Grizzly bears arrive en masse each autumn at Bear Cave Mountain, where thermal springs percolate through the limestone, warming the river so it flows all year round creating spectacular results.
This thermal activity filters and oxygenates the water, creating ideal conditions for salmon eggs to thrive, providing a virtually inexhaustible source of nourishment. The outcome is an amazing annual spectacle when up to 50 bears gather to fish for salmon that make their way upriver from the Bering Sea to spawn.
By late September winter sets in and, if conditions are right, when the bears emerge from the river their wet fur freezes in the icy air, transforming their appearance. Even when caked with ice, they continue to fish long after their peers elsewhere have gone off to hibernate. By the end of October, the bears leave the river and make their way up the hillsides to den in caves on the flanks of Bear Cave Mountain. Even then, they don’t hibernate fully and are easily woken.
Of course, you don’t have to come all the way to the Yukon to see grizzlies chasing salmon in a river, as similar scenes play out all along the coast of Alaska and British Columbia. However, Bear Cave Mountain is very different – due to its remote inland location close to the Arctic Circle, access is very difficult and thus naturally restricted. And the climatic conditions, coupled with the effect of the thermal springs, conspire to produce exceptional photographic opportunities. This exclusive trip – no more than four guests at a time are allowed into the modest riverside camp – allows you to capture astonishing photographs of bears in these unique natural conditions.
Learn more on Bear Cave Mountain from our very own Chris Breen.
Please note: Due to the short season of the visiting ice bears, bookings may need to be made up to three years in advance.
Suggested Itinerary
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Day 1:
Fly via Vancouver to Whitehorse
Daytime flight to Vancouver, with a connection to Whitehorse.
Accommodation: Hotel near Whitehorse airport, 1-night
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Day 2:
Fly to Dawson City
Return to the airport in the morning for a flight of around one hour north to Dawson City. On arrival transfer to a hotel in the town. The rest of the day is free to explore in the goldrush town of Dawson City, with a chance to visit some of its attractions.
During the day a complete kit of specialist outdoor clothing for use in temperatures down to -40⁰ Celsius will be delivered to your hotel. This consists of: insulated parka, over-trousers, mittens, hat and boots.
In the event of adverse weather conditions affecting helicopter operations to Bear Cave Mountain, a free day/night in Dawson City will be incorporated into the itinerary.
Accommodation: Hotel in Dawson City, 1-night
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Day 3:
Helicopter flight to Bear Cave Mountain
This morning head to the nearby helipad for the two-hour flight by chartered helicopter across the frozen wilderness of northern Yukon, with dramatic aerial views of Bear Cave Mountain with its giant spruce trees on arrival. Below the mountain, the steaming Fishing Branch River runs through dense forest amidst an otherwise desolate, snow-dusted landscape. Although it lies just south of the Arctic Circle, the river still flows freely, while all around it the silent wilderness is already locked in the grip of winter. Settle into your cabin before heading out for your first sight of the area’s bears.
Accommodation: Bear Cave Mountain Camp, 7-nights
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Days 4-9
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Explore the surrounding area
Over the next six days you have ample opportunity to watch and photograph the bears of Bear Cave Mountain in this unique and remarkable setting, in the company of your knowledgeable and experienced guide.
The Bear Cave Mountain project was conceived by naturalist and wildlife photographer Phil Tympany in partnership with the Vuntut First Nations people. In this 6,500 square kilometres of pristine wilderness, he has created the simple but comfortable lodge, where only five people are allowed at any one time – Phil and four guests. Accompanied by his ‘bear dog' – a Norwegian elkhound called Smokey – Phil guides, organises, cooks, cleans and creates a truly remarkable experience.
In recognition that this is the bears’ territory, Phil lets them come as close as they want, and they set the agenda. They are often seen just outside the kitchen, sleeping next to the deck, or walking up the walkway into camp – and it is this mutual understanding between man and bear that makes Bear Cave Mountain such a special place.
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Days 10-11
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Helicopter flight to Dawson City
After a final morning in camp, you bid farewell to the bears and await the arrival of the helicopter to return you to civilisation.
Note: Due to the expedition style of the trip and weather conditions, we cannot guarantee that the helicopter will be able to fly from Bear Cave Mountain as scheduled, so an extra day/night in the goldrush town of Dawson City has again been incorporated into the itinerary to allow for any delays. While in Dawson you may want to explore this historical city and visit the gold mines or cruise along the peaceful Yukon River.
Accommodation: Hotel in Dawson City, 2-nights
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Day 12:
Fly to Whitehorse
The morning in Dawson City is free to relax. You then head to the airport for the flight south to Whitehorse where you transfer to the same hotel as before for an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Hotel near Whitehorse airport, 1-night
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Day 13:
Fly to Vancouver
Today you head back to Whitehorse airport to catch a flight back to Vancouver. On arrival in Vancouver, transfer to a hotel close to the airport for an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Hotel near Vancouver airport, 1-night
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Day 14:
Depart Vancouver
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Day 15:
Arrive UK
