Great Bear Lodge BC
Wildlife Tours
Discover remote wilderness and epic grizzly bear encounters at Great Bear Lodge BC.
Embark on one of the world’s top wildlife adventures — as recognized by National Geographic — and witness grizzly bears in their natural habitat at Great Bear Lodge BC.
Tucked beside a pristine salmon river in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest, this remote eco-lodge is a dream base for photography and wildlife tours. With only 16 guests hosted at a time, Great Bear Lodge offers an intimate and immersive experience unlike any other. After twice-daily guided bear viewing sessions, return to wilderness-inspired gourmet meals and cozy, eco-friendly comfort.
While most visitors come for the awe-inspiring grizzly encounters, many leave with a deeper appreciation for the intricate rainforest ecosystem that sustains these great bears.
This region is home to one of the highest concentrations of coastal grizzly bears in British Columbia. In spring and summer, grizzlies feed on lush estuary grasses and sedges. Come late summer and autumn, the salmon run draws them to the rivers in staggering numbers — a spectacle of raw nature few ever forget. Thanks to their coastal diet, these grizzlies grow larger than their inland cousins.
Between wildlife tours, guests can join a guided interpretive walk, a scenic boat trip, or simply relax with a book from our extensive natural history library.
Ready to experience Great Bear Lodge BC for yourself? Contact us to learn more or book your stay.
Highlights
STARTS AT
USD per Person
THIS IS A CUSTOMIZABLE ITINERARY FOR GROUPS OF ALL SIZES.
DATES ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
SUMMARY
Travel to one of the most remote and spectacular regions in British Columbia — the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest. Your journey begins in Port Hardy, where you’ll depart on a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife adventure to Great Bear Lodge BC, located in a pristine river valley along the central coast.
Renowned as one of the best places on earth to observe grizzly bears, this region is also home to black bears, wolves, bald eagles, and countless other species. We are honoured to operate on the traditional lands of the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nation, and every trip here is rooted in respect for the land and its natural rhythms.
In summer (June 30 to August 19), grizzlies move through estuaries and berry-filled meadows. Although bear sightings are less frequent than in autumn, this is an excellent time to see a variety of wildlife — including harbor seals with pups and families of mergansers — and to enjoy the best weather of the year. It’s also a perfect season to extend your adventure with whale watching or kayaking tours in nearby Johnstone Strait.
In autumn (August 20 to October 19), the salmon run draws large numbers of grizzlies to the rivers. September offers peak activity, with bears energetically fishing and feasting to prepare for hibernation. By October, the bears are calmer and more predictable — ideal for photography. Wildlife viewing is primarily done from custom-built blinds along the river or by boat when bears are in the lower valley.
Day 1 – Your Adventure Begins
Your journey into the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest begins in the afternoon, departing from Port Hardy by seaplane. As you soar over British Columbia’s rugged coastline and the rich marine waters of Queen Charlotte Strait — home to orcas, humpback whales, and gray whales — you’ll leave behind the noise of modern life and head into one of the wildest corners of the province.
Upon arrival at Great Bear Lodge BC, your hosts will greet you at the dock and welcome you to your wilderness retreat. After settling into your private room, you’ll join the group for your first guided wildlife viewing session.
We visit a variety of bear viewing sites, depending on where the grizzlies have been most active. Estuary sites are accessed by boat, while river sites are reached via a forest trail. Our river viewing blinds are designed with photographers in mind, offering comfort, concealment, and exceptional vantage points.
There’s a moment every guest remembers: the first time a grizzly bear steps out of the forest and into view — raw, wild, and unforgettable.
That evening, you’ll return to the lodge for a wilderness-inspired gourmet meal made with fresh, local ingredients. After dinner, our resident biologist will host a presentation with slides and video, offering insight into the fascinating relationship between grizzly bears and the surrounding ecosystem.
Day 2 – Bear Viewing
Start your morning with a hot cup of coffee and a hearty breakfast at Great Bear Lodge BC, then set out for another unforgettable grizzly bear viewing session. These guided outings typically last around three hours and may take you deep into the estuary or along salmon-rich riverbanks, depending on bear activity.
After your morning adventure, return to the lodge for a freshly prepared lunch and some time to relax. In the early afternoon, join your guide for an interpretive walk through the surrounding rainforest. You’ll learn to identify bear tracks, markings, and other signs of wildlife while gaining a deeper understanding of the region’s rich and interconnected ecosystem.
Later in the afternoon, you’ll head out once more in search of bears — whether from a river blind or boat, every outing offers a new perspective and the chance for breathtaking encounters.
Back at the lodge, enjoy another gourmet dinner and share stories with fellow guests. If the skies are clear, be sure to step outside — the stargazing in this remote wilderness is nothing short of spectacular.
Day 3 – Bear Viewing
By now, life at Great Bear Lodge BC begins to take on a calming rhythm — shaped by the tides, the light, and the movements of the bears. Our wildlife viewing sessions continue to focus on the early morning and late afternoon, when grizzlies are at their most active. Each outing brings something new, as we visit a variety of locations based on where bear activity is highest that day.
