Join Wildlife Worldwide founder Chris Breen and Helen Bryon for our Festival of Bears at Knight Inlet Lodge to see the grizzly bears of the Great Bear Rainforest at prime time.
British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest is a convoluted maze of fjords and estuaries dotted with islands covered with lush, temperate coastal forest of western hemlock and red cedar, overlooked by towering mountains. This vast wilderness is home to 10,000-year-old native cultures, and is alive with bears, wolves, eagles, ravens and salmon. Within this forest significant populations of brown (or grizzly) and black bears are supported by the abundant food provided by the annual salmon run.
You will be accompanied by our team on an exclusive experience for which we take over the entire lodge. In addition to twice daily bear-watching activities, there are opportunities to see humpback whales, orca, bald eagles, and even - with luck - coastal wolves in this enchanting wilderness setting.
Optional extensions are available for whale watching in the Salish Sea or to look for spirit bears in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest - please contact us for full details.
Typical Itinerary
Day1: Fly to Vancouver
Fly to Vancouver, arriving the same evening, and transfer on foot to our overnight accommodation at the airport.
Accommodation: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver Airport, 1-night
Day2: Fly to Campbell River; free to explore
This morning we make our way to Vancouver Airport South Terminal by airport shuttle bus to take a flight to Campbell River on Vancouver Island, just north of the entrance to Desolation Sound. On arrival at Campbell River airport, after collecting our baggage we transfer to a hotel in the centre of town. The rest of the day is free to relax and explore the surroundings.
Days3-7: Floatplane to Knight Inlet Lodge; five days of bear watching
After breakfast we make our way to Campbell River’s floatplane dock for the 80-kilometre hop north across the Johnstone Strait to Glendale Cove, where we put down beside Knight Inlet Lodge. On arrival we are met by lodge staff and have plenty of time to settle in before lunch and an introductory briefing. We spend five nights at Knight Inlet Lodge during which time we enjoy the hospitality, friendliness and local knowledge of the staff – all of whom know the area intimately.
The programme includes daily bear-watching trips in the Great Bear Rainforest plus a variety of other excursions designed to show off the wildlife and natural beauty of the surrounding area. There will, of course, be ample opportunity to develop our wildlife photography skills.
Day8: Floatplane to Campbell River, then fly to Vancouver & depart
After a final breakfast at the lodge we take a floatplane back to Campbell River in time to connect with a flight Vancouver and an onward overnight flight to the UK.
Day9: Arrive UK
Key info
Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 9 daysfrom £7,995 pp
Duration and price excluding international flights: 8 daysfrom £7,495 pp
Single supplement:
On request – please contact us.
Trip type:
Group Tour
Group size: 30
When to go: Sep-Oct
Group Departures: We are currently finalising future dates for this tour. Please contact us for further details.
Included in the price/package:
Return flights between Vancouver & Campbell River
1 night hotel at Vancouver Airport (including breakfast)
1 night hotel in Campbell River (including breakfast)
5 nights at Knight Inlet Lodge (full board including wine at dinner)
Transfers
Daily bear viewing excursions with specialist guides
Chris studied Geographical Sciences in Plymouth, however his first encounter with the wider world was in 1983, when he headed off to Zambia.
Under the tutelage of the late Norman Carr, the pioneer of walking safaris, he worked as a wildlife guide and managed a wilderness camp. On his return to the UK, he had a spell at a major tour operator before setting up Wildlife Worldwide in 1992.
Since then he has travelled the world in search of first-class wildlife experiences. He devised the Festival of Wildlife concept, which has spawned the Festival of Bears. An ardent conservationist, Chris has co-led each of these since their inception. He dedicates several weeks each year to communicating his irrepressible passion for nature to those who travel with him.
A member of the Wildlife Worldwide team, Helen is a qualified South African safari guide who following a trip to Baja California, discovered a passion for cetaceans.
Extending her marine mammal knowledge accordingly, she has also turned her attention to improving her ornithological knowledge throughout the different destinations she leads to, including South America and Europe. With her boundless energy, enthusiasm and eye for perfection, Helen will ensure you get the most from your time on her trips whilst sharing her passion for wildlife.
This untouched wilderness offers unrivalled opportunities to watch and photograph some of North America's most notable wildlife, including massive brown bears, soaring bald eagles and large pods of orcas. Situated 70 kilometres north of Campbell River, Glendale Cove is accessible by floatplane.
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Where: British Columbia
Ideal for viewing: American black bear, brown bear, humpback whale, orca, pine marten
The area’s mountains, valleys and forests, extending up much of BC’s coastline, offer sanctuary to large numbers of grizzlies and black bear. No other mainland location offers such intimate wildlife encounters amidst breathtaking natural splendour. You can watch bears on foot or while drifting downriver.
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Where: British Columbia
Ideal for viewing: American black bear, brown bear, humpback whale, spirit bear, grey wolf
Nestled on the east coast of central Vancouver Island, the small settlement of Campbell River is known as the "Salmon Capital of the World" and more recently as a hub for adventure and eco-tourism. Surrounded by streams and lush green forests, it serves as a gateway to some of the island's bear watching lodges.
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British Columbia’s largest city stands in a fine coastal setting, against a backdrop of lofty tree-covered peaks - a great starting point to any wildlife holiday in the province. There is plenty to see in this lively, multi-cultural city, such as exploring Stanley Park on foot or by bike.
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Where: British Columbia
Excellent for: Activity & adventure, City stopover, History & culture
Located right on the waterfront in downtown Campbell River, this hotel offers unparalleled comfort in distinctive West Coast-style, with stunning ocean views and a complimentary hot breakfast. It makes an ideal base for discovering the hidden treasures of northern Vancouver Island.
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Some 60 kilometres inland along the largest fjord on the British Columbia coast, Knight Inlet Lodge is tucked into Glendale Cove. Situated in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest, this floating lodge offers boat trips to explore the hidden coves of the inlet, allowing you to view bears at eye-level.
Find Out More about Knight Inlet Lodge
