Have questions? We're here.
Bears at the Atnarko River bank

Grizzly Bear Viewing: Fresh Tracks

Example 5 Day Tour staying at Tweedsmuir Park Lodge
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Canada trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
During this 5-day grizzly bear viewing experience, discover how Bella Coola Valley becomes a bustling scene as the salmon run begins, drawing grizzly bears from the sub-alpine. This journey will take you into the realm of grizzly bears and their captivating habitat. Take part in an immersive itinerary that includes river drifts, guided climbing excursions, and informative nature walks with expert wilderness and wildlife guides. Learn more about the world of grizzly bears to gain insight into their habits and the diversity of their surroundings. During the Grizzly Bear Viewing River Drifts and Grizzly Bear Ecology Walking Tours, scan the shoreline for signs of bear activity, from distinctive paw prints in the soft mud and sand to quick glimpses of these majestic creatures in their natural element.
Grizzly Bear Viewing River DriftGrizzly Bear Viewing River DriftWildlife viewing deckLearning about bear tracksTracking bears in Bella CoolaWildlife viewing deckMother bear and her cubsBears at the Atnarko River bank
Highlights
  • Discover the rich wildlife and grizzly bear habitat of Tweedsmuir Park
  • Observe bears in their natural habitat, searching for food, and their cubs
  • Venture out on a grizzly bear ecological walking tour with an expert guide
  • Experience the Via Ferrata self-propelled climbing mountain adventure
  • Explore Bella Coola's rainforest, fjords, and stunning mountain glaciers
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Fly to Bella Coola | Arrive in Tweedsmuir Park Lodge

Meet your guide for an introduction upon arrival at the Bella Coola Airport or at the BC Ferries Terminal. They will assist you with your bags before transferring you for the 45-minute drive to the lodge. If you are arriving by car, it is recommended that you arrive no earlier than 14:00. If you arrive early, enjoy a bite to eat in the main lodge or relax with a cocktail on the sun deck.

Upon arrival at the lodge, you will be given a detailed orientation of the lodge, its amenities, and the wildlife viewing stand. Your guide will also walk you through a Grizzly Bear Viewing 101 course to familiarize you with bear viewing best practices.

Check-in to your chalet is at 16:00. A three-course dinner is served at 19:00 each night.

Below is an example of the activities you can experience while visiting Tweedsmuir Park Lodge. Activities must be selected before arrival and are based on season. Click here for a full list of activity options. 

Approx daily schedule: 
07:00 to 08:30 Breakfast service is available
07:30 The wildlife viewing stand is open
09:00 Guided morning half-day activities begin
12:00 to 15:00 Lunch service is available
14:00 Guided afternoon half-day activities begin
16:00 to 18:00 Happy hour service is available
19:00 Three-course dinner is served

Day 2: Tweedsmuir Park Adventure Activities

Half-day Grizzly Bear Viewing River Drift:

In the morning, you will float down the Atnarko River in the presence of grizzly bears. Observe them in their natural environment, searching for food, and looking after their young. Beginning in late August, thousands upon thousands of salmon arrive in the local rivers to spawn—the final phase of their lifecycle.
For the bears, salmon are an easy meal. Many bears and other wildlife congregate on the river to feast and fatten up before the long winter ahead. Due to the abundance of food, the bears are less shy than usual. They are also more tolerant of each other and the people drifting by with their cameras. With breathtaking views of the mountains serving as the backdrop, it is possible to spot a variety of birds and other wildlife in addition to bears.

Duration: 2–3 Hours
Fitness Level: Easy


Half-day Grizzly Bear Ecology Walking Tour

In autumn, Tweedsmuir Park Lodge is all about bears, and a highlight activity is to venture out on foot with a guide to discover these majestic animals in their natural habitat. Guests will learn about bear ecology and how to cohabitate safely amongst these magnificent creatures. Guides will take guests to some of the bears’ favorite hangouts and point out signs of bear activity like claw marks, day beds, scats, and tufts of fur stuck in the bark of rub trees. Other wildlife species that also live in the forest include black bears, mule deer, moose, American beaver, mountain goats, bald eagles, and numerous amphibian species. The adjacent lands are also a significant habitat for Vaux’s Swift, the Peregrine falcon, fish, wolverines, and Townsend’s big-eared bat.

