Highlights

  • Spot grizzly bears in one of the world's best viewing destinations
  • Explore the stunning Knight Inlet with forest hikes and kayaks on pristine waters
  • Enjoy all-inclusive, ultra-fresh dining at the lodge including complimentary wine
  • Contrast Vancouver's coastal delights with Campbell River's rugged wilderness

Spoil yourself

  • Extend for an extra night for a chance to head on more excursions, from bear watching trips to kayak tours

Canada's natural beauty is perhaps best showcased in British Columbia. This weeklong break sees you explore its rugged coastline and wildlife-filled forests with a stay at Knight Inlet, home to one of the world's greatest grizzly bear viewing sites. You'll start in cosmopolitan Vancouver’s seafront delights and world-class gastronomy before included transfers take you to the Knight Inlet Lodge. This floating resort will see you enjoy your own cosy suite with a wood-burning stove and vistas of Glendale Cove's shores, often host to foraging bears. Spend days bear watching on specially made platforms, kayaking on pristine waters and hiking forest trails before coming back to ultra-fresh crab and salmon. Campbell River's wilderness parks and fishing hotspots also await, before you finish your journey in Vancouver's thriving, mountain-lined shores.


Days 1 – 2

UK to Vancouver

After a complimentary VIP airport lounge access, board your day flight to Vancouver. On arrival, check in to your luxury accommodation, The Loden. Situated in Vancouver’s charming Coal Harbour, The Loden is all contemporary suites looking over the harbour, along with a luxury spa and sprawling lounges.

Enjoy the delights of the hotel or venture out into Vancouver’s gems, from its endless museums to quirky eateries lining the picturesque waterfront. 

The Loden, Vancouver

The Loden, Vancouver

Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver


Day 3

Outdoor adventure in Campbell River

Take your included transfer and flight to the scenic Campbell River this morning, often named the 'salmon capital of the world'. There's endless scope for activity, with boundless wilderness parks and fishing hotspots. Perhaps canoe the Circle Route around the Sayward Forest, hike the craggy Nootka Trail or visit the many art studios on Quadra Island before sampling some ultra-fresh seafood in one of the many seafront eateries. 

Stay: Campbell River hotel

Breakfast included

Campbell River

Campbell River

Campbell River, British Columbia, Vancouver Island, Canada

Campbell River


Days 4 – 5

Wildlife & wilderness at Knight Inlet Lodge

After breakfast on day three, take your included seaplane from Campbell River to the stunning Knight Inlet. This 100km long fjord is carved by glaciers in the coastal mountains, with the surrounding pristine wilderness teeming with grizzly bear. The eponymous lodge tucks into Glendale Cove, home to mussels, barnacles and sedge grasses in spring and therefore a hotspot for foraging bears, while autumn sees them feed on salmon in the Glendale River. You'll stay in one of five modern cement floats with queen-sized beds, private bathrooms and burning wood stoves among stunning alder hardwood furnishings and panoramic views of Glendale Cove's shoreline.

It's all done alongside a cosy dining room, lounge and interpretive centre, while outside, The Knight Inlet is one of the best places to view grizzly bears in the world. The specially constructed viewing platform at the lodge will be part of your included bear viewing tour, as well as a scenic boat ride among the forested atolls of Glendale Cove, a Knight Inlet sightseeing cruise, kayaking in the pristine waters and even an interpretive guided walk through the shaded forest trails. Come back to delicious dining options, with daily specials including crab, salmon and prawn harvested fresh from the pristine glacier fed waters of the Knight Inlet, alongside complimentary wine. 

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Knight Inlet Lodge

Aerial view, Knight Inlet Lodge

Knight Inlet Lodge

Bear cub, Knight Inlet Lodge

Knight Inlet Lodge

Grizzly bear, Knight Inlet Lodge


Day 6

Seaplane to Vancouver

Afret breakfast, take your included seaplane from the Knight Inlet back to Vancouver via Campbell River, and on arrival in Vancouver, take the chance to explore what you might have missed last time. Perhaps head downtown to the myriad coffee shops and historic boutiques in Gastown, or stroll among the public art and sculptures that line the streets of the West End.

For something more adventurous, hike through rainforest trails that surround the city, bike around the seawall or simply stroll among the famous verdure of Stanley Park. This evening, perhaps sample one of the many Japanese and Chinese restaurants or freshly-caught seafood eateries.

Breakfast included

The Loden

The Loden


Days 7 – 8

Depart for home

After breakfast, you’ve got another morning to explore Vancouver before boarding your overnight flight back to the UK, arriving on day seven.


About the itinerary

"I've put together this itinerary to showcase the jaw-dropping wildlife that's at home in British Columbia. Knight Inlet is one of the best grizzly bear viewing sites, and Knight Inlet Lodge will see your room floating over the fjord's edge. Visit in autumn and you'll witness the great salmon run as excited bears snatch them from the waters. Fresher-than-fresh seafood, superb hiking trails and a seaplane transfer back to Vancouver complete the experience."

Andy Austen

Destination Specialist

Pricing information

Guide price from £3,890 pp incl. flights

21 May - 30 Aug 2024 from: £3,890 pp
31 Aug - 15 Oct 2024 from: £4,300 pp

Includes: 

  • Complimentary UK airport executive lounge access
  • Return flights between UK and Vancouver
  • 2 nights at The Loden Hotel, Vancouver (1 pre and 1 post your stay at Knight Inlet)
  • Return flight from Vancouver to Campbell River
  • Return transfer from Campbell River Airport to hotel and seaplane terminal
  • 1nt accommodation in Campbell River
  • 2nts accommodation at Knight Inlet Lodge
  • Return floatplane transfer between Campbell River and Knight Inlet Lodge
  • Welcome orientation for wildlife viewing
  • All meals and snacks whilst at the lodge
  • Complimentary house wine with dinner
  • All transportation to the bear viewing stands and boats
  • Bear viewing tour
  • Scenic boat ride of Glendale Cove
  • Knight Inlet sightseeing cruise
  • Kwalate River Valley interpretive hike
  • Bald Eagle excursion viewing
  • Use of kayaks on organised estuary tours and interpretive guides on all tours
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