Berry Island: Frequently Asked Questions

  • While British Columbia's coast offers several exceptional eco-lodges, Berry Island provides a truly distinctive wilderness experience. Like our neighbours, we're passionate about this remarkable region and committed to creating unforgettable guest experiences. However, several key elements set us apart: 

    Unrivaled Location 

    One of our best attributes is our unrivaled location. We are surrounded by incredibly rich and diverse wildlife in the Broughton Archipelago and Great Bear Rainforest. Berry Island sits at the doorstep of some of the world's most spectacular marine mammal habitat - home to both Orca and Humpback whales. We also have easy access to beautiful, remote inlets, estuaries and rivers, where we travel in search of Grizzly and Black bears.

    Authentic Wilderness Encounters 

    Our wildlife viewing philosophy centres on authentic experiences where we seek out wildlife in their natural habitat. We travel by small vessels or explore on foot, allowing for intimate, respectful wildlife encounters. This approach may be less predictable, but it delivers a genuine wilderness experience our guests treasure. 

    Secluded Coastal Sanctuary

    Nestled where the forest meets the sea, our unique lodge blends floating and land-based accommodations, creating a perfect balance of comfort and wilderness immersion. With our exceptional commitment to hospitality and our passion for sharing this magical part of the planet, Farewell Harbour Lodge offers guests a warm, welcoming atmosphere where you can relax and feel right at home.

    Extraordinary Team

    Our team brings unparalleled expertise and genuine enthusiasm to every aspect of your stay. Having worked in wilderness destinations worldwide, they combine professional knowledge with a deep love for British Columbia's coastal ecosystems. Their passion transforms your visit from a simple vacation into a meaningful connection with one of Earth's most remarkable environments. 

  • Wildlife moves to its own rhythms, which can be hard to predict from season to season. We explore a variety of wildlife viewing areas, choosing our adventures based on seasonal and daily patterns. With the abundant and diverse wildlife in our area, our chances of encountering bears, whales and other amazing animals are high. However, we cannot guarantee sightings. 

  • For the 2025 and 2026 season, we offer daily arrivals and departures, subject to availability.

  • There's no need to pre-book any tours or activities in advance. We are flexible and like to tailor your stay to suit your interests. Each evening, around dinner time, we will discuss the following day's options with you, taking into account what you are most excited to do, the current weather and wildlife opportunities. We always offer a variety of activities, and we do our best to accommodate as many of your interests as possible during your visit. 

  • Our tours are designed to be accessible to anyone with a positive attitude and a love for small-group travel. No previous experience is necessary for our tours, and we welcome guests of all levels - from beginners to seasoned adventurers. While our tours aren't particularly strenuous, guests should be comfortable with some physical activity and have a certain amount of agility to get in and out of our boats, navigate our ramps and docks, and walk on uneven terrain.


    While we recommend regular exercise before any outdoor adventure, our trips are suited for those in good health and who lead active lifestyles. We believe a positive attitude and an open mind are more important than being in peak physical condition. 


    Please note that our lodge and tours are not wheelchair or walker accessible.  

  • For our 2025 season, we have a minimum age requirement of 10 years old.

    Starting in 2026, we’re excited to welcome families with children ages 7+ to experience the magic of Berry Island.

    As we thoughtfully expand our offerings to better accommodate younger guests, we’re beginning to build a children’s program designed to foster curiosity, connection with nature, and meaningful family adventures. That said, many of our current activities—including wildlife excursions, kayaking, and hiking—take place in remote wilderness settings and may not be suitable for all ages.

    Risk management is our top priority, and our team will do their best to help guide families toward age-appropriate options. We kindly ask parents to consider the physical and mental readiness of their children, including the ability to handle long boat rides, extended excursions, and full days outdoors, both for their own comfort and to ensure a positive experience for all guests. Please note that we require full-time parental supervision for youngsters throughout their stay.

    We hope to make Berry Island fully accessible to families of all ages in the future, but doing so will take thoughtful planning and time. We appreciate your patience and support as we grow, and we look forward to helping your whole family experience the wonder of the wild together.

