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Highlights
Experience grizzly bear viewing, kayaking, and cultural experiences in British Columbia
Paddle through peaceful water channels along the coast, with the chance to encounter whales, orcas, and other marine life.
Immerse in local culture with a visit to the U'Mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay, home to world-renowned Indigenous art.
Travel through the Inside Passage on a scenic ferry ride, passing through stunning islands and forested fjords.
Spend an afternoon strolling the boardwalks of Telegraph Cove, a former fishing and cannery village.
The Great Bear Rainforest & Chilcotin Self-Drive Tour is a 12-day journey through the beautiful landscapes of British Columbia, beginning in Vancouver and venturing north to Vancouver Island. This tour offers thrilling wildlife encounters, including Indigenous-led grizzly bear and wildlife viewing tours. Paddle through pristine waters in sea kayaking excursions, and explore the cultural riches of Alert Bay’s U'Mista Cultural Centre. Then, board a scenic ferry along the Inside Passage, enjoying dramatic views of fjords, islands, and dense rainforests before arriving in Bella Coola.
Continue your adventure in the stunning Bella Coola Valley, where you can witness grizzly bears along the Atnarko River and explore Tweedsmuir Provincial Park's hiking and flightseeing opportunities. Discover ancient petroglyphs, relax in hot springs, and take in the breathtaking views from Hunlen Falls via floatplane. Your road trip through the rugged Chilcotin Plateau offers authentic western experiences, including stays at family-run lodges or guest ranches, before you return to Vancouver via the scenic Sea to Sky highway.
The Great Bear Rainforest & Chilcotin Self-Drive Tour is a 12-day journey through the beautiful landscapes of British Columbia, beginning in Vancouver and venturing north to Vancouver Island. This tour offers thrilling wildlife encounters, including Indigenous-led grizzly bear and wildlife viewing tours. Paddle through pristine waters in sea kayaking excursions, and explore the cultural riches of Alert Bay’s U'Mista Cultural Centre. Then, board a scenic ferry along the Inside Passage, enjoying dramatic views of fjords, islands, and dense rainforests before arriving in Bella Coola.
Continue your adventure in the stunning Bella Coola Valley, where you can witness grizzly bears along the Atnarko River and explore Tweedsmuir Provincial Park's hiking and flightseeing opportunities. Discover ancient petroglyphs, relax in hot springs, and take in the breathtaking views from Hunlen Falls via floatplane. Your road trip through the rugged Chilcotin Plateau offers authentic western experiences, including stays at family-run lodges or guest ranches, before you return to Vancouver via the scenic Sea to Sky highway.
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Great Bear Rainforest & Chilcotin Self-Drive Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive to Vancouver
Arrive in Vancouver, check into your hotel, and enjoy some free time to explore the city.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Vancouver
Meals: None
Day 2 Scenic Journey to Telegraph Cove
Today you will take a scenic ferry ride from Vancouver to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. After arriving, take a picturesque 4-hour drive to the charming village of Telegraph Cove. Once there, enjoy free time to explore this historic town at your own pace, soaking in its natural beauty and unique character. In the evening, indulge in a delightful waterfront dinner, featuring fresh, local seafood. Spend the night in the cozy surroundings of Telegraph Cove, ready for the adventures that lie ahead.
Optional add-on: 1-2 nights in Campbell River on-route to Telegraph Cove.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Telegraph Cove
Meals: None
Day 3 Kayaking on Johnstone Strait & Journey to Alert Bay
In the morning, set out on a half-day sea kayaking tour on the scenic Johnstone Strait, where you’ll paddle through beautiful waterways and immerse yourself in the tranquil natural surroundings. Afterward, continue your journey with a ferry ride from Port McNeill to Alert Bay. Upon arrival, check in to a charming, family-run bed and breakfast, offering a cozy and inviting atmosphere for the night ahead.
Overnight Location: Bed & Breakfast in Alert Bay
Meals: None
Day 4 Grizzly Bear & Whale Watching Adventure
The focus of day 4 will be an Indigenous-led tour in the Broughton Archipelago, where you’ll have the unique opportunity to observe grizzly bears and spot majestic whales in their natural habitat. After a thrilling day of wildlife viewing, return to Alert Bay for a relaxing overnight stay at your cozy bed and breakfast.
Overnight Location: Bed & Breakfast in Alert Bay
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 5 Exploring Alert Bay & Scenic Journey to Port Hardy
Enjoy a relaxing morning in Alert Bay, where you can explore charming shops, scenic walking trails, and visit the U’Mista Cultural Centre to experience the fascinating history of the area. Afterward, travel to Port Hardy, checking in to your hotel for the night.
Optional add-on: extra nights in Port Hardy to visit San Josef Bay in Cape Scott Provincial Park.
