Discover the Great Bear Rainforest: The Bella Coola Valley

Day 1: Arrive at the Lodge

For those choosing to arrive by air, enjoy the short 70 minute scenic mid-morning flight from Vancouver International Airport’s South Terminal direct to Bella Coola. Marvel at the impressive Coast Range mountains and expansive fjord network as you fly overhead.

Upon arrival at the Bella Coola airport, you will be met by your guide for introductions. They will assist you with your bags before transferring you ~45 minutes to the lodge.

If you are arriving by car, we recommend arriving no earlier than 14:00. If you arrive early, enjoy a bite to eat in the main lodge or relax with a cocktail on the sun deck.

Upon arrival at the lodge, you will be given a detailed orientation of the the lodge, its amenities, and the wildlife viewing stand.

Check-in to your chalet is at 16:00. A three course dinner is served at 19:00 each night.

Day 2: Explore the Great Bear Rainforest

Atnarko Scenic River Drift
Drift down the meandering Atnarko River between lush green forests and with the snow capped peaks of the Coast Range Mountains towering overhead. Relax and enjoy the scenery, but keep your eyes open for bald eagles, river otters, and bears, as well as five species of salmon, which call these waters home. This is the best activity for serious photographers. The Atnarko River features Class One waters. Our drifts are not about the thrill of running rapids, but are about the serenity of traveling at a slow pace in a pristine environment with plenty of opportunities to capture amazing memories and photographs.

Guided Interpretive Walk
To gain a full appreciation of this magnificent part of the world, it is best to venture out with a local guide who will draw on their own personal experiences and knowledge of the area to share information about the various temperate climate zones and their ecology. Together, these factors make the Bella Coola Valley one of the most interesting and biodiverse places to visit in the world.

They will also share their knowledge of the specific plants and animals that are native to the area. The stories shared will help to provide context to the geography and history that gave rise to this incredible landscape.

Day 3: Explore the Great Bear Rainforest

Via Ferratta Climbing Adventure
This assisted climbing experience provides participants with a spectacular self-propelled mountain adventure, amazing scenery, and an exciting feeling of exposure with low risk.

Our experienced guides will help guests up short rock faces, across thin ledges and along ridge lines, all at their pace, making sure they can make the most of the stunning natural landscape in a safe manner. There are two route options; a moderate vertical ladder route and a more advanced route that includes 2 aerial wire bridge sections with overhead support cables. The guide, with input from the guests, will determine which route to take. Perched atop the two climbing routes is a lookout deck with stunning views of the Bella Coola Valley and its surrounding peaks. Here guests can celebrate their journey to the summit and enjoy an optional charcuterie board and sparkling water for $25 per person (minimum 2 people).

Guided Bella Coola Valley Hike
Discover extraordinary hikes with the support of a local guide. These hikes are a step above your ordinary walk in the park. The scenery is jaw dropping and the forests and rivers remain pristine. Options include: an easy stroll along the Tote Road for a glimpse into Bella Coola’s pioneering past; a moderate loop trail that follows in the footsteps of Sir Alexander Mackenzie on his epic crossing of Canada in 1793; or a vigorous and exercising climb up to elevation points to enjoy views of the valley, waterfalls and mountain views.

All tours are are led by one of our experienced local guides. They will share their interests in wildlife, geography, forest ecosystems and photography to ensure that the guest experience is truly memorable and well spent.

These eco tours involve approximately 2 hours of hiking on forest trails and tracks. The pace varies from moderate to vigorous walking based on the difficulty level of the trail and fitness level of the group.

Day 4: Explore the Great Bear Rainforest

Highlights of the Bella Coola Valley
The Bella Coola Valley is located at the heart of an extraordinary area where the world’s most extensive interconnected fjord system, the world’s largest intact temperate rainforest, and a very dramatic mountain landscape of glaciers, plunging creeks, pristine rivers, and granite cliffs converge. Much of the area is now protected as part of either the Great Bear Rainforest or Tweedsmuir Provincial Park.

Our guides will explain the forces of nature, heavily influenced by glaciation, that gave rise to the landscape and continue to shape it’s evolution. They will also provide an overview and point out examples of human history in the valley. From totem poles and culturally modified cedar trees to the logging and commercial fishing that underpinned the valley’s recent economy, humankind has left its mark on the landscape. Guides will also touch on the Salmon lifecycle, Nuxalk First Nations history, and the spectacular environment from the glaciated peaks down to valley bottoms.

It is not possible to see all the valley has to offer in one day so please advise your guide of your preferences and interests, whether it be the interface of the valley with the fjords or more on the inland aspects of the valley, and they will create the perfect outing.

Day 5: Depart from the lodge

Enjoy one last peaceful morning in the forest and another delicious breakfast before saying goodbye to the Bella Coola Valley. After checking out at 11 am, you’ll transfer to the airport or ferry terminal for your return home.