  • We can accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies with advance notice. Given our remote location, please let us know the details of your allergies and/or dietary restrictions at the time of booking to ensure we can accommodate you in the best way possible. 

  • All our rooms have beautiful ocean views, cozy gas fireplaces, ensuite bathrooms with showers, and two beds. Given that we offer daily arrivals and departures, we cannot allocate specific rooms ahead of time. 

  • Berry Island lies in the heart of the world’s last remaining coastal temperate rainforest, so it is not uncommon to get rain even during the summer months. However, we consider this a small price to pay for the chance to experience the incredibly rich and diverse ecosystem of this unique region. We provide rain gear and rubber boots for guests to use during their stay. We recommend that all guests come prepared for a variety of weather conditions. It is all part of the adventure! 

  • A detailed packing list is included with your guest package, which you will receive about 45 days before your arrival. We have linked this list below to help guide you on what to bring to ensure you're prepared for the adventure ahead. We provide rain gear and rubber boots for guests to use during their stay. If you have any questions or need further advice on selecting clothing or equipment, we are here to help.

  • Our team is passionate about creating meaningful, memorable experiences—and if you feel they've done just that, gratuities are always appreciated. A suggested amount is $40 per guest, per day. For a 3-day stay, $120–$140 total is a thoughtful gesture.

  • Since we are completely off-grid, we cannot offer guest laundry services at the lodge. However, Alder Bay RV Park & Marina, where our tours start and finish, has a public laundromat where you can do your laundry before or after your stay at Berry Island. 

  • As is standard in the adventure and nature-based tourism industry in British Columbia, each guest must complete a separate liability waiver before arriving at Alder Bay RV Park & Marina, where our tours start and finish. The waiver is an important legal document which you should read and understand before signing. Our programs can involve physical exertion, as well as hazards and risks which are outlined in more detail in the waiver document. In addition, for guests under 19 years old, we require parents/guardians to complete a separate informed consent form for each child. You can view these documents before booking by clicking on the following links:

    Click HERE for the Waiver
    Click     HERE for the Informed Consent Form

  • Berry Island is a member of the North Island Marine Mammal Stewardship Association (NIMMSA) and the Commercial Bear Viewing Association (CBVA). We support local conservation and research efforts through our involvement with NIMMSA and the CBVA. As members, we follow industry guidelines, codes of conduct, and government regulations while promoting and educating others on ethical wildlife practices. We are committed to the sustainability of a positive balance between human activities and the health of the local eco-systems.

  • 2025 Cancellation Policy 

    $500.00 CAD deposit per person at time of booking with balance due 45 days prior to arrival.

    From the time of booking a $125 per person fee will apply to cancellations or reservation date changes; if the Vancouver Add-On is booked there is a $185 per person fee for any flight cancellations, date changes or name changes

    • 45 - 90 days prior to arrival - $500 per person cancellation fee

    • 30 - 44 days prior to arrival - 60% of package price per person cancellation fee

    • 0 - 29 days prior to arrival no refund

    2026 Cancellation Policy

    • $A $500/person non-refundable initial deposit is required at the time of booking. If cancelled prior to 90 days before arrival, deposits can be credited to a future stay.

    • At 90 days, 50% of the full package price is due and non-refundable. If cancelled between 45 and 90 days before arrival, a $500/person cancellation fee applies. Remaining payment balances can be credited to a future stay.

    • At 45 days, 100% of the package price is due and non-refundable. If cancelled between 0 and 45 days before arrival, there is no refund or credit.

    • Credits will be held for 24 months and will be applied to bookings at available rates.

    • A $150 per person fee will apply to any reservation date changes.

    Changes:
    We’ll do our best to accommodate date changes with at least 60 days’ notice, based on availability. Changes made within 60 days of arrival may be subject to fees or restrictions.

    Travel Insurance:
    Due to our remote locations and the nature of our experiences, we highly recommend travel insurance to protect against unforeseen events or cancellations.

  • No. Most likely, The Bucket List Family will not be on property during your stay.