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