In the autumn, when the salmon arrive to spawn, the town of Bella Coola is host to one of the highest concentrations of grizzly bears. Among these old growth forests, pristine rivers, stunning peaks, soaring eagles, and vast glaciers, there is one animal at the top of the food chain: it is the mighty grizzly bear.
These grizzly bear viewing trips, recognized by the Canadian Tourism Commission as a 'Signature Experience' that showcases authentic, immersive and engaging tourism experiences for travelers, are in the autumn, from mid-August to the middle of October. This is when the local rivers are host to teeming numbers of returning salmon which in turn draws lots of grizzlies hoping to fatten up for the coming winter. At this time of the year, the grizzly bears are intent on fishing and are more tolerant of both other bears and people and are therefore much easier to observe.
From
Availability (2024):
Prime season from September 1-30
Small group tour prices, based on double occupancy:
- Reduced rates available for shoulder season August 15-31 and October 1-16.
- Youth rates available.
- Private group rates also available.
INTERNATIONAL NUMBER: +1 778 348 1676
You can also send an email to info@adventures.com, or use the contact form here below.
Find out more details about the tour and its highlights
Accompanied by an experienced and knowledgeable guide, the drift trips are the perfect way to see the bears and wildlife of the Bella Coola Valley. The McKenzie River boats are non-motorized and therefore do not disturb the bears in their natural habitat. The leisurely pace and silence offer a relaxed and peaceful way to travel the valley, as well as a completely unique opportunity for viewing wildlife up close and personal.
On some occasions, guests see up to 15 different grizzly bears in a single float. In addition to the river floats you will also be able to walk old growth forests, literally in the footsteps of the bears. Your guide will show you day beds, claw marks on trees, tufts of bear fur, and of course lots of bear scat. Guests from all over the world have stated that this is one of the ultimate wildlife viewing opportunities on the planet, and they have the pictures to prove it.
Day 1 For those arriving by air, enjoy the 70 minute mid-morning flight to Bella Coola, marveling at the impressive Coast Range mountains and expansive fjord system as you fly overhead. On arrival, our staff will greet you and transfer you the 45...)
For those arriving by air, enjoy the 70 minute mid-morning flight to Bella Coola, marveling at the impressive Coast Range mountains and expansive fjord system as you fly overhead. On arrival, our staff will greet you and transfer you the 45 minutes to the lodge, highlighting points of interest along the way. If you are arriving by car, your chalet will be ready from 4pm.
Your bear viewing commences with a late afternoon River Drift down the Atnarko River. Relax and enjoy the amazing mountain scenery……..and keep your eyes open for wildlife! The salmon are spawning and provide an easy meal for majestic bald eagles and impressive grizzly bears. River otters and black bears may also be seen. Small Group River Drift Bear Viewing is a unique experience only found at Tweedsmuir Park Lodge and is the best way to see grizzlies. The bears are busy fishing and ignore your presence, allowing you to see them at their most natural. It's also a great way to capture amazing photographs.
The bears aren't the only ones who will be feasting on a delicious meal; you will too, with a scrumptious 3 course dinner back at the lodge! Dinner is at 7:30pm every night.
Wake up early and wander down to our Wildlife Viewing Station, which is for the exclusive use of Tweedsmuir Park Lodge guests. Early morning is a great time to spot bears and the raised structure provides open lines of sight both up and down the river. After checking out the platform you have a choice of a hot or continental breakfast, which is held every day at 8am. Afterwards, it's time to head out for a Guided Nature Walk in the old growth forests of Tweedsmuir Park, the largest provincial park in British Columbia.
Your guide, a naturalist, will show you how to track the bears and will point out various
bear signs, including rub trees with claw and bite marks, and places the bears dig out in the forest floor for their naps called day beds. A picnic lunch will be served in the field.
In the afternoon, continue exploring Tweedsmuir Park with a drive on the Tote Road past old, abandoned homesteads brimming with character. At the end of the road there is a short, highly recommended hike to Stillwater Lake. This is a beautiful, pristine place that should not be missed! You will arrive back at the lodge in the late afternoon. Now you can relax and enjoy some hors d'oeuvres on the sun deck of the lodge, exchanging stories of wildlife seen with your fellow guests. Make sure to head back to the Wildlife Viewing Station before dinner.
Check out the Wildlife Viewing Station before breakfast. Then it's time hit the river with your guide for a morning drift on the Atnarko River in search of more bears! The bears are most active in the morning and evening and it's a great time to enjoy a quiet float. A nutritious lunch will be served at the lodge before you head off with your guide to further explore Tweedsmuir Park. Our knowledgeable and friendly guides know the area well and have mapped numerous short hikes to superb vantage points overlooking the Atnarko River to see spawning salmon…and the bears and eagles fishing for them!
