Grizzly Bear Rainforest Adventure Tour - Bella Coola area
Firvale Wilderness Camp and Stewarts Lodge
Have you ever dreamed of photographing or viewing Grizzly bears up close in a pristine environment? Do you want to experience endless views over spectacular lakes, sail through coastal fjords exploring the wildness of the Great Bear Rain Forest or (weather permitting) fly to remote glaciers and waterfalls for a once in a lifetime experience? Join me in September as we explore the Great Bear Rainforest and area in the amazingly beautiful British Colombia.
We will float down the Atnarko river in search of grizzly bears feasting on the millions of spawning salmon. Majestic bald eagles can be seen soaring above the river or also feasting on the salmon carcasses. With only 3 or 4 guests per raft, you will have ample space for all your photography gear. If weather permits you can look forward to a day of sailing through the incredible coastal fjords. We will continue our search for wildlife and spectacular scenery and just be amazed by the beauty of the Great bear Rain Forest.
Firvale, a charming luxurious Wilderness Camp, will be our home for three nights. Meals will be enjoyed in the cozy communion area. There is no better way to relax than to kick your feet up in front of the log fire while sipping on a glass of wine and reminiscing over the day’s adventures.
After a hot scrumptious meal, we will look at some of your photographs together and discuss editing of your newly acquired masterpieces.
Slip away early if you want and go enjoy the warm water of the hot tub overlooking a spectacular mountain or just go relax in your beautiful A-frame cabin or glamorous dome tent.
Leaving the Bella Coola valley will leave you with mixed emotions but no time to ponder as we have more adventure to go on. At Stewarts Lodge we will be staying in cozy log cabins overlooking the gorgeous Nimpo Lake. From your waterfront cabin with loons providing the background music, life truly cannot get any better.
The next day, weather permitting, a float plane will take us to some remote lakes with glacier backdrops and more remote wilderness than you can possibly handle. If time permits, we will visit the rainbow mountains for some hiking and even go see a spectacular waterfall called Hunlen falls. Maybe you feel like just wetting a line in the Nimpo lake, or maybe you want to kick your feet up and dig deep into that romantic novel you've been trying to finish. Whatever you feel like doing will be an adventure with a stunning view and wilderness all around.
So, if this sounds like an experience of a lifetime, what are you waiting for? Let’s Explore Wild Places together.
Highlights of the tour.
Astonishing river, ocean and mountain scenery.
Photographing and viewing grizzly bears and bald eagles in their natural environment fishing for spawning Salmon.
Potential to photograph and view other types of wildlife including deer species, marine mammals, birds and even other predators like foxes, coyotes or if very lucky coastal wolves.
Explore the Coastal Fjords of the Great Bear Rainforest via sail boat (weather permitting).
Short hikes in the forest, or to other spectacular scenery like Hunlen falls.
Enjoy home-cooked meals
Wildlife photography in pure raw nature.
Making new lasting friendships.
Tour information:
This tour is open to anyone 12 years and older.
Rates are based on double occupancy but single rate supplement can be discussed.
Date: September 2023
Size of group: 6-8 persons
Cost: To be announced
Payment: 25% non refundable deposit to secure your spot. Remainder is due 120 days before travel date.
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Some of the activities will be dependant on weather, but here is a sample of what it might look like.
Day one:
Meet at Bella Coola Airport. ( Fly in option is by far the best to get into this region)
Transfer to Firvale Wilderness Camp.
After settling in we can choose to stay in camp and admire the beautiful views surrounding the camp or could go to Fisheries camp ground where we can look forward to a possible grizzly bears sighting..
Day Two
We will rise early and enjoy the day break with a fresh cup of coffee.
After a early breakfast we will depart to the Fisheries Campground again where we will be picked up and transferred upstream to the Belarko viewing platform.
