Berry Island Wilderness Lodge

Berry Island Wilderness Lodge is one of those places that feels much more personal than a typical wilderness lodge, and that’s largely down to the people behind it. Formerly known as Farewell Harbour Lodge, it has recently been taken on by the Gee family, alongside the Maybee family who bring deep local knowledge of the area. Together, they are shaping Berry Island into a wildlife lodge that feels authentic, relaxed and genuinely connected to its surroundings.

Set on a small island on the central coast of British Columbia, deep within the Great Bear Rainforest, the lodge is accessed by water taxi or seaplane via Port Hardy. From the moment you arrive, everything revolves around the tides, the weather and the wildlife, with each day spent exploring the surrounding waterways, estuaries and forest.

Stays are typically offered as three, four or seven night all-inclusive packages, following a flexible structure that allows guides to adapt each day based on conditions and wildlife activity. A typical stay includes a mix of full-day bear viewing excursions, marine wildlife safaris and a choice of additional experiences such as kayaking, rainforest walks or cultural visits, all interspersed with time to relax back at the lodge.

Wildlife is the main focus throughout. Days out on the water offer the chance to see grizzly and black bears along the shoreline and in estuaries, while the surrounding waters of Johnstone Strait and the Broughton Archipelago are rich in marine life, with regular sightings of humpback whales, orca, sea lions, dolphins and porpoises. Early summer tends to be excellent for marine wildlife, while late summer and autumn bring increasing bear activity as salmon runs draw them into the rivers.

The lodge itself blends both land-based and floating accommodation, with a main lodge and a collection of private oceanfront suites overlooking the harbour. Rooms are comfortable and well-appointed, each with private bathrooms, while the communal spaces, including a lounge with fireplace and wraparound deck, create a relaxed and sociable atmosphere.

Evenings are informal, with guests gathering for dinner and sharing stories from the day’s sightings. It’s a friendly, family-run environment rather than a formal lodge experience, and that’s very much part of its charm.

With accommodation, meals, guiding, excursions and transfers all included, it’s a highly immersive way to experience the wildlife and wilderness of coastal British Columbia.