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Old Sep 28, 2020 | 10:47 am
  #62  
twoyatris
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10 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: YVR
Posts: 487
Got back from tweedsmuir this weekend, a brief summary. Can see some photos and more details here

Setting: in the eastern portion of bella coola valley, with coast mountains on one side and tall granite walls on the other, very impressive.
Cabins: 2 levels with extra beds, large glass windows with nice views, decorated with first nation artwork, simple but classic. Bed was comfortable- could have been bigger, gas fireplace quite nice, washrooms modern
Service: Some room for improvement, more presence from coordinators/managers, coffee tea delivered to room, afternoon snacks beyond chocolate bars would have been my expectation
Food: Solid meals, friendly wait staff, good wine selection. About what i expected, on par with some other resorts (like Sonora), but not at the level of Fogo Island Inn or a top class restaurant in the city.
Bears: Drifting down the rivers looking for bears fishing. Beautiful environment and views. We saw a number of bears, not as many and didn't feel as much of a sure thing as Khutz lodge, but potential to see some great fishing and really close encounters. The nature walks for active BCers were disappointing but they reassigned us to more drifting which i really appreciated. There are other groups on the river but not many, also lots of locals at the public bear viewing station just off the road.
Value: Local discount this year which was generous and fair i felt. Otherwise looking at ~1250pp per night. Less than Churchill wild, but very steep especially with ground transportation only, I think it could be a bit more polished at these rates, but its a really in demand activity so can't blame them. Hard to really judge what would have been different in a non-COVID year to be fair. Overall though between the two i've visited Khutz lodge provides better value.

Edit: The boats only fit 6 and all the seats are good so i don't think you need to upgrade to private experience unless an avid photographer who wants to guarantee unimpeded access in all directions. If it gives you more flexibility about your activities however it may be worth it, best to check with them. I used a 100-400 lens, i wouldn't want to go much heavier as it would be mostly handheld on the boat, from the viewing stations a prime would be nice though.

Last edited by twoyatris; Sep 28, 2020 at 11:21 am
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