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Canada – Spring Mating Season Grizzlies in the Khutzeymateen 2026

US$9,444 per individual

Spaces Available

27 May – 2 June 2026

Embark on a unique exploration of the northernmost reaches of the Great Bear Rainforest, a region of unparalleled natural beauty and ecological significance. This expedition journeys off the beaten path into the Khutzeymateen Valley, offering discerning travellers an exceptional opportunity to witness remarkable wildlife amidst the pristine tranquility of the northern British Columbia coast. This exclusive voyage combines several premier wilderness experiences, including unparalleled grizzly bear viewing in one of Canada’s most secluded and productive habitats, searching for orcas and humpback whales, and exploration of the region’s beautiful outer islands and majestic fjords. Photographic opportunities are superb! 

 

Situated on the north coast of British Columbia, this breathtaking landscape is characterized by dense Sitka spruce rainforests, winding fjords, and imposing, rugged mountains. The awe-inspiring geography ranges from the towering Coast Mountains, adorned with cascading waterfalls that plunge thousands of feet, to expansive coastal islands, extending westward to the low-lying islands bordering Hecate Strait. Within this diverse ecosystem, glaciers rise majestically above ancient old-growth rainforests, while pristine white-sand beaches entice exploration among the outer islands. Rich river estuaries provide vital spawning grounds for many salmon species, upon which the region’s thriving grizzly bear population depends. 

 

The Khutzeymateen Valley is home to Canada’s first grizzly bear sanctuary, safeguarding the habitat of one of British Columbia’s most important coastal bear populations. Khutzeymateen Provincial Park, also known as the Khutzeymateen/K’tzim-a-deen Grizzly Sanctuary, lies within the traditional territories of both the Gits’iis Nation and Metlakatla Nation. Established in 1994 to specifically protect grizzly bears and their habitat, the park encompasses 44,300 hectares. Our expedition explores the fjord’s winding shores, offering outstanding opportunities for observing grizzly bears as they forage on lush sedge grasses. Our ground team is privileged to be among the select few operators permitted to access the Khutzeymateen/K’tzim-a-deen Grizzly Sanctuary at the head of the inlet – a truly exceptional experience for our guests. 

Why this Photo Tour is for You

Destination Allure

Tucked deep within the mist-shrouded fjords and temperate rainforests of British Columbia's remote Khutzeymateen Inlet, this spring expedition offers rare, privileged access to a pristine wilderness known as Canada's first grizzly bear sanctuary. Far removed from roads and mass tourism, the Khutzeymateen is a place where ancient cedar forests meet glacier-fed waters, and grizzlies roam freely along estuarine meadows, coastal shorelines, and tidal rivers. It’s wild, raw, and utterly captivating—a perfect stage for observing and photographing these magnificent bears during their spring mating season.

Month of Travel

Our photo tour takes place in late spring, when grizzly bears emerge from hibernation and the rich coastal ecosystem bursts into life. This is also the mating season, when dramatic interactions, displays of dominance, and close bear encounters are at their peak. Expect to witness powerful males courting females, bears grazing in the sedge-filled estuaries, and interactions that range from tender to territorial—all against the dramatic backdrop of the Pacific Northwest wilderness.

Wildlife Encounters & Coastal Beauty

While grizzlies are our focus, the Khutzeymateen’s rich biodiversity makes every outing an adventure. Wildlife highlights may include: Black bears, often seen foraging along the shorelines. Seals, river otters, and porpoises gliding through the calm inlet waters. Bald eagles, mergansers, and a variety of coastal birds in flight. Occasional sightings of wolves or even orcas, depending on conditions. Each day presents a blend of serene beauty and wild unpredictability, ideal for creating evocative, frame-worthy images.

Guided Experience

This is more than just a grizzly viewing trip—it’s a deeply immersive, photographic-focused experience. You’ll be guided by an ORYX Photo Tour Leader, alongside local bear naturalists who offer invaluable insight into bear behaviour, habitat, and conservation. Every moment is tailored to maximise your photography potential—from boat-based encounters on glassy waters to interpreting bear interactions in real-time, helping you capture the story, not just the subject.

oryx mark dunsmuir

ORYX LEADERS
Mark Dunsmuir

6 Days
6 Guests + 1 ORYX Leader
Canada
Classic
Landscape
Wildlife
  • Departure
    Prince Rupert
  • per individual
    US$9,444
  • Single Supplement
    US$1,777
  • Photographic Highlights
    Grizzly Bears, Black Bears, Harbour Seals & River Otters, Bald Eagles, Seabirds & Shorebirds, Occasional Sightings – Wolves, Orcas, and Porpoises, depending on seasonal luck and conditions.
  • Guide
    Mark Dunsmuir

