Question 1

How do I get to Tweedsmuir Park Lodge?

Accepted Answer

Guests typically fly from Vancouver’s South Terminal to Bella Coola via Pacific Coastal Airlines (about 70 minutes). From there, it’s a scenic 45-minute drive to the lodge—transfers are included with most packages. You can also arrive by car or ferry. Find your best route.

Question 2

What’s included in my stay?

Accepted Answer

Packages include accommodations, all meals and beverages (excluding premium alcohol), airport transfers, and guided experiences led by certified wilderness and wildlife guides. You’ll also have access to gear and on-site amenities like our wildlife platform, lawn games, and more.

Question 3

What types of accommodations do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Guests can choose from cozy timber-frame chalets, modern bungalows, or elevated suites overlooking the lawn. All options are set in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest and designed for comfort, privacy, and mountain views.

Question 4

Are meals included?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All meals are included and thoughtfully prepared by our on-site chefs using fresh, seasonal ingredients—think garden herbs, valley-grown vegetables, and seafood from local waters. Meals are paired with predominantly BC wines, craft beer, and award-winning spirits.

Question 5

What’s the best time to visit?

Accepted Answer

From early July to mid-August, the valley comes alive with long days, warm weather, and endless ways to explore. It’s an ideal time for hiking, scenic floats, alpine adventures, and spotting wildlife like black bears, eagles, and deer. While the grizzlies are still high in the alpine, there’s no shortage of natural beauty—and room to roam.

Question 6

What kinds of guided experiences are offered?

Accepted Answer

Your stay includes one full day or two half-day guided outings each day, led by certified wilderness guides. Activities vary by season and may include bear viewing, scenic drifts, interpretive walks and hikes, or cultural experiences. The first and last day of your stay are kept light to allow for travel and settling in.

Question 7

Who leads the tours?

Accepted Answer

All tours are led by experienced wilderness and wildlife guides who are certified and accredited by the Commercial Bear Viewing Association. They’re deeply passionate about the local ecology, wildlife safety, and the local environment.

Question 8

What else can I do at the lodge?

Accepted Answer

Guests can enjoy our wildlife viewing platform, lawn games, low ropes course, scavenger hunt, and the unique Aerial Tree Canopy experience. There’s also plenty of space to relax, explore, and take in the scenery at your own pace.

Question 9

What kinds of bears can I expect to see during grizzly season?

Accepted Answer

Grizzlies and black bears both call this valley home, along with sows, boars, and plenty of curious cubs. You might even spot them right from the lodge lawn.

Question 10

What kind of wildlife might we see other than bears?

Accepted Answer

The Bella Coola Valley features an abundance of wildlife. Between early July and mid August you might spot black bears, black-tailed deer, bald eagles, fox, moose, and various salmon species, and other native fauna. While sightings are never guaranteed, our guides know the valley well and will do their best to put you in the right place at the right time. If you are interested in seeing Grizzly Bears, we suggest you book our Grizzly Bear Safari packages available from mid August to mid October.

Question 11

I’m a wildlife photographer. Is this experience right for me?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Wildlife photographers often choose our Private Package, which features a flexible schedule tailored to getting the perfect shot. We recommend bringing a 400–600mm lens for best results.

Question 12

What kinds of bears can I expect to see?

Accepted Answer

Grizzlies and black bears both call this valley home, along with sows, boars, and plenty of curious cubs. You might even spot them right from The Great Lawn.

Question 13

Can I bring the kids on my trip?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. The Bella Coola Explorer Package works well for families, with activities that can be shaped around your family’s interests, energy levels, and ages. That said, our Small Group packages are only open to guests aged 12 and up. If you’re travelling with younger kids (11 or under), please book a private package, which offers more flexibility to accommodate younger children.

Question 14

What should I pack for my trip?

Accepted Answer

Weather in the Bella Coola Valley can shift quickly. We recommend layered clothing, waterproof outerwear, sturdy footwear, and casual lodge attire for downtime. A full packing list will be provided closer to your arrival date.

Question 15

Is there Wi-Fi or cell service at the lodge?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have Starlink WiFi at the lodge and in guest chalets. Signal strength can vary depending on where you are, and there’s limited cell service in the Bella Coola Valley. That said, you’ll still be able to check in when needed, though there’s a good chance you’ll forget about your phone altogether.

Question 16

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Please let us know your dietary needs when booking so our chefs can plan accordingly. We do our best to accommodate allergies and preferences with care.

Question 17

Will I be in a group with others?

Accepted Answer

If you book a small group package, yes, you’ll share your guided experiences with up to five other guests. Private packages are fully reserved for your group only.

