Grizzly British Columbia

Vacationtechnician personalized luxury adventure travel transports you to the most exquisite wilderness and peaceful retreats on Earth. Conserving rare biodiversity through low volume tourism; our aim is your indulgence -at no one's expense. Plan now to be assured a rejuvenating escape at a restful pace -to an unspoiled gem in the purest sense.

North America's Newest Grizzly Viewing Hot Spot -- Brown Bears of Tweedsmuir and Bella Coola

British Columbia is a rarity indeed – massive snow peaks flank wildlife-rich seas, providing Mother Nature’s most spectacular contrast. This special adventure touches upon the rich complexity of Canada’s most diverse province, allowing all travelers who stand on her shores to experience a wealth of natural and cultural sites. Amidst the awesome scenery and captivating native cultures is an abundance of wildlife. Most exciting are the grizzlies, found in larger, more accessible numbers here than perhaps anywhere else on Earth! After years of searching, we have located the very best grizzly bear viewing rivers in all of Canada. On this adventure, we will immerse you in these wild sites and give you a glimpse of the natural and cultural wonders of British Columbia.

Grizzlies of British Columbia Availability Request

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Bella Coola, British Columbia
Upon your arrival in Bella Coola, you will be met and taken to Tweedsmuir Lodge, a one-hour drive from the town of Bella Coola. The scenery in this region of British Columbia is unrivaled, and Tweedsmuir Lodge has the best view of all. Set near the base of an 8,000-foot rock peak and across the salmon-filled Atnarko River, the lodge is located within Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, the largest protected area in all of British Columbia, rich with wildlife and far away from civilization. The deck of the main lodge, as well as the porches and windows on each individual cabin, overlook a clearing where grizzlies are often seen. We will gather this evening for an orientation dinner.

Day 2: Bella Coola River Float Trip & Optional Helicopter Journey
This morning, we have the opportunity to enjoy wildlife viewing while gently floating down the Atnarko and Bella Coola Rivers. During this time of year, the river is full of spawning salmon that attract eagles and bears. The awe-inspiring scenery includes snowy mountain peaks and the colors of late summer filling the river valley. A shore lunch will be provided, allowing us time to relax in Mother Nature's backyard. After lunch, and the conclusion of the float trip, those who choose to will embark on a helicopter journey, which will reveal the other side of BC's splendid scenery – the high snowy mountain passes. We board our helicopter for a thrilling “heli-journey” over the snow-peaked mountains, ever watchful for families of regal mountain goats precariously perched atop seemingly impossible terrain. We may have the chance to stop at the Monarch Ice Field, where we set down and explore the dynamic nature of this high coastal glacier. From this rare perspective, we experience British Columbia's unique beauty. We will also fly by Hunlen Falls, Canada's second-largest waterfall, ropping 845 feet from a chain of lakes into a narrow canyon. Those who do not participate in the afternoon helicopter journey will head into Tweedsmuir Provincial Park with our leader to explore the dense forest habitat on one of the many secluded trails. Always be on the lookout for the rare cougar, bald eagles, and a variety of other northern birdlife. One of the most unique animals of this region is the gray wolf, occasionally appearing in a jet-black coat.

Day 3: In Search of Grizzlies
British Columbia is home to an estimated 6,000 to 14,000 grizzlies, among the highest bear concentrations in North America. The summer and early fall salmon runs attract dozens of bears to this area, and although it is very likely we will see bears during our other activities and perhaps at the lodge, we will spend this entire day focused on British Columbia's magnificent bears. Each year, the rivers of the Kimsquit Watershed fill with spawning salmon that attract the bears. Permits pending, we will fly by helicopter or fixed-wing airplane to the area and embark on a remarkable encounter with grizzlies. The flight itself is breathtaking, with chances to see mountain goats perched on steep ledges. Should permits to enter this rarely visited area be denied, we will visit other salmon rivers where brown bears are known to frequent. Viewing can be from our boats, vehicles, platforms or from the ground, depending on safety factors. Of course, grizzlies are unpredictable and we can never guarantee their appearance, but the Bella Coola Valley is so rich with bears that we feel confident in our sightings.