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Day 1, 27th May: Depart Cow Bay Marina, Prince Rupert, head for Portland Inlet and Chatham Sound

Today you will meet the crew at the top of the dock at the Cow Bay Marina in the late morning. Upon boarding the vessel, cabins will be assigned and following introductions and safety orientation we will depart Prince Rupert harbour for the beauty of Portland Inlet and Chatham Sound with its myriad of islands.    During our daily shore or small boat excursions our onboard naturalist will help identify different coastal plants, marine mammals, terrestrial animals, birds, and intertidal life. 
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Day 2, 28th May: Chatham Sound: Porcher, Stephens and Dundas Islands

We explore the islands of Chatham Sound: Porcher, Stephens and Dundas Islands are the largest in the area with remote beaches for us to explore. In the waters of Chatham Sound, we will be on the search for sea lions, orca, and humpback whales. As the waters surrounding these outer islands are more exposed, we also hope for a good wind to allow for the opportunity set the sails and enjoy the silence and serenity of nature.    There will be time to explore the protected waters using our stable sea kayaks. Evenings after we anchor, or mornings before we set off will be the best times to enjoy the calm waters and solitude of the fantastic landscapes.    Remote Green Island Lighthouse is now a National Historic Site. Located to the east of Dundas Island, it still has light keepers manning the lighthouse and living on the tiny island. If the timing and weather allows – and keeper permitting – we may go ashore for a visit.       
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Day 3, 29th May: Chatham Sound: Porcher, Stephens and Dundas Islands

We continue our exploration of the area.   
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Days 4 to 6, 30th May: Sail inland, one day bear viewing in Ksi X’anmaas (Kwinimass River) Conservancy and two days bear viewing in Khutzeymateen Inlet, onward from Portland Canal to outer islands and lower topography of Chatham Sound

We now change course and sail inland to spend one day bear viewing in Ksi X’anmaas (Kwinimass River) Conservancy and two days bear viewing in Khutzeymateen Inlet, which is a protected area and is jointly managed by BC Parks, Coast Tshimshian First Nations, and the Gitsi’is Tribe. At its head is Khutzeymateen/K’tzim-a-deen Grizzly Sanctuary, adjoining the more recently declared Khutzeymateen Inlet Conservancy lands along the inlet’s length. These adjacent inlets provide excellent spring feeding for an important population of grizzly bears and a host of other wildlife, amongst beautiful and inspiring landscapes! Covering an area of 45,000 hectares, scientists estimate that there are about 50 grizzlies protected by the restrictions of the Sanctuary.   In Khutzeymateen Inlet, our trip focuses on bear viewing in the Conservancy along the shores of the inlet, and into the estuary of Khutzeymateen/K’tzim-a-deen Grizzly Sanctuary where only a few operators are permitted. After anchoring, we’ll proceed by zodiac as we take care to spot the bears from the water. The bear population here is not hunted and the bears display a general indifference to our presence. Still, to minimize our impact, we will maintain a respectful distance that allows them to engage in their natural behaviours.    The spring and early summer months of May and June are peak season for grizzly viewing in Khutzeymateen Inlet and the Ksi X’anmaas. Bears are attracted to the intertidal zone for its abundance of protein rich Lyngby Sedge which is an important spring food source. It is also mating season for this population of bears. Typically, we see females, cubs and juvenile bears foraging in the estuary, but at this time of year, the larger male grizzlies in search of females may also be seen.     From the mouth of fiord-like Portland Canal, we now return to the outer islands and lower topography of Chatham Sound. The Nine Tribes of the Tsmishian have lived in this area for over 10,000 years with a powerful and influential history. There are two remaining villages in the area; Lax Kw’alaams (meaning “place of the wild roses”), which was once used as a Hudson Bay Company trading post called Fort Simpson, and Metlakatla, whose name derives from Tsimshian Maaxłakxaała meaning "saltwater pass".   
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Day 7, 2nd June: Through Venn Passage to Prince Rupert, disembarking from Cow Bay Marina by midday

We return through narrow Venn Passage to Prince Rupert. Venn Passage has an incredible collection of petroglyphs (indigenous rock carvings); time and tides depending, we may have a chance to see some of these ancient carvings and learn of their history from a local Tsimshian Guide.     On arrival at Prince Rupert, we tie up at Cow Bay Marina, estimated time is 12h00 noon. You will have enough time for lunch and a wander through Prince Rupert before catching your departure flight.     
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