COVID-19 update from Great Bear Lodge
The tranquility and solitude of the wilderness awaits, and after much patience and planning we will be excited to welcome you back to Great Bear Lodge in autumn 2021, safely and responsibly (assuming COVID-19 safety allows and the First Nation in whose traditional territory we operate gives their blessing).
Here is a summary of what to expect when you stay with us for a wildlife viewing and wilderness experience:
Maximize time spent outside in the fresh wilderness air
With multiple outings scheduled each day, we have always encouraged our guests to spend as much time outdoors as possible. After all that is why we are all here, for wildlife sightings and to immerse ourselves in the wilderness. Now it has the added benefit of reducing the spread of COVID-19.
With our large dock and beloved Adirondack chairs, we have plenty of space to sit outside and enjoy the view while practicing social distancing.
Small group sizes
We have always believed in small group sizes at the lodge, to limit our impact on the bears and wilderness and to provide an intimate experience for guests. Small group sizes will luckily make social distancing easier to achieve.
If you prefer to have the lodge to yourself, we are offering a special opportunity for private bookings in 2021. Imagine your own private resort for you and your family or group of friends!
Pre-screening, check in, and flight to Great Bear Lodge
When checking in and before boarding the float plane, you will be asked a series of COVID-19 pre-screening questions.
All of our guests will be required to wear a mask on the float plane to Great Bear Lodge.
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by our team of staff who will give you a lodge orientation including our COVID-19 policies and practices, as well as a bear safety presentation.
Sanitation and Housekeeping
We have implemented thorough and frequent sanitation practices. High touch areas such as doorknobs and light switches, counters and tables, are sanitized continuously throughout the day.
Your room will be meticulously cleaned and sanitized prior to your arrival.
Hand washing and sanitizing
Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the lodge, indoors and out. Guests and staff will be asked to use hand sanitizer each time before entering the lodge and will be reminded of frequent handwashing throughout the day. We encourage you to bring your own personal hand sanitizer that you can always easily carry with you.
Face coverings
Cloth masks and other face coverings will be required when maintaining a safe physical distance with members outside your group is not possible, such as on the float plane. Please bring your own preferred face coverings. We will be happy to wash and sanitize your masks throughout your stay, and we recommend bringing at least 2 masks per person so you can have an extra while the other is being washed. We will also have some available at the lodge to purchase.
Safaris
Whether exploring the estuary by boat or sitting on a viewing platform watching bears on the river, we will ensure safe physical distancing measures can be maintained as much as possible. When this is not possible, all guests and staff will be required to wear masks.
We will provide you with extra gear to keep you warm and dry while enjoying the outdoors. This gear will be washed and sanitized between each group and will be yours for the duration of your stay.
Meals and food preparation
As always, we will provide you with your delicious gourmet wilderness meals through a plated meal service. Meals will be served at individual tables outside or in the privacy of your room depending upon the weather and your preference.
Our kitchen staff will continue to safe food practices with proper and frequent hand washing.
Friendly, professional staff here to safely host you
All of our staff have been trained in COVID-19 health and safety, with a thorough understanding of COVID-19 symptoms, transmission, and prevention. The entire Great Bear Lodge team diligently follows our company safety plan designed to minimize the spread of COVID-19 while living and working onsite. At all times we have a designated staff member monitoring the adherence of our COVID 19 policies by staff and guests.
We look forward to sharing with you all the wonders that make this remote river valley in the Great Bear Rainforest so special.
The wilderness awaits.
