GRIZZLY MOMENTS - Great Bear Rainforest

The Khutzeymateen Valley is a 44,000 hectare expanse of rugged mountains, watersheds and towering Sitka spruce and is home to about 50 protected grizzly bears.

Trip details

This itinerary is a sample only - the exact itinerary of your trip will be dictated by factors such as weather, tides, and group interest, with the crew working within the parameters of safety, time, and the highlights of the area.

Day 0

Arrive in Prince Rupert. Overnight (not included), Please contact our office staff for any assistance with pre/post travel arrangements. You will also receive a list of local accommodation choices with your booking package.

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Day 1

The trip begins in the coastal community of Prince Rupert. An early morning float plane flight from the Seal Cove float plane dock takes us to the ‘Ocean Light II’ and her crew who await us at the head of the Khutzeymateen Inlet.
Meals:  lunch  /  dinner

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Day 2 & 3

The daily itinerary will remain flexible so that we can maximize bear viewing opportunities. We will spend the majority of the day ashore. Depending on the tides, our time ashore will find us in some area of the estuary viewing what could be any number of animals including black and grizzly bears, seals, geese, ducks, and herons. At dusk, after the evening’s activities, you will return to the boat to enjoy a hot drink and dinner while reflecting on the day’s events.
Meals:  breakfast  /  lunch  /  dinner

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Day 4

The float plane will arrive after breakfast for your return trip to Prince Rupert. We have scheduled this early morning flight so that participants are able to catch the mid-afternoon flight to Vancouver, however, please be aware that there is a slight possibility that you arrival time into Prince Rupert may be delayed due to adverse weather conditions.
Meals:  breakfast

 

Grizzly bears

Grizzly bears. The name conjures up images of a huge powerful beast, signifying wild lands and freedom. Being highly intelligent and curious mammals, grizzly bears selectively feed on various high protein plants such as green sedge grasses, lupine roots, and the broad leaves of skunk cabbage, all of which the valley has an abundance to offer.
The grizzly bear defines wilderness for us. The bears represent the wild side of our nature and how things used to be. Although the Grizzly can be dangerous and unpredictable, the Khutzeymateen grizzly is teaching us that they have been misrepresented. They are intelligent and show many human characteristics. We have been offering trip into the Khutzeymateen for many years and our knowledge and understanding continues to grow.
  

The boat & the crew

The 'Ocean Light II' is an Ocean 71' ketch and is thought by many to be the perfect B.C. Coast charter yacht. With fourteen Atlantic crossings, the 'Ocean Light II' has the pedigree and comfort to make any sailing experience with her one to remember. It has a spacious, well maintained interior of mahogany, authentic Douglas Fir and white enamel.
The layout offers 5 separate guest cabins that are closed off from the rest of the yacht. A berth will be assigned to each person upon arrival. There are two heads, a shower and the interior is all newly remodeled. The main salon located below deck is a spacious 14' x 17', which seats twelve comfortably while still leaving space to move about freely. There is ample deck space and she is very comfortable under sail. 'Ocean Light II' features all of the extras expected: 19’ hard bottom inflatable, six kayaks as well as an extensive library for your enjoyment.

The entire crew aboard the Ocean Light II has many years of coastal sailing experience and have introduced the coast of B.C. to thousands of people, young and old, in their unique way of providing you the opportunity for self-discovery. They continually contribute a tremendous amount to the conservation of our endangered wilderness and are highly respected in the charter industry on the BC Coast and in SE Alaska. Being Canadian Coast Guard certified the guides/skippers will bring their expertise for the regional wildlife to the Ocean Light II.

Safety

Your safety while participating in this expedition is of our prime concern. The guides are well trained in wilderness first aid techniques, and are very experienced in the environment. Ultimately your guide makes decisions with your comfort and safety in mind, yet tries to maximize the experience of the adventure for each individual. We stress that listening carefully to instructions and directions given by the guide is your ultimate responsibility and in the best interest of yourself and the group.

Meals

The crew of the Ocean Light II takes special care in preparing nutritious and delicious meals. All meals will be aboard the sailboat and will include fresh seafood, homemade soups, breads and salads. Wine is served with dinner, and you may bring your own drinks to be consumed in moderation and only when the anchor is down for the night. Excessive drinking is not tolerated on the vessel. Clients have the option to assist in food gathering and meal preparation. If you have particular dietary restrictions, please let us know well in advance.