Departure day! We recommend one last visit to the Wildlife Viewing Station before your final breakfast with us. Check-out is 11am. If you are flying out, take advantage of a leisurely morning in which you can enjoy the lodge property, make use of the spa and gym, play some lawn games, or simply relax before taking our shuttle back to the Bella Coola Airport for the flight back to Vancouver. If you are departing by ferry, we will arrange to drive you to the harbour. Thank you for visiting us!
Day 1 For those arriving by air, enjoy the 70-minute mid-morning flight to Bella Coola, marveling at the impressive Coast Range mountains and expansive fjord system as you fly overhead. On arrival, our staff will greet you and transfer you the 45...)
For those arriving by air, enjoy the 70-minute mid-morning flight to Bella Coola, marveling at the impressive Coast Range mountains and expansive fjord system as you fly overhead. On arrival, our staff will greet you and transfer you the 45 minutes to the lodge, highlighting points of interest along the way. If you are arriving by car, your chalet will be ready from 4pm.
Your bear viewing commences with a late afternoon River Drift down the Atnarko River. Relax and enjoy the amazing mountain scenery……..and keep your eyes open for wildlife! The salmon are spawning and provide an easy meal for majestic bald eagles and impressive grizzly bears. River otters and black bears may also be seen. Small Group River Drift Bear Viewing is a unique experience only found at Tweedsmuir Park Lodge and is the best way to see grizzlies. The bears are busy fishing and ignore your presence, allowing you to see them at their most natural. It's also a great way to capture amazing photographs.
The bears aren't the only ones who will be feasting on a delicious meal; you will too, with a scrumptious 3-course dinner back at the lodge! Dinner is at 7:30pm every night.
Wake up early and wander down to our Wildlife Viewing Station, which is for the exclusive use of Tweedsmuir Park Lodge guests. Early morning is a great time to spot bears and the raised structure provides open lines of sight both up and down the river. After checking out the platform you have a choice of a hot or continental breakfast, which is held every day at 8am. Afterward, it's time to head out for a Guided Nature Walk in the old growth forests of Tweedsmuir Park, the largest provincial park in British Columbia.
Your guide, a naturalist, will show you how to track the bears and will point out various bear signs, including rub trees with claw and bite marks, and places the bears dig out in the forest floor for their naps called day beds. A picnic lunch will be served in the field.
After fueling up, there is time for one or two more small hikes to superb vantage points overlooking the river to see spawning salmon, and the bears and eagles fishing for them. It's yet one more chance to capture a unique photo. To finish the day's activities there will be another late afternoon Bear Viewing River Drift on the Atnarko River.
The Bella Coola Valley is an extraordinary place with fantastic geography, pristine ecosystems and a rich First Nations heritage. This day will take you down valley to see the culturally modified ancient cedar trees, the totem poles and the petroglyph gardens. Lunch will be a picnic at Clayton Falls Park overlooking the fjord. This is also your opportunity to visit the Bella Coola town site and to shop at the art gallery for First Nations jewellery and masks.
Check out the Wildlife Viewing Station before breakfast. Then it's time to hit the river with your personal guide for a morning River Drift on the Atnarko in search of more bears! The bears are most active in the morning and evening and it's a great time to enjoy a quiet float. A nutritious lunch will be served at the lodge before you head off with your guide to further explore Tweedsmuir Park. You will then head up to explore the park further including a drive up the Tote Road past old, abandoned homesteads brimming with character. This is prime bear habitat and sightings are common. At the end of the road there is a short, highly recommended hike to Stillwater Lake. This is a beautiful, pristine place that should not be missed! You will arrive back at the lodge in the late afternoon. Now you can relax and enjoy some hors d'oeuvres on the sun deck of the lodge, exchanging stories of wildlife seen with your fellow guests. Make sure to head back to the Wildlife Viewing Station before dinner.
Departure day! We recommend one last visit to the Wildlife Viewing Station before your final breakfast with us. Check-out is 11am. If you are flying out, take advantage of a leisurely morning in which you can enjoy the lodge property, make use of the spa and gym, play some lawn games, or simply relax before taking our shuttle back to the Bella Coola Airport for the flight back to Vancouver. If you are departing by ferry, we will arrange to drive you to the harbour. Thank you for visiting us!
