Bears of Canada: Polar and Grizzly

Venture into the depths of the Canadian wilderness and spend two weeks observing both grizzly and polar bears. Fly into remote lodges and enjoy incredible walking safaris, thrilling zodiac boat excursions or unique tundra ATV rides for up close encounters with Canada's beloved bears.

1. Days 1-2: Vancouver

   Fly into Vancouver and spend the night at the luxurious Rosewood Hotel Georgia. Starting your vacation in true style, relax in the prohibition bar and enjoy dinner at one of Vancouver's best restaurants. If your flight time allows, enjoy a bicycle ride around Stanley Park, or take in the views from Grouse Mountain for a fantastic introduction to Canada’s natural beauty.

   Accommodation: Rosewood Hotel Georgia (1 night)

2. Days 2-6: Great Bear Rainforest

   The next morning, you will be met and transferred back to the airport for your short flight to Bella Coola. Touchdown in the pristine Great Bear Rainforest and soak up fresh rainforest air before heading to your cabin. For the next four days, you will have incredible opportunities to view grizzly bears in their natural habitat. From your cabin or the lodges main deck, during peak bear viewing season of September through mid October, you'll even see bears wandering past or sleeping on the lawn. During your stay, you will venture out onto the water by boat to view the bears on the shoreline, take guided nature walks on the trails to learn about bear tracking signs, as well as view the bears from platforms. Another highlight of a stay at Tweedsmuir is the option to go heli-hiking to remote locations, or simply enjoy some heli-sightseeing to see the Great Bear Rainforest from the air.

   Accommodation: Tweedsmuir Park Lodge (4 nights)

3. Days 6-8: Manitoba

   After your wilderness adventure, you will fly back to Vancouver to connect with your onward flight to Winnipeg, the gateway to the Canadian arctic. We’ve recommended two nights in Winnipeg to work with best flight connections, although one night is possible with a late night arrival.

   Explore Assiniboine Park and Zoo, a great introduction to what you’ll see in the Artic, as well as the information Manitoba Museum and Winnipeg Art Gallery. On your second evening, you’ll meet with your group, for an informative introduction to your Arctic experience.

   Accommodation: The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel (2 nights)

4. Days 8-12: Manitoba

   Wake early for your flight to Churchill from Winnipeg and arrive in the afternoon, ready for your small aircraft to pick you up and whisk you away to Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World. The flight is approximately eighty minutes long, and depending on the weather, you should have a spectacularly scenic flight, in fact you may even spot your first glimpse of a polar bear, moose or wolf on-board.

   Upon arrival into the lodge, you will be shown to your cabin and given a brief orientation presentation; highlighting the rules and regulations of being a guest in bear country. After all, you are visiting polar bear territory, rather than them visiting human civilization. Once formalities are over, you will have four magnificent days exploring the lengths of Arctic Canada. Spend time trekking through the Cape Tatnam Wildlife Management Area in search of the polar bear or heading out on multi-passenger ATV excursions. This area is renowned for incredible polar bear and cub sightings, making it a unique and once-in-a-lifetime experience.

   Accommodation: Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge (4 nights)

5. Days 12-13: Manitoba

   At the end of your trip, you will be flown back to Churchill to connect with your onward flight to Winnipeg. Spend one more night in the city before heading home, all while revelling in the incredible encounters you have had with both grizzly and polar bears.

   Accommodation: The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel (1 night)

• Day 1 - Tweedsmuir - Grizzly Bear Safari 4N/5D

  Your 5-day Grizzly Bear Safari begins with a relaxed first day as you arrive at Tweedsmuir Park Lodge, flying over the impressive Coast Range mountains and the spectacular fjords which can be seen on route to Bella Coola.

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• Day 2 - Tweedsmuir - Grizzly Bear Safari 4N/5D

  Rise early to catch the bears and wander down to the wildlife viewing station where you can observe these majestic creatures along this large stretch of river.

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• Day 3 - Tweedsmuir - Grizzly Bear Safari 4N/5D

  Today you will have the opportunity to explore Bella Coola and the surrounding countryside, acquainting yourselves with the fascinating culture of the region and learning about the First Nations' history.

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• Day 4 - Tweedsmuir - Grizzly Bear Safari 4N/5D

  Today you will go back to bear watching with a second early morning visit to the wildlife viewing station. Following breakfast you will head out on the water for a river drift on the lookout for more bears while they are still active.

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• Day 5 - Tweedsmuir - Grizzly Bear Safari 4N/5D

  Today is your final morning at Tweedsmuir Park Lodge. We highly recommend a final visit to the Wildlife Viewing Station before breakfast but there are plenty of facilities to enjoy at the lodge should you prefer to keep it relaxed!

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Vancouver, Great Bear Rainforest, Churchill