6 DAY GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST
TRIP DESCRIPTION
During our spring departure, newly awakened grizzly and black bears feed on sedges, pink salmonberry blossoms in the shadow of the spectacular and still snow covered Coast Mountains. The mountains and deep fjords also harbour mountain goats that come down almost to sea level during springtime to feed. Our fall tour highlights focuses on the annual return of the salmon to spawn, which in turn draws the grizzly, spirit and black bears to the river estuaries. This is the time when whales, sea lions, orcas, seals, eagles and wolves are active as well.
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Start Location: Vancouver
End Location: Vancouver
TOP HIGHLIGHTS
- The Dumpling Trail
- Guided Half-day Grizzly Viewing and Rafting Tour
- Nuxalk Petroglyphs Tour
- Nature Interpretive Hike & Bears Tour
- Totem Pole Tour of Bella Coola Village
- Bella Coola Museum
- The Kopas Store and Copper Sun Gallery
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive in Vancouver
Arrive in Vancouver and check in to your Richmond hotel. There will be some free time to explore the heart of interesting Richmond and we highly recommend walking the well-known ‘Dumpling Trail’ to get a feel of the city as well as its rich Asian heritage. A fast elevated metro train service also allows quick access to Vancouver city center and its attractions. This evening, we will walk to a nearby restaurant and enjoy a welcome dinner to get acquainted with our group.
Overnight: Vancouver
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Fly to Bella Coola in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest
We will transfer to Vancouver’s South Terminal for a short flight to Bella Coola. Flying over the fiords, high mountains and rugged terrain will give you an idea why so few roads exist in this relatively pristine part of British Columbia’s coastline.
On arrival, we will transfer to the Bella Coola Valley Inn before heading out on a walking tour to visit the Kopas Store, the Copper Sun Gallery and the Bella Coola Museum. The museum provides an insight into the area’s varied history starting with the Indigenous people who have inhabited the region for thousands of years, then the early explorers, the coming of the first pioneer European settlers and the building of the ‘Freedom Road’. The Kopas Store and the Copper Sun gallery provide a showcase for the traditional Nuxalk peoples artwork and handicrafts as well as maps, jewellery and masks typical of the area. The evening is at leisure to explore
the area and try local cuisine.
Overnight: Bella Coola
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: A full day of wildlife viewing on the wateR
We board our ocean going boat and depart on a guided day tour of the ocean fiords and inlets to see several sites built by settlers and learn about the history and settlement of the area. We cruise by Hanging Glaciers and stop in Bachelor Bay at the sandy beach and visit Seal Rock. The views to the east of Mt. Nusatsum and to the west of Bentinck Spire are spectacular.
All the while, our captain and Tour leader will be on the lookout for wildlife as we cruise into the mouth of the Salmon Spawning Creek at Green Bay to view the tidal estuary in search of grizzlies, black bears and wolves. Heading out around the point into South Bentinck Arm we may have opportunity to see seals, dolphins, humpback whales and orcas.
You will have the opportunity to enjoy a soak in the natural and remote natural mineral hot spring nestled in a rock crevice with crystal clear waters. After a soothing soak in the hot springs, we cruise to a quiet little emerald green harbour at the trailhead of the famous Big Cedar Tree while our captain prepares a nice onboard lunch as we enjoy watching the seals and eagles.
Departing the sheltered bay, we cruise up to a vertical granite bluff to view a very impressive display of ancient First Nation pictographs that tell stories of long ago. Heading north out of the fjord we keep an eye out for dolphins. Our cruise ends with arrival back at the Bella Coola Harbour late afternoon. The 8-hour cruise covers approximately 50 nautical miles of remote marine wilderness with many spectacular sights.
Overnight: Bella Coola
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Full day guided tour of the scenic Bella Coola Valley
British Columbia’s central coast swathed in temperate rainforest hosts a tremendous variety of habitats. Today, we will depart on a tour of the beautiful Bella Coola region and learn about the geography and history of this stunning area. Some of the highlights of this tour include the Tweedsmuir National Park, Clayton Falls, Purgatory Lookout and the Snootli Creek Hatchery.
