Bear watching in BC

A lodge in Bella Coola, B.C., Canada has officially proved that whale watching is so 2017. Tweedsmuir Park Lodge, a rustic retreat just outside of this tiny town in northern British Columbia, is inviting you to come up and spend a few days hanging out with bears this summer. Not just any bears, mind you, but Grizzlies.

The lodge offers a number of all-inclusive tour options that put you up close with them, all but guaranteeing you’ll have the most original Instagram photos of anyone you know.

We hear your concerns and are here to quell them. Bear watching is totally safe — we promise. Just like whale watching, you can head out in a boat, albeit on the Bella Coola River instead of the ocean. You first Instagram photo might look something like this:

Photo: Tweedsmuir Park Lodge

There’s also this elevated wildlife viewing platform where you can watch the bears fish and feed their cubs:

Photo: Tweedsmuir Park Lodge

If that’s still not close enough for you, jump on the canoe:

Photo: Tweedsmuir Park Lodge

If you and your crew want to come spend some quality time with the area’s resident Grizzlies this summer, the lodge is open for guests from July through mid-October. While the number of bears you’ll see is ultimately up to the bears themselves, most don’t have to go too far. They’re often chilling outside while you drink your morning coffee:

Photo: Tweedsmuir Park Lodge

The Grizzlies are the highlight, but the trip is also a perfect opportunity to get out into nature and spend the night in a luxurious all-inclusive retreat. It’s not hard to disconnect — the nearest stoplight is 400 miles away. Full-day hiking and sightseeing options are available as well. The staff and a guide are onhand for any tours that you embark on.and to cook hot meals throughout your stay. And check out these accommodations:

Photo: Tweedsmuir Park Lodge

Whether or not you rub shoulders with a Grizzly. the experience of getting up north far from a major city is a fine way to disconnect from society. How close you actually get to the bears depends on your own comfort level, but one thing’s for sure: no one’s going to accuse you of planning a boring summer vacation.


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