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By Darcy Nybo
Raw Beauty and Adventure Guaranteed - Shearwater Resort and Marina, located at the gateway to the Great Bear Rain forest, has something for everyone. Once you’ve experienced the fishing and eco-adventures, you’ll understand why their guests return time and time again.
Located on the calm and protected waters of British Columbia’s central coast, the area around Shearwater Resort and Marina abounds with wildlife in the ocean and on land. Uncrowded, untouched, and untamed, you’ll find whales, seals, eagles, wolves, bears, fish, and more in this pristine setting. Shearwater Resort is much more than a fishing holiday or retreat; it’s a place to reconnect.
A Little History
It is said the First Nations people settled here at the beginning of time. During World War II, Shearwater was an anti-submarine base. Craig Widsten, Shearwater Resort and Marina Founder & Chairman, commissioned a 120-foot long mural on the side of the original RCAF hangers as well as a waterfront war memorial. The mural includes the faces of aboriginal chiefs, elders and immigrant pioneers who helped establish the greater Bella Bella community and the central coast from the 1800s to recent times. These “United in History” projects, honour his father and all those connected to the area.
The Lodge
Shearwaters has a new waterfront lodge as well as a second hotel, a bar, restaurant, RV, and campground parking. There’s 1800ft transient moorage for sail and powerboats, a fuel dock, repair shipyard, boat rentals, bait, tackle, and fishing licenses available on site. There are also grocery, hardware and liquor stores as well as a laundromat and showers. Stay as long as you like, there’s no rush.
Great Fish Stories Start Here!
If you love to fish, this is place to do it. Saltwater sports fishing is right out your door at Shearwater. There are several sweet fishing spots located within five to 45 minutes of the resort. Your fishing trip can be fully guided, semi-guided, or unguided, depending on how you want to spend your time here.
Guests that go on their world-class fishing charters have some amazing fish stories to tell. Did you hear the one about the 72 lb. Chinook/King salmon that almost got away, but didn’t! How about the 25 lb. Coho or the 200 lb. Halibut that ended up as a delicious dinner. At Shearwater, you can fish for 10 – 12 hours a day and then come back to the comfort of hearty meals and VQA wines. While you are sharing the tales of the day, your catch is being filleted, vacuumed packed, and flash frozen for your convenience.
Something for Everyone to Enjoy
Shearwater is a resort that has something for everyone. For nearly 70 years, they’ve learned how to create the perfect get-away for all members of your group. There are several sports fishing packages to choose from all-inclusive fly-in adventures to BC Ferries sport fishing packages to do-it yourself base packages.
The eco-adventures here are like no other. As Shearwater is located on the doorstep of the Great Bear Rain Forest, you may see the Kermode or Spirit Bear as the Bald Eagles soar high above. Milbanke Sound and the Discovery Passage support vast numbers of Orcas (killer whales) and Humpback Whales, as well as a few Grey whales. There’s plenty of Pacific White Sided Dolphins here, and if you’re lucky, you may even catch sight of a super pod of 100-200 dolphins.
The beachcomber in you will love the white sand beaches of Goose Island, while a visit to the Eucott Hot Springs can soak your cares away. Look out at the Coast Mountains and keep an eye out for dolphins. While you’re on the coast, take a trip out to McInnis Island and catch site of eagles or killer whales. Then head over to the lighthouse on Ivory Island for more of the same.
Fishing packages and eco-adventures can be tailor made to include as much or as little as you like. All-inclusive packages include airfare to and from Vancouver, food, and lodging, and as many adventures as you can pack into one stay.
Corporate Retreats
There’s no better place for your corporate retreat than Shearwater Resort. Bring your team and watch the magic happen. The remote location guarantees little to no distractions. The raw beauty and friendly atmosphere of the resort will relax even the most tightly wound among you.
Shearwater can arrange a fishing tournament, whale watching adventures or eco-adventures in the Great Bear Rainforest. Whether you come for team building or as a reward for a job well done, Shearwater will supply you with everything you need to make this an adventure your team will not soon forget. When it’s time to get down to business, Shearwater has meeting rooms, wireless internet, and cell service, photocopying/printing and audiovisual equipment available.
Getting Here
Several chartered aircraft fly directly to Shearwater’s private airstrip on Denny Island. There are daily scheduled flights to and from Vancouver and Port Hardy. You can hop in your car, truck, or RV and take a BC Ferry from Port Hardy or Bella Coola right to the doorstep, or take a sea bus from Bella Bella.
The owners and staff of the Shearwater Resort and Marina will do their best to give you the stay of a lifetime. For information, reservations and packages available call 1-800-663-2370 or go to shearwater.ca.