Grizzly bears of Bute Inlet

Venture into Bute Inlet surrounded by mountains to spot grizzly bears in their search for fresh salmon.

From mid-August to mid-October, grizzly bears congregate on the waterways of the Great Bear Rainforest for the annual salmon run, for a veritable feast of fresh spawning salmon and their eggs. On this small-group guided tour, you’ll cruise through Bute Inlet, keeping a keen eye out for marine wildlife before heading inland to watch the bears catching their next meal.

Departing in the early morning from Campbell River’s dock, you’ll board a high speed Zodiac or covered boat through the Salish Sea into the Orford River Valley in Bute Inlet. On the journey, keep a keen eye for the orcas, humpbacks, dolphins, eagles and other wildlife that call the region home.

Bute is a pristine river valley and is home to 40 resident grizzly bears. The inlet is also the historic home of the Homalco First Nation, one of the Coast Salish Indigenous peoples whose guides will meet you when you disembark and accompany you along the Orford River Valley by mini bus to the specially designed grizzly bear viewing platforms. You witness the grizzly bears feasting on spawning salmon in a true wilderness setting for about three hours.

Throughout the day, your indigenous guides will provide information on their culture and history, their relationship with the land and wildlife, and the lifestyles of the bears. Lunch, snacks and drinks are provided on-board to ensure you don’t go hungry on this eight hour tour.