Imagine waking up in the morning, enjoying breakfast within a rustic lodge and looking out the windows to see grizzly bears scooping live salmon out of the river. That’s just one of the many once-in-a-lifetime tableaux you’re bound to see during a stay within Great Bear Rainforest. Even if you’re visiting for business, you’ll find plenty of pleasure to partake in during your stay; and it’s super family-friendly, so why not bring the whole crew along for the adventure?

Although you can visit any time during the summer and fall months, for the best chance to see the majestic bears in action, plan your trip during the salmon run, which typically lasts from the end of August through September or October. One of the most prized bears to see is the spirit bear, also known as a Kermode bear, which can only be found right here in British Columbia. Although it belongs to the black bear family, its stark-white fur is quite rare — only 10 percent of black bears in this area carry the dazzling white fur gene. It’s truly a sight to behold.

© Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

Of course, the rainforest didn’t get its name just due to one type of bear. You’ll also likely see plenty of classic black bears, along with grizzlies. Many accommodations within the rainforest provide on-site guides trained at tracking wildlife in the area, so you can rest assured you’ll likely spot at least one on your trip. Plus, many tour operators offer customized tours for those who want to see wildlife in action, up close and personal.

Kids and parents alike will revel in the diverse wildlife scene in the area. Not only can you spot bears in the aptly named rainforest, but you can also go bird-watching (you could spot a bald eagle!), whale-watching and even hit up the Talleho Cannery to see wild salmon and trout spawning at the end of the summer. Other common animals in the province include coastal wolves, sea otters and sea lions, cougars, goats, and deer.

Here, where there is endless wildlife for animal lovers and budding photographers alike, you also can soak in the natural beauty of the flora surrounding you in between meetings and adventure. Try the trend of forest bathing amid the lush green trees; or take a dip in the natural hot springs to relax your muscles after a day of hiking, boating and paddling. If fishing is on your itinerary, look for accommodations in the area specializing in angling expeditions; some will even fillet and vacuum seal your catch for your journey home.

Cariboo Chilcotin Coast © Destination BC / @JesaJaclass

Those more amenable to getting down and dirty can hit up one of the many campsites in the area to truly immerse in nature or hop aboard a boat through glacial fjords. Throughout your explorations, you might be lucky to spot ancient petroglyphs and totem poles left by the Nuxalk Nation, an indigenous population that’s lived in the area for thousands of years. To get a bigger dose of the history of the area, head to the Museum of Northern British Columbia, showcasing relics from the Northwest Coast people dating back thousands and thousands of years and all the way up to modern times.

One thing that truly sets the Great Bear Rainforest apart: its intimate charm. It immediately feels exclusive due to its remoteness, and many of the lodgings don’t host more than a handful of visitors at a time. Join one of the many indigenous-run tours in the area; Spirit Bear Lodge, an eco-friendly, indigenous-owned lodging, estimates half its guests have spotted the spirit bear, and it remains a big contributor to local conservation.

While most visitors come during the warm summer months, one can still enjoy plenty of activities during the wintertime. Adrenaline junkies will have a blast heli-skiing in Bella Coola or even snowshoeing through the snow-covered mountains.

LODGING
GREAT BEAR CHALET
This all-inclusive and very exclusive home-away-from-home nestles right in the heart of bear country, providing guests with gourmet meals, professionally guided bear tours, eco-rafting trips, WiFi, laundry and more.
8080 Mackenzie Highway,
Tweedsmuir Provincial Park,
British Columbia, Canada
$$$$$

KING PACIFIC LODGE

For those seeking a one-of-a-kind fishing adventure, a stay at this small lodge not only includes unlimited use of the hotel’s fishing boats and equipment but also round-trip airfare from Vancouver and tantalizing meals.
4850 Cowley Crescent,
Richmond, British Columbia, Canada
$$$$$

TWEEDSMUIR PARK LODGE
Adventurous families should check into this lodge which combines guided wilderness activities with delicious meals and relaxation via the hot tub and sauna on property.
7001 Corbould Drive, Stuie,
British Columbia, Canada
$$$$$

DINING
OCEANFRONT LODGE RESTAURANT

Guests can enjoy forage-to-table–style dining at this floating barge-turned-rustic lodge on the Denny Island shores.
Shearwater Resort,
1 Shearwater Road, Denny
Island, British Columbia, Canada
$$$$

TWEEDSMUIR PARK LODGE RESTAURANT
Diners not staying at the lodge must make a reservation to enjoy fresh dishes made with locally grown produce and fresh-caught seafood.

7001 Corbould Drive,
Stuie, British Columbia, Canada
$$$$

WATERFRONT RESTAURANT
Located within The Crest Hotel, this restaurant serves North Coast cuisine with unobstructed views overlooking Prince Rupert Harbour.
222 First Ave. W., Prince
Rupert, British Columbia, Canada
$$$$$

Tweedsmuir Provincial Park © Destination BC / Kari Medig

INFO TO GO
Great Bear Rainforest is quite remote, and there are many different ways to get there. From Vancouver International Airport, snag a flight on Pacific Coastal Airlines, which flies into Port Hardy (YZT) and Bella Coola (QBC), while Air Canada operates flights into Prince Rupert (YPR). You can also arrive via ferry with BC Ferries following your journey to Vancouver.