Connect with Nature at This Hidden Gem Resort in BC
Whether you fly, ferry or float your way to the wilderness jewel that is the Great Bear Rainforest on British Columbia’s central coast, the active adventures, pristine accommodation and Indigenous experiences at this little-known nature retreat should be the base for your outdoorsy journey.
Located in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest on Denny Island, just a hop across the narrow strait east of Bella Bella, Shearwater Resort offers front-door access to stunning wilderness, authentic cultural experiences and exciting outdoor adventures on land and sea.
Owned and operated by the Heiltsuk Nation since 2021, Shearwater incorporates Indigenous history and culture into the resort’s operation, sharing the traditional knowledge of the Heiltsuk People with guests from around the world.
Ecotours, marine-based wildlife viewing, hiking, fishing, SUPing and kayaking are some of the adventures you can experience here. Dive into the wonders of the Great Bear Rainforest by day and return to the creature comforts offered at Shearwater Resort in the evening.
The resort is an ideal base for exploring the Great Bear Rainforest and the central coast. Shearwater offers three- and four-day packages where guests can experience all-inclusive ecotours of the rainforest.
From wildlife viewing to cultural excursions, these packages are designed to check off every item on your bucket list, whether it’s watching seals frolic in salty ocean waves or observe black bears fishing for salmon in rivers shrouded by towering canopies of cedar and fir trees.
These daily wildlife watching tours are led by Indigenous guides and highlight the incredibly rich biodiversity of the region and impressive variety of birds, animals and marine life. The Great Bear Rainforest is home to eagles, shorebirds, seals, whales, wolves and, of course, grizzlies and black bears.
Take a day trip to the pristine beaches and turquoise waters of the McMullin Group of islands, just an hour by boat from Shearwater Resort. Become one with nature, exploring the landscape on a paddleboard with an understanding of the region’s history thanks to the knowledge passed on by local guides.
Relax tired muscles and weary spirits in the fragrant cedar wood sauna at the resort’s Sacred Cedar Spa. Take advantage of the healing hands of professional massage therapists specializing in deep tissue, Swedish and relaxation massage techniques as well as rejuvenating Reiki treatments.
The spa is conveniently located on the main floor of the oceanfront lodge, with beautiful and serene views of the water. It offers quiet privacy to enhance self-care sessions and guests’ wellness retreat in nature.
Getting to the resort is as easy as boarding BC Ferries by car or on foot from Port Hardy, Prince Rupert or Bella Coola to Bella Bella. Or fly about 90 minutes into Bella Bella from Vancouver on Pacific Coastal Airlines or from Port Hardy on Wilderness Seaplanes. Upon arrival in Bella Bella, continue to the dock to board the Shearwater Seabus for the short ride to the Shearwater Resort dock where friendly staff will be waiting in welcome.
For those arriving by boat or kayak, Shearwater offers secure moorage and the chance to spend time in the protected waters of its marina. The resort is an ideal layover destination for mariners on route through the Inside Passage looking for a place to stop, stay and enjoy the amenities and adventures at the resort and in the region.
In addition to resort accommodation, Shearwater Resort is home to a campground and RV site, grocery and liquor store, post office, laundromat, coffee shop, fuel dock and two restaurants. Fisherman’s Bar & Grill is a convivial pub, while the Lodge Restaurant offers a fine dining experience with renowned Chef Nathan Isberg. The menu offers fresh, local ingredients with an emphasis on forage/farm to table.
From active adventures to Indigenous experiences and experiencing nature-based wellness in the awe-inspiring landscape of British Columbia’s stunning Great Bear Rainforest, Shearwater Resort offers an excellent opportunity to decompress, breathe and soak in the beauty of this spectacular West Coast region.
Book your adventurous getaway today!
This article was sponsored by Shearwater Resort
Welcome to Heiltsuk traditional territory. We invite you to experience the warmth of our hospitality, renowned throughout BC’s mid and northern coast. Our rustic and cozy guest rooms are in a lodge right on the ocean and our restaurant offers traditional West Coast fare with an authentic Indigenous influence.
