An Exclusive Grizzly Bear Viewing Experience
Canada’s Only Grizzly Bear Sanctuary
Nestled within the fjords of northern British Columbia’s coastal mountain range lies Canada’s largest grizzly bear sanctuary. Offering unparalleled bear viewing, this spring itinerary reveals rarely seen bear behaviour and interactions.
A 10-day voyage option is available. Please contact us for more information.
- Unique Bear Behaviour. Get a glimpse into behaviour rarely linked to the grizzly bear experience.
- North Coast Adventure. Launching from the northern tip of the Inside Passage, venture into British Columbia’s expansive and less visited northern terrain.
- Limited Public Access. Join the select few who are fortunate enough to be allowed access into this sanctuary teeming with wildlife.
- Set Sail. Travelling north along relatively open water allows our captains and crew great opportunities to unfurl the sails.
Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Meet your Bluewater Adventures crew & vessel late morning at Cow Bay in Prince Rupert. Departing the harbour quickly leads us off the beaten path into the awe-inspiring geography of the north coast of British Columbia with its dense rainforests, winding fjords, and high rugged mountains.
The myriad of islands in Chatham Sound offer remote beaches to explore and beautiful anchorages in which to kayak, while the waters here offer the chance to search for marine mammals such as sea lions and whales.
The waters surrounding these outer islands are more exposed and we hope for a good wind to allow for the opportunity to raise the sails and enjoy the silence and serenity of nature.
Sailing inland we’ll spend one day bear viewing in Ksi X’anmaas (Kwinimass River) Conservancy and two days bear viewing in Khutzeymateen Inlet (Khutzeymateen/K’tzim-a-deen Grizzly Sanctuary). The Khutzeymateen Valley holds Canada’s first grizzly bear sanctuary and these adjacent inlets are an important home to a dense bear population. In Khutzeymateen Inlet, our trip focuses on bear viewing along the shores of the inlet and into the estuary where only a few operators are permitted. Thanks to this exclusivity, this stunning bear viewing location with its backdrop of snow-capped peaks is a well kept secret.
After anchoring, we’ll proceed by zodiac as we take care to spot foraging bears from the water. May and June are peak season for viewing as bears are attracted to the estuary for its abundance of protein rich sedge grasses – an integral spring food source. Spring is also mating season which means there is the potential to see larger male grizzlies in search of females.
We return through narrow Venn Passage to Prince Rupert. Venn Passage has an incredible collection of petroglyphs (indigenous rock carvings); tides depending, we may have a chance to see some of these ancient carvings and learn of their history from a local Tsimshian Guide.
We return to Prince Rupert around noon. Guests will have time for lunch and a wander through town before catching a mid-afternoon flight back to Vancouver.
We keep our itineraries purposefully flexible allowing our captains to cater to the needs and interests of their group as well as take into account weather, wildlife sightings, and more.
Island Roamer
Vessel Type: Yacht
Length: 21 metres
Passenger Capacity: 16
Built: 1983
The Island Roamer is a custom 68-foot ketch, launched in 1983. The boat's design, safety and comfort make her perfect for these trips. She features 8 private cabins (double occupancy), 3 heads with hot showers, a large comfortable lounge with an extensive library, and a well-equipped galley. On deck, the large covered seating area provides protection in all types of weather. The Island Roamer is large enough for comfort, privacy and safety, and small enough to create a good rapport among passengers and crew.
Deck plans are for illustrative purposes only – The actual ship and cabin layout may differ.
Includes
• All meals and accommodation while onboard
• Full crew, fuels, any applicable permit and user fees
• Full use of all facilities onboard ship
• Select itineraries include pre-night accommodation and shuttle service to and from the vessel
Excludes
• Transportation to and from the start /completion point of the trip
• Airport transfers – unless indicated otherwise
• $200 sustainability fee
• Travel or cancellation insurance and crew gratuities
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• Canadian tax (GST) of 5% must be added on to trips operating in British Columbia.