The Farewell Harbour Experience

Explore wildlife and wilderness on the BC Coast

Experience nature at its finest, exploring untamed landscapes and encounter diverse wildlife, while immersing yourself in the breathtaking beauty of this unique region. Farewell Harbour Lodge offers 4 to 7 day packages, with daily departures by water taxi from Alder Bay RV Park & Marina on northern Vancouver Island between June and October.

Guests come to Farewell Harbour Lodge for nature, wildlife, adventure, and relaxation. Nestled in the heart of the Broughton Archipelago and the Great Bear Rainforest, we are surrounded by beautiful scenery, abundant wildlife and rich Indigenous culture. We have created a welcoming sanctuary in the heart of this place, and offer many different opportunities to ‘Discover, Connect and Refresh’ in the natural world.

The Experience

Guests can choose from a wide variety of experiences to tailor their stay to their interests - whether that is seeing wildlife in its natural habitat, exploring our coast ‘safari’ style, or sea kayaking amongst the islands and waters surrounding the lodge. For those who prefer a slower pace, enjoy a guided rainforest ecology or forest bathing walk or take a peaceful stroll on our beautiful Berry Loop Trail. If you are looking for a bit of relaxation, try stand-up paddle boarding in the calm harbour or spend an afternoon at our ‘Berry Balm’ nature wellness centre. There is so much to learn about this area's natural and cultural history. Visit a local Indigenous village site or listen to an evening presentation by one of our passionate guides to learn more.

After daily adventures, join our ‘5 pm swim club’ for a refreshing dip in the cold water. Spend your evenings enjoying a sumptuous supper, and unwind on our deck, soaking in an incredible sunset or gazing up at the stars in the inky night sky.

Anyone 10 years or older who is active and mobile with a curiosity and passion for the natural world is suitable for our tours.

We are proud that Destination Canada has recognized our program as a 'Canadian Signature Experience'. Canadian Signature Experiences are 'once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences offered by Canadians who are passionate to share their part of the country with you.'

What is included?

All of our packages include

Round-trip water taxi from Alder Bay to Farewell Harbour Lodge, with ground shuttle service from Port Hardy if needed (see our getting here page to learn more)
Private room with ocean views and ensuite bathroom at Farewell Harbour Lodge
Welcome lunch, orientation and half-day marine tour on arrival
All excursions and activities (as listed below)
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and snacks, from lunch on day 1 to lunch on departure day
All transportation and specialized equipment for excursions
BC Government Hotel Tax
Guest conservation fee

Our Season

We offer daily departures from June 1 to October 3, 2025, from Alder Bay RV Park & Marina, subject to availability.

Bear Viewing Our bear-viewing experiences offer you a chance to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat—whether by crew boat or small zodiac. We focus on the quality of your experience, not the quantity of bears, which can lead to intimate and unforgettable moments.

Marine Tour To the west of the lodge, just minutes away, are the waters of Johnstone Strait and Blackfish Sound, renowned for some of the best marine mammal viewing on the planet, including Orca and Humpback whales. We embark on thrilling excursions throughout the season to encounter the region's rich and abundant marine life.

Sea Kayaking Farewell Harbour Lodge has a fleet of stable, comfortable tandem sea kayaks waiting to transport you deep into the Broughton Archipelago on expertly guided tours to experience the wildlife, beauty and serenity of this paddler’s paradise.

'Berry Balm' Wellness Experience Enjoy a curated afternoon of relaxation that combines the calming effects of a hot tub, the detoxifying benefits of a sauna, and the invigorating sensation of an ocean dip. Each element promotes relaxation and renewal, connecting you deeply with nature.

Forest Bathing Experience the magic of the rainforest with the mindful practice of forest bathing. Join one of our certified guides to slow down and awaken your senses. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, smells and textures of the forest as you de-stress, relax and enhance your well-being.

Bear Ecology Join a guided walking tour to experience the world of bears up close. By exploring their habitat and understanding their behaviour, interactions, and role in the ecosystem, you'll gain insight into how bears shape the landscape, maintain ecological balance, and contribute to the health of the wilderness.

