Spirit Bear Sighting in The Great Bear Rainforest
Spirit Bear Sighting in The Great Bear Rainforest
Northern lights over Whitehorse, Yukon
Northern lights over Whitehorse, Yukon
Sightings of the Spirit Bear & other wildlife at Spirit Bear Lodge
Sightings of the Spirit Bear & other wildlife at Spirit Bear Lodge
Northern Lights mirroring Lake Laberge, Yukon
Northern Lights mirroring Lake Laberge, Yukon

Epic Canadian Northern Lights, Bears and Whales Experience

14 nights from €6,279 per person Including Flights

Overview

We have created this itinerary as the ultimate once-in-a-lifetime holiday to experience the real Canada. Enjoy time in a First Nations lodge in the Great Bear Rainforest, owned and managed by the ancient Kitasoo Xai’xais people. Here you will see giant whales swimming through the ocean, discover bears in their natural habitat, see eagles, porpoise, sea lions and more. After returning to Vancouver you will then fly far north into the remote Yukon Territory to see the amazing phenomenon of the Northern Lights – the Aurora Borealis. 

We will tailormake this holiday just for you, so if you’d like us to add on a cruise to Alaska or visit Niagara Falls on your way home, just let us know.

Highlights

  • In the heart of the British Columbia wilderness, enjoy excursions to spot grizzly bears, black bears and spirit bears, whales. porpoise and sea lions
  • Discover the Northern Lights in the remote, sparsely populated Yukon Territory in northern Canada
  • Choose from a plethora of Canadian experiences, from a floatplane trip to dog sledding
  • Enjoy time in the lovely waterfront city of Vancouver, with its delicious cuisine and local wines and fun activities to experience


Itinerary Overview

Fly to Vancouver 2 nights – Fly to Bella Bella & transfer to Spirit Bear Lodge 4 nights – Fly to Vancouver 2 nights – Fly to Whitehorse Yukon 4 nights – Fly to Vancouver 2 nights – Fly home

Available departure dates: 07 August 2024 - 12 October 2024

Whats included?
  • Flights & taxes
  • Accommodation
  • Checked baggage
  • CAR licensed & bonded
  • In resort assistance & 24 hour contact centre
Why Book with Canadian Sky?
  • Hassle-free - book direct quickly and easily
  • Choice of airlines and the option to switch
  • A friendly, family run business with a wealth of experience.
  • Great deals on offer for multiple destinations
  • Low deposits
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Day 1

Fly to Vancouver

Arrive in Vancouver and transfer independently to your hotel for two nights. The SkyTrain takes just 26 minutes from the airport to downtown Vancouver.

Overnight: Georgian Court Hotel or upgrade to the Fairmont Waterfront

Day 2

Vancouver

A full day to explore the lovely city of Vancouver. Given this is an true Canadian adventure, we think you’ll want to take a floatplane trip to experience taking off and landing on water! We can book a wonderful flightseeing excursion for you over Vancouver, Horseshoe Bay and Deep Cove (please see optional excursions tab for approx prices). Another all-Canadian experience we’ve enjoyed is “Flyover Canada” – a gently thrilling ride on which you soar over Niagara Falls and across the Prairies. Alternatively you can take a fun foodie tour of Granville Market or simply stroll the lovely waterfront to Stanley Park. All excursions in Vancouver are optional.

Overnight: Georgian Court Hotel or similar

Day 3

Vancouver – Spirit Bear Lodge

Transfer independently to Vancouver South Terminal for your flight to Bella Bella airport in the Central Coast region of British Columbia. You will be transferred from the airport the harbour where the Spirit Bear Lodge boat will pick you up for a scenic ride to the lodge.

Located in the Heart of the Great Bear Rainforest, which the indigenous Kitasoo Xai’xais people have called home for thousands of years, you will have a unique experience learning about an ancient culture from the local staff combined with spectacular wildlife viewing.

On arrival you will enjoy a late lunch followed by welcome orientation and cultural experience. After unpacking, its time for drinks and appetisers, followed by dinner. All breakfasts, lunches and dinners, including table wine and beer are included, and meals in the lodge are communal around two long cedar tables. There are twelve bedrooms, all overlooking the water so you’ll actually be able to spot whales from the comfort of your own room.

Overnight: Spirit Bear Lodge

Days 4, 5 and 6

Spirit Bear Lodge

Each day, after a 7am breakfast you’ll then meet on the dock for a full day of wildlife viewing adventure. The activities may include wildlife and bear viewing, kayaking, hiking or a cultural site visit. You will search for grizzly bears, black bears and spirit bears in the pristine river valleys. You will spot whales. porpoise and sea lions whilst exploring the Great Bear Sea.

Return in time for appetisers at 6pm and dinner at 7pm, followed by an evening presentation on aspects of the Great Bear Rainforest, Bears or First Nations Culture.

