About

5.0

Excellent

145 reviews

Location

4.9

Cleanliness

4.9

Service

4.9

Value

4.7

Experience an ancient culture, spectacular wildlife viewing, stunning landscapes and reconnect with nature. Immerse yourself in true wilderness on a grand scale, deep in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest. Spirit Bear Lodge is Indigenous owned, offering exclusive access to wildlife viewing areas and cultural sites within the Kitasoo Xai'xais traditional territory.

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Property amenities

Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)

Free breakfast

Beach

Boating

Free shuttle or taxi services

Business Center with Internet Access

Conference facilities

Non-smoking hotel

Wifi

Restaurant

Complimentary Instant Coffee

Complimentary tea

Happy hour

Outdoor dining area

Special diet menus

Wine / champagne

Canoeing

Hiking

Canoeing offsite

Patio

Walking tours

Board games / puzzles

Airport transportation

Shuttle bus service

Banquet room

Meeting rooms

Outdoor furniture

Shared lounge / TV area

Sun deck

First aid kit

Room features

Air conditioning

Desk

Housekeeping

Seating area

Coffee / tea maker

Electric kettle

Extra long beds

Bath / shower

Private bathrooms

Sofa bed

Complimentary toiletries

Hair dryer

Room types

Mountain view

Ocean view

Non-smoking rooms

Good to know

Languages Spoken

English

Location

300 Spirit Bear Drive General Delivery, Klemtu, Kitimat-Stikine District, British Columbia V0T 1L0 Canada

Getting there

Bella Bella Airport34 miSee all flights

Rental CarsSee all Klemtu rental cars

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145Reviews14Q+A42Room tips

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SharnRol wrote a review Oct 2019

Park Rapids, Minnesota584 contributions123 helpful votes

+1

"It's Just Like Christmas Morning!"

After having been to Churchill to see polar bears, we talked about a desire to see grizzly bears. Our Churchill guide recommended Spirit Bear Lodge as a place to see grizzlies & the chance to see SPIRIT BEARS... a variety of bear we weren't familiar with... and this turned out to be excellent advice. After a flight from Vancouver and a quick boat ride we arrived at Spirit Bear Lodge where were greeted as family. The Lodge & staff were extremely knowledgable & very accommodating. The staff does its best to fill your desire for the day, grizzlies, black bears, Spirit Bear, seals, eagles or whales? Our 1st day gave us the chance to see the Spirit Bear and we were rewarded with an 1 hour viewing, before he decided to wander off. By our 3rd day their, all the check marks were marked off for what we hoped to see... The food was excellent, the coffee strong and the cookies tasty. The Lodge is moving towards 100% First Nation staff members & that added a nice addition to our learning experience. The pride of the People is well represented by a tour of the Big House, George & his granddaughter do the Axi/Axis people proud. Our 5 night stay flew past & the experiences were so satisfying. The camera got a huge workout... and each day started out like Christmas morning, knowing that wonders abound and it was time to go out and grab them.…

Date of stay: October 2019

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Room Tip: They all face the water

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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.

2 Helpful votes

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Response from Spirit Bear Lod... R, Front Office Manager at Spirit Bear Lodge

Responded Jan 2, 2020

SharnRol2018 we love your Christmas Morning description! We are so grateful you ended up at Spirit Bear Lodge. All the best in 2020.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Seniortraveller76 wrote a review Oct 2019

14 contributions18 helpful votes

Tale of Three Bears - or, When the Spirit Moves

My husband and I spent a week at Spirit Bear Lodge (our first 2011) from September 15 to 21 this fall. For uniqueness, 10/10. Although there are other 'bear spotting' options at lodges in British Columbia, this one is First Nation run, in a First Nation village and has an element of indigenous culture you would not get elsewhere. For bear viewing, 10/10. The guides have scouted out rivers and streams for new places to see the bears. This is partly because some traditional areas suffered from the collapse of their salmon runs (climate change) and no longer support a bear population. For the difficulty of access to many of the sites, 9/10. When the lodge says you need to have good mobility to get in and out of the zodiacs, climb rough trails and navigate bogs, and patience and endurance to sit for hours, sometimes in the pouring rain, waiting for those elusive bears, they are being serious. If you are a fit senior, ready to wrestle your packs/ drybags/ lunches/ cameras out of the zodiacs and up the trails, you can do it. For the bears, 10/10 The three bears? Grizzly, black, Kermode (white, Spirit Bear). We watched them all. Actually, we saw over 20 in total: grizzlies, including a sow with triplets, black bears climbing wild apple trees feasting on the grape sized crab apples, and a lovely 6 year old Spirit bear who entertained us for over 3 hours as she fished for salmon, aware of us but content to go about her business - fattening for a long winter hibernation. …

Date of stay: September 2019

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.

