Find Yourself Where A Wild Land Meets A Wild Ocean
Spirit Bear Lodge is British Columbia's most remote wildlife viewing lodge, offering exclusive access to transformative wilderness and authentic cultural experiences that create emotional connections between people, nature and wildlife.
Long ago, when the world was covered with ice, creator came and turned the world green and lush. They wanted to remind the people of a time when life was hard and the world was frozen, so creator decided to turn 1 in every 10 black bears white. Today the spirit bear continues to serve as a reminder to be grateful for our rich lands and waters and to take care of them for future generations.
Connect with the Kitasoo Xai’xais People, the lands and waters of their Traditional Territory and the magnificent wildlife that call it home. Our all inclusive multi-day adventures build an understanding, respect, and connection to the heart of The Great Bear Rainforest and a culture that has roots as deep as the trees. This is more than just a vacation, it is a journey that will intertwine you with this special place, its story and its people who continue to protect it for future generations.
Spirit Bear Lodge is Indigenous-owned, offering exclusive access to wildlife viewing areas and Cultural sites within the Kitasoo Xai’xais Traditional Territory. Learn about the Kitasoo Xai’xais People who have called what is now named the Great Bear Rainforest home for thousands of years. A transformative experience that advances social, cultural, environmental and economic revitalization for the Kitasoo Xai’xais First Nation. By visiting Spirit Bear Lodge you support a remote First Nations community, contribute to reconciliation and support a conservation based economy. Slow down, leave the fast pace of todays world behind and find serenity in reconnecting with one of the worlds last truly wild places.
Visit the largest coastal temperate rainforest on earth
LOCATIONOur Story
How the remote Indigenous community of Klemtu became a leader and model for community-led ecotourism.
Founded in 2001, Spirit Bear Lodge attracts visitors from around the world looking to explore The Great Bear Rainforest in search of wildlife, culture and intact ecosystems. Spirit Bear Lodge, owned and operated by the Kitasoo Xai'xais First Nation, has become a successful model for conservation-based eco-tourism and has helped strengthen economic, conservation, and culture in the community of Klemtu.
OUR STORY
Culture
Our vision for our land and resources is based on the best definition of the term sustainable. To us this means that the wealth of forests, fish, wildlife and the complexity of all life will be here forever. It also means that we will be here forever.
Culture
Sustainability
At Spirit Bear Lodge we believe in responsible tourism, this means we do everything possible to minimize our impact on the special places we visit and the animals that call them home.
Sustainability
Know Before You Go
Be sure to read our frequently asked questions page for more information and don't hesitate to reach out, we would love to hear from you.
FAQ'sA Typical Day at Spirit Bear Lodge
Each day in The Great Bear Rainforest is unique, but here is a little bit of an idea of what you might expect your experience to look like.
Every day at Spirit Bear Lodge offers a new experience. We explore a variety of breathtaking locations in pursuit of the diverse wildlife that call The Great Bear Rainforest home. Our journey takes us on comfortable boats for roughly one and a half hours through the stunning Traditional Territory of the Kitasoo Xai’xais First Nation, reaching different wildlife viewing locations each day. Tours are tailored based on recent wildlife sightings, tides, and weather conditions. Some days may be spent patiently waiting in a river system for wildlife to appear, while others might involve visiting multiple locations, cruising the shoreline, or exploring estuaries by zodiac.
Certain days are dedicated to seeking out the elusive spirit bear, while others focus on seeking out grizzly bears, whales and other wildlife. That said, we always remain vigilant for spirit bear sightings and are ready to adjust our plans accordingly. We spend the entire day travelling throughout the Kitasoo Xai’xais vast Territory in search of wildlife.
Once we get home it is time for sharing stories of the day over a delicious dinner. Each day is enriched by Kitasoo Xai’xais Culture, as we engage with local staff, visit culturally significant sites, and learn about the history of the Kitasoo Xai’xais People. Our staff share their profound knowledge of their Territory and stories that have been passed down through generations. Our aim is to provide a transformative experience through complete immersion in nature and by sharing our deep appreciation for the wilderness of The Great Bear Rainforest.
It’s essential to understand that successful wildlife viewing requires patience. We encourage our guests to slow down and reconnect with nature while waiting for wildlife to appear, allowing the sights, sounds, and scents of this magnificent wilderness to help you relax and find inner tranquility.
Please note we do have a minimum age requirement of 10 years old to partake in our packages.
Arrival Day
Arrive at Spirit Bear Lodge
- Enjoy the Pacific Coastal Airlines scheduled flight from Vancouver to Bella Bella.
- You will be met at the airport and assisted with a van transfer to the Bella Bella town docks.
- Our boat awaits and this is where your adventure begins!
- Search for wildlife on your way to Spirit Bear Lodge for an afternoon arrival.
- After a warm welcome there is a guest orientation where you learn more about the exciting days ahead.
- Take some time to relax in your ocean view room or explore the village of Klemtu.
- Enjoy a delicious dinner with other guests of the lodge and a relaxing evening overlooking the ocean.
Days 2-6
Great Bear Rainforest
- 7am breakfast, then meet on the dock at 8am for a day of adventure.
- Tour activities may include:
- Wildlife and bear viewing
- Whale watching
- Visiting Indigenous Cultural sites
- We explore lush estuaries, forested rivers, stunning inlets with immense waterfalls and granite cliffs, beaches and rocky shoreline.
- Return to Spirit Bear Lodge in time for dinner.
- Each evening may include a cultural experience or educational presentation, time to relax overlooking The Great Bear Sea, or the opportunity to explore the village of Klemtu.
Departure Day
Klemtu - Bella Bella - Vancouver
- Take in the serenity of Kitasoo Xai’xais Traditional Territory.
- After breakfast, pack up and head to the traditional Big House for a cultural experience and traditional farewell.
- Say your final goodbyes and depart the lodge mid morning to travel by boat back to Bella Bella for your return flight.
- Van transfer from the dock to the Bella Bella airport and board Pacific Coastal Airlines flight back to Vancouver.
- Arrive at Vancouver South Terminal where your tour package comes to an end.
- Breakfast and snacks are included for your travel home.
Know Before You Go
Mobility Requirements
Good mobility is essential for travel on the trails we use and for embarking and disembarking our vessels onto rocky shorelines and beaches. Trails can be uneven, steep, muddy or overgrown, and sometimes we even make our own. A high level of fitness is not needed for our tours, but a high level of mobility is required.
Typically we can travel distances of a few hundred meters at each river or estuary but sometimes we go further or we may visit more than one river or estuary in a day.
Since we conduct our wildlife viewing tours from land in remote wilderness, good mobility is a necessity. Unfortunately it is just not possible to make our tours more accessible.
If you have mobility issues please contact us directly for more information and to ensure you can participate fully in our experiences.