Searching for sacred bears on an incentive like no other
Credit: Ian McAllister/Pacific Wild
Credit: Destination British Columbia
Cassandra Willie will never forget the first time she locked eyes with one of the world’s rarest animals: the Spirit bear. A rare sub-species of the black bear with a white coat, Spirit bears are only found in British Columbia — and so elusive that there are only believed to be a few hundred in existence.
“It was probably one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had,” she said. “You can’t even process it or put it into words, because you’re having an interaction with something so rare.”
Cassandra is one of the guides who leads tours for incentive groups at the Indigenous-owned Spirit Bear Lodge, located in the 21-million-acre Great Bear Rainforest — one of the largest coastal temperate rainforests on the planet. Believed to hold supernatural powers, Spirit bears are considered sacred to the Kitasoo/Xai’xais First Nations who have called the region home for thousands of years.
Credit: Destination BC/Yuri Choufour
In the traditions of these Peoples, the creator Raven made the Spirit Bear to remind them of a time when the land was covered in ice and to be thankful for the lush and bountiful land that we have today.
Even though Cassandra has now seen the species many times, that initial excitement hasn’t faded — especially as she has the chance to watch guests who are fortunate enough to encounter it. “The emotion that comes with their first time seeing the first bear is so beautiful,” Cassandra adds. “The awe doesn’t just last for that particular day. It’s something that stays with them for a lifetime.”
When incentive groups arrive at Spirit Bear Lodge, which is only accessible by seaplane and boat, they are amazed by the remote region’s otherworldly landscapes. From dense old-growth forests with 1,000-year-old cedar trees, to dramatic fjords, misty inlets and rich salmon streams, it’s a place largely unchanged through time.
For top performers who work relentlessly all year, it’s an especially transformative place to recharge. “Many guests are often surprised at how quiet it is and how well they can hear the different birds,” Cassandra said. “It’s a wakeup call for how busy and fast-paced their lives are — and a reminder to take a moment and restore that connection to oneself.”
Spirit Bear Lodge offers an array of tours to help incentive groups do exactly that. Along with catching a glimpse of Spirit bears, guests have the chance to see a diversity of wildlife, including humpback whales and orcas breaching on the water, wolves and grizzly bears roaming in the forest, and eagles and ravens gracefully soaring in the sky.
Culture is integrated into all aspects of the lodge — including through its day tours. Incentive groups can visit cultural sites alongside local guides, who interpret landmarks of the Traditional Territory, teach the ways of medicinal foraging, and tell stories of the history and traditions of the Kitasoo and Xai'xais people. “We’ll go and visit an ancient site that ties to the origin story of the Kitasoo and take turns telling stories that we’ve had permission from the Elders in our community to share,” Cassandra adds.
“Knowledge sharing and skill building have long been essential components of incentive rewards,” added Jennifer Attersall, Director of Incentive Travel at Destination Canada “What sets places like Spirit Bear Lodge apart is that these experiences are authentic and unique to the destination. It widens teams’ perspectives and builds a stronger connection to the land and histories of those who have called it home for generations.”
The cuisine at Spirit Bear Lodge also celebrates the local region, further strengthening each visitor’s connection to the natural surroundings. The restaurant at the lodge incorporates traditional ingredients harvested by community members. Seaweed, for instance, is harvested on site and salmon is sourced from local youth — which are infused into the gourmet dishes top performers can enjoy in the cozy lounge overlooking the pristine water.
Spirit Bear Lodge is also at the forefront of sustainability. Guides are careful to ensure they do not use fuel without intent. While on land, they don’t stray away from the path more than needed, bring out what they bring in, and let the wildlife decide how close to get. By sharing their way of life with visitors from around the world, Spirit Bear Lodge is also playing a vital role in helping the vibrant Kitasoo and Xai’xais cultures thrive.
The lodge employs roughly 10% of the community and, in words taken from their website: “One of the biggest benefits is that our People get paid to be themselves. They get paid to interpret who they are and where they’re from, and to share their Culture and their stories.
From natural landscapes teeming with wildlife to eye-opening cultural experiences, an incentive trip to Spirit Bear Lodge is a transformative experience. Top performers return home with new knowledge, a deeper appreciation of diverse ways of life, and more invigorated than ever. There’s no greater reward than that.
Canada’s enriching incentive destinations offer unique cultural experiences that will inspire teams, widen perspectives, and strengthen relationships to drive greater success. With over 250 unique legendary experiences available, Canada is a top choice for recognising and rewarding high achievers. Destination Canada’s Business Events team can help design a program that’s specifically tailored to your group’s interests and needs.
For more information, connect with Jennifer Attersall, Director of Incentive Travel, Destination Canada Business Events at attersall.jennifer@destinationcanada.com or +1 403-923-5972