Roger and I had the opportunity to visit the Khutzeymateem Grizzly Bear Sanctuary in June, 2019 and wow! what an experience! We flew into Prince Rupert , a port city that serves as the transportation hub for northern BC. The following morning we met our float plane in the harbour and were flown into the Khutzeymateen. Little did we know that was the last time we would have our feet on solid ground for the next three days.

The Khutzeymateen is Canada’s only grizzly bear sanctuary, It is managed by BC Parks and the Tsimshian Nation. We explored the area by boat from the Khutzeymateen Wilderness Lodge (a float lodge on the outskirts of the park) for many hours each day. Our guides were experts in the area as well as expert at spotting grizzlies, whales, birds and educating us. We learned so much about grizzlies and their habits and were privileged to be able to watch them in their natural environment.

In June the grizzlies are feeding heavily on sedge, the grasslike plant that thrives in this area. It is very high in protein and each bear consumes approximately 50 lbs/day at this time of the year. It was a little early to see the new cubs but we saw numerous 1 and 2 year old cubs with their mothers. The mothers were on high alert for any male grizzlies as this is mating season and their cubs are in danger from the males who will kill a cub in order to shift the females body back into reproductive mode. The guides know many of the bears as they return to the area year after year. All wildlife observation was done at a distance and the guides were very careful not to disrupt or stress the animals

We also had the opportunity to see humpback whales and, on the last day, watched a group of orcas who had found their way into the inlet. Just an amazing experience!

Be sure to visit Khutzeymateen gallery for more images = these are just a few of the amazing moments we experienced

A mother and her 2 year old cub. Mom has heard something and moved her cub across the inlet. She is still on high alert.