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Bear Watching in Klemtu. British Columbia, Canada
Spirit Bear Lodge is British Columbia’s most remote wildlife viewing lodge and every day offers a unique experience. Explore a variety of breathtaking locations in pursuit of the diverse wildlife that call The Great Bear Rainforest home. Travel through the Traditional Territory of the Kitasoo Xai’xais First Nation, reaching different wildlife viewing locations each day. Tours are tailored based on recent wildlife sightings, tides, and weather conditions. Some days may be spent patiently waiting in a river system for wildlife to appear, while others might involve visiting multiple locations, cruising the shoreline, or exploring estuaries by zodiac. Certain days are dedicated to seeking out the elusive spirit bear, while others focus on seeking out grizzly bears and whales. That said, guides always remain vigilant for spirit bear sightings and are ready to adjust plans accordingly.
Each day is enriched by Kitasoo Xai’xais Culture, engage with local staff, visit culturally significant sites, and learn about the history of the Kitasoo Xai’xais People. Kitasoo Xai’xais staff share their profound knowledge of their Territory and stories that have been passed down through generations. Have a transformative experience through complete immersion in nature and by sharing a deep appreciation for the wilderness of The Great Bear Rainforest.
With only 12 rooms, the lodge accommodations are intimate, spacious yet cozy and can be outfitted with a comfortable king bed or a pair of twin beds. Gaze out towards the grey blue waters of the Great Bear Sea from your comfortable room, the dining area, deck, or the dock and watch for passing humpback whales, orca, sea lions, otters, eagles and various other species.
Ask us about the different package options; this itinerary is flexible and can be from 3-6 nights at the lodge. You can also add more nights in Vancouver or extend your holiday to visit other areas. Talk to one of our experts about how to make this holiday the perfect one for you.
When to see the bears
The lodge is open from August 7 to October 16 and each month offers a different opportunity for bear watching, wildlife and other activities. They offer 4 night or 6 nights stays.
August is when the bears start to know that it is the beginning of the great salmon feast. Salmon begin to school in greater numbers at the entrances to the rivers and the bears then begin to congregate near the river mouth of many systems. By mid to late August, the spawning has begun in the inner coastal rivers. Also, although Spirit Bears can be seen anytime after they emerge from their dens in early Spring, the first good sightings are typically in August.
September is when the salmon spawn is well underway and grizzly bears, black bears and Spirit Bears will all be vying for the best fishing opportunities. The bear numbers begin to spike upwards at this time as they are feeding almost continuously.
October often sees another spike in bear numbers as the spawned-out salmon are being pushed back down to the river mouth, making the fishing easier. Bears are keen to fatten themselves up before winter so activity can be busy and exciting. While bear viewing can be excellent in October, this month also often brings with it the start of the seasonal rains that gives the Great Bear Rainforest part of its well-earned name.
Guide Price
Based on flights with Air Canada from London Heathrow to Vancouver, 3 nights accommodation in Vancouver and a 4 night package with Spirit Bear Lodge – from £6495 per person of 2 sharing. The stay at Spirit Bear Lodge is all inclusive with return flights from Vancouver to Bella Bella, ocean view rooms, exclusive access to some of the world’s most amazing wildlife, indigenous inspired cuisine and all gratuities.
Jan Vening - Travelled to British Columbia"Thank you for the adventure of a lifetime!"
Thank you for the adventure of a lifetime!!! Two years ago we used this company for a holiday to BC and it was fantastic. This year we went to Alaska and the Yukon and Heidi organised the most wonderful trip, that went as smoothly as is possible. From the Arctic Circle to Kodiak Island everything was PERFECT (so rare in this day and age!!!) As for wildlife...wow! She arranged for us to travel by several different means of transport and to stay in a wide range of accommodation all of which gave us an idea of life in this vast area of North America. We are left with wonderful memories and thousands of beautiful photos.
Itinerary (7 Nights)
Here’s a day-by-day guide to your itinerary. Feel free to ask us to add other days or ideas and excursions by contacting us directly, so we can give you the best price.
Day 2
Vancouver to Klemtu
Head to Vancouver’s South Terminal for your Pacific Coastal Airlines scheduled 2-hour flight to Bella...
Day 2
Vancouver
to Klemtu
Head to Vancouver’s South Terminal for your Pacific Coastal Airlines scheduled 2-hour flight to Bella Bella. You will be met at the airport and then have a short transfer by 15-passenger van to the boat dock. This is where the adventure truely begins as you search for wildlife during the 90-minute scenic journey to Spirit Bear Lodge in Klemtu. On arrival and check in, there will be a welcome orientation, then take some time to relax in your oceanview room or explore the village of Klemtu. Enjoy a delicious dinner and a next day activity briefing.
4 nights Spirit Bear Lodge.
Days 3-5
Klemtu
After breakfast, you will meet on the dock at 8am for the first full day...
Days 3-5
Klemtu
After breakfast, you will meet on the dock at 8am for the first full day of adventure which a include wildlife & bear watching, whale watching and visiting indigenous cultural sites. You will explore lush estuaries, forested rivers, stunning inlets with immense waterfalls and granite cliffs, beaches and rocky shoreline. Return to Spirit Bear Lodge in time for dinner. Each evening may include a cultural experience or educational presentation, time to relax overlooking The Great Bear Sea, or the opportunity to explore the village of Klemtu.
Day 6
Klemtu to Vancouver
After breakfast pack up and head to the traditional Big House for a cultural experience...
Day 6
Klemtu
to
Vancouver
After breakfast pack up and head to the traditional Big House for a cultural experience and traditional farewell. At 11am, you will board the water taxi for the 90-minute trip back to Bella Bella, arriving in time to catch your afternoon flight back to Vancouver, which arrives between 5-7pm, depending on the season.
On arrival, head to your downtown Vancouver hotel.
2 nights in Vancouver.
Day 7
A full day in Vancouver to enjoy the city and take in the sights, maybe...
Day 7
Vancouver
A full day in Vancouver to enjoy the city and take in the sights, maybe on a sightseeing tour to ensure you don’t miss anything.
If you have had a taste for the First Nations culture, head to the Museum of Anthropology or view the totems in Stanley Park.
Day 8
Enjoy some last minute shopping or sightseeing before you head back to the airport for...
Day 8
Vancouver
Enjoy some last minute shopping or sightseeing before you head back to the airport for your flight home. Alternatively we can extend your holiday with an Alaskan Cruise, a train journey over to the Rockies, or hire a car and further explore British Canada. Talk to us for the best holiday possible.
