OVERVIEW 

 

Our land based itinerary is based out of Klemtu, BC, staying at the Spirit Bear Lodge.  The 4, 5, 6 or 7 day tour packages, will give you the opportunity to visit this amazing and unique part of the world.

 

Experience the rich cultural and natural history of BC's wild coast. See the rare Spirit bear and majestic Grizzly bear, that inhabit the traditional territory of the Kitasoo/Xai'xais First Nation.

 

Spirit Bear Lodge is situated in the small, remote Kitasoo/Xai’xais fishing village of Klemtu. Located 280 nautical miles north of Vancouver, Klemtu is truly in the heart of the rainforest. Nestled in a remote archipelago of small islands and thus protected from the wild Pacific, Klemtu is centrally positioned to offer unparalleled access to some of the best grizzly and Spirit Bear viewing in the region.

 

Because the Lodge is owned and operated by First Nations, their staff, many of whom were born and raised in Klemtu, have exclusive access to some of the special Spirit Bear viewing areas in the recently created Spirit Bear Conservancy.

 

From the lodge you’ll travel in small groups by motorboat, exploring the temperate rainforest and ecological wonders of Princess Royal Island, home to the world’s only Kitasoo Spirit Bear Conservancy. You will be able to interact with the abundant wildlife and have an authentic experience with the cultural heritage of the region. Fabulous opportunities exist to watch and photograph these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. This is a wilderness viewing experience and because Spirit Bear Lodge is a local operator and travel the territory extensively throughout the year, their guides know the best locations to view Spirit Bears.  The guides also work with noted biologists to learn more about bear behaviour and ecology. Some of these biologists join the tours on occasion. Join us for the trip of lifetime!

 

ITINERARY  

 

Day 1 ~ Arrive Vancouver/Bella Bella    

Arrive in Vancouver in time to connect with the afternoon flight to Bella Bella.  After collecting your luggage, you’ll take the short 10-minute ground transfer to the dock where a water taxi awaits to whisk you to Spirit Bear Lodge in the small First Nations community of Klemtu.

 

Enjoy the scenic 90-minute journey through the maze of coastal islands as you travel deep into the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest – keeping your eyes out for Humpback whales, Dall’s porpoises or Orcas.

 

Arrive in time for a sumptuous supper.

 

After supper, you’ll be briefed on the details of your first bear-viewing excursion departing the following morning. After your briefing, enjoy a glass of premium BC wine as you take in an evening presentation on some aspect of bear ecology or indigenous culture and history. In the morning, arise early for a hearty breakfast and your first full-day bear viewing adventure!

 

Spirit Bear Lodge (D)

 

Day 2-3/4/5/6    Spirit Bear Lodge/Princess Royal Island

For the next 2, 3, 4, or 5 days you’ll enjoy daily excursions by boat to different pristine river valleys and estuaries located in the traditional territory, which in good weather, are typically about 90 minutes from the lodge.

 

Upon arrival at your destination we will disembark the boat to explore the lush river valleys and broad, braided estuaries on foot. Your guides will have an intimate knowledge of the behavior and movement patterns of the bears and will often situate guests under the forest canopy or on a rocky outcropping to get unique and special eye-level viewing and photographic opportunities as the bears forage for roots, berries or feast on salmon.

 

Depending on your location we may also board small zodiacs and propel silently under oar or by small outboard motor further up a river or into the braided channels of an estuary to view bears.

 

Anyone 12 years of age and older who is active and mobile is suitable for our tours. It is truly an exhilarating and unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience to be in the company of wild bears whilst taking advantage of the experience and judgement of our seasoned bear guides.

 

Spirit Bear Lodge (B, L, D)

 

Day 7            Spirit Bear Lodge/Bella Bella/Vancouver

This morning after breakfast you’ll say your farewells and head back to Vancouver. (B)

 

End of Trip

 

(Code: B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)

​

LAND COST FROM:  $2,950 per person