Introduction
Rachael and I had an incredible adventure traveling to Bella Coola, and after 3 weeks our journey ended at Nimpo Lake near Anahim Lake, British Columbia located right by Tweedsmuir National Park. There, we had the pleasure of meeting the Stewart’s family, who run Tweedsmuir Air Services and Stewart’s Lodge. A family-owned business that has been offering scenic flights, accommodations, and unique outdoor adventures throughout the Cariboo and Chilcotin Coast since 1988.
First Impression
When we arrive at Tweedsmuir Air Services, located at Stewart’s Lodge, we immediately felt a sense of tranquility. Everything slows down, and you feel a deep relaxation from the lake, the surroundings, and the warm, friendly people.
Jesse Stewart, who runs the Lodge, made us feel very welcome and provided us with plenty of information from the moment we stepped into the main Lodge. Even though we arrived late in the afternoon without any prior notice on a busy day, he took the time to greet us and ensure we had all the necessary information in a relaxed manner. Everything felt very genuine.
Rachael and I were so intrigued by what we learned that we couldn’t resist the urge to try and take a tour with Tweedsmuir Air Services. However, since we arrived late and didn’t have a reservation, our chances of getting on a flight seemed slim. Nevertheless, Jesse managed to move things around and fit us in for the last flight of the day, which was impressive. A huge thank you Jesse!
Now, don’t do what we did. Instead, book your flight in advance by clicking here or calling in person (250-742-3383) to guarantee a spot.
Before our sightseeing tour, we had some free time, during which we met Duncan Stewart. He shared the fascinating story of his family and how their outdoor adventure services began. Duncan told us about his father, Bob Stewart, who served in the Canadian Air Force flying Lancaster bombers in the late 1940s and later settled in the West Chilcotin. Bob was one of the first pilots to explore the area, embracing its adventurous spirit, which ultimately led to the creation of Tweedsmuir Air Services. Today, the Stewart family continues to build on this legacy and works hard to provide services for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. This dedication was very evident to us after spending some time onsite, something you must see for yourself.
As first-time visitors to Stewart’s Lodge & Camp, it didn’t take us long to fall in love with the location, available outdoor activities and the friendly people. From the moment we arrived, everything here promised a wonderful time for us, and it sure did!
Continue reading and learn about our first flight experience with Tweedsmuir Air Services. As well check out the sneak peek video we made.
Podcast
If you prefer listening over reading, click play below to hear the conversation about our Tweedsmuir Air Services review and experience.
Our Flight Experience
We were fortunate to take a 50-minute sightseeing flight with Tweedsmuir Air Services in a Beaver aircraft. It all started with a safety and orientation talk right on the dock. Things didn’t take long until we were seated in the plane. I sat in the co-pilot seat up front and Rachael right behind me. If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend sitting in the front for the best view and watching the pilot operate the aircraft. We eventually lifted off from Nimpo Lake, which was very fun. Launching into the air is always something we enjoy.
Once in the air our pilot, Ethan Stewart, elevated the experience to a five-star level. He answered our non-stop questions through the headset, shared fascinating facts, and ensured we had a good view by circling around each feature twice. The atmosphere was relaxed and personal, with Ethan tailoring the flight to our interests, creating a unique experience for every passenger. We truly enjoyed flying with him and can’t wait to do it again.
During our flight, we witnessed the stunning Hunlen Falls, which is the fourth tallest single-drop waterfall in Canada, as well as the breathtaking Monarch Icefields and the impressive Monarch Mountain, the sixth most prominent peak in the country.
The flight package we picked was packed with non-stop breathtaking scenery, making the 50 minutes feel like it “flew by”. That being said, nothing felt rushed thanks to Ethan’s ability to immerse us in the moment. If you ever get a chance, we highly recommend flying to the Monarch Icefields; it’s the best package available.
Eventually, we landed smoothly back on Nimpo Lake. Rachael and I were filled with excitement and joy from our trip; we had a surge of energy. We asked if we could stay longer to fly fish near the planes as dusk approached. The Stewart brothers encouraged us to linger on the dock for as long as we liked. Rachael and I enjoyed the golden hour, watching the sunset while reeling in small trouts before hitting the road again on Highway 20 toward our next quiet campsite. It was an incredible day!
This is a flight Rachael and I will talk about to friends, family, and acquaintances for many years to come.
The People