Day 4: Native Cultures, Rainforest Exploration
Along with its prolific wildlife and spectacular scenery, the Bella Coola Valley is also home to a group of First Nations peoples, the Nuxalk, a vibrant ancient culture that still thrives today. Starting with a visit to the village of Bella Coola, we are introduced to the Nuxalk culture through local artisans, storytellers, drummers, and singers, and a walk to a newly discovered series of petroglyphs (ancient stone carvings) engraved into a forgotten trail atop a lush forest valley. Our mile-long walk takes us along the river's edge to the rarely seen site where dozens of carvings, some estimated to be 10,000 years old, can be found hidden on the rocks along Thorsen Creek. Your Expedition Leader will also introduce you to the wonders of the Pacific Northwest and the lush forest environment. Be on the lookout for eagles and other wildlife, particularly in the early mornings and late afternoons.

Day 5: Tweedsmuir Park
Due to the different weather patterns experienced in the Bella Coola Valley, we are occasionally precluded from traveling by helicopter to Kimsquit or out on our flightseeing excursions. To ensure that we provide the optimal outdoor wildlife experience our travelers have come to expect, we have arranged a “back-up day” in case of bad weather on our proposed flying days. If we have been able to keep our regular itinerary, then we may take a trail upriver on the Atnarko, where eagles, possibly bears, and other wildlife can be seen fishing for salmon. In any case, exploration of this spectacular region will be extremely rewarding.

Day 6: Free Morning - Bella Coola / Home
After some free time this morning at the lodge, we will travel back into town for our return flight home.

Note: This itinerary is meant as a guideline for the activities we have planned. The activities we are able to participate in, the exact itinerary, and the duration and order of the activities will be determined by weather, tides, permits and equipment availability and the guide's discretion.

Grizzlies of British Columbia Availability Request

Trip Details

Location of Adventure
Bella Coola, British Columbia

Included
All meals, all activities described in the itinerary (helicopter optional), services of vacationtechnician's professional Expedition Leaders, entrance fees to parks, transportation, and tips for meals and accommodations.

Not Included
Travel to Bella Coola, alcoholic beverages (except for wine the first evening), items of a personal nature (laundry, telephone, etc.), discretionary tips for the guides, and travel insurance.
Helicopter: $250 to $500 US and can be booked while in Bella Coola.

Physical Requirements
Easy/Flexible
This adventure does not require a high degree of physical fitness although some short walks may be required should you wish to participate in every activity.

Getting There & Getting Home
Arrive in Bella Coola anytime on Day 1 in time to meet for a 7pm dinner and orientation at the Tweedsmuir Lodge (we will pick you up at the airport on Day 1). You are free to return home at anytime on the final day.
Please note: We have pre-booked spaces for our travelers on R/T flights from Vancouver to Bella Coola. You will be invoiced for these flights upon booking. Please call us with questions. For those who would like to take a ferry from Vancouver to Bella Coola, call the Ferry Corp. at 250-386-3431. For the ferry from Seattle to Bella Coola call 1-800-888-2535.

Viewing & Photographing the Bears
For serious bear photography and close up bear viewing, this trip is not as rewarding as our Alaska Explorer or the Grizzlies of Coastal Katmai since we generally do not get as close. This area, however, has its distinct advantages in that the scenery is spectacular and the bears are truly wild, with very few other people around.

Extension Options

FitzHugh Sound Whale Extension
Humpback whales commonly spend the summer along the British Columbia coast, and FitzHugh Sound provides a prime habitat for them. Orca whales can be seen at any time during our voyage, and Dall’s porpoises and Pacific white-sided dolphins will often come over to the boat and play under the bow. We will go ashore daily to explore river estuaries, shoreline low tide zones, or an outer sand beach. Weather permitting, we may venture to an outer island to visit a colony of sea otters. A charming and intimate vessel, the “Island Odyssey” provides private cabins, shared heads, a spacious salon and a roomy wheelhouse, with onboard kayaks and motorized inflatable Zodiacs for shore excursions. Extension begins in Bella Coola and ends in Bella Bella.

