KHUTZEYMATEEN: VALLEY OF THE GRIZZLY BEARS
May 28 - June 4 2025 / May 19 - 26 2026
This 8-day voyage takes you to the northernmost reaches of the Great Bear Rainforest: the Khutzeymateen Valley, home to Canada’s first grizzly bear sanctuary. Explore one of the most remote and pristine habitats for grizzlies, alongside opportunities to spot humpback whales, orcas, and other wildlife. We will travel with Bluewater Adventures, one of only three operators permitted in the sanctuary, we’ll navigate the inlet’s shores by zodiac for incredible bear viewing. This protected area, spanning 44,300 hectares, is located in the traditional territories of the Gits’iis and Metlakatla Nations.
Photo-Based Itinerary
Over this 8-day immersive adventure, you’ll capture more than just stunning images. From golden hour shoots to intimate wildlife encounters, we’ll guide you in creating photographs that reflect not only the beauty of the environment, but the meaning behind it.
Expert Guidance
Receive expert guidance from Sabina and Lianne as they help you master new techniques, refine your skills, and take your photography to the next level. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned photographer, you'll walk away inspired and ready to capture extraordinary moments.
Custom Workshops
Join our custom workshops, designed specifically around your skill level and passions. Whether it's mastering composition or perfecting post-processing, you'll elevate your photography in a personalized, hands-on environment crafted to help you grow.
Itinerary: May 28 - June 4 2025
Day 1: Our adventure begins! Upon arrival in Prince Rupert, our group will meet at our hotel, where we’ll kick off with a Welcome Dinner to go over all the exciting details of our upcoming voyage.
Days 2-3: This morning we set sail on the Island Roamer. As we head north, we’ll have opportunities to capture the breathtaking scenery and practice our photography skills, focusing on capturing sea lions, orcas, and humpback whales. We will also be searching the coastline for our first bears and elusive sea wolves.
Days 4-6: We arrive at the Khutzeymateen Inlet! We explore the inlet via zodiacs, shrouded by forests and lined with protein-rich sedge grass, you’ll have multiple opportunities to photograph grizzlies, with guidance on framing and capturing the perfect shot.
Day 7: From the fjord-like Portland Canal, we return to the outer islands. We’ll photograph the remote Green Island’s historic lighthouse. If the weather allows, we’ll venture ashore to capture the unique scenery of this remote island.
Day 8: As we make our way back through the narrow Venn Passage, as we visit the famous petroglyph “Man who fell from heaven.” A local Tsimshian guide will join us to share the stories behind these ancient carvings and learn of their history. We’ll tie up in Prince Rupert by midday, concluding our photographic expedition.
Meet Your Photo Guides
With over 10 years of combined experience photographing bears, and previous experience working in the breathtaking coastal region of British Columbia, we aim to provide an unparalleled wildlife photography adventure that connects participants with nature in a meaningful and immersive way. As avid photographers, we have curated a unique experience along the stunning coast of British Columbia that goes beyond just sightseeing. We are dedicated to helping participants enhance their skills, offering hands-on guidance during photo opportunities and hosting interactive lectures to share insights into landscape and wildlife photography. Our personalized approach ensures that each guest leaves not only with incredible shots but also with a deeper understanding of the craft. This trip offers a rare opportunity to learn from experienced professionals while immersing yourself in one of the world's most beautiful settings.
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Though I grew up in a city, I always sought every opportunity to connect with nature, a passion that has shaped my career in wildlife photography and conservation. With a degree in Zoology and a Master’s in Science Communication, I’ve dedicated myself to bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and public understanding, using photography as a powerful tool for storytelling. Over the years, my guiding work has taken me to some of the world’s most stunning wild spaces, where I’ve had the privilege of teaching others about wildlife, nature, and conservation. My mission is not just to capture the beauty of these places, but to help others enhance their photography skills so they, too, can document and share these unforgettable moments. Whether it’s photographing bears in British Columbia, gorillas in Uganda, birds in Iceland or capturing the play of light in a remote landscape, I’m passionate about fostering a deeper connection to the natural world and inspiring others to do the same through the art of photography.
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My connection to nature blossomed early on and on led me to earn a Master’s degree in Biology, where I deepened my understanding of ecosystems and conservation, before developing my career as expedition leader and wildlife photographer. My work and passion has taken me to some of the most wild and breathtaking places on Earth, including the magnificent Great Bear Rainforest on the West Coast of Canada, where I’ve found my new home. As an expedition guide, I share my love for the natural world, leading immersive adventures that connect participants to the rich biodiversity of the places we go to. Photography plays a pivotal role in my storytelling. I use my camera to capture the intricate beauty of nature, showcasing both its splendor and the pressing conservation issues we face. It’s important to me that while we strive to create stunning images, we enhance our connection to the land rather than disrupt it. I find great joy in helping others to enhance their photography skills, so they can tell their own stories. Together, we can cultivate a shared appreciation for nature and work toward its preservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Total Cost is $8795CAD (+tax) per person. Due to permit limitations, we allow a maximum of 9 Guests with 2 photography guides.
Non-refundable deposit of $2000 is due upon booking. Remaining balance is due 90 days prior to departure. Given the nature of our seasonal business and the relatively small window of operation, cancellations within 90 days of departure are non refundable unless the dates in question are able to be filled. We will make every attempt to try and fill your spot in order to issue a full refund (minus a 10% transaction fee), but if unable we reserve the right to keep payment. Travel insurance is required.
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The Island Roamer is a 70-foot, Canadian-licensed passenger vessel designed for comfort and exploration. She offers six double-occupancy cabins and three shared bathrooms with showers. Inside, the spacious salon features a well-stocked natural history library, while the wheelhouse provides a sheltered space to enjoy the views in any weather. We also have two large zodiacs for frequent and easy shore access. During our time in the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary, special permits allow us to use only a single zodiac; on these excursions, all guests and two photo guides will travel together in one zodiac for an intimate experience.
Note: When booking, you can request your preferred cabin type—either a single berth or, if traveling with a partner, a double berth cabin. We will do our best to accommodate your request, though you may be paired with another guest in a double room. Final cabin assignments are made by the crew upon your arrival on board.
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Prices include: Accommodations, photography guides and boat crew. All meals from dinner on Day 1 through to breakfast on the final day. Applicable permits, Park user fees, and First Nations protocol fees; and full use of all facilities aboard the vessel.
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Transportation to/from Prince Rupert, travel or cancellation insurance (required, see below for more information), accommodation and meals prior to welcome dinner on day one, or if you would like to extend your stay in the area. Guide and crew gratuities.
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Prince Rupert is located on the north coast of British Columbia, about 750 kilometers (465 miles) north of Vancouver, BC. Air Canada offers direct flights from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Prince Rupert Airport (YPR), located on Denby Island, from there you will take an organized shuttle and ferry to arrive in Prince Rupert.
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Prior to departure, passengers must have in place, comprehensive insurance coverage including medical and emergency evacuation, trip cancellation and interruption, and baggage insurance - this is at your expense; we will require proof of insurance. Any losses experienced because of incorrect travel planning or not securing adequate insurance will also be the full responsibility of the passenger.
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This is a soft adventure trip aboard a motor-sailor yacht, requiring guests to live in close quarters and follow crew safety directions. Activities include zodiac-based wildlife viewing in the Khutzeymateen Sanctuary and short shore excursions over varied terrain, where proper footwear is essential. While travel is mostly in calm waters, occasional rolling seas may occur, and guests must be comfortable getting in and out of zodiacs, with assistance provided as needed. If you have any concerns about your full participation in the trip, please discuss your situation
with us.
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