Here we will get into raft boats for a 2-3 hour float down the Atnarko river. Hopefully luck will be on our side and we see grizzly bears actively catching the spawning salmon. The float down the river is stunning with tall leadwood trees towering above the river bank. In the distance huge mountains will create an absolute breathtaking backdrop. Once we find some bears we will spend some quality time with them, observing them from a safe distance as to not disturb them while actively feeding.
Once back at the Fisheries campground we can either stick around or head back to Firvale for a snack and even some relaxation time.
Mid afternoon we can either choose to go back to one of the viewing platforms or go for a hike in the rainforest.
Back at camp we will indulge in a delicious hearty meal in the very cozy communion area.
Day 3:
If the weather allows we will be going out for the day on a sail boat exploring the Fjords of the Coastal Forest. Here you will be greeted by stunning views all around.
As we sail we might be lucky in spotting some dolphins, whales or even orcas feeding in the rich waters. And if we are really lucky we potentially might see black bears, grizzly bears and even wolves feeding along the coast.
Lunch will be served on the sail boat.
We will dock some place special and you can take a dip in a natural hot spring.
Day 4:
One last float down the river in the morning before we leave stunning Firvale and head over the mountain towards Steward's Lodge at Nimpo Lake.
The rest of the day will be spend relaxing around the lake just savouring in the magnificent views.
Day 5:
Hopefully the weather will co-operate as we plan to hop on a float plane that will take us deep into the wilderness for a 'flight seeing" kind of day.
If conditions allow we will land in a lake surrounded with glaciers and small icebergs floating on the lake.
Flying past the Hunlen Falls ( 3rd tallest waterfall in Canada) will be a scene to remember. Afterwards we could potentially land on Turner Lake (on top of the falls) and hike towards the fall to experience the view from another angle.
This day promise to have stunning views all around and what an exciting way to spend the last day exploring the Canadian Wilderness.
Day 6:
After one last breakfast overlooking the amazing Nimpo lake it will be time to pack up and say our goodbyes.
Flights can be booked directly from either Anahim or Williamslake and just depend on the flight schedule of the Airline.
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Pick up at Bella Coola airport and drop off at Anahim or Williamslake Airport.
All transportation to and from activities.
Three nights luxury Accommodation at Firvale Wilderness Camp.
Two nights modern Accommodation at Stewarts Lodge, Nimpo Lake.
All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on day 6.
Wine and beer with meals.
All activities described in the itinerary.
Park fees and necessary permits
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Travel to Bella Coola.
Travel From Anahim Lake or Williamslake airport.
Accommodation the night before or the night after the tour if necessary. Please feel free to get in touch if you need me to arrange this for you.
Tips or gratuities to guides and staff at both lodges.
Meals not specified in the itinerary.
Alcoholic drinks not specified.
Activities not specified in the itinerary.
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No skills required. Just a passion for the great outdoors and a hunger for adventure.
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Please find it hereT&C
FAQ
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If you are feeling a little more adventurous and want to explore more of the area before or after the trip on your own, drive in option is a great idea. There is only one road from Williamslake into the Valley including a 75 km well maintained gravel road. Be aware of the Notoriuos hill that will surely test your nerves but also your brakes on your vehicle. Driving from Willaimslake will take around 5 - 6 hours depending on the amount of stopping you do. It is an incredibly beautiful drive so its well worth it.
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Certain areas around the town of Bella Coola area have a little bit of service. The lodge at Firvale have complementary Wifi for guests in the kitchen area. I will be bringing a satellite phone of some sorts along just to be able to get in contact with loved ones if need to.
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Yes, there is lights and plugs in your room for all your charging needs.
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It's a very comfortable drift down the river. There will be a river guide doing all the paddling and steering and they know all the insides and out of the river. Don't expect white water rafting as its purely a relaxing float downstream while searching for grizzly's.
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Yes all dietary options can be accommodated if its been requested prior the trip.
*Photos on this page is the property of Firvale Wilderness lodge*