Every tour is planned with safety as a top priority. It should be noted that the objective of these walks is not to see bears but to find the telltale signs of their passing. In the event a bear is encountered, the guides are trained in reading and interpreting bear behavior so that conflicts are avoided. Guests will be briefed on how to act in the wilderness to avoid startling a bear and how to react in case a bear is spotted. All of our guides also carry bear spray and are trained in how to deploy it safely. They also carry radios to communicate with the lodge in case of an emergency.

Duration: half-day or Full-day
Fitness Level: Easy

Day 3: Tweedsmuir Park Adventure Activities

Half-day Via Ferrata Climbing Adventure:

On this day, this assisted Via Ferrata climbing experience provides participants with a spectacular self-propelled mountain adventure, stunning scenery, and an exciting feeling of exposure with low risk.
 
The team of experienced guides will ensure guests' safety and enjoyment as they navigate short rock faces, traverse thin ledges, and follow ridge lines amidst the stunning natural landscape. Each guest progresses at their own pace, maximizing their experience while maintaining safety protocols.
 
There are two trekking options: a more challenging path with two aerial wire bridge sections with overhead support cables and a moderate vertical ladder route. Based on each guest's unique preferences and abilities, the guide chooses the best route after consulting with the guest. A lookout deck providing sweeping views of the Bella Coola Valley and surrounding peaks sits at the summit of both climbing routes. Here, visitors can celebrate their climb by choosing to have a $25 per person (minimum of two people) charcuterie board with sparkling water.

Duration: 2–3 Hours
Fitness Level: Easy


Half-day Guided Bella Coola Valley Hikes:

In the afternoon, discover extraordinary hikes with the support of a local guide. These hikes are a step above your ordinary walk in the park. The scenery is jaw-dropping, and the forests and rivers remain pristine. Options include an easy stroll along the Tote Road for a glimpse into Bella Coola’s pioneering past, a moderate loop trail that follows in the footsteps of Sir Alexander Mackenzie on his epic crossing of Canada in 1793, or a vigorous and exercising climb up to elevation points to enjoy views of the valley, waterfalls, and mountain views.

All tours are led by one of the experienced local guides. They will share their interests in wildlife, geography, forest ecosystems, and photography to ensure that the guest experience is truly memorable and well-spent.  These eco-tours involve approximately 2 hours of hiking on forest trails and tracks. The pace varies from moderate to vigorous walking based on the difficulty level of the trail and the fitness level of the group.

Duration: 2–3 Hours
Fitness Level: Medium / Moderate

Day 4: Tweedsmuir Park Adventure Activities

Full-day Highlights of the Bella Coola Valley:

The Bella Coola Valley sits at the heart of an extraordinary area with the world’s most extensive interconnected fjord system, the world’s largest intact temperate rainforest, and a dramatic mountain landscape. Its stunning scenery, which includes granite cliffs, glaciers, tumbling creeks, and pure rivers, converges. Today, a significant amount of land is protected in the form of the Great Bear Rainforest and Tweedsmuir Provincial Park.
 
The guides will explain how the landscape was shaped by the forces of nature, particularly glaciation, and how these forces continue to shape its evolution. They will also provide an overview and point out examples of human history in the valley. From totem poles and culturally modified cedar trees to the logging and commercial fishing that supported the valley’s recent economy, humankind has left its mark on the landscape. Guides will also touch on the salmon lifecycle, Nuxalk First Nations history, and the spectacular environment from the glaciated peaks down to valley bottoms.

It is not possible to see all the valley has to offer in one day, so please advise your guide of your preferences and interests, whether it be the interface of the valley with the fjords or more on the inland aspects of the valley, and they will create the perfect outing.

Duration: 5–6 Hours
Fitness Level: Easy

Day 5: Bella Coola | Return Home

If you are flying back to Vancouver with Pacific Coastal Airlines, 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 just relax before taking the shuttle back to the Bella Coola Airport for the flight back to Vancouver or to the BC Ferries Terminal.

If you are driving home, the generous hospitality team will pack you a lunch, if you would like, before wishing you the best and helping you on your way.

