When to go: From late August to the middle of October thousands of returning salmon draw wildlife to the local rivers making this the best time to view grizzly bears and the elusive Kermode bear. Trut fishing is in season year round and different Pacific salmon species run the rivers from April through October. Where to stay: Built in 1929 as a hunting lodge Tweedsmuir Lodge has 11 chalets and cabins (most facing a central lawn) on 60 wilderness acres in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park. From late August to mid September guests can take guided grizzly bear viewing float trips on the bordering Atnarko River. King Pacific Lodge is a luxurious floating 17 room resort anchored in Barnard Habour along the shores of Prince Royal Island. Open June to September the lodge is accessible only by floatplane. Rates include transportation gourmet meals and guided tours.
Spirit Bear Lodge a tour lodging outfitter in Klemtu is owned and operated by the local Kitasoo Xaixais First Nations community. To stay at the terfront lodge constructed in traditional west coast First Nations longhouse style reserve a spot on a three to seven night Spirit Bear Lodge bear viewing and cultural heritage tour. How to get around: Since many areas are accessible only by floatplane booking an all inclusive tour covering transportation meals and lodging is the most convenient option. acific Coastal Airlines operates direct flights from Vancouver to the Great Bear Rainforest communities of Bella Bella Bella Coola and Klemtu. BC Ferries offers a summer only ferry service to many local communities through its Discovery Coast Passage. Other water based options include Maple Leaf Tours sailboat based guided excursions and in late August and early September small group standup paddleboarding (SUP) expeditions led by Canadian paddleboard athlete and racer Norm Hann. Where to eat or drink: If you're a sport fisherman you can drop off your catch for processing in Prince Rupert at Dolly' s Fish Market(it's a depot for St. Jean's Cannery and Smokehouse before chowing down on the fish n chips lightly battered and fried local halibut or ling cod chunks served piping hot with homemade fries and a Caesar salad.
Dolly's before 11 a.m. for an early lunch. Local favorite Bella Coola Valley Restaurant is a burger joint in Bella Coola. The eclectic breakfast to dinner menu options range from pancakes to chow mein but stick to the beef burgers: thick juicy and with toppings galore. Frequent visitor Kalen Morrow recommends the restaurant at Prince Rupert's Crest Hotel for its halibut steak and panoramic view of the harbour. It's my hidden secret gem but the new Wheelhouse Brewing Company is an up and coming competitor. She suggests their juniper ales if they're available. Great Bear Rainforest: Canada's Forgotten Coast showcases more than 150 photographs as well as journal entries and maps from conservationists lan and Karen McAllister's sailing odysseys along the western Canadian coastline.