Hotel overview

Great Bear Lodge is located about 50 miles from Port Hardy, in an outstanding location amidst the spectacular beauty of coastal British Columbia. It is a fully self-contained floating lodge, moored in a tranquil inlet flanked with rainforest, and offers guests an unparalleled wildlife experience. This is the realm of the grizzly bear and from May to October it is possible to view them in their natural environment - grazing the estuary edges in springtime, foraging on wild berries during the summer and honing their fishing skills as they catch the wild Pacific salmon in autumn. Bear viewing areas are reached by boat or mini-bus ride from the lodge, with opportunity to see other wildlife en route – black bears, otters, mink, pine martens, harbour seals, bald eagles and even the elusive wolf. All viewing is accompanied by a professional guide who will share insight in to the bears’ behaviour and biology as well as the ecology of the area. Accommodation at the lodge consists of simple but comfortable rooms, each with en suite bathroom and looking out over the water and forest. There is a communal dining room where freshly prepared gourmet meals are served, wherever possible made from locally sourced, organic ingredients and often using freshly caught fish. There an extensive library and cosy seating area where guests and guides can share bear stories at the end of the day, and the outside deck is wonderful spot to simply soak up the scenery, and of course keep an eye out for more wildlife!

The lodge offers three or six night packages, which include floatplane transfers from/to Port Hardy.

Key Facilities:

  • Restaurant
  • Bar

Price: from £2,820 per person for a three night package; from £5,020 per person for a seven night package

Excursion

Victoria – Ideas for Free Time

Victoria is home to a range of historic and cultural landmarks. The Royal British Columbia Museum is widely regarded as the province’s best museum, featuring natural history exhibits, a recreated early colonial Victoria street scene, and an excellent in-depth exhibit on the culture of the First Nations peoples of Vancouver Island. The Legislature Building and Government House are worth a visit for those interested in the city’s political history, while the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria showcases an impressive collection of both local and international artwork. For outdoor enthusiasts, a wildlife-watching or sightseeing trip is highly recommended. Take a boat or seaplane from the Inner Harbour to explore sweeping ocean vistas and, with luck, spot iconic marine mammals such as whales or seals. The Inner Harbour itself is a vibrant hub, dominated by the grand and historic Fairmont Empress Hotel, surrounded by beautiful gardens and a picturesque walkway along the waterfront. Just around the corner, Fisherman’s Wharf is a colourful and lively spot with floating homes, bustling docks, and kiosks where you can grab an ice cream or coffee while watching the fishing boats unload their catch. A short journey from downtown, Butchart Gardens is a must-visit, especially in the spring and summer when thousands of flowers are in bloom. These vibrant gardens attract a variety of butterflies, bees, and birds, offering a peaceful and colourful escape into nature. Victoria is also home to ‘Mile 0,’ the starting point of the 7,821-kilometre Trans-Canada Highway, which stretches all the way to Newfoundland on Canada’s east coast. While tackling the entire highway may be a dream for another day, getting your photo taken at Mile 0 is a fun way to mark the beginning of this iconic route.  

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