Overnight: Bella Coola
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Full day guided tour of the scenic Bella Coola Valley
We will venture up river to today view the bears and wildlife. Grizzlies feed on the estuaries and the spawning salmon in this area and our guide/naturalist will walk us slowly upriver on an active grizzly bear trail. Along the estuary game trail, our guide will point out grizzly digs, territorial rub trees, claw marks, bite marks, grizzly day beds and old grizzly tracks sunk deep in the moss. We will likely see river otters, blue herons, kingfishers, mink, marten and bald eagles living in this watershed. Moving slowly and always watching for grizzlies we make our way upriver to the natural old growth wildlife viewing stand.
We hope to have excellent unrestricted views of the grizzlies, bears and wolves on the white sandbars upriver and downriver in a large old growth stand of cedar and spruce timber. This area is home to bears, wolves and blacktail deer who use the game trails year-round. This is an excellent location for photography and an ideal spot for photographers to set up their tripods amongst the timber canopy. We will remain at this natural wildlife viewing stand during prime time and enjoy the wilderness and wildlife.
Note that wildlife has their own mind and while we plan our trips during the best seasons and visit areas known for wildlife viewing, accompanied by experienced guides, we do not guarantee sightings
Overnight: Bella Coola
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Return to Vancouver
We transfer to Bella Coola airport for our return flight to Vancouver and the end of our Great Bear Rainforest tour
Meals: Breakfast
DATES & PRICES
We accept 
AVAILABILITY
START DATE
END DATE
PRICE
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
DEPOSIT
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Applicable taxes vary depending on travel destination and are not included. Please ask your sales agent what extra taxes will be payable for your tour.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 5 nights of accommodations (3.5 - 4 star, or best available)
- Professional Tour Leader
- Transportation including flight, boat, motorcoach
- 11 meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
- Transportation from local company
EXCLUSIONS
- Credit card payment fees, where applicable
- Attractions not listed
- Meals not listed
- Items of a personal nature
- Gratuities to guide (Recommend $5-$7 per person per day)
- Gratuities to driver (Recommend $3-$4 per person per day)
- Winter Clothing Rental Package
- Airfare — domestic and international (Unless Specified)
- Travel insurance (Strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
Why Take An Anderson Tour?
Seasoned Tour Guides
Get a deeper understanding with storytelling tailored to your interests.
Space To Breathe
We never max out buses even if we use the same size bus as the competition.
All Inclusive
No hidden expenses along the way. Competitors offer activities as an extra - we don't
Our guide training manual is accredited by ACTA/CITC Canadian Educational Standard Inc. Now used as the standard in educational college programs.
Can't find what you're looking for?
Our specialists can take away the stress and create a custom trip tailored to your exact interests and budget.
Get A Custom Quote
OR CALL
1.866.814.7378
Custom Trip Plans
You can see what you want, when you want, how you want.
Unique Experiences
Experiences that help you take in the region in a different way.
Freedom To Explore
Time to take in each place with only the tours you want to do.
Tour Questions
What is the maximum number of travellers in a group?
Anderson Vacations specializes in Small Group Fully Escorted tours. If the tour is classified as a ‘Classic Tour’ up to 24 persons may join the tour although tours commonly travel with anywhere between 18 to 24 travellers. If the tour is classified as a 'Tour of Distinction’ only up to 18 persons may join the tour and many 'Tours of Distinction' travel with 12 to 18 travellers.
What are Guaranteed Departures?
After dreaming about travel to an exciting destination, arranging for time off work, booking your flights the last thing you need is for your trip to be cancelled. Anderson vacation's pre-Guaranteed tours take the uncertainty away from planning your travel and give you peace of mind to book our tours. Pre-Guaranteed Tours are group tours that we have already confirmed as certain to travel on the specified date. All 'Guaranteed Tours' will travel except in the event of a natural disaster or a catastrophic event that is beyond our control. They may already have the minimum number of people booked or else are tours that are known to be popular. Only select departures of tours are 'pre-Guaranteed'.
What happens if I book on a tour that is not Guaranteed?
We pride ourselves on providing “a small shared group experience.” In the event that we have fewer than ten participants on a tour we will offer a “small-group surcharge” to ensure that the tour runs as scheduled. This fee, which is up to 15% of the “land” portion of the tour, will be offered to you as an option to continue with the trip. This fee will cover the costs associated with handling a smaller group.
What is the average age of passengers for this tour?
Our tours are suitable for all age demographics. The average age of travelers is typically 45+.
How physically demanding is this tour? Are you able to accommodate people with mobility restrictions/limitations?
Some tours are mainly coach based and may not be physically demanding while others may require walking inclines or on rough surfaces to access interesting locations. Please check with us and your booking agent carefully and discuss your mobility restrictions before completing any tour booking to ensure this style of travel is right for you.
