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Atnarko Scenic River Drift

Explore Bella Coola

Example 6 Day Tour staying at Tweedsmuir Park Lodge
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Experience 6-days exploring the Bella Coola Valley and the Great Bear Rainforest at Tweedsmuir Park Lodge. Encounter stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife on this immersive tour. Against the backdrop of the majestic Great Bear Rainforest, indulge in various adventures, from serene river drifts to guided nature walks. Thrill-seekers can conquer the lodge's Via Ferrata for breathtaking views. Guided hikes unveil picturesque vistas of Bella Coola Valley. Dive into the region's cultural heritage with local First Nations guides, exploring petroglyph sites. Family fun awaits with river swimming, tree-top thrills, and more. After days of excitement, relax in the lodge's cozy accommodations and savor gourmet meals crafted from local ingredients.
Guided Interpretive Nature WalksGuided Interpretive Nature WalksVia Ferrata climbing adventureGuided Interpretive Nature WalksAtnarko Scenic River DrifMother bear and her cubsVia FerrataAtnarko Scenic River Drift
Highlights
  • Discover the rich wildlife and grizzly bear habitat of Tweedsmuir Park
  • Enjoy the Atnarko Scenic River Drift and see the snow-capped peaks
  • Learn about biodiversity on a guided interpretive nature walks
  • Experience the Via Ferrata self-propelled climbing mountain adventure
  • Explore Bella Coola's rainforest, fjords, and stunning mountain glaciers
  • Hike the Rainbow Range, a million-year-old peralkaline shield volcano
Activities
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Fly to Bella Coola | Arrive in Tweedsmuir Park Lodge

When you arrive at Bella Coola Airport or BC Ferries Terminal, a lodge representative will be waiting to greet you. They will assist you with your bags before transferring you for 45 minutes to the lodge.

If you are arriving by car, we recommend arriving no earlier than 14:00. If you arrive early, enjoy a bite to eat in the main lodge or relax with a cocktail on the sun deck.

Check-in to your chalet is at 16:00. A three-course dinner is served at 19:00 each night. 

Upon arrival at the lodge, you will receive a detailed orientation of the lodge, its amenities, and the wildlife viewing stand. Below is an example of the activities you can experience while visiting Tweedsmuir Park Lodge. Activities must be selected before arrival and are based on season. Click here for a full list of activity options. 

Approx daily schedule: 
07:00 to 08:30 Breakfast service is available
07:30 The wildlife viewing stand is open
09:00 Guided morning half-day activities begin
12:00 to 15:00 Lunch service is available
14:00 Guided afternoon half-day activities begin
16:00 to 18:00 Happy hour service is available
19:00 Three-course dinner is served
 

Day 2: Tweedsmuir Park Adventure Activities

Half-day Atnarko Scenic River Drift:

After breakfast, prepare for a thrilling adventure in the Atnarko River. Drifting down the meandering Atnarko River, you will see lush green forests and the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Coast Range Mountains towering overhead. Serenity reigns as they relax and soak in the breathtaking scenery while remaining vigilant for sightings of bald eagles, river otters, bears, and the five species of salmon that call these waters home. Serious photographers will find this activity especially rewarding, with ample opportunities to capture stunning images. The Atnarko River's Class One waters ensure a tranquil journey devoid of the adrenaline rush of rapids, allowing guests to immerse themselves fully in the pristine environment and create unforgettable memories through photography.

Duration: 2–3 Hours
Fitness Level: Easy

Half-day Guided Interpretive Nature Walks:

Take a guided interpretive nature walk in the Bella Colla Valley as an afternoon activity. To fully appreciate this magnificent part of the world, it is best to venture out with a local guide who will draw on their own experiences and knowledge of the area. They will share information about the various temperate climate zones and their ecology. The Bella Coola Valley is among the most fascinating and biodiverse tourist destinations in the world because of all these factors combined. They will also impart their expertise on the particular flora and fauna indigenous to the region. The stories shared will help provide context for the geography and history that gave rise to this incredible landscape.

Duration: 2–3 Hours
Fitness Level: Easy

Day 3: Tweedsmuir Park Adventure Activities

Half-day Via Ferrata Climbing Adventure:

On this day, this assisted Via Ferrata climbing experience provides participants with a spectacular self-propelled mountain adventure, stunning scenery, and an exciting feeling of exposure with low risk.
 
The team of experienced guides will ensure guests' safety and enjoyment as they navigate short rock faces, traverse thin ledges, and follow ridge lines amidst the stunning natural landscape. Each guest progresses at their own pace, maximizing their experience while maintaining safety protocols.
 
