Berry Island Wilderness Lodge

Arrive at Berry Island Wilderness Lodge and marine mammal viewing

Depart Alder Bay at 12:30 aboard a water taxi for a scenic 30-minute service across Johnstone Strait to Berry Island Wilderness Lodge. Berry Island lies at the epicentre of one of the most biologically active regions on the coast, and is mostly protected due to its unique natural and cultural history. Upon arrival at Berry Island, you’ll be warmly greeted by the lodge staff, provided with a short orientation and lunch and then settled into your rooms. Afterward, head out onto the water for an afternoon marine mammal viewing excursion in the protected waters of Johnstone Strait and Blackfish Sound. From early June to mid October, witness Humpback Whales, Bigg’s Orcas, Steller Sea Lions, Pacific White Sided Dolphins, Dall’s Porpoises and Sea Otters as they travel the biologically rich waters of the Broughton Archipelago Marine Park. From mid July to late September, Northern Resident Orcas return to the Broughtons in search of salmon. After dinner, sit fireside in the lounge for an evening presentation on some aspect of coastal ecology or an activity.

Bear viewing

After breakfast, it's time for your full-day bear viewing adventure! Visit one of several estuaries in the local area where you will view bears either from a zodiac or on foot depending on the tide. Grizzlies forage on sedge, roots and berries in the spring, summer and fall in the broad, braided estuaries. Late summer and fall may also offer opportunities to see Grizzlies fishing for salmon if salmon returns are high enough.

Berry Island Wilderness Lodge seamlessly blends the sea and the forest together. Located on land, the primary lodge building and common area features a comfortable lounge and dining room, bar and a large brick fireplace surrounded by large windows and a wrap around deck boasting spectacular views of the harbour. The expansive decks continue as a boardwalk along the shore, leading to eight, private ocean-side suites with ensuite bathrooms. A ramp leads off the main lodge to the floating lodge below featuring four additional suites each with a private bathroom. All lodge suites and common areas have unique design features incorporating natural cedar and local materials and art from the area that offer a distinctive, relaxing ‘west coast’ feel.

Another day of adventure

After breakfast, head out on the water for your choice of a bear ecology tour, a more extensive marine or coastal exploration, sea kayaking or rainforest adventure, or ‘Berry Balm’ nature wellness experience - a serene retreat that combines the calming effects of a hot tub, the detoxifying benefits of a sauna, and the invigorating sensation of an ocean dip. Marine excursions can also afford an opportunity to learn about the cultural traditions of the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations as we pass ancient villages sites, rock art called pictographs and other evidence of a rich history and vibrant present in the region.

Using local ingredients including fresh seafood, each meal at Berry Island Wilderness Lodge is carefully crafted and delicious. In the evening, join your fellow travellers in the dining room and share stories of the days adventures over a glass of premium BC wine or beer before settling down to a sumptuous evening meal. After supper, sit fireside in the lounge your expert guides will offer a presentation on some aspect of coastal ecology. Facing south and west, the sunsets at the lodge are spectacular and not to be missed!

Depart Berry Island Wilderness Lodge

Your final morning at the lodge commences with your choice of one of the following activities: a short morning sea kayak excursion in the protected and crystalline waters near Berry Island Wilderness Lodge, a marine excursion, rainforest or forest bathing walk, or Indigenous cultural site visit. Return to the lodge for lunch before taking the 30-minute water taxi back to Alder Bay. From here you can either fly from Port Hardy directly to Vancouver, or our expert Travel Consultants are able to include the destination as part of a self-drive of Vancouver Island.