Paddle a kayak around secluded Barnard Harbor where King Pacific Lodge is tied to Princess Royal Island

King Pacific Outdoor Adventure Lodge

If you are interested in outdoor adventure activity,  yet you enjoy gourmet dining, snugly robes and a soft place to rest your head at night, I have just the place for you in British Columbia, Canada. Former San Francisco 49er football quarter back Joe Montana came here with his family and movie star Kevin Costner enjoyed this water world, otherwise known as King Pacific Lodge.

Once you have landed in Barnard Harbor via float plane, you’ll be greeted with a glass of champagne and ushered to your room in the luxury lodge. But don’t head inside just yet.  The back deck behind King Pacific Lodge is the place to watch  sea otters dive for fish heads after the fishing boats have returned or maybe you’ll get lucky and spot an eagle.

Seeking solitude at King Pacific Lodge

Love fishing and getting away to the great outdoors? Walk the decks and docks of the floating King Pacific Lodge.  There is always somewhere to go for quiet contemplation, to read a book or savour a glass of wine or a cigar after dinner.

After a busy day outdoors, come inside and relax in the great room by the stone fireplace. Craving something sweet? The cookie jar is always stocked.

While King Pacific Lodge is located in the Great Bear Rainforest, don’t let the rain keep you inside. The  Lodge provides guests with Mustang Survival Suits that will keep you warm and toasty out on the Pacific Ocean. When you do find yourself inside for an afternoon or evening, book  yourself a spa treatment or simply hang out at the hot tub, then take a dip into the cold plunge pool.

Go bear watching at King Pacific Lodge in northern British Columbia, Canada

When you come to King Pacific Lodge, get your picture taken by a fishing guide as you reel in a salmon; in front of the waterfall that tumbles down the mountain behind the lodge; or in a kayak heading off for some bear watching.

Meat lovers or those in need of gluten-free food will be happy to know that King Pacific Lodge will accommodate special dietary requests. If you love seafood, order the Catch of the day – being located on the coast you know that everything on the menu is going to be as fresh as possible.

Coast Tsimishian Artist Heber Reece carved eagle and frog on cedar

It’s true that King Pacific Lodge is not the place to go for shopping retail therapy, but if you are interested in  First Nations art – from jewelry to artwork, drop into the store and consider taking home a special memory.

For the ultimate guided trip, go heli-hiking and let the lodge helicopter drop you on one of the neighboring mountain ridges so that you can enjoy above-tree-line trekking or access one of the numerous snowfields that linger well into the summer.

Bring your camera to King Pacific Lodge and Sea Lion Rock

A camera is a must for a trip to King Pacific Lodge. You may see Orcas and humpback whales – on a whale watching trip you might be lucky enough to see a whale breach; bears – black bears or, if you are very fortunate, a ‘spirit’ or Kermode bear; or just walk amongst 1000-year-old hemlocks and fern-clad canyons and feel dwarfed by these majestic giants. The best vantage points are taken by walking to the top of one of the remote islands a short boat trip from King Pacific Lodge. On a day hike you can scramble to the summit of an island and have 360-degree views of the Great Bear Rainforest and pristine beaches.

Did I mention that King Pacific Lodge is perched on a 15,000 square foot floating barge? Ask for a “behind the scenes” tour of King Pacific Lodge. The lodge was built on an ex-US navy barge and a tour of the back of house reveals a fascinating world under the public spaces.

Looking for some exercise? Hike amid the old-growth forests of the Great Bear Rainforest; paddle a kayak to Cameron Cove to watch the salmon. At low tide you’ll see the world’s largest sea stars. Keep your eyes peeled for bears browsing on sedge grasses. My favorite walking route is the hike to the waterfall on the wilderness side of the lodge.

The fall is the best time for viewing a Kermode Spirit Bear in the Great Bear Rainforest

First Nations Gitga’at Village

If you are interested in First Nations culture, be sure to ask about a trip to the Gitga’at village (rhymes with Kit Kat) of Hartley Bay, where First Nations traditions of fishing for salmon, then smoking the fish to sustain the community in the winter months have gone on for thousands of years.

