Great Bear Nature Lodge
Great Bear Lodge offers grizzly bear viewing excursions from Port Hardy to a beautiful river valley on the central coast of British Columbia.
With only eight rooms and a maximum of 16 guests, this floating lodge assures a personalised wilderness experience. Each bedroom has an en suite bathroom with a shower. The common area is a comfortable place for relaxing and listening to natural history presentations from the wildlife biologists.
Natural wood decks surround the lodge – a perfect place to have a glass of wine while enjoying the beauty of the scenery. Wilderness-gourmet meals await you at the lodge on your return from your excursions. The freshest local ingredients and organic food are used when it is available. In between bear viewing sessions you will be able to join a guided activity such as an interpretive walk or a boat excursion, or you may choose to relax with a book from the extensive library.
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Late this morning depart from Vancouver International Airport (South Terminal) for a 70 minute flight to Port Hardy. Upon arrival transfer to the town of Port Hardy for lunch (own cost) and to explore the town. Mid-afternoon you will be transferred to the floatplane base for your scenic flight over the Queen Charlotte Strait to the floating lodge. After a brief introduction to the lodge you will head out on your first grizzly bear excursion.
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After some good coffee and breakfast this morning, you will be on the trail of the grizzly bear again. A typical viewing session lasts three hours. After a morning of adventure, return to the lodge for lunch and a chance to relax. Spend the early afternoon exploring the surrounding area with a guide. A popular activity is the interpretive rainforest walk, examining bear signs and the general ecology of the area. Later this afternoon you will venture out to see the bears before returning to the lodge for dinner. On clear nights, the stars are amazing.
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As your stay at the lodge continues, you begin to settle into the natural rhythm of the valley. The bears are generally most active in the early morning and late afternoon hours, which is why your viewing sessions focus on these times. Over the course of your stay you will be taken to a variety of sites, depending on the bear activity. For your afternoon excursion today you may take a guided sea kayaking tour of the estuary, or a boat cruise to explore the glacier-carved inlet. Or you may prefer to relax and enjoy the view from the lodge. The Great Bear Rainforest is home to many animals, including grey wolves, otters, black bears, mink and bald eagles.
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After your parting session with the bears you will enjoy lunch at the Great Bear Lodge. You will be returned to Port Hardy in the late afternoon between 4.00 pm and 6.00 pm. Due to unpredictable weather conditions for flights around the lodge and Port Hardy, tonight you will stay at a hotel in Port Hardy.
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After check-out of your hotel in Port Hardy, you will be transferred to the Port Hardy airport for your return flight to Vancouver.
Inclusions
1 nights’ accommodation in Port Hardy
3 nights’ accommodation at Great Bear Lodge
All meals (B, L, D) during your stay at Great Bear Lodge
Beer and wine with dinner at Great Bear Lodge
Economy class flights Vancouver to Port Hardy return
Shared transfers in Port Hardy
Shared seaplane flights Port Hardy to Great Bear return
Shared bear viewing and other activities at Great Bear Lodge
Rain gear (if required) and binoculars at Great Bear Lodge
Gratuities and stewardship bear research fee
BC conservation licensing fee and First Nations user fee
Not Included
All beverages and meals in Port Hardy
Alcoholic beverages not listed as included at Great Bear Nature Lodge
Pricing per person in New Zealand dollars
07 May – 29 Jun 2026 $7,190 twin | $7,190 Single
30 Jun – 19 Aug 2026 $6,325 Twin | $6,325 Single
20 Aug – 16 Oct 2-25 $9,565 Twin | $14,990 Single
Important Note - Pricing varies due to fluctuations in exchange rates; please contact us for current pricing or other changes. Please enquire about pricing for the 8 day/7 night programme. The minimum age requirement is 15 years; adult pricing applies. The price of the included economy class flights are subject to change. A soft-sided luggage restriction of 14kg per person applies. Bear viewing is mainly by boat except in autumn when it’s on platforms. No internet or mobile phone service is available at Great Bear Nature Lodge.Interested in this deal? Mention this Deal Code:1141 when speaking with your travel agent. Don't have an agent? Click here to connect with one of our experts.