Grizzlies of Tweedsmuir Park
Grizzlies of Tweedsmuir Park
from £3,666 excluding flights
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Highlights
Enjoy close encounters with grizzlies on a unique Scenic River Drift excursion
Take the chance to explore Tweedsmuir Provincial Park on foot or by bike
Marvel at breathtaking scenery on the flight into Bella Coola
Choose from a range of optional activities
Why this trip...
Amazing accommodation
Stay in accommodation that is far more than just a place to rest your head
Add-on
This itinerary is intended to be an add-on to a longer holiday - speak to our specialists for recommendations
Inclusive
Meals and activities are included in this holiday - see what's included for details
Overview
Located in the beautiful Bella Coola Valley, on the edge of the Great Bear Rainforest and fringed by the snow-capped Coast Range Mountains, Tweedsmuir Provincial Park is the largest protected park in British Columbia and home to one of the healthiest bear habitats in the world. Spend 3-nights in this spectacular setting on an immersive bear-viewing experience.
Each autumn the park’s grizzly bears come down from the slopes to feast on spawning salmon. The Bella Coola Valley is unique in playing host to all five species of North American Pacific salmon, and together with its remote location and protected landscapes, makes for excellent bear territory. Other inhabitants of the region include black bear, deer, cougar, wolves and bald eagles.
Stay at the historic Tweedsmuir Park Lodge, which is bordered by the Atnarko and Bella Coola rivers and in the perfect spot for wildlife viewing and outdoor adventures. The lodge owns three private bear viewing stands overlooking the Atnarko River, as well as offering guided bear tracking walks and the chance to view the bears from the water with a raft drift excursion.
Other Activities at Tweedsmuir
In addition to bear viewing, the lodge offers a range of outdoor activities including a Via Ferrata (assisted rock-climbing with metal rungs and ladders), heli-hiking, scenic heli-flights and fishing trips. These are available at additional cost and would be in place of a bear watching activity (pre-booking is advised).
Itinerary
Day 1 Vancouver - Bella Bella
Depart Vancouver South Terminal on the scheduled morning flight to Bella Coola. Keep your camera handy during the 75-minute flight for spectacular aerial views over the fjords and mountains below. On arrival in Bella Coola you will be met and transferred to the lodge (45-minute drive). After check-in the lodge team will provide an orientation and an informative bear awareness seminar. Your bear viewing commences with a late afternoon Scenic River Drift down the Atnarko River. Relax and take in the surrounding mountains - and keep your eyes open for wildlife! The River Drift is only offered at Tweedsmuir and is one of the best ways to enjoy close viewing of bears, at their level, as they actively fish in the river. This evening enjoy swapping tales of the day’s sightings with your fellow guests over dinner.
Depart Vancouver South Terminal on the scheduled morning flight to Bella Coola. Keep your camera handy during the 75-minute flight for spectacular aerial views over the fjords and mountains below. On arrival in Bella Coola you will be met and transferred to the lodge (45-minute drive). After check-in the lodge team will provide an orientation and an informative bear awareness seminar. Your bear viewing commences with a late afternoon Scenic River Drift down the Atnarko River. Relax and take in the surrounding mountains - and keep your eyes open for wildlife! The River Drift is only offered at Tweedsmuir and is one of the best ways to enjoy close viewing of bears, at their level, as they actively fish in the river. This evening enjoy swapping tales of the day’s sightings with your fellow guests over dinner.
Day 2 Wildlife Viewing
Wake up early and wander down to the wildlife viewing platform, 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 an excellent vantage point. After breakfast set out on a Guided Nature Walk in the old growth forests of Tweedsmuir Park. Your naturalist guide will show you how to track bears and will point out various signs of activity, including rub trees, scat, and the hollows in the forest floor which the bears use as day beds. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park and continue exploring with a drive down the Tote Road past old abandoned homesteads brimming with character. You will arrive back at the lodge in the late afternoon with time to relax or return to the viewing platforms before dinner.