Dates: Aug 22-25 • Sep 4-7 • Sep 17-20

Fees: Single $2,175 (limited and based on availability), Double $1,450 per person

Included: Accommodations and meals on board the “Island Odyssey,” activities on the boat, shore excursions, services of local guides.
Max: 15 travelers

Dates and Pricing

Dates
2004
Aug 17 - 22
Aug 22 - 27
Aug 30 - Sep 4
Sep 5 - 10
Sep 12 - 17
Sep 19 - 24
Sep 26 - Oct 1

2005
Aug 13 - 18
Aug 18 - 23
Aug 23 - 28
Aug 28 - Sep 2
Sep 2 - 7

Fees
2004
$2,995 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $495 (available on a limited basis)
Deposit: $500
2005
$2,995 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $495 (available on a limited basis)
Deposit: $500

Tweedsmuir Lodge
Within Tweedsmuir Provincial Park

The accommodations on this trip are at the rustic yet spectacular Tweedsmuir Lodge, located in one of North America's most beautiful areas. Set across a field from the Atnarko River, in the shadows of an 8,000-foot rock peak, this lodge provides a chance to view grizzlies from the porch with a dramatic background rarely found. The accommodation is split into a main building, where we have meals and presentations, and ten wonderful log cabin bungalows, each with its own private toilet and shower facility as well as a deck and windows facing the towering mountain and the open fields where grizzlies often appear.

Climate
British Columbia is so big there is really no generalization that can be made about the weather, except the fact that it can range from miserable to glorious. You should be prepared for everything. In the summer and fall, coastal B.C. can have sunny and comfortable weather, but the weather can also be extremely wet. Foul weather gear is essential to ensure enjoyment of the vacationtechnician Grizzlies, Eagles & Orcas British Columbia trip. Most of the wildlife is accessible throughout the season.

Don't be dismayed when the weather turns bad. It is, after all, part of the region's character. Storms and clouds can add drama, especially in the mountains. Photographically, days with a high overcast soften the light and reduce harsh contrast. It's the best kind of light for close-ups of flowers and wildlife.

Tweedsmuir Park has its own microclimate, experiencing milder temperatures and less rainfall than the nearby northern coastal environment. For example, the Tweedsmuir Park area receives an annual average of 15 inches of rainfall, as compared to San Francisco, which receives 13 inches per year. Temperatures in Tweedsmuir are generally higher than those in Vancouver and in Bella Coola, due to this microclimate.

Travel Documents
Since you are traveling to Canada, please keep in mind that you will be required to show proof of citizenship by presenting either a passport or birth certificate. Travelers from countries other than the U.S. should consult their local embassy to determine the type of documents required for travel within Canada. For those people traveling with children that are not their own (grandparents, etc.), we recommend that you bring a notarized letter describing the relationship and that permission has been given to be temporary guardians. This is not always necessary, but it can sometimes be helpful in avoiding problems.

Comments from Our Guests

Laura Thomas
"I have been on many nature trips and this trip was among the best. I love all of the wonderful memories I have of the whales, birds and bears. I've chosen vacationtechnician because I go to see the animals and that is what I remember most. Memories are forever."

Susan Shattuck
"This was my first trip with vacationtechnician and it was an unforgettable experience to see the beautiful bears in their own environment! We were close to the bears, yet at a safe distance. In addition to seeing the bears, I enjoyed seeing almost 30 bald eagles in one location at the same time! It was a pleasure to have Eric and Eva as my leaders, they are very enthusisatic and very knowledgeable. Thank you for creating the opportunity for small groups of people to observe the beauty of the bears in their natural habitat. I look forward to experiencing more trips with vacationtechnician in the future."

Rita Kinstler
"The small group was a must for this trip. I was impressed with the arrangements to get us to the rivers and the quality of local guides. The staff at the lodge went out of their way to accommodate any of our dietary preferences and were always friendly. This was one of the best trips I've taken and certainly will travel with vacationtechnician again!"

Benay & Stan Goldberg
"Will we travel with vacationtechnician again? Yes, it works for us! Between the real concern for preserving the integrity of the areas we travel to and our mutual interest in wildlife, it's a winning combination."

Barbara Jean Dade
"I'm 66 years old and not an outdoor person, so this was my one time to experience the spiritual impact of the wilderness and I'll never forget it! I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to visit such a beautiful part of the world in such good hands."

Grizzlies of British Columbia Availability Request

..Inspired Naturally..™