If you plan a trip to King Pacific Lodge in the spring,  look out for bears waking from hibernation and young bears keeping close to mother bear.

In the summer you’ll fish for Chinook salmon – the largest of the Pacific Ocean salmon, often growing up to 50 lbs.

The fall is the pinnacle time for 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. The guides know just where to take you on wildlife watching tours for that incomparable glimpse of the temperate rainforest’s most magnificent carnivore.

Go whale watching in Drummond Bay by Banard Harbor

Whale watching with pros

Go whale watching with Janie Wray and Hermann Meuter, whale researchers at the remote CetaceaLab.

Get out on the water and go kayaking around Barnard Harbour, or grab your hiking boots and hit the forest.

If you have kids, the Family Adventure Package, where adults and kids share adventures and kids learn to tie a fly, master a few words in Sm’algyax (the language of the Gitga’at) and fill their Adventure Passport, may be just the ticket.

Have you been to King Pacific Lodge in the Great Bear Rain Forest? What are your favorite things to do in Northern British Columbia, Canada?

Thanks to  Jayne Lloyd-Jones and Liz Sperandeo of Spectacular Ink for assistance with this post. Bear photos and whale fluke courtesy of Chris Vadden and Tanja Betz. Additional photos and YouTube video by Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown. I was a guest of King Pacific Lodge and Tourism British Columbia.

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Things to See and Do in Vancouver, British Columbia

Go horseback riding in BC Canada's Fraser Canyon when visiting the South Cariboo region

Are you visiting British Columbia’s South Cariboo area for the first time? Below is a list of “Insider Tips” for things to see and do in this Canadian region.

When I have a visitor from out of town, I take them to the Fraser Canyon near the ranch and across the Fraser to the grasslands of the famous Gang Ranch.

If you are looking for British Columbia cowboy cuisine, I recommend Ric’s Grill in Kamloops.

Looking for a quiet place to escape and unplug? Check out Big Bar Guest Ranch.

When you come to Big Bar Guest Ranch, get your picture taken on Big Bar Mountain overlooking the Fraser Canyon.

Seeing a lot of cowboy hats? The South Cariboo area is known for rugged cowboys, wildlife and spectacular scenery.

For an expensive, yet quality meal, go to Ric’s Grill in Kamloops.

In the South Cariboo, take your picture with a magnificent horse.

The best vantage points are taken by walking to the top of Lookout Mountain or Big Bar Mountain.

The Big Bar Mountain offers great views and is the best place to watch or experience wildlife, including Big Horn Mountain Sheep. During my visit to Echo Valley Ranch, bear and deer were spotted.

In the Big Bar area, outdoor enthusiasts will want to hike, bike and horseback ride.

The South Cariboo area of British Columbia is known for rugged cowboys. In this photo Wrangler Bill Spoonemore.

Looking for a little exercise? Walk along the trail to Riley Dam.

If you are a museum lover, the Clinton area’s best historical site is the Hat Creek Ranch.

You can tell a lot about Clinton from visiting and watching the annual Clinton Rodeo in late May.

In the spring you should ride in the grasslands when all the wildflowers are in full color.

Go to the Chartreuse Moose coffee shop in 100 Mile House for great lunch and coffee.

Don’t miss the Big Bar Guest Ranch if you have kids traveling with you.

What are your favorite things to do in British Columbia, Canada?

Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown with Wrangler Bill Spoonemore on Canada's Big Bar Mountain with British Columbia's Fraser Canyon in the background

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Best Things to See and Do in Vancouver, British Columbia

Thanks to Flint Bondurant for assistance with this post. Article, YouTube video and photos by Nancy D. Brown

Vancouver, British Columbia Cityscape

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is to The Inukshuk statue (Vancouver’s Olympic logo) on English Bay at sunset – a great walk along the sea wall and stunning views of the city, Stanley Park and the ocean.

