2025 THE GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST GRIZZLIES IN FALL

Each fall when the salmon return to spawn, Bella Coola becomes home to some of the highest concentrations of grizzly bears in the world. Join me at Tweedsmuir Park Lodge a member of the magnificent seven wilderness lodges of Canada for an unparalleled experience of grizzlies bears fishing for salmon in the stunning colors of fall in the pristine Bella Coola Valley. We will spend our days drifting down the Atnarko River, walking through the forest with our bear guide looking for bears or viewing bears from the lodge's private bear viewing platform. Bald eagles are abundant in this region and provide great photography opportunities when the bears are less active. I will be providing in field instruction and evening critiques to ensure you get the best photos possible on your tour. 

“Donna, your dedication to creating unique experiences and providing personal attention is truly inspiring. You're an incredible photographer and instructor!” - Monica 

Dates: October 3 - 7, 2025
Spots: 5
Costs: $6995 CDN + GST 

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What is included

  • All meals and snacks
  • All drinks including domestic beer and wine
  • Bear guides for river drafts and walking explorations
  • In-feld instruction and evening critiques
  • Transfer to and from Bella Coola airport 
  • Luxurious accommodations in chalets with lofts
  • Hot tub and sauna

What is not included

  • Gratuity for guides and hospitality staff
  • Airfare to Bella Coola

What to expect

This area of the Atnarko is picturesque and serene, the drift down the river is relaxing and tranquil as the bears quietly fish for salmon along its shores or dive underwater to feast on salmon eggs. Enjoy the gorgeous mountains and fall colors as we slowly meander downstream for almost 3 hours.

The walks with the guide throughout the day can be tailored to ability level and if walking poses a significant challenge you can always remain at the lodge and watch for bears from the lodge's private viewing platform. In all likelihood you will have the platform to yourself as the lodge has exclusive with only12 cabins making for an intimate atmosphere. Staff quickly learn your name and make you feel welcome from the moment you arrive. 

In the evenings you can choose to review photos from the day by the fireplace or take a relaxing sauna or enoy the soothing waters of the hot tub.  

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive at the lodge by 1:30 pm. A bear guide will provide a bear orientation in the afternoon. You can enjoy the bear viewing platfrom and we will meet for dinner in the main lodge at 7pm.

Day 2 - 4 The bear viewing platform opens at 7am., You can look for bears, review your images from the day before or exercise in the workout room. Ensure you have grabbed breakfast by 8:30 as we will meet at 8:45am each morning for our first bear excursion. Each day we will alternate between a river drift for part of the day and a walk with a bear gude for the other part. We are usually back from the first excusrion by 11:45am giiving you a few minutes to get those batteries charging before lunch which you can enjoy between noon and 1pm. We will regroup at 1:45pm for our afternoon excursion returning by 5pm. This gives plenty of time to freshen up, download images or enjoy the bear viewing platform before we all meet for dinner at 7pm. I will be available each evening after dinner to review images and provide feedback and tips for editing. 

Day 5 - The morning is your own to enjoy in this picturesque location with check out at 11am. I am available to go over images or join you at the viewing platfrom that morning. 

What will the weather be like?

  • It will be mild usually between 6 - 14C this time of year. However it may be raining so bring raingear with you. The lodge also has rain gear available.
  • An updated forecast will be provided closer to the actual date of the tour. 

What should you bring?

  • Warm clothes that can be layered and hiking boots.
  • Plenty of batteries.
  • You can use a variety of lens sizes a 100-500mm zoom would be ideal or a 400 or 600mm lens. 

Payment Schedule

  • A $1500 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking
  • $3000 due February 1, 2025
  • Remainder of balance due June 15, 2025

Cancellation and Refund Policies

  • A $1500 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking
  • All cancellations must be received by email.
  • Amount refunded is dependent on the date of cancellation: 
    • Prior to April 30- full refund of the amount paid at the time of cancellation less the non-refundable deposit
    • April 30 - June 15 - 50% of the balance that was due February 1 plus full amount of any remaining balance that was paid less the non-refundable deposit
    • After June 16 - non refundable

Cancellation Insurance

For your protection, I strongly recommend you purchase travel insurance which includes cancellation. 

Once a booking is made and the deposit paiid significant expenses and long-term commitments are incurred on your behalf. For this reason, I cannot refund your deposti if you are later forced to cancel your reservation, hence trip insurance is important. 

 

Participant Agreements
For all tours, each participant will be required to sign a Release of Liability and an Assumption of Risk Waiver before the start of the tour. You may be asked to sign a photo release form (optional). 

NOTE: While we will make every attempt to find the wildlife during the tour there is NO guarantee that we will. Inability to find wildlife does not warrant a refund.