There are two trekking options: a more challenging path with two aerial wire bridge sections with overhead support cables and a moderate vertical ladder route. Based on each guest's unique preferences and abilities, the guide chooses the best route after consulting with the guest. A lookout deck providing sweeping views of the Bella Coola Valley and surrounding peaks sits at the summit of both climbing routes. Here, visitors can celebrate their climb by choosing to have a $25 per person (minimum of two people) charcuterie board with sparkling water.

Duration: 2–3 Hours
Fitness Level: Easy

Half-day Guided Bella Coola Valley Hikes:

In the afternoon, discover extraordinary hikes with the support of a local guide. These hikes are a step above your ordinary walk in the park. The scenery is jaw-dropping, and the forests and rivers remain pristine. Options include an easy stroll along the Tote Road for a glimpse into Bella Coola’s pioneering past, a moderate loop trail that follows in the footsteps of Sir Alexander Mackenzie on his epic crossing of Canada in 1793, or a vigorous and exercising climb up to elevation points to enjoy views of the valley, waterfalls, and mountain views.

All tours are led by one of the experienced local guides. They will share their interests in wildlife, geography, forest ecosystems, and photography to ensure that the guest experience is truly memorable and well-spent.  These eco-tours involve approximately 2 hours of hiking on forest trails and tracks. The pace varies from moderate to vigorous walking based on the difficulty level of the trail and the fitness level of the group.

Duration: 2–3 Hours
Fitness Level: Medium / Moderate

Day 4: Tweedsmuir Park Adventure Activities

Full-day Highlights of the Bella Coola Valley:

The Bella Coola Valley sits at the heart of an extraordinary area with the world’s most extensive interconnected fjord system, the world’s largest intact temperate rainforest, and a dramatic mountain landscape. Its stunning scenery, which includes granite cliffs, glaciers, tumbling creeks, and pure rivers, converges. Today, a significant amount of land is protected in the form of the Great Bear Rainforest and Tweedsmuir Provincial Park.
 
The guides will explain how the landscape was shaped by the forces of nature, particularly glaciation, and how these forces continue to shape its evolution. They will also provide an overview and point out examples of human history in the valley. From totem poles and culturally modified cedar trees to the logging and commercial fishing that supported the valley’s recent economy, humankind has left its mark on the landscape. Guides will also touch on the salmon lifecycle, Nuxalk First Nations history, and the spectacular environment from the glaciated peaks down to valley bottoms.

It is not possible to see all the valley has to offer in one day, so please advise your guide of your preferences and interests, whether it be the interface of the valley with the fjords or more on the inland aspects of the valley, and they will create the perfect outing.

Duration: 5–6 Hours
Fitness Level: Easy

Day 5: Tweedsmuir Park Adventure Activities

Full-day Guided Hike in the Rainbow Range:

The Rainbow Range hike is a 14-kilometer round-trip hike offering panoramic views of an eight-million-year-old peralkaline shield volcano. This hike has the advantage of starting at approximately 1400 meters of elevation. This allows guests to access trails above the treeline in the open alpine without first exhausting themselves by climbing hundreds of feet/meters on a gnarly approach trail.
 
The day starts with a 45-minute drive up a switchback road affectionately referred to locally as simply “The Hill.”. The elevation gain is 1400 meters up an escarpment separating the Bella Coola Valley from the Chilcotin Plateau.

The hiking trail begins by meandering through a burnt forest, then enters subalpine forests and winds past a couple of lakes before topping out above tree line with views into the volcanic and multicolored peaks of the Rainbow Range. Highlights include the profusion of wildflowers, the opportunity to observe the ecology of forest fires, swimming in the lake, the possibility of seeing marmot tracks in addition to wolf and moose tracks, and the views from the summit.

Duration: 7-8 Hours
Fitness Level: Hard / Challenging
Elevation Gain: 1,400 Meters / 4,595 feet

Day 6: Bella Coola | Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast
If you are flying back to Vancouver with Pacific Coastal Airlines, take advantage of a leisurely morning in which you can enjoy the lodge property, make use of the spa and gym, play some lawn games, or just relax before taking the shuttle back to the Bella Coola Airport for the flight back to Vancouver or to the BC Ferries Terminal.

If you are driving home, the generous hospitality team will pack you a lunch, if you would like, before wishing you the best and helping you on your way.

