Each autumn, as salmon return to spawn, Bella Coola becomes home to one of the densest gatherings of grizzly bears in North America. The Grizzly Bear Safari invites you to witness these magnificent animals in their natural environment, all while enjoying a stay at the historic Tweedsmuir Park Lodge.
British Columbia
Grizzly Bear Safari at Bella Coola
Respectfully observe the mighty grizzly bear in its natural habitat
This holiday can be re-designed and tailor-made for your own unique experience
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Bella Coola Valley - a photographers dream! |
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Dense population of grizzly bears |
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Nuxalk & Ulkatcho First Nations |
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Float on the Atnarko River |
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Stay at historic Tweedsmuir Park Lodge |
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Guided grizzly bear viewing |
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Scenic Atnarko River drifts |
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Interpretive nature walks |
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Grizzly bear ecology walking tour |
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First Nations cultural tours |
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Via Ferrata climbing adventures |
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Arrive Bella Coola and transfer to lodge |
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Grizzly bear viewing |
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Grizzly bear viewing |
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Depart Bella Coola and continue your Canadian adventure |
3, 4 & 5-day packages are available. |
Amongst the old growth forests, pristine rivers, stunning peaks and vast glaciers of mainland British Columbia, there is one animal at the top of the food chain; the mighty grizzly bear. One of the best times to see them is during the autumn months as the bears fatten up for their winter hibernation. This is when the local rivers are rich with spawning wild Pacific salmon returning upstream, providing a veritable feast for the bears that frequent the shoreline.
At Tweedsmuir Park Lodge, staff and guides are trained to share encounters with these stunning creatures in a safe and respectful way and the action begins right away, starting with a ‘River Drift’ down the Atnarko River. Relax and enjoy the amazing mountain scenery and keep your eyes open for wildlife, as in addition to grizzly bears; bald eagles, river otters and black bears may also be spotted during your adventures.
Over the next few days your search and observation will continue with further river drifts, guided hikes and bear-tracking in old growth forests, fjord cruises and Bella Coola Valley explorations, all undertaken in small or private groups. Observe bears each morning and evening from the private Wildlife View Station and back at the at the lodge after your daily adventures, dinner is served, and stories shared with fellow guests.
Tweedsmuir Park Lodge is honoured to operate on the traditional territory of the Nuxalk & Ulkatcho First Nations. From its inception, the lodge’s history is rooted in connection to Indigenous People, land and place. During your stay you are privileged to explore several significate sites including the ancient cedar grove at Snootli Creek Regional Park, and the awe-inspiring petroglyph stone carvings.
3, 4 or 5-night Grizzly Bear Safaris are available, and each experience can be incorporated into a longer itinerary if required. For family groups with children under 12 years old, private safaris can be arranged.
August - October
Highlight species
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Grizzly bear |
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Black bear |
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River otter |
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Bald eagle |
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Moose |
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Black-tailed deer |
Additional Details - Cost, Dates, Rating etc.
Cost from £
Please contact us for a cost for when you wish to travel.
Our trips are almost always tailored to your requirements, we'll can incorporate this experience into a longer Canadian adventure or offer as a stand alone experience, with or without flights.
Departure Dates
Any day to your requirements.
Difficulty
An easy tour, some walking may be on rough ground and steps may be encountered
Flights
Direct flights on a number of carriers, some regional departures may be possible.
Time
GMT -8 hours
Extend your stay in Canada and explore other areas including cosmopolitan Vancouver.
More Holiday Ideas
Tailor-made - Our safari holidays are unique to you
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