Wake up early and wander down to the wildlife viewing platform, 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 an excellent vantage point. After breakfast set out on a Guided Nature Walk in the old growth forests of Tweedsmuir Park. Your naturalist guide will show you how to track bears and will point out various signs of activity, including rub trees, scat, and the hollows in the forest floor which the bears use as day beds. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park and continue exploring with a drive down the Tote Road past old abandoned homesteads brimming with character. You will arrive back at the lodge in the late afternoon with time to relax or return to the viewing platforms before dinner.
Day 3 Wildlife Viewing
Check out the Wildlife Viewing Station before breakfast and then prepare for another River Drift in search of more bears. The bears are at their most active in the morning and evening so this is an ideal time to take to the water. Return to the lodge for lunch before a short walk for more bear viewing this afternoon. Alternatively you may prefer to take an optional activity (additional cost), such as Via Ferrata, e-biking or a helicopter flight.
Check out the Wildlife Viewing Station before breakfast and then prepare for another River Drift in search of more bears. The bears are at their most active in the morning and evening so this is an ideal time to take to the water. Return to the lodge for lunch before a short walk for more bear viewing this afternoon. Alternatively you may prefer to take an optional activity (additional cost), such as Via Ferrata, e-biking or a helicopter flight.
Day 4 Bella Coola to Vancouver
There will be time for one last visit to the Wildlife Viewing Platforms before breakfast and departure from Tweedsmuir. You will be transferred back to Bella Coola Airport for a mid-morning flight to Vancouver, landing around midday.
There will be time for one last visit to the Wildlife Viewing Platforms before breakfast and departure from Tweedsmuir. You will be transferred back to Bella Coola Airport for a mid-morning flight to Vancouver, landing around midday.
Accommodation
Tweedsmuir Park Lodge, Bella Coola
A classic Canadian wilderness lodge, the historic Tweedsmuir Park Lodge is set on 60 acres of private land within Tweedsmuir Provincial Park. Originally built in 1929 as a hunting and fishing lodge, today the resort accommodates visitors in 11 chalets surrounding the main building and offers a laid-back and eco-friendly adventure.
Read moreVisiting in Summer
Tweedsmuir Park Lodge opens for the summer season in June. Over the summer months the bears are usually more elusive, feeding on berries in the forests and mountains. You may still see them, but the highlight of a summer visit is the opportunity to explore the park and enjoy a wealth of outdoor activities.
Please contact us for further details and prices of summer packages at Tweedsmuir Park Lodge.
The park boasts countless hiking trails which can be tackled with a guide or independently. Walk through pristine old growth forest, discover hidden waterfalls and enjoy views across the valley from a mountain lookout point. Make use of the lodge’s complimentary bikes (electric bikes as well as mountain bikes, to assist with those hills!) or tackle the Via Ferrata climb, an ingenious system of cables and steel rungs that makes rock climbing accessible to all, or take to the skies on a scenic helicopter flight.
From nearby Bella Coola you can head out on a wildlife cruise, exploring the spectacular fjord system in search of white sided dolphins, orca, humpback and grey whales, or join a local First Nations guide for an insight into 10,000 years of indigenous cultural history.
Prices and Departures
Price from £3,666 excluding flights
Airfares start from around £550 per person and are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
Note: Airfares tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.
What's Included
- Accommodation in a private timber frame chalet with private bathroom
- All meals and snacks while at the lodge
- Return flights from Vancouver to Bella Coola
- All ground transportation, including return airport transfers from Bella Coola airport to the lodge
- Welcome orientation
- A variety of small group bear watching tours on each day, by raft, on foot or at the viewing stands
- Experienced guides
- Use of all sporting equipment, including mountain or e-bikes for independent exploration
- 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
- No surcharge guarantee
- Full financial protection
From prices per person
Based on 2 sharing a room with private bathroom
| Departures | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 01 - 30 Sep 2023 | 3 nights | £3,824 |
| 01 - 13 Oct 2023 | 3 nights | £3,666 |
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