1 Helpful vote

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Response from Spirit Bear Lod... R, Front Office Manager at Spirit Bear Lodge

Responded Jan 2, 2020

Happy New Year Seniortraveller76 and thank you for not only a great review but very useful information for other visitors!

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Scott L wrote a review Oct 2019

17 contributions19 helpful votes

Unmatched Wilderness Experience

We spent 6 nights at the Lodge. The days are structured Breakfast, onto a boat to transport you to a viewing sight, a full day watching wildlife, back for cocktails, dinner, and an informational talk. Getting in and out of the zodiacs and hiking to viewing spots requires some effort and fitness. All worth it. Pristine wilderness and amazing views of bears and other wildlife. The guides are extremely well informed and do an excellent job of maximizing your viewing experiences. We saw spirit bears, black bears, and grizzlies. We have done bear viewing in any places (Alaska, the Yukon, BC, Montana, etc). On this trip we observed interactions among multiple bears that we had not seen before. The Lodge itself is friendly and well-appointed, friendly and helpful staff, and very good local food. If your interest is seeing wildlife, especially bears, in their natural setting, I can't recommend this highly enough. Oh yeah, and the daily boat trips are wonderful.…

Date of stay: September 2019

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.

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Response from Spirit Bear Lod... R, Guest Relations Manager at Spirit Bear Lodge

Responded Oct 11, 2019

Thank you Scott L, the information here is spot on and appreciated by all I'm sure. It sounds like you have had a lot of wildlife encounters and we feel grateful that this was a unique experience for you.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Allene W wrote a review Oct 2019

Honolulu, Hawaii59 contributions60 helpful votes

It's a unique experience!

Staying at the lodge is a packaged experience. Included are all of your meals (very healthy and good) as well as daily activities that you are assigned to. For such a remote location, the meals were surprisingly varied (fish, chicken, pork and vegetarian options when I was there). There are at least 4 different activities that are available as well as the departure day activity. At meal time, the discussion is, of course, centered around sitings of the spirit bear. After dinner, there may be an optional presentation in the adjacent lounge. This was the only negative aspect that I encountered as the lounge and dining room are all part of the same great room. So, if there are parties still talking after dinner in the dining room, the presentation has competition and the sounds bounce around in the high ceilinged room (there is additionally a loft balcony adding potentially more noise). The rooms themselves are large and comfortable, the bathrooms on the wee side (my bathroom door couldn't clear the toilet but I understand not all rooms are like that). Would definitely recommend if you are fit enough to do the hikes that some of these activities require. …

Date of stay: September 2019

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.

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Response from Spirit Bear Lod... R, Guest Relations Manager at Spirit Bear Lodge

Responded Oct 11, 2019

Hi Allene, it is great to hear from you, I was hoping you would enjoy your time with us and it sounds like you did! We take all of our guest's feedback very seriously and you will be happy to know both of these concerns are being addressed for next season! Have a great fall in Hawaii.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Roy C wrote a review Oct 2019

brits in france10 contributions

Wonderful lodge, wonderful people.

We were lucky to have spent 5 days at Spirit Bear Lodge, a very comfortable base to explore The Great Bear Forest The lodge staff, food and surroundings were exceptional and the bedrooms were spacious.We were treated to superb wildlife sighting on our ( sometimes) arduous expeditions in search of grizzly, black and spirit bears. The guides were all extremely knowledgeable and made great travelling companions. Certainly a wildlife trip we won't forget. Thanks John & John and ALL staff at Spirit Bear Lodge, long may you prosper.

Date of stay: September 2019

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.

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Response from Spirit Bear Lod... R, Guest Relations Manager at Spirit Bear Lodge

Responded Oct 4, 2019

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts Roy C, we really appreciate it! Have a great fall season...

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Stephanie D wrote a review Oct 2019

Greater Manchester, United Kingdom62 contributions46 helpful votes

Wow

We have just come back from Spirit bear lodge and I can't praise it enough. The view from every bedroom window is stunning. The food is really good and the staff are amazing. The guides are helpful and encouraging. Just a word of warning. If you are not prepared to pee off the back of a boat or in the great outdoors don't go. You need to be prepared to sit in a zodiac in any weather and climb steep slippy hills but if you are I can promise you the scenery and wildlife make up for a bit of hardship. You will be on a trip with lovely like minded people from all over the world. It is run mostly by first nation people and you will be helping them by going.

