Sailcone's Grizzly Bear Lodge offers all-inclusive, fly-in wildlife viewing trips in British Columbia's Great Bear Rainforest. We offer intimate, boutique style lodging and small group sizes. Our tours include a diversity of wildlife including both Grizzly and Black Bears, Orca, Humpback Whales, Bald Eagles and a great variety of other animals and birds. Hearty Gourmet level meals and all tours are included in the package. Tours depart and return via a scenic float plane flight from Campbell River, located on Vancouver Island. The lodge itself is in the remote area of Knight Inlet, centrally located between the prime bear viewing sites of the mainland coast and amazing whale watching in Johnstone Strait and Blackfish Sound. We are able to assist in capturing some breathtaking photos, or just breathe it all in.
Our family spent a few days with Angus Reid and his team in late July/early August at the lodge. Saw all that we came to see (grizzly, orca, humpbacks, sea otters, seals, sea lions, eagles, the occasional horrible cruise ship) in the expert hands of Felix, the photographer and guide supremo. We learned a lot, had great weather and even gave Felix 10/10 for his boat parking...eventually.
It's a small lodge compared to some of the others in the area, and we had it to ourselves in 'shoulder' season before the salmon runs. The hospitality and the food were excellent. Had many long discussions with Angus and Jackie over dinner and wine, so we got great insights from the 'locals' about conservation and other issues in Canada, BC and elsewhere. They are a well travelled team so our chats were able to flit between local and global easily. The time there was a highlight of our trip to BC and we'd highly recommend it to all discerning travellers from abroad.
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Date of stay: July 2022
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Room Tip:one of the double rooms has a quite creaky double bed
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Because of Covid, I had to cancel our family trip from England to Grizzly Bear Lodge not once (for 2020) but twice (for 2021 too). A terrible disappointment. However, Angus refunded the 40% deposit - a very large sum - without any fuss or argument. I wish all organisations during this very difficult time for them were as helpful and reliable.
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Date of stay: August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
3 amazing days on the lodge, which is absolutely stunning.
First day bear sighting, we saw 2 bears and the trip to the sighting place was really great, and the guide both nice and knowledgeable.
Second day whale sighting. Absolutely stunning. We saw many orcas who came close to the boat, 7 humpback whales, purpoises, otters. We also saw a black bear on the way.
Last day to the river where we saw very well three grizzly for a very long time.
Overall an amazing three days, everyone was very nice, and cherry on the cake, the cook was great!
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We booked the lodge for our family and were lucky to have exclusive use of the property. From the moment we caught the float plane, everything felt very special. We were looked after wonderfully with an itinerary of activity that met all of our needs and as a photographer I was very pleased with the guidance and knowledge on offer. The food was exceptional and again tuned to our preferences. I would unhesitatingly recommend Sailcone Lodge which for us was one of the real highlights of our coast to coast Canadian adventure.
Some of the family live in Canada and it is worth noting that this wilderness experience, and they are quite adventurous, was the best they have had.
Simply unforgettable.
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Date of stay: June 2024
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Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:An immersive experience.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We cannot recommend this too highly. All the staff at the lodge were friendly, efficient, knowledgeable and did everything they could to make our stay enjoyable and they succeeded. We saw all the wildlife we hoped for but always in a way not to cause any distress to them - our memories will stay with us forever!
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Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from , Owner at Sailcone's Grizzly Bear Lodge
Responded Nov 18, 2023
Thank you for your review. So glad that you enjoyed your trip and appreciate the comments about respectful viewing
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
If you are looking for an intimate experience which brings you up close with the local wildlife then seek no further. Angus and his team will make you very very happy! We loved our stay. We slept in the cottage at the waters edge and it was a truly humbling experience. Having whales on the doorstep at night. Being up close with all bear species and killer whales, we could not have asked for more. The internet available is nice but you almost feel bad using it as this place is so peaceful! This goes beyond recommended, this is a must see and experience place......