Day 7

Return to Vancouver

After breakfast enjoy a scenic boat ride back to Bella Bella, and take an afternoon flight back to Vancouver. Transfer independently to your chosen hotel.

Overnight: Georgian Court Hotel or similar

Day 8

Vancouver

A day free to relax in Vancouver after your adventure in the Great Outdoors of British Columbia. There are some great galleries and museums to visit and you could relax over a long leisurely lunch in the quirky district of Gastown where you’ll find some great bars and restaurants.

Overnight: Georgian Court Hotel or similar

Day 9

Onwards for the next part of your epic adventure. Transfer independently to the airport for your flight to Whitehorse in Yukon Territory. On arrival you’ll be met by a local rep and transferred to the hotel. Once you’ve checked in, you’ll have an orientation meeting about what to expect over the new few days. In the evening you’ll have your first evening viewing of the Northern Lights. You’ll leave the hotel at about 22.00, and in groups you will be taken to a prime viewing area, where you will be treated to snacks and hot drinks in either a cosy heated cabin or tent, depending on the location. You’ll be taken back to the hotel at around 2.30am.

Overnight: Best Western Gold Rush Inn, Whitehorse

Days 10, 11 & 12

Whitehorse, Yukon

On your first morning in Whitehorse, you’ll be treated to a tour of this former gold rush settlement with its stunning backdrop of mountains. Explore Main Street, the Train Depot of the White Pass, Log Skyscraper, Log Church, the Sternwheeler SS Klondike, fish ladders and Schwatka Lake. During the rest of the days you are free to relax. Each evening you will enjoy Northern Lights viewing, and whilst waiting for the light show will be able to sit at a bonfire to toast marshmallows and enjoy tea or hot chocolate, whilst chatting to the local guides.

Overnight: Best Western Gold Rush Inn, Whitehorse

Day 13

Return to Vancouver

It’s time to leave Whitehorse today, so check out of your hotel, take the transfer to the airport and fly back to Vancouver.

Overnight: Georgian Court Hotel or similar

Day 14

Vancouver

It’s your final day – if you’re feeling energetic we can book you an optional excursion to the Capilano Suspension Bridge or Grouse Mountain. Alternatively, there are some great shopping opportunities – time to stock up on your favourite Canadian brands Arc'teryx, Lululemon and Canada Goose.

Day 14

Fly home

  • International flights
  • 14 nights accommodation as described or similar
  • Spirit Bear Lodge 4 night package
  • Return flights from Vancouver to Whitehorse for the Northern Lights viewing
  • Return transfers between Whitehorse airport and Best Western Gold Rush Inn
  • Tours and excursions as described above unless noted as optional or extra charge

Spirit Bear Lodge Package includes:

  • Flights between Vancouver South Terminal and Bella Bella
  • Meet and greet shuttle transfer between Bella Bella airport and town docks
  • Water taxi between Bella Bella and Spirit Bear Lodge
  • All transportation to bear viewing areas
  • Full board including starting with lunch on first day of Spirit Bear Lodge and ending with breakfast on the day of departure
  • Table wine and beer with dinner
  • Professional Guide for full and half day bear watching excursions and programs; Whale watching, walking tour, Evening Big House interpretive tour, evening guide presentation/slide show
  • Rain gear, including rubber rain trousers, jackets and rubber boots
  • Evening Big House interpretive tour
  • Conservation and Coastal Watchman Program user fee

What's not included

  • Airport transfers
  • Meals unless stated
  • Optional Excursions - please see other tab for further information
  • Suggested Spirit Bear Lodge gratuities - $50 per person per day

Approximate from prices per person:

  • Vancouver Flyover Canada - €20
  • Vancouver Scenic Floatplane Experience - 30 minutes - €120
  • Vancouver Granville Island Market Tour - 2 hours - €100
  • Vancouver Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park Admission - €50

Speak to our sales specialist on pre-booking these excursions for you

  • Fitness level: Good mobility is required for all activities.
  • Itineraries are subject to change due to the weather, tides and wildlife activity
  • Special dietary needs will be accommodated with notice at the time of booking
  • In September the weather is very variable in Canada, so you will need to take different layers from t-shirts and shorts to a fleece and sturdy trousers, plus a good waterprood jacket. As the Northern Lights viewing is at night, we also advise you take a warm hat, scarf and gloves.
  • At Spirit Bear Lodge, Smoking is not permitted inside the lodge or during the tours. There is a designated smoking area on the north side of the lodge on a covered deck with a receptacle for cigarette butts. Smoking is not permitted in the lodge, on the boats or on wildlife excursions. Bears are extremely sensitive to smell so any smoke or strong scents, like perfume or personal care  products, may adversely affect the wildlife viewing experience of the whole group.


 

Rachel McAnaspie
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