Wildlife Holidays in Canada - Going Wild in British Columbia

The coastline of Canada’s British Columbia is an immensely rich area for wildlife where, during the benign summer, a spectacular series of natural tableaux unfolds. In early summer (May to July) black and brown (a.k.a. grizzly) bear, including mothers with cubs barely a few months old, can be seen foraging at low tide along the shoreline. This is also prime breeding season where more than one male may catch the female’s scent and this can lead to some potentially violent showdowns between competing males.

As summer wears on, the forest berries ripen and the bears spend increasing amounts of time feeding in the woods. By mid-July the seasonal upwelling of nutrients at the northern end of Vancouver Island attracts prey for large pods of orca (killer whales), which congregate to hunt. Numerous harbour seal, mink and bald eagles are also present at this time, but black bears become wary of the grizzlies and are more difficult to see.

By mid-August the rivers fill with salmon moving upstream to spawn in the headwaters, and the grizzlies gorge themselves on the foreshore to fatten up for hibernation. By late October, things quieten down as shorter days herald the arrival of winter.

To witness these spectacles you can take a float plane out to a remote but comfortable, specialist lodge. In early summer you’ll watch bears from a boat, while later on you’ll view them from purpose-built platforms. One of our favourites is Knight Inlet, as large numbers of grizzlies are seen near the floating lodge, plus whales and dolphins on boat trips in the nearby Johnstone Strait. Another more intimate property, Great Bear Lodge, offers equally good opportunities.

Alternatively on the mainland near Bella Coola, both Coast Mountain and Tweedsmuir Lodges are accessible by road, allowing you the flexibility of self-drive – and both are great spots for bear watching (September to mid October). On Vancouver Island, Tofino and Telegraph Cove make ideal bases for seeing black bears and whales, while in September on Princess Royal Island you can view all-white spirit bears from King Pacific and Spirit Bear Lodges.

One effortless way to see both bears and whales is from a comfortable 21-metre yacht, while sailing at the northern end of Vancouver Island, or in the remote Queen Charlotte archipelago. With eight cabins, three shower/toilets, a large saloon and a galley, these vessels are crewed by an experienced skipper, a knowledgeable naturalist and a talented cook.

Both trips offer unparalleled opportunities to explore pristine coastal forests and ancient First Nations villages, and see orcas and other whales, bears and numerous birds. Each day there are a couple of shore excursions, and once at anchor there’s time to unwind in the long summer evenings – take a sea-kayak for a paddle, go for a stroll, or simply marvel at the beauty.

In October, if you time it just right, you can combine seeing the grizzlies in BC before heading to Churchill in Northern Manitoba to see the first polar bears arrive – possibly the best bear extravaganza in existence!

To help select the best option for you, contact our friendly and knowledgeable team for advice. We tailor-make your holiday to suit you but for recommended itineraries – or very useful starting points see:

Orcas, Bears and Forests of BC
When: 2-6 & 21-27 August
From: £4,299

Queen Charlotte Islands
When: early May to late August
From: £5,049

Bears of Knight Inlet
When: May to October
From: £4,190

Whales & Bears of British Columbia - 14 day self drive
When: Daily, May–Oct
From: £2,995

Grizzly & Polar Bear Adventure
When: Daily, early October
From: £6,995

For all our Canada Wildlife Holidays click here or for our guide to Tailor Made Holidays in Canada click here