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Destinations

BELLA COOLA & GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST

In Bella Coola, British Columbia, the Coast Range mountains meet the Pacific Ocean creating one of the most spectacular, yet isolated, wilderness areas on the planet. Long fjords, old growth forests, stunning peaks, vast glaciers and abundant wildlife. This pristine region is home to countless salmon, bald eagles and grizzly bears!

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • View and photograph splendid mountain scenery while drifting the scenic Atnarko River in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park
  • Learn to track grizzlies and look for bears (note, grizzly bear season is September & October)
  • Learn about the region’s First Nations culture by visiting ancient stone carvings and the local totem poles with Nuxalk guides
  • Explore the Great Bear Rainforest’s huge, ancient cedar trees
  • Climb the Via Ferrata route and marvel at the views from up top (climb up on metal rungs, while secured to a safety cable)

AT A GLANCE

ITINERARY DETAIL

DAY 1: ARRIVE BELLA COOLA – TRANSFER TO TWEEDSMUIR PARK LODGE


For those arriving by air via Pacific Coastal Airlines, enjoy the 70-minute mid-morning flight to Bella Coola, marvelling at the impressive Coast Range mountains and expansive fjord system as you fly overhead. On arrival at the Bella Coola Airport, the lodge staff will greet you and transfer you the 45 minutes to the lodge, highlighting points of interest along the way.

After check-in, there will be a short orientation of the lodge property and an informative bear awareness seminar.

Daily Summary
Tour: Bear Viewing
Accommodation: Tweedsmuir Park Lodge
Meals: D

Bear Viewing

Your bear viewing commences with a late afternoon Scenic River Drift down the Atnarko River. Relax and enjoy the amazing mountain scenery and keep your eyes open for wildlife! The salmon are spawning and provide an easy meal for majestic bald eagles and impressive grizzly bears. River otters and black bears may also be seen. The bears are busy fishing and ignore your presence, allowing you to see them at their most natural. It’s also a great way to capture amazing photographs.

The bears aren’t the only ones who will be feasting on a delicious meal; you will too, with a scrumptious 3-course dinner back at the lodge! Dinner is at 7:00pm every night

DAY 2: SCENIC DRIFT, ATNARKO RIVER


Kick-start your day with a choice of a hot or continental breakfast, served between 7:30am and 8:30am.

Atnarko Scenic River Drift

Drift down the meandering Atnarko River between lush green forests and with the snow-capped peaks of the Coast Range Mountains towering overhead. Relax and enjoy the scenery, but keep your eyes open for bald eagles, river otters, and bears, as well as five species of salmon, which call these waters home. This is the best activity for serious photographers. The Atnarko River features Class One waters.

Daily Summary
Tour: Atnarko Scenic River Drift
Tour: Guide Interpretive Nature Walk
Accommodation: Tweedsmuir Park Lodge
Meals: B, L, D

Our drifts are not about the thrill of running rapids but are about the serenity of traveling at a slow pace in a pristine environment with plenty of opportunities to capture amazing memories and photographs.

A delicious lunch will be served back at the lodge.

Guide Interpretive Nature Walk

To gain a full appreciation of this magnificent part of the world, it is best to venture out with a local guide who will draw on their own personal experiences and knowledge of the area to share information about the various temperate climate zones and their ecology. Together, these factors make the Bella Coola Valley one of the most interesting and biodiverse places to visit in the world.

They will also share their knowledge of the specific plants and animals that are native to the area. The stories shared will help to provide context to the geography and history that gave rise to this incredible landscape.

After the hike, you will arrive back at the lodge in the late afternoon. There will be time before dinner to relax and enjoy some hors d’oeuvres on the sun deck of the lodge while exchanging stories of the day with your fellow guests.

DAY 3: BELLA COOLA VALLEY TOUR


Highlights of the Bella Coola Valley

The program for today is a tour of the Bella Coola Valley. You will see fantastic geography, pristine ecosystems, and a rich First Nations heritage. After breakfast, your guide will drive you down the valley to see a grove of ancient cedar trees on Walker Island. These trees are in excess of 800 years old and were used by the Nuxalk First Nation to smoke salmon and provide planking for their longhouses. 

