Bears of Knight Inlet

Day 1. Depart London

Depart for Vancouver where you spend the night at the Fairmont Airport Hotel.

Day 2. Campbell River

Today you fly to Campbell River for a 1-night stay at Heron's Landing.

Days 3 to 8. Knight Inlet Lodge [B (Days 4 to 9 only), L, D]

In the wild and pristine region of Western Canada's Pacific north-west, a select few travellers are afforded the incomparable thrill of close encounters with some of North America's most impressive creatures - massive Brown (Grizzly) Bears, soaring Bald Eagles and large pods of Orca Whales. Our wilderness break visits this untouched area 70 kilometres north of Campbell River for a wildlife and photography adventure few can rival. Your trip begins with a 30-minute floatplane flight over the Johnstone Strait to Glendale Cove where Knight Inlet Lodge is situated. This will be your base for the next six nights.

The activities at Knight Inlet vary from season to season and even from week to week, depending upon animal migrations. From early May until the end of June the grizzlies are in the estuary very close to the lodge, feeding on the sedges and succulents that abound. At this time young bear cubs and new life explode in the bay and all wildlife-viewing is enjoyed from the water. The bears are frequent travellers along the shores in this season and it is not uncommon to see twelve to fifteen different bears in a day, while in Johnstone Strait seals, sea lions, porpoises, dolphins and the occasional Minke Whale may be seen.

In the summer months the bears move into the forest to feed on the berry crop so numbers are fewer, but past sightings have included mothers and cubs playing, mating rituals on the beach, and sub-adults sparring. From July to October, close encounters with Orca Whales, along with porpoises and large numbers of playful Pacific White-sided Dolphins are common and in September you may see Humpback Whales. From the middle of August to the middle of October, millions of salmon making their final spawning run turn the clear waters dark, attracting dozens of grizzlies who are able to gorge to their hearts content in preparation for the imminent winter freeze. Meanwhile Bald Eagles are present all year round, but the best viewing and photography opportunities for Bald Eagles are in the late autumn.

Knight Inlet Lodge accommodates a maximum of 30 guests in floating wooden cabins, most of which have lounge areas with wood burning stoves. The bedrooms are cedar-panelled and have their own private bathrooms. Public areas include a rustic dining hall and lounge area. The lodge exhibits an assortment of construction styles dating from the 1940's when the original float housed a logging camp.

Estuary tours, jetboat tours up the Kliniklini River, excursions to the upper reaches of Knight Inlet and day trips to the Thompson and Bond Sounds are also available, offering more stunning scenery, magnificent wildlife and of course superb photographic opportunities.

Day 9. Homeward [B]

You return to Vancouver where you connect with your flight home.

Day 10. Arrive home