Moored in the calm waters of Barnard Harbour on Princess Royal Island, King Pacific Lodge lies in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest, the largest intact temperate rainforest left on Earth. Here you have the opportunity to connect with nature and the abundance of animals who liver here. Guided wildlife tours give you unparalleled access to and understanding of the special wildlife in British Columbia.

In early June and July, pods of resident orcas cruise Whale Channel feeding on migrating salmon. Local whale researchers are available to help you identify the pods and listen in on their conversations with strategically placed hydrophones. Eagles soar overhead as their young learn to take flight and begin to forage for themselves. The sea lions bark and roar as they jostle for the sunny spot on Sea Lion Rock, just minutes by boat from the lodge. And of course, the lodge’s local family of otters is always ready to share your salmon dockside as your catch is cleaned and readied for you to feast on that evening or freeze and take home.

Late in July and throughout August and September the humpback whales return from their Hawaiian wintering. The cold Pacific waters on the lodge floats are some of the richest in the world and provide ample food for humpback mothers and their calves. A kayak paddle at low tide reveals the ocean’s bounty and our expert guides will not only teach you the paddling strokes but also share their knowledge of local flora and fauna. This is a wonderful season for hiking and you may catch the silhouette of the rare black wolf in the distance as you picnic on Wolf Track Beach. Dahl’s porpoises gambol and race alongside the boat as you speed your way back to the comfort and luxury of the lodge for yet another sumptuous meal and a relaxing spa treatment.

September is the pinnacle of bear viewing – grizzlies, black bears and the rare white Kermode or ‘spirit bear’ as it is known by the natives, greedily feed on migrating salmon so plentiful that the rivers and streams appear black. Our guides know just where to take you on wildlife tours for that incomparable glimpse of the temperate rainforest’s most magnificent carnivore. Often at this time of year, the humpback whales feed in Barnard Harbour and breach within yards of the docks of the lodge – hear them breathing as you lie in your own king-size bed, warm and cozy under a luxurious duvet.