Prince Rupert Bear Watching
Grizzly bear and cub, Tourism BC photo
One of Prince Rupert's most well-known and remarkable excursions entails viewing wild grizzly bears in their natural habitat in the Khutzeymateen Sanctuary, located about 28 miles northeast of the city.
Grizzly Bear Watching at Khutzeymateen
The Khutzeymateen Sanctuary, also called "Valley of the Grizzly," is the only one of its kind in Canada. The park's name, Khutzeymateen is a Tsimshian First Nations word that means "sheltered place of fish and bears." Established in 1994, the park contains one of the largest populations of grizzly bears – about 50 – in British Columbia. The bears are protected from human activity and live freely, though people can observe them quietly from boats offshore.
Along the shoreline, the magnificent creatures run, play and feed on salmon, mussels, barnacles and nutritious sedge, a grass-like plant that grows in the area. Though sightings aren't guaranteed, tourists rarely return disappointed. Companies estimate a 90%-plus success rate.
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Seeing grizzly bears as they are meant to be viewed is an unforgettable experience. Depending on the time of year, black bears, eagles, seals, porpoises, sea lion, herons eagles and even whales may also be spotted.
Guided, Boat, Floatplane and Heli-Tours
Several companies offer tours to the sanctuary. Tourists can go on a half-day boat tour. Most tours are booked at the Atlin Terminal, the main tourist shopping centre, in Cow Bay, and leave from there at least three times a day. Choose between a larger boat that carries about 100 people or charter a private one.
It's also possible to go to the Khutzeymateen in a floatplane or helicopter, then boat around the area to look for the bears. The plane ride offers incredible views of pristine mountain wilderness and the Pacific Ocean.
Three-Day Tours to the Sanctuary
Fly to the park and stay overnight as part of a longer, typically three-day tour to the sanctuary. These three-day excursions can include bear watching, a visit to a saltwater volcano and the opportunity to learn more about the local history of the area. Sleep in bunk beds in a float house near the dock. If the weather is favourable, camping on the dock is available. Bedding is provided. Prices range between about $400 and $1600 for the longer tour options.
Khutzeymateen tours are available between May and August. Peak grizzly bear viewing is mid-May to July but August is when the bears feed on the salmon. Dress warmly on a visit to the Sanctuary, as temperatures drop near the ocean.
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C2-215 Cow Bay Rd
Prince Rupert, British Columbia
V8J 1A2
Experience one of the greatest wildlife shows on Earth. Come aboard & let Prince Rupert Adventure Tours show you some of the most stunning & magnificent displays of wildlife that Northern British Columbia has to offer. Enjoy grizzly bear viewing in the famous Khutzeymateen "Valley of the Grizzly". See these legendary giants in their natural environment. Watch humpback whales flashing their unique tails as they dive to feed. Watch orca whales as they follow the migrating salmon. Along the way, you'll encounter stellar sea lions, harbours seals, eagles, blue herons & more. It is truly an unforgettable adventure experience of a lifetime.
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Other businesses with Bear Watching
#209-1110 Government St.
Victoria, British Columbia
V8W 1Y2
Rated "Trip of a Lifetime" by Frommer's (2000-2011) & a "Best Adventure Travel Company on Earth" by National Geographic Adventure (2009). Take a multi-day adventure cruise on the 28 m (92 ft) schooner Maple Leaf to really experience BC's wildlife, landscape & culture. Cruise islands & fjords, explore ancient rainforests. A-list naturalists & guides lead you to intimate bear, whale & seabird viewing & First Nations sites. Frequent shore trips, gourmet cuisine, friendly crew & accommodations. Queen Charlotte Islands, Great Bear Rainforest, Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands. By a leader in sustainable tourism, these trips are for people who enjoy the path less travelled. Visit us for information.
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We offer multi-day cruises through Haida Gwaii's (Queen Charlotte Islands) Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, Northern Vancouver Island, Great Bear Rainforest, North Coast/Khutzeymateen and SE Alaska. Our 68' vessels provide the perfect base from which to tour remote coastlines. On these first rate 'learning journeys', we expect to see whales, birds, bears, rich intertidal zones and a great number of birds. With our Native Guides, we visit ancient villages with totem poles and hope to catch a glimpse of the Spirit Bear! Our professional crew, including an on-board Naturalist, will take you to places few have ever been. All aboard!
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45 Km NE Of Prince Rupert
Prince Rupert, British Columbia
V8J 2T6
The park protects grizzly bears & their undisturbed habitat along the north coast of BC. Visitor use is discouraged because of high sensitivity & strict conservation orientation; however, a limited amount of controlled viewing is allowed under permit.
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