Can you accommodate passengers with dietary restrictions (food allergies, vegan, vegetarian etc.)?
Yes, we do accommodate dietary restrictions (within reason) such as, food allergies, vegan, vegetarian, etc. There are many meals included on our fully escorted tours. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking so we can ensure there are alternative meal choices.
Booking & Flight Questions
Do you arrange airport transfers?
Yes, we can assist you with airport transfers for you in most locations at a reasonable extra cost. Several tours have airport transfers already included. Please contact us for more details.
Can you assist with booking additional accommodation?
Yes, we can certainly assist with booking additional nights of hotel accommodation for you before and after your fully escorted tour. This is available upon request and subject to availability. Please inquire for further information and prices.
How much luggage should I bring?
Each passenger may bring one large suitcase and one carry-on bag. The weight limit for baggage is 20 kilograms or about 40 pounds. Baggage handling is provided at the hotels in our tour packages but there may be places where you will be required to wheel in your bags for quicker access. Be sure to advise our reservations staff if you will be bringing additional items such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair. You may also bring one small soft-sided carry-on bag, which should easily fit into the overhead shelf of a coach. Each person is responsible for his/her own carryon luggage. Remember to check your airline baggage restrictions if you are flying, as they may differ from Anderson Vacations guidelines.
I am a solo traveller. Is there a single surcharge?
There are options for single travelers to join most tours. Solo travellers can choose to pay a Single Supplement and have their own room throughout the tour. For those willing to share with a co-traveller of the same gender, we have a Twin Share option that is offered for most tours where you share a hotel room with another same gender traveller. In this case, you will not be charged for Single Supplement.
Is it possible to book a triple share accommodation?
Yes, it is possible to book triple share accommodations on select trips. Please inquire or contact us regarding this option, as prices and availability vary from tour to tour.
Can we book this tour with our exclusive group?
Yes, you can! Anderson Vacations works with many private groups and helps to customize a tour to traveller’s needs. Please contact us for more details.
Are gratuities included in the tour cost?
For convenience, gratuities for local guides and meals that are specified in the itinerary are included in the tour price. For meals not included in your tour package please remember that it is customary to tip your server 10-20% in North America. Gratuities for your Coach Driver (where appropriate) and Tour Director are entirely at your discretion. We recommend about CDN $5.00 per person, per day, for your Driver and CDN$7.00 per person, per day for your Tour Leader.
Ready? Have More Questions?
Over 25 years offering custom trips and small group tours.
INQUIRE ABOUT THIS TRIP
OR CALL
1.866.814.7378
Seasoned Tour Guides
Get a deeper understanding with storytelling tailored to your interests.
Space To Breathe
We never max out buses even if we use the same size bus as the competition.
All Inclusive
No hidden expenses along the way. Competitors offer activities as an extra - we don't
DOWNLOAD
Tour Code
GBRF
6 Day Great Bear Rainforest
6 days
Created On: 26 Sep 2023
Highlights
- The Dumpling Trail
- Guided Half-day Grizzly Viewing and Rafting Tour
- Nuxalk Petroglyphs Tour
- Nature Interpretive Hike & Bears Tour
- Totem Pole Tour of Bella Coola Village
- Bella Coola Museum
- The Kopas Store and Copper Sun Gallery
Inclusions
- 5 nights of accommodations (3.5 - 4 star, or best available)
- Professional Tour Leader
- Transportation including flight, boat, motorcoach
- 11 meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
- Transportation from local company
Exclusions
- Credit card payment fees, where applicable
- Attractions not listed
- Meals not listed
- Items of a personal nature
- Gratuities to guide (Recommend $5-$7 per person per day)
- Gratuities to driver (Recommend $3-$4 per person per day)
- Winter Clothing Rental Package
- Airfare — domestic and international (Unless Specified)
- Travel insurance (Strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
Dates & Prices
AVAILABILITY
START DATE
END DATE
PRICE
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
DEPOSIT
AVAILABLE
Mon, 16 Sep 2024
Sat, 21 Sep 2024
$3,580 USD
$100 USD
$500 USD
AVAILABLE
Mon, 21 Oct 2024
Sat, 26 Oct 2024
$3,580 USD
$100 USD
$500 USD
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Vancouver
Arrive in Vancouver and check in to your Richmond hotel. There will be some free time to explore the heart of interesting Richmond and we highly recommend walking the well-known ‘Dumpling Trail’ to get a feel of the city as well as its rich Asian heritage. A fast elevated metro train service also allows quick access to Vancouver city center and its attractions. This evening, we will walk to a nearby restaurant and enjoy a welcome dinner to get acquainted with our group.
