Tweedsmuir Park Lodge

Grizzly Bear Watching Holiday at Tweedsmuir Park Lodge  

Nestled at the meeting point of three mighty valleys with stunning views of the aptly named mount Stupendous, is Tweedsmuir Park Lodge. This special retreat is set in sixty acres of private wilderness known as ‘Stuie’ in the native Nuxalk language, translating as ‘nice place to rest’. The diverse region is where the pacific ocean meets the mountains, creating a spectacular environment home to deep fjords, enormous glaciers, ancient forests and an abundance of wildlife. Originally built as a hunting lodge, the resort was rebuilt in 1952 to accommodate those seeking a more eco-friendly adventure. In Autumn, when the salmon arrive to spawn, the Great Bear Rainforest is home to one of the highest concentrations of grizzly bears, making this the perfect destination to experience these beautiful creatures up close. The lodge can easily be reached by flight from Vancouver or as part of a self drive holiday in northern British Columbia.

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SUGGESTED ITINERARY

WHAT, WHERE & WHEN

DAY 1:

Arrive into Bella Coola where you will be greeted and transferred to the lodge, enjoying a scenic drive en route. We recommend arriving no later than 2pm as your first bear viewing tour will begin shortly after!

Once checked in and settled, start your holiday at the main lodge with an orientation and informative bear awareness seminar.

This afternoon prepare to come face to face with grizzly bears, a majestic symbol of the wild, on the first of your bear viewing adventures. Join an experienced guide aboard non-motorized boats, the ideal vessel to float silently along the river, leaving the bears undisturbed in their natural environment. Drift along the Atnarko river enjoying the peaceful silence and incredible mountain scenery. Autumn heralds the arrival of the salmon that spawn in the river, enticing the magnificent bald eagles and powerful grizzly bears to the area for an easy meal. River drift adventures are unique experiences exclusively found at the lodge, presenting you with the best opportunity to view the mighty grizzly bear, as well as black bears and river otters.

The bears aren’t the only ones who will be feasting on a delicious meal; you will too! Arrive at the main lodge for dinner, served at 7:00pm every night. The chef prepares an international cuisine with a British Columbian twist, using the best local ingredients, including foraged wild mushrooms, freshly caught seafood and herbs straight from the garden. After dinner enjoy your surroundings with a crackling fire or gaze at the night sky from your private cabin.

Staying at:



DAY 2:

Your stay at the lodge allows access to a private wildlife viewing station, the ideal setting to begin your day observing the wilderness. The raised platform provides unobstructed views along the river and morning is a great time to spot bears. Breakfast is served at 8am with a choice of continental breakfast and freshly prepared hot food using local produce.

Accompany your naturalist guide on a nature walk through the old growth forest of Tweedsmuir Park. You will be shown how to track the bears, pointing out various bear signs, including trees marked by bear claw and bite marks and holes in the forest floor that the bears use to relax in the day. A picnic lunch is served amongst the mountainous peaks and fjords below. An afternoon drive along Tote Road explores more of the provincial park, passing old, abandoned homesteads and ancient forests. Stretch your legs with a short hike to the beautiful Stillwater lake, a pristine lake that should not be missed.

Arrive at the lodge in the late afternoon in time for hors d'oeuvres on the sundeck, relaxing with new friends and discussing the day's adventures. After dinner end the day with a visit to the wildlife viewing platform, hoping to spot a wandering grizzly bear or fishing bald eagle.

DAY 3:

Enjoy a nourishing breakfast this morning before setting out on the Atnarko River by drift boat, silently searching for more bears. Bears are most active in the morning and evening, but during the Autumn, when the bears must gain wait to hibernate, bears may be active throughout the day. Following a picnic lunch, your knowledgeable guide will take you deeper into the park in search of wildlife. Your guides are able to explore the region with ease, with an amazing knowledge of viewing areas, treks and vantage points, they provide you with the best chance of spotting wildlife.

Journey back to the lodge this afternoon for a final night of delicious food and wildlife viewing.

DAY 4:

Today is your last day in this pristine wilderness. Make the most of it by making one last visit to the wildlife viewing station, hoping to glimpse a majestic grizzly enjoying an early morning breakfast. Your return transfer to the airport or dock is included. If four days is not long enough in this stunning setting please ask us about our fantastic four, five and week-long adventures.

BUDGET

From £2245 per person (based on two guests travelling) excluding flights

This roughly converts to: 2,582 EUR | 2,941 USD

Remember that each trip we craft is unique, and you'll receive a personalised trip proposal based on your travel dates and preferences, and in the currency of your choice (GBP, USD, or EUR).

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Additional Info

This trip has flexible daily departures

Many of trips can be tailored to your requirements and departure dates. Please get in touch with us for a tailored quotation and details of availability for your preferred travel dates. All trips and departures are subject to availability.

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IDEAL TRIP LENGTH:

3 nights

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