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Date of stay: August 2022
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travelling as a couple we were treated with a wonderful stay at Grizzly Bear Lodge in late June24. The warm and friendly greeting at the dock by Angus, Felix and Julien when we arrived by float plane, along with a great afternoon tea by chef Gary set the scene. The following days saw the team providing excellent wildlife viewing experiences with black and Grizzly Bears, Sean’s, Otters, Eagles, dolphins where Angus shared a wealth of local experience and especially the fantastic Orca sighting (Julien!!), followed by group meals and cozy conversation in a warm family like setting which was so appreciated. Spoilt every day by such lovely food and attention to detail by Gary ensured we never went hungry! A fantastic lodge with genuine people who take pride in the experiences they share. We would highly recommend to all our friends.
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Date of stay: June 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We have just spent 2 nights at this lodge and had the most fantastic time. We were so lucky, as we were the only 2 people there. Angus, Jacquie and Molly made us feel so welcome. Angus took us out in the boat 3 days in a row and we saw so much wildlife - Grizzly bears, Black bears, Bald Eagles, sea otters, Humpback whales, harbour seals, harbour porpoises, Kingfishers and A Sea Lion. It was just amazing - Angus is so knowledgeable. The food was delicious- all cooked by Jacquie. This has been the highlight of our Canadian Holiday. I would recommend this lodge to anybody who does not want to be with the crowds when they see the wildlife and who wants to have a really special time
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from , Owner at Sailcone's Grizzly Bear Lodge
Responded Nov 18, 2023
Thank you so much for your kind words. It was wonderful to have you and am so happy that you enjoyed your stay
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DO NOT GO BEFORE AUGUST 25TH UNLESS YOU ARE HAPPY JUST SEEING BEARS ON THE BEACHES EATING GRASS.
I hate writing this review because I loved the people at the lodge. But the website is very misleading and I feel my responsibility is to avoid having other people waste thousands of dollars. The website says: “Grizzly Bear Lodge Tours and Safari is one of only two grizzly bear tour operators licensed to view grizzlies upriver from Knight Inlet. This provides our guests with a rare opportunity to watch the grizzlies close up feeding on salmon. Photographers and camera buffs can get close up to view bears fishing and interacting.”
And that’s why I went. I’ve seen grizzlies walking around in Yellowstone. I wanted to photograph bears feeding on salmon.
We scheduled our vacations around the trip. We asked about the best time to go and were directed to this week. We waited a year for it. At first, I thought perhaps that Christy and Angus didn’t know when the platform would be unavailable. However, it is never available before August 25th.
They knew we would never see bears eating salmon.
Bears eat salmons in rivers. We were never in a boat that would get to a river. Bears eat salmon in shallow water. We were never on shore. We were in boats that navigated the entire inlet. It is impossible to see bears eating salmon on the beach. There, they eat grass.
We paid extra and booked a river trip. But not on the river where the bears eat the salmon and the viewing stands are. It turns out we went to an unused viewing stand and sat for two hours seeing absolutely nothing. I had thought that we would take a boat up a river and see bears eating salmon. Of course, I realize now they couldn't do that.. The entire day I took a picture of a stellar jay. That was what my extra money bought us. What a terrible disappointment.
I hate writing this review. We had a great time with the whales -- my pictures show you that we saw a whale 15 feet from the boat rise up for a herring ball. The people were nice and the setting was great.
If I’d wanted to see bears eating grass, I’d be fine but I came to this place because I understood we would see “grizzlies close up feeding on salmon.” It was not until the last day that I realized that it was impossible to see that from their boats. The entire website is misleading.
Other people may have been there just to see a bear. We didn't see any grizzlies but if we had, it would have been eating grass -- not salmon. We saw some black bears eating grass. That was interesting but not the reason I was on this trip.
I hate writing this review because I loved the people there. But I came to see bears eating salmon and it would never happen before August 25th because the boats don’t go up the river.
I feel cheated. Don’t waste your money.
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Date of stay: August 2011
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
When dealing with true wildlife, there can be no guarantees that they will turn up when you want them too. As the editor of an International Deer Hunting magazine I was well aware that we were booking this trip well before the annual salmon run but had to fit in with other obligations in BC.
