Discover Great Bear Lodge — one of British Columbia’s most intimate wilderness escapes and the ultimate place to see grizzly bears in the wild. Hidden deep in a pristine river valley on BC’s remote central coast, this floating eco-lodge offers just 8 rooms hosting a maximum of 16 guests at a time, ensuring an exclusive and unforgettable bear viewing adventure.
Accessible only by scenic seaplane from Port Hardy, Great Bear Lodge combines breathtaking bear encounters with warm hospitality, wilderness-gourmet meals, and expert-guided nature activities. If spotting wild grizzlies is on your bucket list, you’ll find it here — pure Canadian wilderness at its very best
5-Day Itinerary
Day 1 | Vancouver to Great Bear Lodge
Depart Vancouver International Airport on a 70-minute flight to Port Hardy. On arrival, you’ll transfer into town to enjoy lunch at your leisure (own expense) and explore the local shops and waterfront.
Mid-afternoon, you’ll board a floatplane for a spectacular flight over the Queen Charlotte Strait to your floating lodge deep in the wilderness. After a warm welcome and introduction to the lodge, you’ll set out on your first unforgettable grizzly bear viewing excursion.
Day 2 | Great Bear Lodge
After breakfast, set off in search of grizzly bears. A typical viewing session lasts about three hours.
Return to the lodge for lunch and time to relax, then spend the early afternoon exploring the area with your guide — the interpretive rainforest walk is always a favourite, spotting bear signs and learning about the local ecology.
Later this afternoon, head out for another bear viewing session before returning to the lodge for dinner. If the skies are clear this evening, step outside for spectacular stargazing.
Day 3 | Great Bear Lodge
As your stay at the lodge continues, you’ll settle into the natural rhythm of the valley. The bears are usually most active in the early mornings and late afternoons, so your viewing sessions focus on these times. Over your stay, you’ll visit different sites depending on bear activity.
This afternoon, you may join a guided sea kayaking tour of the estuary or a boat cruise through the glacier-carved inlet — or simply relax and enjoy the view from the lodge. The Great Bear Rainforest is also home to grey wolves, otters, black bears, mink and bald eagles.
Day 4 | Great Bear Lodge to Port Hardy
After your final bear viewing session, enjoy lunch at the Great Bear Lodge before departing. You’ll return to Port Hardy in the late afternoon, usually between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm.
Due to the region’s unpredictable weather, you’ll spend the night at a hotel in Port Hardy before continuing your journey.
Day 5 | Port Hardy to Vancouver
After check-out of your hotel in Port Hardy, you will be transferred to the Port Hardy airport for your return flight to Vancouver.
* Note 8-Day Itinerary also available.
Inclusions
- 3 nights’ accommodation at Great Bear Lodge (ensuite room)
- 1 nights’ accommodation in Port Hardy
- All meals (B, L, D) during your stay at Great Bear Lodge
- Beer and wine with dinner at Great Bear Lodge
- Economy class flights Vancouver to Port Hardy return
- Shared transfers in Port Hardy
- Shared seaplane flights Port Hardy to Great Bear return
- Shared bear viewing and other activities at Great Bear Lodge
- Rain gear (if required) and binoculars at Great Bear Lodge
- Gratuities and stewardship bear research fee
- BC conservation licensing fee and First Nations user fee
Not Included
- International Flights
- All beverages and meals in Port Hardy
- Alcoholic beverages not listed as included at Great Bear Nature Lodge
2026 Pricing
07 May – 29 Jun $7,190pp
30 Jun – 19 Aug $6,325pp
20 Aug – 16 Oct $9,565pp Twin Share | $14,990 Single
*Full Booking Terms and Conditions Apply. Pricing varies due to fluctuations in exchange rates. Please enquire about pricing for the 8 day/7 night programme. The minimum age requirement is 15 years; adult pricing applies. The price of the included economy class flights are subject to change. A soft-sided luggage restriction of 14kg per person applies. Bear viewing is mainly by boat except in autumn when it’s on platforms. No internet or mobile phone service is available at Great Bear Nature Lodge.