Date of stay: September 2019

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.

1 Helpful vote

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Response from Spirit Bear Lod... R, Guest Relations Manager at Spirit Bear Lodge

Responded Oct 11, 2019

Greetings Stephanie D your review is much appreciated. Thank you for visiting and being a part of our future at Spirit Bear Lodge.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Shirley S wrote a review Sep 2019

White Rock, Canada21 contributions13 helpful votes

Bears and Whales

The lodge is remote but very upscale. It is all about the wildlife! We saw black bears, grizzlies, and orca and humpback whales. The guides are knowledgeable and capable of looking after you. It is a once in a lifetime experience.

Date of stay: September 2019

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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.

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Response from Spirit Bear Lod... R, Guest Relations Manager at Spirit Bear Lodge

Responded Oct 11, 2019

309shirleys thank you for your review, we value your feedback and we are thrilled to know you enjoyed your time with us at Spirit Bear Lodge!

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Judi L wrote a review Sep 2019

5 contributions4 helpful votes

Excellent Wildlife Experience

This isn't a hotel - it's a wildlife experience Lodge. Spirit Bear Lodge is well-run, rustic yet luxurious, comfortable accommodations. Great food, great atmosphere. Friendly and helpful staff. Every day is committed to providing their guests with the most optimum wildlife experience possible.

Date of stay: September 2019

Location

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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.

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Response from Spirit Bear Lod... R, Guest Relations Manager at Spirit Bear Lodge

Responded Oct 11, 2019

Thank you Judi L. We take pride in providing a very special experience for our guests and it is great to hear you felt that!

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

leelucas14 wrote a review Sep 2019

5 contributions7 helpful votes

Trip of a lifetime

AWESOME wildlife viewing experience. Guides were very knowledgeable and provided a safe experience even with a close grizzly approach (although the waiver we had to sign was pretty intimidating!). Seeing the Spirit Bear in the wild gave me goosebumps. Good exposure to First Nations culture. Rooms and the common rooms are lovely, right on the water. Food was good. Appropriate equipment provided and kept us dry even in pouring rain although hiking in muck boots was difficult (had to use the boots because of the wet beach landings and the mud). The agenda was very full every day, breakfast at 7, pick up equipment and pack lunch, on the boats at 8, wildlife viewing until 5 or 6, cocktails at 6, dinner at 7, wildlife or cultural talk at 8--long days. My one warning--the trips into the wild for bear viewing (or whatever else) are quite arduous--short but very rough hikes, water landings on slippery, rocky beach landings with zodiacs. I am 70 with some small mobility problems and was able to do it, but only with lots of physical support from my husband. Staff are all very patient and helpful and they try to be flexible, but the hikes really are hard--steep (with ropes to assist climbs in some places), muddy and slippery, lots of roots, downed trees and rocks. Just be forewarned. Also be forewarned that this really is wild country and distances are long. That said, TOTALLY worth the effort.…

Date of stay: September 2019

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Room Tip: Rooms are all good, with water views.

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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.

1 Helpful vote

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Response from Spirit Bear Lod... R, Guest Relations Manager at Spirit Bear Lodge

Responded Oct 11, 2019

Thank you for an honest and thorough review leelucas14, we completely agree with you! Our trips are for the hearty and committed folks that want to experience all that the Great Bear Rainforest has to offer. Yes hiking in muck is difficult!

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

karenf142018 wrote a review Aug 2019

Calgary, Canada4 contributions8 helpful votes

Most Amazing Trip Ever!!!

Not only was the setting absolutely stunning, the daily adventures, the people we connected with, both local and guests left a lifelong impression of pride, appreciation and respect for our beautiful country and the remote areas that not everyone has the opportunity to discover. We experienced sighting 13 grizzlies in one day, Orcas, Humpback whales, proposes playing along side our boat and numerous bald eagles in every direction we looked. It was a good choice booking earlier in the season to avoid high occupancy, allowing us to have a personal experience. Highly recommend this trip to anyone who loves wildlife, wants to learn more about the people of Klemtu and the Great Bear Rainforest they are advocating to protect. , joy and profound feeling of pride for our amazing country. Klemtu and Spirit Bear Lodge is a magical place of beauty, …

Date of stay: July 2019

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.

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Response from Spirit Bear Lod... R, Guest Relations Manager at Spirit Bear Lodge

Responded Oct 11, 2019

karenf142018 it sounds like you really immersed yourself in our experience, this makes us all so happy to hear. Thank you for this meaningful message.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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