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Spirit Bear Retreat

Wildlife Watching Holiday at Spirit Bear Lodge Canada

Situated in the remote First Nations fishing village of Klemtu, Spirit Bear lodge is in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest. Nestled in a calm archipelago of islands, protected from the wild Pacific, Spirit Bear Lodge offers unrivalled access to a profusion of wildlife including grizzly bears, humpback whales, spawning salmon, wolves, cougars and the elusive spirit bear. The lodge is a community based ecotourism venture owned and operated by the Kitasoo/Xai’xais, First Nations people that have lived in the area for generations. They share the forest and salmon with a very special creature they call moskgm'ol, or spirit bear, that some believe hold super-natural powers. This wildlife watching holiday is a one-off opportunity to witness the elusive spirit bear whilst enjoying the hospitality of your hosts.

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WHAT, WHERE & WHEN

DAY 1:

Depart Vancouver for Bella Bella, flying high above the wild coastal rainforest that will be your home for the next five days. After the two hour flight you will arrive into the Great Bear Rainforest, greeted by Spirit Bear Lodge staff. Take a short transfer to the port before boarding the lodge’s water taxi for a scenic 90 minute journey to Klemtu and Spirit Bear Lodge. Sit back and enjoy the journey through the peaceful archipelago, keeping your eye out for passing humpbacks, orcas or white sided dolphins.

Arrive at the lodge, nestled in a remote wilderness, for a short welcome orientation, briefing you on the facilities and bear viewing programmes. Enjoy your first delicious buffet dinner with a glass of premium BC wine, before an evening presentation on some aspects of bear and coastal ecology or Aboriginal culture and history. Relax this evening, admiring the towering green forest and diverse river estuary.

Staying at: Spirit Bear Lodge



DAY 2:

Arise early for a hearty breakfast and your first full day of bear viewing! Your bear observation programme begins with a short trip along pristine river valleys by water taxi, zodiac or simply propelling along the water silently by oar. Join experienced guides with intimate knowledge of the behaviour and movement patterns of the bears, positioning you in the perfect rocky outcrop or forest canopy, allowing special eye level viewing and photographic opportunities of the bears in their stunning surroundings. Experience the wonderful bears in their natural habitat, fishing for salmon, foraging for berries or digging for roots.

Spirit Bear Lodge works closely with the Coastal Guardian Network of watchmen of the region to maximise your viewing opportunities of grizzly and spirit bears. Although the lodge cannot guarantee spirit bear viewings, guests will benefit from the experience of the First Nation guides and knowledge of the seasons. Spirit bears are elusive creatures, so we recommend travelling between August to October for the best chance to view these magnificent creatures. Each month has a different seasonal appeal and attraction.

After a day of bear viewing, share stories and relax before a nourishing dinner in ‘The Great Room’. Relax on one of the comfy couches in the intimate central room, entertained by a further evening presentation.

DAY 3:

Begin the day with an early morning warming breakfast before heading out on foot into the temperate rainforest, home to the world's only Kitasoo Spirit Bear Conservancy. The area hosts stunning fjords, mountains and valleys abundant with wildlife.

Many of the Kitasoo/Xai’xais people believe the elusive Spirit Bears hold super-natural powers, a name that suits its mythical like presence. Today your First Nations guide will walk you through the rainforest wilderness in search of the white coated spirit bears. There are less than 400 spirit bears left in the coastal area that stretches from Vancouver Island northwards to the Alaskan panhandle. The Kitasoo Spirit Bear Conservancy, located on nearby Princess Royal Island, is home to the largest population of Spirit Bears, making the lodge the perfect base to experience these magnificent bears.

Join fellow guests this evening, reviewing photographs and experiences from the day, before a sumptuous meal with premium BC wines.

DAY 4:

Today you have a choice of adventures as detailed below. The lodge not only offers amazing bear viewing programmes, but also the chance to photograph humpback whales travelling the pristine fjords, experience First Nations culture with a visit to the culturally significant Big House or beachcombing at Kitasu Bay. All adventures are subject to suitable weather conditions, and we cannot guarantee the order of the final itinerary as this will be confirmed on arrival at the resort.

Relax this evening with a final delicious meal overlooking the grey-blue waters of the pacific ocean, taking in this unique atmosphere.

Choose from one of the following activities today:
- Spirit Quest to one of the pristine valleys in the Spirit Bear Conservancy
- Additional Grizzly viewing tours to Fiordland Recreation Area
- Whale-watching in the Finlayson Channel
- First Nations Cultural tour to UNESCO candidate site Dis’ju
- Boat excursions to Kitasu Hill
- Sea kayaking day trip excursion
- Beachcombing at Kitasu Bay

DAY 5:

After a final buffet breakfast, choose to kayak through the surrounding labyrinth of inland fjords paddling along the shores south of Klemtu, explore the rainforest with a guided trek or learn about the rich culture of the Kitasoo/Xai’xais First Nations. Depart the lodge between for a final chance to spot whales and porpoises during your journey back to Bella Bella to catch a flight back to Vancouver. Arrive into Vancouver allowing you time to explore this great coastal city. We would be happy to help plan your Vancouver stay or extend your adventure in Canada, allowing you the chance to explore the amazing sites of Vancouver Island or the Canadian Rockies.

BUDGET

From £3995 per person (based on two people sharing) including flights from Vancouver

This roughly converts to: 4,594 EUR | 5,233 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:

4 nights

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