Summary
Short description
Witness grizzly bears in their natural habitat at the famous Great Bear Rainforest
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Highlights
- Search for grizzlies in the wilds of Canada
- Stay in luxury in the heart of Vancouver
- Sail the Alaskan coast in style with Silversea
- Enjoy a full programme of expert-led shore excursions
- Relax at sea with gourmet dining and a host of six-star ameneties
In Brief
- 2 Nights Vancouver
- 3 Nights Great Bear Lodge
- 1 Night Port Hardy
- 7 Nights Silver Nova
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Activity adventure | City | Fishing | Lodges | Natural world | Ocean cruise | Photography | Wildlife
This itinerary pairs the wonders of the Alaskan coast, showcased on a Silversea cruise, with a bear watching adventure in the heart of the British Columbian rainforest. It all begins with a stay in the heart of Vancouver - a city on the edge of the wilderness – followed by a short flight north to Port Hardy, gateway to the Great Bear Rainforest. Here, you'll enjoy a truly memorable experience, with days spent in the company of expert guides, searching for grizzlies and exploring vast and pristine landscapes home to eagles, wolves and otters. Then, after a night back in the city, you'll board your Silversea ship to sail north, taking in one of the world's most spectacular coastlines on a programme of included shore excursions, ranging from guides hikes and kayaking to foodie tours, fishing trips and even helicopter flights. It's all paired, of course, by Silversea's signature brand of luxury.
Day by day itinerary
Days
1-2
UK to Vancouver
Begin your trip in style with complimentary VIP airport lounge access before boarding your day flight to Vancouver. Upon arrival, explore your hotel, the wonderfully located Loden, featuring ultra-contemporary rooms and a luxury spa. Perhaps stroll to nearby Robson Street, Stanley Park and the seawall before sampling the Tableau Bar Bistro for French cuisine accompanied by seasonal cocktails.
Stay: The Loden (Superior)
Day
3
Vancouver to Great Bear Lodge
From Vancouver, take the 70-minute flight to Port Hardy and explore the charming town, perhaps strolling along Storey's Beach and the seawall before transferring to the plane base for a scenic flight over the stunning Queen Charlotte Strait and the floating Great Bear Lodge. Each suite in this wind and solar powered lodge comprises an en-suite and natural wood deck surrounds, perfectly taken in with a glass of wine come evening. On arrival, you'll head straight on a grizzly excursion in the spectacular Great Bear Rainforest, one of the best places in world to observe grizzly bears. Then, tonight, enjoy the first of your gourmet meals created with local produce, such as freshly caught salmon roasted on a cedar plank with maple syrup marinade.
Stay: Great Bear Lodge
Meals: B D
Days
4-5
Great Bear Lodge
The next two days will be spent following the trail of the grizzly bear, also exploring the surrounding area with interpretive rainforest walks, examining bear signs and footprints. You'll also enjoy such delights as sea kayaking on the serene water and boat cruises to explore magnificent glacier carved inlets. Take some time to relax and spot grey wolves, otters, black bears, mink and bald eagles from the sprawling decking of your lodge, returning for dinner before fascinating natural history presentations from expert wildlife biologists, and stargazing under the clear, dark skies.
Stay: Great Bear Lodge
Meals: B L D
Day
6
Port Hardy
After breakfast, you'll be transferred back to Port Hardy where you’ve got another chance to explore. Perhaps visit Fort Rupert and view intricately carved First Nation totems, or hike along the cedar forest trails along the Quatse River, even spotting an eagle or two. For something more thrilling, go diving in Bear Cove or catch a salmon or halibut on the world-renowned rivers. Then, enjoy a taste of the area’s famous candied smoked salmon at Hardy Buoys Smoked Fish before heading to your accommodation for this evening.