Daily Summary
Tour: Highlights of the Bella Coola Valley
Accommodation: Tweedsmuir Park Lodge
Meals: B, L, D

The cultural modifications are visible to this day. Bella Coola is Nuxalk First Nation territory, inhabitants of the valley for millennia and creators of a unique and vibrant artistic culture.

Lunch will be a picnic at Clayton Falls Park overlooking the fjord.

Perhaps the day’s highlight will be a tour with a member of the Nuxalk who will take us to the ancient petroglyphs. These petroglyphs (i.e. stone carvings) are hidden in a magical site tucked away in the woods. The carvings are estimated to be 3,000-5,000 years old and have been studied by the adventurer Thor Heyerdahl. You will also get to visit the Bella Coola townsite to see the totem poles, to shop at the art gallery for First Nations jewelry and masks.

Additional Options For Day 3

Fishing

River Boat Guided Fishing – Rates for 1 person – $954.80 CAD, 2 people – $1001 CAD, 3 people – $1046.10CAD
– With the McKenzie Drift Boat, it is possible to access the entire river system. You can fish from the boat as well as a stop at all the best fishing holes, including many hard-to-reach spots.

Self-Guided Fishing – Rod & Reel is $30 per day plus tax. Waders and fishing boots $30 per day plus tax.

*You will need to have or purchase a fishing license

Heli-Sightseeing

A Taste of Heli-Sightseeing – $1459 CAD (Rate for up to 5 people)
– Take off to explore the wonders of the Bella Coola Valley and the Great Bear Rainforest. Soar over glaciers, icefields, and spectacular rock cliffs with great views of Mt Saugstad & stunning views of the Bella Coola Valley. Included is a landing at 6700ft! Includes 18 minutes of flying time.

The Mountains & Glaciers of the Great Bear Rainforest – $3088 CAD (Rate for up to 5 people)
– A similar tour to A Taste of Heli-Sightseeing but more than twice as long! Witness tumbling glaciers composed of blue ice! Includes a landing at a glacial lake with incredible views. Includes approximately 42 minutes of flying time.

Highlights of the Great Bear Rainforest – $5298 CAD (Rate for up to 5 people)
– Soar past the spectacularly coloured Rainbow Range before flying over the thundering Hunlen Falls (3rd highest in Canada). From the falls fly past lakes and glaciers. It may be possible to see small icebergs floating in the lakes! Flypast Tweedsmuir Park Lodge to Mt Stupendous and, if conditions are right and the helicopter load permits, a landing can be made at 9,000’. The views are amazing. Includes approximately 72 minutes of flying time.

The Grand Tour: The Best of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Region – $8830 CAD (Rate for up to 5 people)
– On this tour experience the Great Bear Rainforest, the cowboy country of the Cariboo topped off with a lunch on the Pacific Ocean! Fly over alpine meadows, huge icefields, and the spectacularly coloured Rainbow Range. Then soar over Hunlen Falls, the 3rd highest waterfall in Canada! And to complete the tour, zoom through the largest fjord system in North America and enjoy a picnic lunch on a remote beach*! Includes approximately 120 minutes of flying time.

Heli-Hiking

Heli-Hiking Bella Coola’s Fjords and Peaks – $2548 CAD (Rate for up to 4 people)
– Soar past giant granite walls, land on a remote mountain then enjoy a guided hike, walking along ridgelines and through alpine meadows. View glaciers amongst the peaks overlooking the valley and town of Bella Coola, as well as taking in fantastic views of the Coast Range and inlet. Includes approximately 30 minutes of flying time.

Mountain Pass Explorer – $2548 CAD (Rate for up to 4 people)
– A moderate walk amongst wildflowers*, mountain shelves, and the peaks of the Coast Range. Enjoy stunning views of the mountains and valley below. Being a short flight from the hangar, this tour is perfect for those on a budget. Includes approximately 30 minutes of flying time.

Alpine Lakes and Wildflowers – $3660 CAD (Rate for up to 4 people)
– A perfect tour for those who would like a short, easy hike amongst alpine lakes and seasonal wildflowers*. This hike winds through a spectacular area with vistas of both the Rainbow Range and the Coast Range, enabling you to witness the transition from the drier Chilcotin plateau to the lush, verdant Great Bear Rainforest. Includes approximately 48 minutes of flying time.

