The ' Great Bear Rainforest' The small town of Bella Coola lies 80 kilometres inland at the head of an inlet and is the gateway to Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, a hidden gem in British Columbia's remote interior. The whole area is known as the Great Bear Rainforest. The coastal mountains, river valley and dense forests provide sanctuary for one of the highest concentrations of grizzly bears in Canada, as well as a healthy population of black bears, cougars, deer, beaver, wolves, to mention just a few. There are numerous places in mainland British Columbia where grizzly bears can be seen, but the Bella Coola valley is special. No other location offers the chance of such intimate encounters amidst utterly breathtaking natural splendour. Bear- viewing can be enjoyed on foot or from a boat while drifting serenely down the river - which makes for exhilarating viewing and great photography. Tweedsmuir Park Lodge MID In a beautiful location, lies Tweedsmuir Park Lodge. Originally built in the early 1930s as a hunting lodge, it was completely rebuilt in 1952 to accommodate those seeking out a more eco- friendly adventure. Chalets here are in a spacious setting with spectacular views. Bears and other wildlife are regularly seen in the grounds. Coast Mountain Lodge HIGH Originally built in 1896, historic Coast Mountain Lodge is a luxury retreat in the heart of the Bella Coola valley. It has just 14 mountain view rooms and is surrounded by waterfalls, mountains and, of course, bears! Trails lead out from the property and staff will be able to help you organise guided trips to look for bears, salmon and eagles. Great Bear Lodge MID Great Bear Lodge is a self- contained fl oating lodge with fi ve bedrooms and some fantastic bear- viewing nearby. The rooms all have en- suite toilets although showers are shared. There is a central common area for regular wildlife presentations. There are two daily bear- viewing sessions and other guided activities include sea- kayaking and interpretive hikes. THE AMERICAS | CANADA Or visit us on the web www. wildlifeworldwide. com125

SUGGESTED ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Vancouver. 1- night, Fairmont Waterfront Hotel Day 2 Campbell River, 1- night, Heron's Landing ( B) Day 3 Glendale Cove, 3- nights, Knight Inlet Lodge. Enjoy looking for brown bears and orca whales from this unique fl oating lodge ( BLD) Day 6 Vancouver, 1- night, Fairmont Waterfront Hotel. Walk or bike around Stanley Park ( B) Day 7 Winnipeg, 1- night, Hotel Fort Garry. Fly to Winnipeg, gateway to polar bear country! ( B) Day 8 Churchill, 3- nights, local hotel. See polar bears as they spend their winter hunting amidst the remote scenery of Cape Churchill ( BLD) Day 11 Winnipeg, 1- night. Hotel Fort Garry. Sadly time to say farewell to Canada ( B) Day 12 Return to UK ( via Toronto) Day 13 Arrive UK GRIZZLY AND POLAR BEAR ADVENTURE In early October there's a small window of opportunity to see two of the world's greatest bear species in one fantastic holiday. You will see brown bears in the wilds of British Columbia, followed by a polar bear extravaganza, seeing these magnifi cent creatures close- up. As an added bonus, orcas will still be around in Canada's west. TAILOR- MADE Princess Royal Island Princess Royal Island is just off the coast of British Columbia, a truly amazing wilderness location in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest. In the summer months the wildlife is prolifi c here. Apart from bears, June to August are exceptional months for sighting humpback whales, orcas, dall's porpoise and Pacifi c white- sided dolphins. On half day and full day whale- watching excursions you will have a unique opportunity to learn about the marine creatures which inhabit and migrate through the region. The lodge has forged a close relationship with two whale researchers based on a nearby island. You will have an opportunity to visit the lab and learn about the whale research. King Pacifi c Lodge MID The accommodation is in exceptionally comfortable rooms, all with en- suite facilities with wonderful views of the rainforest or ocean. Public areas include a lounge and dining room, sauna, steam room and hot tub, and there are also aromatherapy and massage treatments in the spa for those so inclined! A trip to King Pacifi c Lodge begins with a charter fl ight from Vancouver to Bella Bella followed by a spectacular fl oat- plane fl ight directly to the lodge. 126 Fact! It is on Princess Royal Island that you find the spirit bear. Isolated for thousands of years here, this small community of ' white' black bears inhabits some of the most pristine areas left on earth. These all- white bears ( which owe their unusual colouring to a double recessive gene) are elusive, with optimum sightings occurring only from the end of August to the first week of October. With the experience and knowledge of Gitga'at native guides, searching for these rare creatures is an adventure in itself and will involve boat trips and short walks to reach specially located viewing platforms which offer superb photographic opportunities. The platforms are well positioned above salmon streams and patience is likely to be rewarded not only with spirit bears but black bears fishing for salmon. Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982 Departure dates Daily, early October Cost per person From £ 6695 ( Oct) What's included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, eleven nights hotel accommodation, guided activities