Question 18

Are there laundry facilities at the lodge?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Each guest chalet is equipped with a laundry bag—just leave it for our team and we’ll take care of the rest. Laundry service is available for a flat rate of $50 per bag. Please note that self-service laundry facilities are not available at the lodge.

Question 19

Can I bring my pet with me?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately we cannot accept any pets on property during the summer months due to the wildlife in the area.

Question 20

What time is check-in?

Accepted Answer

Check-in time is 4 pm. If your chalet is ready before this time it may be possible to check-in earlier, however this cannot be guaranteed. When you arrive at the lodge we would be happy to store your bags for you, and you are welcome to utilize the lodge facilities and take the opportunity to explore the property.

Question 21

What time is check-out?

Accepted Answer

Check-out time is 11am. We ask guests to please vacate their chalets to allow for the lodge team to get ready for the incoming guests. If you would like to store your luggage and use the shared lodge facilities on your departure day please speak with the team at the lodge.

Question 22

Are there safety concerns with watching the Grizzlies?

Accepted Answer

Safety is our number one priority at the lodge. Our grizzly viewing activities are all guided and our guides all hold up to date first aid, extensive bear knowledge, and bear spray. Our lead bear viewing guides have successfully passed the CBVA exams where they have learnt “best practices” in regards to bear viewing, including how to minimize risk for both bears and humans.

Question 23

I have mobility concerns, can I join in on the activities?

Accepted Answer

Most of our activities are catered towards guests of all physical abilities. If you have any specific mobility concerns please feel free to reach out to our reservations team to chat.

Question 24

When is grizzly season?

Accepted Answer

Grizzly bear viewing season runs from late August through early October, when salmon return to the rivers and bears gather to feed. This is the best time to see grizzlies in the wild—including sows with cubs—while exploring with our expert guides in small, respectful groups. You may also catch a glimpse from the river, the trails, or even the Great Lawn. From early November through April, most bears will be hibernating, with only the occasional late-season sighting of a bear still hunting for fish.

Question 25

Can I see Grizzlies in July?

Accepted Answer

Although it may be possible to sight Grizzly Bears in July, we do not focus on programs on the grizzlies at this time of year. Normally, the animals are still high in the alpine in July and do not make their way down to the lodge until mid August when the salmon migration begins in our rivers. In July, black bear, deer, birds, and other wildlife sightings are a possibility.

Question 26

Do you accommodate single occupancy guests?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While our chalets are designed for double occupancy, single occupancy is available for an additional nightly charge, and is subject to availability. The rate varies depending on the package selected.

Question 27

Do you accept nightly reservations?

Accepted Answer

From July 4 to August 14, 2025, we offer nightly accommodations in your choice of a private chalet, suite, or duplex. Please note that starting August 15th, nightly stays are no longer available, as we transition to our all-inclusive Grizzly Bear Viewing packages with a minimum 3-night stay.

Question 28

Do you have an EV charging station at the lodge?

Accepted Answer

We offer a complimentary charging station for guest use (NEMA 14-50). However, we recommend fully charging your vehicle in Williams Lake before traveling along Highway 20.

Question 29

Can I bring/use a drone?

Accepted Answer

A stay at Tweedsmuir Park Lodge offers opportunities to capture incredible photos, however, due to the high frequency of wildlife activity on the property, drones are not permitted.

Question 30

Is tipping expected?

Accepted Answer

Gratuities are not required but are greatly appreciated. We suggest a tip of 10% of your package price, which is shared among our dedicated lodge staff and guides who work hard to make your experience exceptional. Gratuities can be conveniently paid at the lodge by cash or credit card. Your generosity goes a long way in recognizing their outstanding service.

Questions? We’re Glad You Asked

01How do I get to Tweedsmuir Park Lodge?

02What’s included in my stay?

03What types of accommodations do you offer?

04Are meals included?

05What’s the best time to visit?

06What kinds of guided experiences are offered?

07Who leads the tours?

08What else can I do at the lodge?

09What kinds of bears can I expect to see during grizzly season?

10What kind of wildlife might we see other than bears?

11I’m a wildlife photographer. Is this experience right for me?

12What kinds of bears can I expect to see?

13Can I bring the kids on my trip?

14What should I pack for my trip?

15Is there Wi-Fi or cell service at the lodge?

16Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

17Will I be in a group with others?

18Are there laundry facilities at the lodge?

19Can I bring my pet with me?

20What time is check-in?

21What time is check-out?

22Are there safety concerns with watching the Grizzlies?

23I have mobility concerns, can I join in on the activities?

24When is grizzly season?

25Can I see Grizzlies in July?

26Do you accommodate single occupancy guests?

27Do you accept nightly reservations?

28Do you have an EV charging station at the lodge?

29Can I bring/use a drone?

30Is tipping expected?