Travel into rugged fjords and the wilderness of the Khutzeymateen valley, home of the largest population of grizzly bears in the world.
The Khutzeymateen Valley is home to the world’s largest population of grizzly bears amid the open ocean waters of Chatham Sound and the coastal mountain valley. On this semi-covered catamaran boat tour, you’ll cruise through Chatham Sound, continuing into rugged fjords and the pristine wilderness of the valley to spot grizzly bears, black bears, orca, eagles and seals.
Running from mid-May to the end of July, this seven hour tour departs from Prince Rupert’s harbor on a 100-passenger, five-deck catamaran offering ample viewing opportunities. As you head north, you and your captain will keep a look out for sea lions, seals, eagles, blue herons and sea otters that frequent the waters.
After a light lunch, you continue your wildlife observation. The trip to secluded North Coast inlets allows you to observe grizzly and black bears in their natural environment. The bears come to the freshwater streams to graze on sedges. You can quietly watch as they sate their appetites and play with their young on the rocky shores. If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a mother teaching her cubs how to find mussels and other sea treats along the beach.
The Khutzeymateen Valley has been protected since 1994 in an agreement with the British Columbia government, and the Tsimshian First Nation. Throughout your journey, you’ll be provided with First Nations interpretation to find out more about their ancestral home.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Canada specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Skeena train journey through the Rockies
Plunging deep into the wilds of British Columbia, the Skeena takes you on a 1,160-kilometer journey past the highest peaks of the Rockies, countless lakes, waterfalls, frontier settlements and forested mountain slopes.
You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.
