Most people aren't crazy about the idea of coming across a grizzly bear. However, spotting a grizzly when you're with a naturalist in one of the world's best places to see bears is a different matter. The Great Bear Lodge, at the mouth of the remote Nekite River on British Columbia's west coast, provides accommodations for 10 people at a time. Here, under the guidance of Great Bear Nature Tours, you can observe grizzlies while surrounded by the spectacular Great Bear Rainforest and snowcapped Coast Range mountains. Besides guided tours to look for grizzlies, bald eagles, black bears, and wolves, the lodge offers kayaking, gourmet food and wine, and the silence of pristine wilderness. From $492 U.S. per night through Aug 15, from $620 U.S. Aug 16-Sep 30; reservations required. 888/221-8212, or 250/949-9496.