Heli-Hiking Above the Great Bear Rainforest – $5610 CAD (Rate for up to 4 people)
– Fly deep into the heart of the Coast Range and visit remote alpine lakes, calving glaciers and enjoy lunch in an alpine meadow or other stunning location with 360-degree views. This is the tour for keen hikers who want to really get off the beaten path! Includes approximately 84 minutes of flying time.

DAY 4: CLIMB CLIFFS AND HIKE THE VALLEY


Via Ferrata

This assisted climbing experience provides participants with a spectacular self-propelled mountain adventure, amazing scenery, and an exciting feeling of exposure with low risk. Our Via Ferrata, from the Italian meaning ‘iron way’, is a network of 360 metal rungs, ladders, and wires that enable most people, from kids to seniors, to safely climb cliffs without needing rock-climbing skills.

Daily Summary
Tour: Via Ferrata
Tour: Guided Bella Coola Valley Hike
Accommodation: Tweedsmuir Park Lodge
Meals: B, L, D

Via Ferratas have a military origin and were used in the Dolomite Mountains during World War One to transport troops. Today they are simply tons of fun! Our experienced guides will help guests up short rock faces, across thin ledges and along ridgelines, all at their pace, making sure they can make the most of the stunning natural landscape in a safe manner.

Guided Bella Coola Valley Hike

Discover extraordinary hikes with the support of a local guide. These hikes are a step above your ordinary walk in the park. The scenery is jaw-dropping and the forests and rivers remain pristine.

Options include an easy stroll along the Tote Road for a glimpse into Bella Coola’s pioneering past; a moderate loop trail that follows in the footsteps of Sir Alexander Mackenzie on his epic crossing of Canada in 1793; or a vigorous and exercising climb up to elevation points to enjoy views of the valley, waterfalls and mountain views.

DAY 5: DEPART FROM LODGE


We recommend one last visit to the Wildlife Viewing Station before your final breakfast with us.

Check-out is 11am. If you are flying out, take advantage of a leisurely morning in which you can enjoy the lodge property, make use of the spa and gym, play some lawn games, or simply relax before taking our shuttle back to the Bella Coola Airport for the flight back to Vancouver. If you are departing by ferry, the lodge will arrange to drive you to the harbour.

Daily Summary
Meals: B

ACCOMMODATION

TWEEDSMUIR PARK LODGE

The lodge is situated at the junction of the Atnarko, Talchako, and Bella Coola Valleys. There are 600 metres of river frontage and stunning views of the aptly named Mt. Stupendous and Mt. Melikan. It’s an exceptional location and has been a favourite place for local First Nations people to camp and fish for thousands of years. The lodge property is also known as Stuie, which means “nice place to rest” in the Nuxalk language. Your stay includes meals prepared by the lodge’s chef.

Room Type: Lodge Room

TRIP DETAILS

2022 Departures:
June-August
Restrictions may change at any time; call to inquire

2022 Pricing:
From CA$4,080 – twin
CA$2,090 – youth (ages 12 and older sharing with two adults)
If you have children ages 3- 11 we can offer you a private package for your family – please inquire for a personalized program.

Taxes/Fees:  5% GST

Prices are “starting from” rates, shown in CA$, per person based on two people sharing a twin room. Youth pricing is for a child age 12 or older sharing a room with two adults. Single rates are not offered on this program unless you are travelling as part of a private group. If you are a solo traveller we can offer you alternate programs that allow for single occupancy.

This 5 day/4 night program allows enough time to see and do most of the sightseeing and activities in the area of the lodge. However, we can also offer 6, 7 or 8 day programs, giving you extra time to see and do even more. Or, if you’re short on time there are 2, 3, and 4 day programs offering a limited amount of local touring. If you have children from 3-11 years of age we can personalize a private tour for your family group. Once clients get to the lodge and start enjoying their vacation they usually say “I wish I was staying longer!”. Disclaimer: We do our utmost to ensure that information posted on our website is correct at the time of publication, however trip details are subject to change without notice by the suppliers and operators involved. We update the information as soon as possible when changes are advised to us, however, we cannot assume responsibility for such changes made by the suppliers and operators.

Speak to an expert 1-888-202-8262