In the afternoon, you’ll have the option to join a scenic boat excursion through the glacier-carved inlet, offering a different vantage point on the spectacular landscapes of the Great Bear Rainforest. Keep an eye out for coastal wolves, river otters, black bears, mink, and bald eagles — all of which call this rich ecosystem home.
Prefer to stay back? Spend a quiet afternoon on the lodge’s deck, binoculars in hand, soaking in the scenery and stillness.
Dinner tonight may feature a lodge favorite: wild salmon marinated and baked on a cedar plank, blending local tradition with gourmet flair — the perfect way to end another day in the wild.
Day 4 – Bear Viewing
Your final morning at Great Bear Lodge BC begins with one last opportunity to observe the grizzlies in their natural habitat. These parting moments often feel the most powerful — a quiet chance to reflect on the connection you’ve made with this extraordinary landscape and its wild inhabitants.
After your morning bear viewing session, enjoy a final wilderness-inspired lunch and an optional short activity, such as a nature walk or time to relax by the water.
In the late afternoon, between 4:00 and 6:00 PM, you’ll board a floatplane for your return flight to Port Hardy — bringing with you incredible photos, unforgettable memories, and a newfound appreciation for the untamed beauty of the Great Bear Rainforest.
Get To Know The Lodge
Description
Recognized by Destination Canada as a Canadian Signature Experience, Great Bear Lodge BC offers a one-of-a-kind connection to Canada’s wild landscapes, wildlife, and remote coastal culture.
Located 50 air miles from Port Hardy, this self-contained floating lodge sits in one of the top wildlife viewing areas in British Columbia. Surrounded by old-growth forest and glacier-fed rivers, the setting evokes a sense of solitude and stillness rarely found in the modern world. Even the BBC chose the lodge as its base while filming Secrets of Our Living Planet.
The floating lodge features eight cozy guest rooms, each with a private ensuite bathroom, fully upgraded in 2014. Guests can unwind in the shared lounge, enjoy presentations from on-site wildlife biologists, or soak in the scenery from the surrounding wooden decks. Powered by wind and solar energy, the lodge reflects a strong commitment to low-impact ecotourism and sustainability.
Dining in the Wilderness
After a day of grizzly bear viewing and outdoor exploration, return to the lodge for a wilderness-gourmet meal crafted from the freshest local ingredients. Our chef uses organic produce whenever available and prepares meals that highlight the flavors of the region.
A typical dinner might include wild-caught salmon roasted on a cedar plank with maple syrup, mustard seeds, and balsamic glaze. We happily accommodate all dietary needs and preferences, ensuring every guest enjoys a satisfying, nourishing culinary experience.
Tour Exclusions
Conservation Licensing Fee
The Conservation Licensing Fee contributes to conservation and research to ensure viable grizzly bear populations into the future. As of 2018, the BC government banned all grizzly bear hunting in the province. That is wonderful news! We’ve been working to make that happen for a long time, so are very excited that grizzlies are now protected across the entire province. With the grizzly bear hunt being closed, the ecotourism industry now has a responsibility to ensure that bear research and management are adequately funded, as the government and researchers will no longer be receiving revenue from bear hunting fees.
IMPORTANT NOTES
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change. Although we always do our best to stick to the itinerary, due to the ever-changing nature of Morocco, activities, hotels, and visits are subject to change due to forces beyond our control.
FLIGHTS: Please do not purchase your flights until this tour is confirmed.
PASSPORTS: Must be valid for at least 6 months upon return date to your home country. Proper documentation is the responsibility of each traveller.
VISAS: (responsibility of the traveller)
Travel Insurance
Cancellation, Travel, Flight, and Health insurance are required and are the responsibility of the participant to research and secure the appropriate coverage. Click HERE for a Travel Insurance Quote or please email nicola@finisterra.ca for a quote.
Check with your local travel agent /insurance provider/health plan for advice about traveling overseas.
Waiver Form
All participants will be required to sign a Waiver Form prior to departure.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Even though we wish you a flawless trip, things can happen, especially nowadays. Make sure you are prepared with a Travel Insurance policy that is right for you. Finisterra recommends Manulife Insurance or John Hancock Please feel free to ask us about Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance, Cancel for Any Reason Policies, Travel Medical Insurance, or any other questions you may have.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR CANADIANS
Travel with confidence knowing that you’re covered with Manulife Insurance.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR AMERICANS – JOHN HANCOCK
Explore the world, stress-free, when you book travel insurance with John Hancock International.
WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
At Finisterra Travel we help you discover, push personal boundaries, and explore the unknown.
We are super passionate about sustainable, transformational, and adventure travel. Definitely not “armchair travellers”, we have firsthand experience of where you’ll be heading. No one wants to feel like a tourist which is why when we plan a custom travel experience for you, we strive to make your adventure as authentic as possible. We offer an array of Small Group Adventures & Custom Trips, and have something for every type of traveller.
Our unique itineraries are designed to best showcase some of our favourite destinations around Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, and Europe. All itineraries are fully-customizable. Not your typical online travel agency, nor are we quite a tour operator, we are international travel designers with a flair for unique experiences. We’d love to hear from you!
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