Berry Island: Frequently Asked Questions

  • While British Columbia's coast offers several exceptional eco-lodges, Farewell Harbour Lodge 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. Farewell Harbour Lodge 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 season, we offer daily arrivals and departures, subject to availability.

    Moving into the 2026 season, we will be streamlining our logistics and will have dedicated departure/arrival days. We hope you can find dates that match your schedule!

  • 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.  

  • Berry Island is a family destination.

    With that said, not all activities will be appropriate for little ones. The minimum age for bear tours and kayaking is 10 years old.

  • 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. 

  • Farewell Harbour Lodge 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 Farewell Harbour. 

  • 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. Our excursions, which may involve mild physical exertion and inherent risks, begin with our water taxi transfer. This is a legal document which you should read and understand before signing. In addition, for guests under 19 years old, we require parents/guardians to complete a separate informed consent form for each child. Click HERE for the waiver. And HERE for

  • Farewell Harbour Lodge 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.