Stay: Port Hardy hotel
Meals: B
Days
7-8
Port Hardy to Silver Nova
Transfer to Port Hardy airport for your flight back to Vancouver, after which a private transfer will take you directly to your luxurious Silversea cruise ship. Once onboard, settle into your Stateroom or Suite and take some to to explore the ship, perhaps relaxing with a treatment at the spa or acquainting yourself with one of the many gourmet dining options. Then, head out on deck as you wave goodbye to the city, looking ahead to your journey north to the Alaskan wilds.
Stay: Silver Nova (Deluxe)
Meals: B D
Day
9
Sail the Inside Passage
Wake this morning to spectacular views of the southern Alaska coast as you look forward to a relaxing day on board, sailing the iconic Inside Passage. Threading your way between craggy mountain ranges, pretty islands and giant glaciers, you'll be treated to what is surely some of North America's most dramatic landscapes. As you head north through sheltered waters, keep an eye out for remote villages hidden among towering fjords, and watch the sky and sea for signs of soaring eagles, killer whales and harbour seals.
Stay: Silver Nova (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
10
Ketchikan
Arrive in Ketchikan, the 'salmon fishing capital of the world'. It's a place steeped in history and natural beauty, two sides which you'll be able to explore on a wide-ranging choice of included shore excursions. Choose between the likes of sea kayaking and wildlife sanctuary visits, explore the city itself on a guided tour or enjoy the unique thrills of the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. Otherwise, you might want to upgrade to one of Silversea's Select Excursions, featuring everything from private fishing trips and wilderness dining experiences to Zodiac tours and hovercraft adventures.
Stay: Silver Nova (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
11
Juneau
Stay: Silver Nova (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
12
Skagway
Having sailed further north, you'll drop anchor in Sitka, a region of wild landscapes and wildlife at the heart of Alaskan indigenous culture. Take in Sitka's wild side with a range of shore excursions including bear watching tours and rainforest hikes, or tuck in with a culinary tour showcasing the region's delicious seafood. Alternatively, the region's unique cultural heritage awaits at the Sitka National Historical Park. Site of the 1804 Battle of Alaska, the park boasts a delightful array of historic Tlingit and Russian cultural exhibits, totem-lined trails and carving rooms where native Alaskan artisans demonstrate their totemic art form.
Stay: Silver Nova (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
13
Cruise Hubbard Glacier
Spend a spectacular day onboard as you cruise past the magnificent Hubbard Glacier. Located off the coast of Yakutat, Alaska, it's the largest glacier in North America, with a calving front that is more than six miles wide. Take in spectacular views from out on deck or from one of your ship's observation lounges, and take a welcome change to relax and make the most of its other six-star facilities.
Meals: B L D
Days
14-15
Seward (Anchorage) to UK
Arrive in Seward where you'll disembark. It's then just a short transfer to Anchorage where you'll board your overnight flight home.
Meals: B
Map
Pricing
Any element of this cruise can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
15-day tailor-made cruise holiday
from £8,515 pp incl. flights
17 May 2024 departure
Includes:
- Return scheduled flights from the UK in economy class (upgrades available)
- 2 nights at the Loden hotel in Vancouver
- Transfers throughout
Great Bear Lodge experience includes
- Return flight from Vancouver to Port Hardy
- 3 nights accommodation at Great Bear Lodge
- 1 night accommodation in Port Hardy
- Morning and afternoon bear viewing sessions, guided by a wildlife biologist, interpretive walks or boat excursions
- Wilderness-style gourmet meals including complimentary wine with dinner
- Transfers to and from the Great Bear Lodge from Port Hardy
- Rubber boots, rain gear and binoculars provided
- Stewardship fee for bear research in British Columbia
Silversea Cruise
- 7 night all-inclusive cruise board Silver Nova in a Classic Veranda Suite (upgrades available)
- 1 shore excursion per port, per day
- Butler service in every suite
- Unlimited Free Wifi
- Multiple restaurants, diverse cuisine, open-seating dining
- Beverages in-suite and throughout the ship, including champagne, select wines and spirits
- 24-hour dining service
- Onboard gratuities
- US $200 shipboard credit per suite (if booked before 24 October 2023)
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
Meet our experts
Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0615
Meet the team
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