Experience the beauty of the Broughton Archipelago and the Great Bear Rainforest at this family-run wilderness lodge. The lodge is located on a secluded 10-acre old-growth forest. Farewell Harbour Lodge offers bear viewing and whale watching with knowledgeable guides by day, plus delicious meals and cozy comforts by night. This lodge is a favorite amongst the connoisseurs of wildlife travel. Don't miss out on this amazing offer to see some of Western Canada's best wildlife and marine life.
Note: The daily plans are flexible to accommodate the surprises that you encounter each trip, the requirements of tide and weather, and the interests of the group. With so many opportunities to be “wowed”, it’s hard to predict what unique moment will be your favorite memory.
Day One – Vancouver to Farewell Harbour Lodge
Departs daily from Vancouver or hotel between 9.30-10.30 am. Arrive at Alder Bay at 12.00pm for your 12.30 pm departure aboard the high-speed water taxi for the scenic 30-minute service to Farewell Harbour. Greet Farewell Harbour Lodge staff at the dock (1.00 pm). Check-in, and receive welcome orientation and lunch. Relax, you’re here! After settling into accommodations, join an afternoon tour in search of marine wildlife in the waters of the famous Johnstone Strait and Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. Return to the lodge by 4.30 pm. Dinner at 6 pm, followed by the next day's activity briefing. Evening presentation at 7 pm on some aspects of coastal ecology.
Day Two to Six – Farewell Harbour Lodge
Daily breakfast and then on the water at 8 am for your choice of bear viewing safari or a more extensive exploration of the incredibly rich waters of Johnstone Strait and the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve.
The bear viewing adventure to one of our main grizzly viewing estuaries is a highlight! Our bear viewing takes us to one of several estuaries where we view either from a zodiac or on foot depending on the tide. We do not use viewing platforms, preferring to view wildlife at eye level in their natural habitat.
There are also ample opportunities to view marine life. Orcas typically return to these waters mid-July although Humpbacks and other marine life can often be seen from May through October. Return by 4.30 pm for dinner and the evening program.
Departure Day – Farewell Harbour Lodge to Port Hardy
Choose from one of the following options: A short morning sea kayak excursion in the protected and crystalline waters near Farewell Harbour Lodge, a marine excursion, or a guided interpretive rainforest hike. Return to the lodge for the return water taxi back to Alder Bay about midday arriving for your transfer back to Port Hardy Airport or hotel. Itineraries starting in Vancouver will end with a flight from Port Hardy to Vancouver.
Complimentary round-trip shuttle from Port Hardy Airport or hotel to Alder Bay
Round-trip water taxi from Alder Bay to Farewell Harbour Lodge
3 nights accommodations with private ensuite and shower
Welcome briefing and orientation to the tours, viewing opportunities, and facilities
All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and snacks start with lunch on day 1 and end with lunch on your final day. Wine with dinner is complimentary
Non-alcoholic beverages
All transportation on all wildlife excursions
Marine tour excursion on arrival day
One full-day excursion to one of our grizzly viewing areas
One full day on a marine tour excursion or another grizzly bear excursion
Choose from one of the below excursions on departure day:
Marine excursion (2hours)
Sea kayak excursion (2hours)
Guided interpretive rainforest hike (2hours)
Evening guide presentations/slide shows
BC Provincial hotel tax & carbon offset fee
Vancouver departures include round-trip airfare from Vancouver to Port Hardy and transfer by shuttle to Alder Bay from where you transfer by water taxi to Farewell Harbour Lodge
Notes:
Based on double occupancy
Based on the trip length, the number of nights at the Lodge and days spent on wildlife viewing will be more or less.