Day 1 For those arriving by air, enjoy the 70-minute mid-morning flight to Bella Coola, marveling at the impressive Coast Range mountains and expansive fjord system as you fly overhead. On arrival, our staff will greet you and transfer you the 45...)
Your bear viewing commences with a late afternoon River Drift down the Atnarko River. Relax and enjoy the amazing mountain scenery……..and keep your eyes open for wildlife! The salmon are spawning and provide an easy meal for majestic bald eagles and impressive grizzly bears. River otters and black bears may also be seen. Small Group River Drift Bear Viewing is a unique experience only found at Tweedsmuir Park Lodge and is the best way to see grizzlies. The bears are busy fishing and ignore your presence, allowing you to see them at their most natural. It's also a great way to capture amazing photographs.
The bears aren't the only ones who will be feasting on a delicious meal; you will too, with a scrumptious 3-course dinner back at the lodge! Dinner is at 7:30 pm every night.
Your guide, a naturalist, will show you how to track the bears and will point out various bear signs, including rub trees with claw and bite marks, and places the bears dig out in the forest floor for their naps called day beds. A picnic lunch will be served in the field.
In the afternoon, continue exploring the park with a drive on the Tote Road past old, abandoned homesteads brimming with character. This is prime bear habitat and sightings are common. At the end of the road, there is a short, highly recommended hike to Stillwater Lake. This is a beautiful, pristine place that should not be missed! You will arrive back at the lodge in the late afternoon. Now you can relax and enjoy some hors d'oeuvres on the sun deck of the lodge, exchanging stories of wildlife seen with your fellow guests. Make sure to head back to the Wildlife Viewing Station before dinner.
The Bella Coola Valley is an extraordinary place with fantastic geography, pristine ecosystems and a rich First Nations heritage. This day will take you down the valley to see the culturally modified ancient cedar trees, the totem poles and the petroglyph gardens. Lunch will be a picnic at Clayton Falls Park overlooking the fjord. This is also your opportunity to visit the Bella Coola townsite and to shop at the art gallery for First Nations jewelry and masks. Then, before heading back to the lodge, it's time for a helicopter sightseeing tour of the mountains surrounding the Bella Coola Valley. The towering peaks and glaciers are some of the most stunning in all of British Columbia and will leave you inspired.
Day 5
Similar schedule as Day 3; begin your day with a morning River Drift on the Atnarko. In the afternoon your guide will take you on a Nature Walk to explore the park. It's yet one more chance to look for grizzly bears!
Tours begin and end in the town of Bella Coola, BC. Transportation between the Bella Coola airport and the lodge is included in the package. Flights between Vancouver and Bella Coola can be arranged. August is the hottest and typically driest mo...)
Tours begin and end in the town of Bella Coola, BC. Transportation between the Bella Coola airport and the lodge is included in the package. Flights between Vancouver and Bella Coola can be arranged.
August is the hottest and typically driest month in this area although September actually offers some of the most consistent weather.
Accommodation
The main lodge building is the central location for socializing. There are a large living room and dining room with a river rock fireplace; a sports bar with billiards table, games and satellite TV; a retail shop; and a guest media room with computer access and fax/telephone service. In addition, there is WiFi access throughout the lodge, chalets and cabins.
Come nightfall, guests retreat to their own private chalets and cabins. There are a total of 10 guest chalets on the property, accommodating between 2-4 people per chalet. The chalets are built surrounding a giant central lawn and all have excellent views and lots of privacy, guaranteeing a serene setting for your holiday. In addition to the main lodge and chalets, there is also a 1,200 sq/ft spa building with yoga stretching room, weights and exer-cycles, massage rooms, showers and a 12 person covered outdoor hot tub overlooking the lawn and the coast range beyond.
Meals
All meals are included. Hot & Continental Breakfast, Lunch in the Lodge or Packed Lunch out in the field, 3 Course Dinner, plus Afternoon Snacks and unlimited soda, coffee and tea!
The lodge serves an international style cuisine, with a West Coast twist. All meals are served in the main dining room of the lodge and are by reservation. To complement your meal there is a well-stocked wine cellar with a special focus on New World wines from British Columbia's best vineyards.
The chef will post the featured menu for that day in the morning. Due to the small and intimate size of our facility, there is just the one set choice. However, care and attention are given to special dietary needs and preferences. Anybody with allergies, a unique diets, or a simple yearning for something not on the menu, please inform the chef at that time so an alternative meal can be arranged.
Deposit and Taxes
CANCELLATION POLICY & DETAILS
To guarantee your reservation we require a non-refundable 25% deposit on all bookings.
Balance is due 90 days prior to arrival and is non-refundable.
