Grizzly Bear Watching and Bear Viewing Tours, Bella Coola, BC

In the autumn, when the salmon arrive to spawn, Bella Coola is host to one of the highest concentrations of grizzly bears. Among these old growth forests, pristine rivers, stunning peaks, soaring eagles, and vast glaciers, there is one animal at the top of the food chain: it is the mighty grizzly bear.

Trip Highlights

• See grizzlies feasting on salmon
• Float the pristine Atnarko River in our McKenzie drift boats
• See the stunning scenery of the Bella Coola Valley from the air
• Walk ancient forests in the company of a local guide
• Explore Nuxalk First Nations culture and visit the petroglyph gardens
• Stay in private chalets at the Historic Tweedsmuir Park Lodge

Our grizzly bear viewing trips, recognized by the Canadian Tourism Commission as a 'Signature Experience' that showcases authentic, immersive and engaging tourism experiences for travellers, are in the autumn, from start of September to the middle of October. This is when the local rivers are host to teeming numbers of returning salmon which in turn draws lots of grizzlies hoping to fatten up for the coming winter. At this time of the year the grizzly bears are intent on fishing and are more tolerant of both other bears and people and are therefore much easier to observe.

Accompanied by an experienced and knowledgeable guide, our drift trips are the perfect way to see the bears and wildlife of the Bella Coola valley. The McKenzie River boats are non-motorized and therefore do not disturb the bears in their natural habitat. The leisurely pace and silence offer a relaxed and peaceful way to travel the valley, as well as a completely unique opportunity for viewing wildlife up close and personal. On some occasions, our guests see up to 15 different grizzly bears in a single float.

In addition to the river floats you will also be able to walk old growth forests, literally in the footsteps of the bears. Our guide will show you day beds, claw marks on trees, tufts of bear fur, and of course lots of bear scat.

Guests from all over the world have stated that this is one of the ultimate wildlife viewing opportunities on the planet, and they have the pictures to prove it.

Visiting in October

September is not the only month with great bear viewing: October is too! The bears are fattening up before going into hibernation. In October, grizzlies occassionally frequent our lower lodge lawn more often than other months in order to graze on the glover.

Other reasons to visit in October:

• No crowds! we are the only bear viewing operation running tours in late October and the public viewing station is closed! This means our guests pretty much have the river to themselves and a few random Coho fishermen!
• Beautiful Autumn Colours! The contrast is amazing: lush, green lawns, with deciduous trees displaying every variation of green, yellow, orange and red you can imagine.....and sometimes there might be a backdrop of white when the mountain tops receive their first dustings of snow
• Mild temperatures! In October the summer heat is long gone and winter's frigid temperatures haven't arrived just yet.
• Fly-Fishing! September and October are the best months to catch Coho (aka Silver) Salmon. Even if you are an absolute beginner, we encourage you to give fishing a try! We can supply every piece of fishing equipment : from cast & fly rods, to lures, boots and waders. Our guides will show you the best spots. Why not throw in a line while you are drifting down the river looking for bears!
• Mushrooms! Have you been to Bella Coola in the fall and seen cars parked on the side of the road? They are mushroom pickers! The damp forest floor is perfect for Pine Mushrooms to flourish. You might even get to enjoy some for dinner while staying at the lodge...or come and pick your own, the chef will cook them up for you!

Small Group Sizes

Nature encounters are best experienced in small groups and we keep our Grizzly Bear Viewing drifts to a maximum of three guests per boat. Walking excursions are a maximum of six.

Get more information

We can organize a custom stay for you, but recommend either our 3, 4 or 5 night program (see the suggested itineraries below). These trips have been designed to showcase some of the best Bella Coola has to offer and provide an amazing wildlife viewing experience.