Indigenous Culture The Kwakwaka’wakw people have inhabited this region for thousands of years, developing artistic and cultural traditions admired for their subtlety, grace, and beauty. Visit a local village and hear about the history and richness of the culture from our Indigenous neighbours.

Coastal Safari This isn’t your typical guided tour, it's an exploration where the day unfolds based on where the wildlife leads us. The unpredictable wonders of nature shape the safari. Along the way, our guides will share their knowledge of the ecosystem, enriching the experience with stories of this remarkable wilderness.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding We have stable stand-up paddle boards that guests can take out into Farewell Harbour. Surrounded by lush forests and calm, crystal-clear waters, the harbour is ideal for beginners and seasoned paddlers.

Disconnect & Relax Leave behind the noise and demands of the modern world as you immerse yourself in nature's tranquillity. Whether you're soaking in the stunning views from the deck, taking a peaceful walk through the forest, or simply unwinding in the serenity of your surroundings, this is your chance to truly recharge.

Rainforest Ecology The rainforest surrounding us is a magnificent mixture of Western Hemlock, Sitka Spruce, Western Red Cedar and Balsam Fir trees. Stepping away from the lodge into the forest is to step into another world. Explore its marvels on a relaxing and informative guided rainforest ecology tour.

Swimming The famous 5 pm Swim Club is a tradition at Farewell Harbour Lodge! Whether you’re seeking a burst of energy or simply want to join in the fun, this unique experience is an unforgettable way to connect with nature. Jump in, feel the rush, and become part of this adventurous tradition!

Sample Itinerary

Day 1

Embark on a scenic 30-minute water taxi ride from Alder Bay at 12:30 pm, cruising through the stunning waters of Johnstone Strait and Blackfish Sound as you make your way to Farewell Harbour. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by our friendly staff at the dock - relax, you're here!

After a light lunch and a brief welcome orientation, you'll have a chance to settle into your accommodations. Then it's time to set off on an exciting afternoon marine tour. You'll search for marine wildlife in the vibrant waters surrounding the lodge and return to the lodge by 4:30 pm, just in time to enjoy our '5 pm swim club'!

Your evening includes a delicious buffet dinner, a briefing on the next day's activities and a presentation by our knowledgeable guides on an aspect of the coastal environment they are passionate about.

Day 2

After a delicious breakfast, meet on the dock for your full day bear viewing adventure to one of our prime viewing areas! Immerse yourself in the wild beauty of the Great Bear Rainforest as we explore the diverse ecosystems of these pristine shorelines and estuaries. Depending on the tide, you'll have the unique opportunity to observe these majestic creatures either from a vessel, small zodiac or on foot, providing a truly intimate and breathtaking experience. We return to the lodge by 4:30 pm. Join fellow travellers around our fire tables to share stories of the day before dinner. Sit on the deck to watch the setting sun or listen to an engaging evening presentation by one of our guides before returning to your cozy room for a peaceful night’s rest, ready for another day of adventure.

Day 3

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll head out to explore the Great Bear Rainforest and Broughton Archipelago. Today is a chance to tailor your day to your interests by choosing from a variety of half or full day adventures and experiences. You can choose from a marine tour, bear ecology tour, coastal safari adventure, sea kayaking, rainforest hike, Indigenous cultural tour, stand up paddle boarding, or our 'Berry Balm' nature wellness experience. The adventure is up to you!

Options for additional full and half day tours are available for our longer packages on days 4, 5 and 6.

Day 4

After breakfast, there is time for a final morning excursion before your departure. You can choose from one of the following options:

A short morning sea kayak excursion in the protected and crystalline waters near Farewell Harbour Lodge
A marine mammal excursion
A guided interpretive rainforest or forest bathing walk
An Indigenous cultural site visit
Or soak in your last moments at a slower pace, relaxing around the lodge or on a self-guided walk on our Berry Loop Trail

After your morning activity, our water taxi returns you to Alder Bay around noon for ongoing connections.

FAQs

If you have any more questions please see our general FAQ page which provides detailed answers to many of our most frequently asked questions.

Booking Details

For more detailed program and pricing information, please get in touch, and we'll get back to you within 1 business day!