When I crave Vancouver cuisine, I turn to Sushi!  With some of the best authentic and dynamic Japanese restaurants outside of Japan and access of incredibly fresh seafood, sushi truly is the taste of Vancouver.

To escape work  go tubing on Seymour Mountain in the winter. In the summer  go to outdoor big-screen movies at Stanley Park. During a recent visit I walked Granville and Robson Streets and found this great Marimba band.

For complete quiet, hide away at Third Beach in Stanley Park.

If you come to Vancouver, get your picture taken by the Lions Gate Bridge in Stanley Park.

If you have to order one thing off the menu at Cibo Restaurant, order the Black Pepper Tagliatelle wth Golden Chanterelles. I had dinner at Cibo during a September visit. I can see why it was awarded Best Restaurant in Canada by Enroute Magazine.

Inukshuk statue -Vancouver’s Olympic logo- on English Bay at sunset

Vancouver is my one stop shop for salmon. Nearby, Haida Gwaii is a mecca for fishermen and women from around the world.  Head to West Coast Fishing Club to guarantee the best catch on the coast! I promise that you will not regret a fishing trip to WCFC – the food, lodge, scenery and fishing are spectacular.

When I’m feeling cash-strapped, I go to Roaming Dragon – a streetcar serving amazing pan-Asian cuisine from $5.

For a huge splurge, I go to Miku Restaurant– they offer a unique style of Aburi-Style sushi and get daily seafood shipments from Tskiji Fish Market in Japan.

Photo ops in Vancouver include Spanish Banks, a silky white sand beach with the city in the backdrop; Granville Island Market for organic vegetables and quirky shop attendants.

The best vantage points are taken by walking to the top of Grouse Mountain – the Grouse Grind is an impressive work out and the views of the city from the top are well-worth the effort.

Things to do in Vancouver, BC - walk Robson and Granville Street

The most random thing about Vancouver is the Annual Celebration of Light Fireworks display during July.

In Vancouver, an active day outdoors involves kayaking in English Bay or exploring the seashore at Whytecliff Park, or hiking to the top of The Lions.

My favorite walking route is the Sea Wall – from the cobbled streets of Gastown to the sandy beaches of Jericho and Spanish Banks, it’s a great introduction to the city.

Vancouver’s best museum is Museum of Anthropology.

For a night of dancing, go to Republic or Pop Opera – world-class beats and a stylish crowd.

The Red Card Sports Bar + Eatery  is the spot for late night dining. They serve delicious, authentic Italian pizza until 1am.

To find out what’s going on a night or on weekends, read Georgia Straight or Westender.

You can tell a lot about Vancouver from watching the Vancouver Canucks – the city is intense during the hockey play offs!

Visit Emery Barnes Park, one of many public parks in Vancouver, BC

In the spring you should visit Van Dusen Gardens for spring blooms.

In the summer you should check out car free festivals on Commercial Drive.

In the fall you should visit Rogers Arena to watch the Vancouver Canucks in action.

In the winter you should go skiing or snow-boarding just moments from the city at Grouse Mountain.

A hidden gem in Vancouver is China Town – for unique restaurants, night markets and a real taste of China!

For a great breakfast treat or espresso, go to the Caffé Artigiano.

Just outside of Vancouver you can visit Whistler, just over an hour away on the breathe-taking Sea to Sky Highway.  Dine at Bearfoot Bistro.

The best way to see Vancouver is to walk.  The sea wall is a must for residents and holiday-makers alike!

If you have kids, you won’t want to miss Vancouver Aquarium.

What are your favorite things to do in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada?

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For more information on Vancouver visit Tourism Vancouver. Thanks to Marisa Marsden and Hawksworth Communications for assistance with this post. Article, YouTube video and photos by Nancy D. Brown. Vancouver Cityscape photo courtesy of Peter Andersen. Inukshuk statue courtesy of Tourism Vancouver and John Sinal.