Accommodations

Tweedsmuir Park Lodge

Tweedsmuir Park aerial view
Lodge porch
Tweedsmuir Park Lodge

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$3,817 2-3 travelers
Loft chaletsLoft ChaletsLoft ChaletLoft Chalet
Loft Chalets
Elevate your British Columbia wilderness experience with the chalets' modern amenities, all harmoniously integrated into the natural elegance of our surroundings. Each chalet, adorned with locally sourced artwork and exquisite wood paneling, offers air conditioning, individual in-room climate control, and complimentary satellite wireless internet, ensuring your stay is as comfortable as it is memorable. Additional features, such as a small refrigerator and coffee maker, cater to your every need. Ground floor: 1 x Queen bed Loft: 1 x Double bed
Pika DuplexPika DuplexPika DuplexPika Duplex
Pika Duplex
The Pika Duplex offers a modern take on wilderness luxury with a Scandinavian flair. The two separate, self-contained suites of the Pika Duplex make it perfect for families or groups of friends, but the units can also be booked individually. Large windows make it easy to admire the spectacular scenery, and the Atnarko River and our wildlife viewing platforms are steps away. Both units are tastefully decorated with original art and wood, and they have all the modern amenities to ensure an enjoyable stay, including air conditioning, an in-room thermostat, complimentary satellite wireless internet, an iPod docking station, a small fridge, and a coffee maker. Side A: 1 x King bed Side B: 2 x Queen bed
Log ChaletLog ChaletLog ChaletLog Chalet
Log Chalets
The chalet has a handcrafted log-style king bed on the main floor and a single bed in the loft, making it ideal for couples on a romantic getaway or a small family. Designed with comfort in mind, the Grizzly Log Chalet is decorated with the work of local artists and has top-quality amenities to ensure an enjoyable stay. Enjoy the spa-style slate-tiled ensuite bathroom with a double-headed shower and biodegradable shampoo and body care products by Eco. Then relax by the gas fireplace in your plush cotton robes and slippers.
Elevated SuitesElevated SuitesElevated SuitesElevated Suites
Elevated Suites
The Elevated Suites offer a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern luxury, providing an unforgettable retreat in the heart of the wilderness. Each unit has premium furnishings, including a king-size bed and a spacious living room perfect for hosting intimate indoor gatherings. Additional amenities include a natural gas fireplace and a 4-piece ensuite bathroom. Suites are ideally suited for those looking for an elevated indoor perspective of the property. Each suite can accommodate up to 2 adults traveling as partners and sharing one bed, solo travelers, or those requiring a private workspace.

Notes

All rates are before tax and are subject to a 5% Goods and Services Tax, a $11 per night Hotel & MRDT, and a 2% Sustainability Surcharge. Please request a quote for full details.

Rates may vary based on current exchange rate.

Included
  • 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners
  • 4 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Snacks
  • Meet and greet at the Bella Coola Airport or BC Ferries Terminal
  • Small Group transfers to and from Tweedsmuir Park Lodge at the start and end of stay
  • A selection of top wines, predominately from British Columbia, Craft beers from local breweries, and award-winning spirits
  • Two half-day or one full-day guided activities on each full day of stay.
  • Professional Wilderness and wildlife guides
  • Adventure equipment such as binoculars, radios, rain jackets and pants, umbrellas, climbing harnesses, mountain bikes, helmets, and lifejackets.
  • Lodge amenities such as a private wildlife viewing platform, hot tub, cedar sauna, fitness center, yoga studio, dining room, lounge, outdoor patio, fire pit, and retail shop.
  • Use of game rooms such as billiards tables, dart boards, foosball tables, poker tables, satellite televisions, stone fireplaces, well-stocked libraries, and board games.
  • Complimentary internet available throughout the main lodge and guest chalets.
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Premium alcoholic drinks
  • Cost of travel to and from Bella Coola
  • Custom trip enhancements
  • Retail purchases
  • A 5% Goods and Service Tax (GST)
  • A 2% Sustainability Surcharge (SST)
  • An $11 Per Person per Municipality and Regional District Tax (MRDT)

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Typically not offered during this period because of weather conditions.

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider

Canada Travel Guide

Favorite Canada All Trips

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By