Accommodations

Tweedsmuir Park Lodge

Tweedsmuir Park Lodge

Tweedsmuir Park Lodge

Tweedsmuir Park Lodge is situated on the banks of the Atnarko River in the village of Stuie, British Columbia, on the traditional territory of the Ulkatcho and Nuxalk First Nations. According to Indigenous legend, the village of Stuie was created when a wolf dropped a small box-shaped object on the ground that miraculously transformed into a village.
Tweedsmuir Park aerial view
Lodge porch
Tweedsmuir Park Lodge

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

Save 25% Off 26298
Enjoy 25% off the Bella Coola Explorer package for dates between June 27 and August 14, 2025. Book by January 1, 2025, to secure this exclusive offer! This promotion is subject to availability and applies to new bookings only. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Click for departure dates
Per person starting at
$3,994 2-3 travelers
Loft chaletsLoft ChaletsLoft ChaletLoft Chalet
Loft Chalets
Elevate your British Columbia wilderness experience with the chalets' modern amenities, all harmoniously integrated into the natural elegance of our surroundings. Each chalet, adorned with locally sourced artwork and exquisite wood paneling, offers air conditioning, individual in-room climate control, and complimentary satellite wireless internet, ensuring your stay is as comfortable as it is memorable. Additional features, such as a small refrigerator and coffee maker, cater to your every need. Ground floor: 1 x Queen bed Loft: 1 x Double bed
Pika DuplexPika DuplexPika DuplexPika Duplex
Pika Duplex
The Pika Duplex offers a modern take on wilderness luxury with a Scandinavian flair. The two separate, self-contained suites of the Pika Duplex make it perfect for families or groups of friends, but the units can also be booked individually. Large windows make it easy to admire the spectacular scenery, and the Atnarko River and our wildlife viewing platforms are steps away. Both units are tastefully decorated with original art and wood, and they have all the modern amenities to ensure an enjoyable stay, including air conditioning, an in-room thermostat, complimentary satellite wireless internet, an iPod docking station, a small fridge, and a coffee maker. Side A: 1 x King bed Side B: 2 x Queen bed
Log ChaletLog ChaletLog ChaletLog Chalet
Log Chalets
The chalet has a handcrafted log-style king bed on the main floor and a single bed in the loft, making it ideal for couples on a romantic getaway or a small family. Designed with comfort in mind, the Grizzly Log Chalet is decorated with the work of local artists and has top-quality amenities to ensure an enjoyable stay. Enjoy the spa-style slate-tiled ensuite bathroom with a double-headed shower and biodegradable shampoo and body care products by Eco. Then relax by the gas fireplace in your plush cotton robes and slippers.
Elevated SuitesElevated SuitesElevated SuitesElevated Suites
Elevated Suites
The Elevated Suites offer a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern luxury, providing an unforgettable retreat in the heart of the wilderness. Each unit has premium furnishings, including a king-size bed and a spacious living room perfect for hosting intimate indoor gatherings. Additional amenities include a natural gas fireplace and a 4-piece ensuite bathroom. Suites are ideally suited for those looking for an elevated indoor perspective of the property. Each suite can accommodate up to 2 adults traveling as partners and sharing one bed, solo travelers, or those requiring a private workspace.

Notes

All rates are before tax and are subject to a 5% Goods and Services Tax, a $11 per night Hotel & MRDT, and a 2% Sustainability Surcharge. Please request a quote for full details.

Rates may vary based on current exchange rate.

Included
  • 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners
  • 5 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Snacks
  • Meet and greet at the Bella Coola Airport or BC Ferries Terminal
  • Small Group transfers to and from Tweedsmuir Park Lodge at the start and end of stay
  • A selection of top wines, predominately from British Columbia, Craft beers from local breweries, and award-winning spirits
  • Two half-day or one full-day guided activities on each full day of stay.
  • Professional Wilderness and wildlife guides
  • Adventure equipment such as binoculars, radios, rain jackets and pants, umbrellas, climbing harnesses, mountain bikes, helmets, and lifejackets.
  • Lodge amenities such as a private wildlife viewing platform, hot tub, cedar sauna, fitness center, yoga studio, dining room, lounge, outdoor patio, fire pit, and retail shop.
  • Use of game rooms such as billiards tables, dart boards, foosball tables, poker tables, satellite televisions, stone fireplaces, well-stocked libraries, and board games.
  • Complimentary internet available throughout the main lodge and guest chalets.
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Premium alcoholic drinks
  • Cost of travel to and from Bella Coola
  • Custom trip enhancements
  • Retail purchases
  • A 5% Goods and Service Tax (GST)
  • A 2% Sustainability Surcharge (SST)
  • An $11 Per Person per Municipality and Regional District Tax (MRDT)

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Typically not offered during this period because of weather conditions.

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