsmuir Park, the largest provincial park in British Columbia. Learn how to track grizzly bears through various bear signs, including rub trees with claw and bite marks, and spotting places the bears dig out in the forest floor for their naps called day beds.
In the afternoon, a drive on the Tote Road shows past old, abandoned homesteads brimming with character. This is prime wildlife habitat and animal sightings are common, with a recommended hike to Stillwater Lake at the end.
DAY 5
Enjoy one last visit to the Wildlife Viewing Station before breakfast and check-out.
Shuttle back to the Bella Coola Airport for return flight to Vancouver. Private transfer from Vancouver South Terminal to the hotel.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure in Vancouver.
Overnight at Fairmont Pacific Rim Vancouver.
DAY 6
Transfer to Vancouver Airport for onwards travel.
THE STAYS
THE JOURNEY
From £7,615 per person based on 2 guests sharing a room.
INCLUSIONS
2 nights Fairmont Pacific Rim Vancouver in a Fairmont Room with breakfast
3 nights Tweedsmuir Park Lodge (3-star country hotel) in a Loft Chalet, full board (excluding drinks)
Private airport transfers in Vancouver and Bella Coola
Return flights Vancouver to Bella Coola
Activities as per itinerary at Tweedsmuir Park lodge (excluding helicopter tour)
All local taxes
On call assistance
EXCLUSIONS
International flight
Gratuities for the activities (at your own discretion)
Cancelation and luggage insurance
WHEN TO TRAVEL
September is an ideal time to travel to witness the Salmon Rush.
TRAVEL DESIGNER'S NOTES
Photographers and wildlife-lovers alike will relish this opportunity to get up close with majestic grizzlies and black bears as they venture out of hiding to gather salmon from the river. With countless options available at the lodge to spot these wonderful creatures at all hours of the day, capture rare sightings and photographs, set against the stunning backdrop of the Bella Coola Valley, while retracing the footsteps of renowned explorers.
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