Tracking the mythical Spirit Bear that roams the Great Bear Rainforest in Northern BC is a once in a lifetime experience. Also known as Kermode Bears, these white bears are actually black bears with a recessive gene. The best time to view them is in September. On Gribbell Island, local guides lead you to wooden platforms overlooking a beautiful creek, where you can expect a magical encounter with a bear you can find nowhere else on Earth.
Length of Trip : 3-7 days
Cost : Varies depending on accommodation and length. Check here for the latest packages.
Best time to go : Late August to September
Wheelchair friendly : No
Family friendly : Yes
Where to eat : Outstanding fine dining at the lodge
Official Site : The King Pacific Lodge
Where to Stay : Unfortunately, the King Pacific Lodge, featured in the book, filed for bankruptcy in 2013. No word yet on when it will re-open (if ever). For accommodations (and tours), check out Spirit Bear Lodge or Tweedsmuir Park Lodge
Getting There : King Pacific Lodge – This luxury wilderness lodge is accessible by air only. The international gateway is Vancouver, British Columbia. Guests travel to the lodge in a privately chartered plane from Vancouver to Bella Bella on the North Coast where they transfer to floatplanes to take them to the lodge (included in the package price).
Note from Robin : There’s never a guarantee when it comes to wildlife viewing, especially a creature as rare as the Spirit Bear. Look at the adventure as a journey. It’s a beautiful part of the world, whether the bear decides to make an appearance or not.
THE SPIRIT BEAR!
PHOTO: BHASKAR KRISHNAMURTHY
PHOTO: BHASKAR KRISHNAMURTHY
PHOTO: BHASKAR KRISHNAMURTHY
WELL DONE. CANAPES, ANYONE?
KING PACIFIC LODGE
UNIMPRESSED SEA LIONS
WAITING FOR BEARS
FOR THIS EXPERIENCE, WE RECOMMEND
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