The highlight of our experience was undoubtedly the people we encountered. Connecting with the locals, the staff, and other guests truly made our time there memorable. Everyone we chatted with had a fantastic story to share, and from the moment we met someone, we felt a genuine warmth and excitement just being in their presence.
We noticed that many of the guests we met at the lodge were repeat visitors, returning year after year. This speaks volumes about the place. We completely understand their loyalty and are already planning our own return trip. It’s clear that this location has a unique charm that draws people back, largely due to the warmth of the community and staff. A significant factor is the welcoming attitude towards new visitors. Additionally, we observed that everyone is willing to help one another, create special moments, respect nature, and foster a community that guides the next generation toward a beautiful future.
We were grateful to meet a lovely family who generously gifted us a beautiful trout from Nimpo Lake, perfectly prepared for grilling. Thank you, Mary and Gordon! That evening, we enjoyed it by a crackling campfire, pairing it with vegetables from another local we met in Bella Coola, who provided us for free with some of his freshly grown produce.
We truly cannot emphasize enough how amazing the people are here.
Our Sneak Peek Video
Customizable Adventures
Stewart’s Lodge and Tweedsmuir Air Services specialize in offering customizable outdoor adventure experiences. Jesse Stewart explained that their team is committed to making people’s dream adventures a reality, going above and beyond their standard adventure packages. While these packages are great for those seeking outdoor enjoyment without the hassle of extensive research—who prioritize safety and prefer having a guide and logistics in place—their main objective is to tailor experiences to meet each individual’s specific needs.
Below, you can find a wide range of services they offer. We encourage you to give them a call to discover how they can create the perfect adventure for you. We’re confident that you won’t be disappointed by reaching out!
- Lodge and Food Services
- Canoeing, Boating, Rafting
- Flyout Services
- Outpost Cabins
- Charter Services
- Back Country Hiking
- Fishing and Hunting
- Day Trips

Get more information
Depending on what you are looking for visit the Stewart’s Lodge or Air Services to inquire about adventure packages.
Conclusion
You know it! We 100% recommend anyone who loves the outdoors to visit the Stewart Lodge and Air Services. The warmth and hospitality of everyone at the lodge made our experience incredibly relaxing, feeling very much like a family affair. This genuine joy is often missing in more corporate lodges and air services.
Another major highlight is the flexibility and variety in adventure planning. As we noted earlier, whether you have specific adventure goals that lie in hiking, hunting, camping, fishing, boating, or exploring hard-to-reach remote areas in the Cariboo and Chilcotin Coast, this is the team that can make it happen.
From what we experienced at Stewart’s Lodge, which is just a glimpse of available outdoor adventures, Rachael and I had an absolute blast on our flight. Soaring over glaciers, waterfalls, alpine lakes, majestic mountain ranges with amazing individuals is always a special time for us, and Tweedsmuir Air Services truly went above and beyond to ensure we had a memorable experience.
On the night we left the lodge, we couldn’t stop reminiscing about our adventures at our next location around the campfire even while listening to a wild pack of wolves howling nearby in the evening. To this day, we continue to cherish the memories we made at Stewart’s Lodge. We guarantee if you go out there, you will have an incredible time.
A massive thank you to the Stewart family!
Book your Adventure with Tweedsmuir Air Services
The Stewart family operates two businesses: air services and a lodge. No matter whom you contact, you will be in great hands for planning an extraordinary adventure. The team on-site has extensive knowledge of the area and is ready to assist you. Don’t hesitate to reach out before they get fully booked!
There are multiple ways to get to Stewart’s Lodge (same location as Tweedsmuir Air Services):
- Via Vancouver Airport (YVR) to Anahim Lake (YAA)
- BC Ferries, Vancouver Island to Bella Coola
- Road trip to Highway 20
If you do reach out, please say hi on our behalf (Rachael & Seb from Adventure 4 Life).

TWEEDSMUIR AIR SERVICES
+1 (250) 742-3383
tweedsmuirair@gmail.com
www.tweedsmuirair.com
STEWART’S LODGE & CAMP
+1 (250) 742-3388
Toll Free: 1-800-668-4335
stewartslodge@gmail.com
www.stewartslodge.com
ADDRESS
21173 Chilcotin-Bella Coola Hwy,
Nimpo Lake, BC V0L 1R0
Canada