Overnight Location: Kwa’Lilas Hotel in Port Hardy
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Scenic Ferry Ride to Bella Coola
Set sail on a breathtaking full-day ferry ride from Port Hardy to Bella Coola, passing through the world-renowned Inside Passage. Marvel at the stunning coastal scenery, which includes dense rainforests and glacial fjords. Upon arrival in Bella Coola, check in to your accommodation and enjoy a relaxing evening in this tranquil town.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Bella Coola
Meals: None
Day 7 Grizzly Viewing in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park
Experience a thrilling grizzly bear viewing tour along the Atnarko River in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, where you’ll witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Afterward, enjoy a free afternoon exploring Bella Coola, with options for hiking in the nearby parks and immersing yourself in the tranquil surroundings.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Bella Coola
Meals: None
Day 8 Explore Bella Coola
Spend the day exploring the serene beauty of Bella Coola. Enjoy optional activities such as a boat tour through the stunning glacial fjords and hot springs, or take part in an Indigenous-led petroglyph tour. You can also enjoy guided hikes, mountain biking, or horseback riding to experience the area’s natural charm.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Bella Coola
Meals: None
Day 9 Float plane tour to Turner Lake & Hunlen Falls
Drive east to the stunning Nimpo Lake, where you’ll board a floatplane for a scenic tour to Turner Lake and Hunlen Falls. The waterfall is an awe-inspiring sight, and you’ll have the chance to disembark for a hike and take in the breathtaking views before returning by floatplane.
Overnight Location: Lodge at Nimpo Lake
Meals: None
Day 10 Adventure along the Chilcotin Plateau
Continue your road trip eastward through the rugged Chilcotin Plateau, making stops at the picturesque Bull Canyon Provincial Park and enjoying lunch in the charming village of Redstone. Later, you’ll check into a cozy, family-run lodge near Williams Lake for the evening.
Optional add-on: Extend your stay with an optional 3-night stay at a classic Canadian Guest Ranch, where you can enjoy horseback riding and ATV tours.
Overnight Location: Lodge near Williams Lake
Meals: None
Day 11 Scenic Exploration of Farwell Canyon and Green Lake
Visit to the fascinating Farwell Canyon sand dunes, a unique natural wonder. Then, enjoy a scenic drive south to Green Lake Provincial Park (~2.5 hours), taking in the beautiful landscapes on the way. Upon arrival, check in to a cozy B&B and unwind with free time to explore the park’s serene beauty.
Overnight Location: Bed & Breakfast near Green Lake
Meals: None
Day 12 Return to Vancouver
After breakfast, set out on a scenic drive back to Vancouver, taking in the breathtaking views along Duffey Lake Road and the iconic Sea to Sky Highway. The 5.5-6 hour drive offers a beautiful end to your journey. Upon arrival in Vancouver, your tour concludes, but you can choose to extend your stay in the city or explore further with a trip to Victoria.
Optional add-on: nights in Vancouver or Victoria.
Overnight Location: None
Meals: Breakfast
Great Bear Rainforest & Chilcotin Self-Drive Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided tour is fully customizable and available for any group size, based on availability. The prices below are per person, based on double occupancy:Accommodation on the Great Bear Rainforest & Chilcotin Self-Drive Tour
This tour is based on a variety of options such as hotels, lodges and bed and breakfasts, each offering a unique and comfortable stay tailored to your needs.
What’s Included in the Great Bear Rainforest & Chilcotin Self-Drive Tour?
Meals
3 breakfasts and 1 lunch are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 11 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
For transportation during the tour, you will need your own vehicle, as this is a self-guided tour. Detailed itineraries and local recommendations will be provided to ensure a smooth journey.
Also included
- Sea kayaking tour on the Johnstone Strait (half-day)
- Indigenous-led grizzly bear and wildlife viewing tour from Alert Bay (full-day)
- U’Mista Cultural Centre entry (optional add-on: Artist-led tour of the galleries)
- Grizzly viewing float in Bella Coola (half-day)
- Floatplane tour & hike at Hunlen Falls (full-day)
- Ferries from Vancouver to Nanaimo, and Port Hardy to Bella Coola
- Custom itinerary design, local recommendations, and remote support from during your trip.
Not included
- Flights to/from and within British Columbia
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Vehicle rental/usage and fuel
- Ferry to/from Alert Bay
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
- GST tax (5%)
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- 1-2 nights in Campbell River on-route to Telegraph Cove
- Extra nights in Port Hardy to visit San Josef Bay in Cape Scott Provincial Park
- 3-night stay at a classic Canadian Guest Ranch with horseback riding and ATV tours
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions
- How hard is the Great Bear Rainforest & Chilcotin Self-Drive Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?
- Are meals included on the Great Bear Rainforest & Chilcotin Self-Drive Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Vancouver to start this tour?
- Where does the Great Bear Rainforest & Chilcotin Self-Drive Tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Canada?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Canada?
We rate this tour as a 3/5. It offers a moderate level of physical activity, with sea kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing requiring average fitness levels. However, the trip is designed to be enjoyable for a wide range of travelers, with plenty of time to relax and take in the scenery. It’s suitable for those who enjoy nature and outdoor activities without being too physically demanding.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
3 breakfasts and 1 lunch are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover all the activities listed on the tour. Get your travel insurance.
To get to Vancouver to start the tour, you can fly into Vancouver International Airport (YVR), or take a bus or train from other parts of Canada. If you're already in the region, you can also use local public transport or coach services. Since this is a self-guided tour, you will need your own vehicle for the duration of the trip. Car rentals are available at the airport or throughout Vancouver, but you can also choose to use buses or other transport options for the journey to the start point. Just make sure to arrange your vehicle in advance if you don't have your own.
The tour ends where it began in Vancouver.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
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