Overnight: Vancouver
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Fly to Bella Coola in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest
We will transfer to Vancouver’s South Terminal for a short flight to Bella Coola. Flying over the fiords, high mountains and rugged terrain will give you an idea why so few roads exist in this relatively pristine part of British Columbia’s coastline.
On arrival, we will transfer to the Bella Coola Valley Inn before heading out on a walking tour to visit the Kopas Store, the Copper Sun Gallery and the Bella Coola Museum. The museum provides an insight into the area’s varied history starting with the Indigenous people who have inhabited the region for thousands of years, then the early explorers, the coming of the first pioneer European settlers and the building of the ‘Freedom Road’. The Kopas Store and the Copper Sun gallery provide a showcase for the traditional Nuxalk peoples artwork and handicrafts as well as maps, jewellery and masks typical of the area. The evening is at leisure to explore
the area and try local cuisine.
Overnight: Bella Coola
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: A full day of wildlife viewing on the wateR
We board our ocean going boat and depart on a guided day tour of the ocean fiords and inlets to see several sites built by settlers and learn about the history and settlement of the area. We cruise by Hanging Glaciers and stop in Bachelor Bay at the sandy beach and visit Seal Rock. The views to the east of Mt. Nusatsum and to the west of Bentinck Spire are spectacular.
All the while, our captain and Tour leader will be on the lookout for wildlife as we cruise into the mouth of the Salmon Spawning Creek at Green Bay to view the tidal estuary in search of grizzlies, black bears and wolves. Heading out around the point into South Bentinck Arm we may have opportunity to see seals, dolphins, humpback whales and orcas.
You will have the opportunity to enjoy a soak in the natural and remote natural mineral hot spring nestled in a rock crevice with crystal clear waters. After a soothing soak in the hot springs, we cruise to a quiet little emerald green harbour at the trailhead of the famous Big Cedar Tree while our captain prepares a nice onboard lunch as we enjoy watching the seals and eagles.
Departing the sheltered bay, we cruise up to a vertical granite bluff to view a very impressive display of ancient First Nation pictographs that tell stories of long ago. Heading north out of the fjord we keep an eye out for dolphins. Our cruise ends with arrival back at the Bella Coola Harbour late afternoon. The 8-hour cruise covers approximately 50 nautical miles of remote marine wilderness with many spectacular sights.
Overnight: Bella Coola
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Full day guided tour of the scenic Bella Coola Valley
British Columbia’s central coast swathed in temperate rainforest hosts a tremendous variety of habitats. Today, we will depart on a tour of the beautiful Bella Coola region and learn about the geography and history of this stunning area. Some of the highlights of this tour include the Tweedsmuir National Park, Clayton Falls, Purgatory Lookout and the Snootli Creek Hatchery.
Overnight: Bella Coola
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Full day guided tour of the scenic Bella Coola Valley
We will venture up river to today view the bears and wildlife. Grizzlies feed on the estuaries and the spawning salmon in this area and our guide/naturalist will walk us slowly upriver on an active grizzly bear trail. Along the estuary game trail, our guide will point out grizzly digs, territorial rub trees, claw marks, bite marks, grizzly day beds and old grizzly tracks sunk deep in the moss. We will likely see river otters, blue herons, kingfishers, mink, marten and bald eagles living in this watershed. Moving slowly and always watching for grizzlies we make our way upriver to the natural old growth wildlife viewing stand.
We hope to have excellent unrestricted views of the grizzlies, bears and wolves on the white sandbars upriver and downriver in a large old growth stand of cedar and spruce timber. This area is home to bears, wolves and blacktail deer who use the game trails year-round. This is an excellent location for photography and an ideal spot for photographers to set up their tripods amongst the timber canopy. We will remain at this natural wildlife viewing stand during prime time and enjoy the wilderness and wildlife.
Note that wildlife has their own mind and while we plan our trips during the best seasons and visit areas known for wildlife viewing, accompanied by experienced guides, we do not guarantee sightings
Overnight: Bella Coola
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Return to Vancouver
We transfer to Bella Coola airport for our return flight to Vancouver and the end of our Great Bear Rainforest tour
Meals: Breakfast