My wife Robyn and I were going to BC for a one month holiday including a 7 day Rocky Mountain Trail ride and to visit with friends and after disecting different websites thought we would include Sailcones's Grizzly Bear Safari into our schedule.
All enquiries to the website were met with a quick and positive response, the deposit was paid and the booking information was forwarded. Access to Knight Inlet was with Corilair Sea Planes based out of Campbell River. The staff at Corilair were aware of our arrival and travel plans, friendly and helpful.
Arriving at Knight Inlet we were welcomed on the dock by a smiling Angus and Krystle and their young daughter Emilywho soon had us settled in our cabin. There is a choice of accommodation within the lodge or an outside cabin delightfully positioned above a rocky outcrop with uninterrupted views across the inlet.
Breakfast is a do it yourself affair with an almost unlimited selection to choose from. Lunch was a picnic affair with a different variety each day. The evening meal was always different and wonderfully presented and surpassed every other Hotel or restuarant meal we had while travelling in Canada.
Rising at 6.30a.m. each morning breakfast was around 7, then into the boat and well under way before 8, usually arriving back at the lodge around 5.30 to 6.30 p.m.
Angus pulled out all stops to get us within close range of bald eagles grizzly bear, black bear, dolphins, seals, sea otters, orca's and humpback whales, his dedication to the client is quite remarkable. The scenery as you run around the various inlets between countless islands is stunning and the day passes far to quickly.
You may want to view your orca, humpback or grizz from the comfort of an ocean liner or cruise ship with 50 other passengers, so be it, but you will be missing out on the adventure of a lifetime. The small boat is the way to go, up close these animals are able to put your perception of reality in the right place.
Arriving back at the lodge you have a great chance to sit back, enjoy a wine or beer with the other guests and the staff.
Had we travelled a few weeks later we would have definately seen more bears. Would it have been more enjoyable? Impossible to say because we had a great time.
To Angus showing tourists around is not just a job, it is his way of life, he loves it, and it shows.
We are looking forward hopefully to be in a position to put in a repeat visit with friends.
To Angus, Krystle, Emily, John and Kathy thanks for a great adventure and for sharing a little of your life with us.
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Date of stay: July 2011
Value
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Outside cabin with on-suite is perfect for couples, great views and only a thirty metre walk to...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
You would fly from Campbell River to the lodge return for your final night of package. We have a variety of food, continental breakfast, large on the water lunches which vary from sandwiches, soups, chili and salads. Dinner is chefs choice with appetizer, full meal and dessert.
Yes you would both be able to see the animals. Booking well in advance also allows you pick and choose your dates. We are a small lodge, so our busy times do fill up well in advance.
Hi Michele,
All of our packages include tours, lodging, meals and flights from Campbell River to our lodge. Our prices are in Canadian dollars, so that does fluctuate a bit based on the current exchange rate. If you would like to e-mail us or call us I would be happy to send over a price sheet and information on all of our tours. I can also send a brochure or e-mail it to you if you prefer. Our contact info is available on our trip advisor page (sorry I am unable to post links or numbers in question answers). I look forward to hearing from you and hope to see you in 2018.
thank you
Angus Reid (Owner/Operator)
August is an excellent time to visit. From August 25 on we view the bears from the viewing platforms located up the Glendale River. At this time of the year the bears are generally feeding on pink salmon in an attempt to put on weight for hibernation. Prior to August 25 we view the bears by small boat in the estuary and lower river. In august they are often attempting to feed on the early run salmon as they enter the lower river. We also view the bears feeding on crabs and mussels at low tide as well as the sedge grass. Our four night package includes a trip to another wild river system where you look for bears upriver feeding on salmon. Salmon tend to be in this river system by early august and the bears follow. August is also a great time for whale watching as the resident Orca are in the area as well as many Humpbacks.
We have many families with children that visit the lodge. Six tends to be about as young as I would recommend to fully enjoy the experience. We are a small operation so if you are a family of four you would have a private boat and guide. That being said it is wildlife viewing so we do sometimes have to sit quietly and wait and some patience is required.
There are more places to choose from in the British Columbia area.
LOCATION
CanadaBritish Columbia
NUMBER OF ROOMS
5
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