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Knight Inlet Lodge

Hotel overview

Knight Inlet Lodge is located in remote Glendale Cove, a sheltered inlet on the mainland coast of British Columbia, surrounded by steep rainforest-clad mountains and the waters of the Pacific. Floating on the cove itself, it’s a peaceful and immersive setting, and one of the best places in Canada to see grizzly bears in the wild.

Access is via a short floatplane flight from Campbell River, with an overnight stay there included as part of the package. From the moment you arrive, the focus is on getting out into the surrounding wilderness, with guided excursions by boat and on foot to explore the estuary, river systems and forest.

Stays are offered as three to five night all-inclusive packages, following a well-paced structure that balances wildlife viewing with time to relax at the lodge. Days typically include multiple guided excursions, with bear viewing sessions, scenic boat trips and interpretive walks, all led by knowledgeable local guides. The itinerary remains flexible, allowing guides to adapt plans depending on weather and wildlife activity.

The experience changes through the season. In spring, bears are most often seen grazing along the estuary edges, with viewing by boat offering excellent opportunities to observe natural behaviour. During the summer months, wildlife viewing continues by boat, with a broader mix of activities and the chance to see marine life in the surrounding waters. From late August into October, the focus shifts to peak bear viewing, as salmon runs bring high concentrations of grizzlies to the rivers, often observed safely from raised viewing platforms.

Beyond the bears, the area is rich in wildlife, with opportunities to see orca from mid-summer, humpback whales later in the season, as well as seals, dolphins, porpoises and a wide range of birdlife. Activities such as kayaking, forest walks and wildlife tracking tours add further variety to the stay.

The lodge itself features 18 comfortable en suite rooms, all with views over either Glendale Cove or the surrounding forest. The atmosphere is relaxed and sociable, with a central dining area serving hearty, freshly prepared meals, and communal lounge and deck spaces where guests can unwind and take in the scenery.

With accommodation, meals, guiding, excursions and floatplane transfers all included, it’s a well-rounded and accessible way to experience the wildlife of coastal British Columbia in a truly memorable setting.

Key Facilities:

  • Restaurant
  • Bar / lounge
  • Viewing platforms
  • Guided excursions
  • Kayaking
  • Outdoor decks
  • Sauna
  • All-inclusive dining

Price: from £3,199 per person for a three night package.

Excursion

A Taste of Victoria

Victoria is a haven for food lovers, and a guided walking food tour is one of the best ways to explore the city’s rich culinary scene and vibrant history. Combining historic charm with modern flavours, these tours take you through some of Victoria’s most iconic neighbourhoods, including Chinatown, Old Town, and downtown. Each tour typically includes 7 local foodie stops, offering 8-10 delicious samples of food and beverages that showcase the city’s diverse culinary offerings. You might enjoy farm-to-table dishes, South Indian specialties, authentic Mexican tacos, Thai dumplings, Cantonese baked buns, Middle Eastern street food, pastries, charcuterie, French macarons, and even decadent chocolate tastings. To complement the flavours, you may also get to sample local craft beer, BC wines, or other regional beverages. Please note, dishes may vary depending on availability, and vegetarian options are often available, though gluten allergies may not be accommodated. Along the way, you’ll explore historic sites such as the Victoria Public Market, Fan Tan Alley, Market Square, the Legislature Building, the Inner Harbour, the Royal Theatre, and Fort Street. These tours are led by expert local guides who share fascinating stories about Victoria’s early history and its evolution into a modern food destination. With light walking (approximately 45 minutes), these tours are accessible and wheelchair-friendly, making them an ideal way to uncover the hidden culinary gems of Victoria while soaking in its history and culture.

Excursion

Northern Vancouver Island - Ideas for Free Time

Much of northern Vancouver Island’s appeal lies in its wilderness and dramatic coastline, with rich marine life offshore and a real sense of being on the edge of the Pacific. It’s a brilliant area for seasonal wildlife viewing, with trips often departing from Telegraph Cove into Johnstone Strait in search of whales, and along sheltered inlets and shorelines where bears can sometimes be seen foraging. Depending on the day, you may also spot seals, porpoises, sea lions, bald eagles and plenty of marine birdlife. In Telegraph Cove, the Whale Interpretive Centre has long been a fantastic place to add context to what you see on the water, but it’s important to know that a fire on 31 December 2024 destroyed multiple buildings on the historic boardwalk, including the Whale Interpretive Centre, and its collection was lost. The good news is that the society behind it is actively rebuilding and, in the meantime, they are operating in a reduced capacity so visitors can still learn about local marine mammals and conservation work. If you’d like some easy time on land, there are plenty of options for gentle walks and viewpoint trails around Telegraph Cove, Port McNeill and Port Hardy, as well as relaxed beachcombing and watching the light shift across the water. Each town also has a small community museum, which can be a nice, low-key way to get a feel for the area’s fishing heritage and local stories. For a simple day trip, Alert Bay is a great addition. It sits on Cormorant Island, reached by a short ferry ride from Port McNeill, and it’s known for its colourful waterfront and strong cultural identity. A key highlight is the U’mista Cultural Centre, a respected First Nations museum, and the island is a lovely place to spend a few hours wandering among the totems and soaking up the coastal atmosphere.  

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Open Mon-Fri: 9am-5:30pm

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