8 Days/7 Nights
All Land transportation included This tour is an experience of a lifetime! The central coast of British Columbia is known as the Great Bear Rainforest. This area is one of the best places in the world to observe grizzly bears and other wildlife. During spring, grizzly bears leave the mountains to graze on the sedges, succulents and grasses at the river estuary. A number of birds and other animals also inhabit the river estuaries. In mid-August thousands of salmon return. Enclosed viewing stands along the riverbanks allow you to watch the bears gorge themselves on fish in anticipation of their hibernation. Cartans Tour Highlights 7 Nights accommodations 2 Nights Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel 2 Nights hotel in Port Hardy hotel to be determined Round trip air from Vancouver to Port Hardy Round trip air via seaplane from Port Hardy to the Great Bear Lodge 3 Nights accommodations at the Great Bear Lodge, which also includes: Welcome orientation at the Great Bear Lodge Afternoon and morning bear viewing sessions, guided by a wildlife biologist Wilderness gourmet meals including complimentary wine with dinner Slide shows and video presentations of the local natural history Guided hiking, boat cruises or sea-kayaking
Maps and destination information Hotel taxes and GST as applicable
Daily departures May 7 to October 16, 2008 Rates are in US Dollars, per person, double occupancy Departure dates (based on availability) | PRICE | May 7- June 30 | $3,569 | July 1 August 19 | $3,189 | August 20 September 30 | $4,499 | October 1 - 16 | $4,409 | Rates for additional nights at the Great Bear Lodge are available upon request | Single rates available upon request |
**Please note: Itinerary changes can occur based on the activities of the bears, the hours of daylight, the tides and the weather. Detailed itinerary for this package Day 1 Arrive Vancouver Welcome to Vancouver! Overnight arrangements have been made for you at the Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel. This is a magnificent airport hotel! Your hotel is located inside the main terminal which makes check-in for your flight tomorrow very convenient. Overnight Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel Day 2 Vancouver to Port Hardy Today you fly from Vancouver to Port Hardy. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Stroll or jog along the seawall to the bustling harbour, where fishing boats, sail boats and float planes always seem to be coming or going. Port Hardy is rich in Native culture, and Native Art shops and galleries offer arts and crafts produced by local Native artisans. Overnight TBD Day 3 Port Hardy to the Great Bear Lodge Today your Grizzly Bear Adventure begins! Your seaplane flight from Port Hardy to the Great Bear Lodge departs mid-afternoon. Upon your arrival at the lodge, your hosts will be on the dock to welcome you to your wilderness retreat. Later this afternoon you have your first grizzly bear viewing. This evening you will be treated to a wilderness-gourmet meal. A wildlife biologist will present slides and videos, explaining the interaction of the grizzly bear with this unique ecology. Overnight Great Bear Lodge Day 4 Great Bear Lodge The first viewing today is at dawn, but rest assured, you will be fortified with good coffee and fresh baked goods. A typical viewing session lasts about three hours. Brunch is served in the lodge late morning. Early afternoon will be spent exploring the surrounding area with a guide. In mid-afternoon you will venture out to see the bears again before having dinner in the lodge. On clear nights, the stars are amazing! Overnight Great Bear Lodge Day 5 Great Bear Lodge The bears are most active in the early morning and late afternoon hours, which is why the viewing sessions are at these times. This afternoon you will take either a guided sea-kayaking tour of the estuary, or a boat cruise to explore the glacier-carved inlet. The Great Bear Rainforest is home to many animals, including grey wolves, otters, black bears, mink and bald eagles. Overnight Great Bear Lodge Day 6 Great Bear Lodge to Port Hardy After one last session to see the bears, you will enjoy lunch at the lodge. Your flight from the lodge to Port Hardy is late this afternoon. Overnight TBD Day 7 Port Hardy to Vancouver You have most of the day to enjoy Port Hardy, as your flight departs later today. Once again we have conveniently arranged your hotel accommodations at the Vancouver Airport. Overnight Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel Day 8 Vancouver/Home We hope you have enjoyed this trip of a lifetime! Thank you for choosing Cartan Tours. | 
