Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary May 28 - June 04, 2025
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This voyage will explore the northernmost reaches of the Great Bear Rainforest region: the Khutzeymateen Valley, with the anticipation of seeing some amazing wildlife while enjoying the peace and tranquility of the northern BC Coast. This amazing expedition off the beaten path combines several of the top wilderness experiences, including bear viewing in one of the most remote and well-kept secret locations for grizzly bears in Canada, searching for orcas and humpback whales, and exploring beautiful outer islands and mountain fiords.
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The Khutzeymateen Valley holds Canada's first grizzly bear sanctuary and is the habitat of one of British Columbia's most important coastal bear populations. Khutzeymateen Provincial Park, also known as Khutzeymateen/K’tzim-a-deen Grizzly Sanctuary, is located in the traditional territories of the Gits’iis Nation and Metlakatla Nation. The park was created in 1994 specifically to protect grizzly bears and their habitat and covers 44,300 hectares. We explore along the inlet’s winding shores and expect some breathtaking bear viewing as grizzly bears feed on lush sedge grasses. For our photographic expedition, we will travel with Bluewater Adventures, one of only three operators permitted to bring guests into the Khutzeymateen/K’tzim-a-deen Grizzly Sanctuary.
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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 04 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. We’ll also dive into our first photography lecture, providing tips and techniques to help you capture the beauty of the landscapes and wildlife we'll encounter on this journey.
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Days 2-3: This morning, we depart from Prince Rupert Harbour, setting sail through the stunning Chatham Sound and its cluster of islands. 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 as they emerge from the waters. As we continue our journey, we will be searching the coastline for our first bears and elusive sea wolves. Our guides will be on hand to provide photo tips and ensure you’re ready to capture the action.
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Days 4-6: We arrive at the Khutzeymateen Inlet! Anchoring the Island Roamer, we’ll switch to zodiacs for a more intimate experience, photographing the famed grizzly bears of the Khutzeymateen. As we explore the inlet, shrouded by forests and lined with protein-rich sedge grass, you’ll have multiple opportunities to capture grizzlies grazing at the water's edge, with guidance on framing and capturing the perfect shot. We’ll spend time at the expansive estuary where the grizzly sanctuary is located, allowing for unforgettable photo sessions.
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Day 7: From the fjord-like Portland Canal, we return to the outer islands and the lower landscapes of Chatham Sound. We’ll photograph the remote Green Island, where a historic lighthouse still has lightkeepers living on this tiny, isolated piece of land. If the weather allows, we’ll venture ashore to capture the unique scenery and stories of this remote island.
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Day 8: As we make our way back through the narrow Venn Passage, we’ll have one last chance to connect with the indigenous culture, as we visit the famous “Man who fell from heaven.” A local Tsimshian guide will join us to share the stories behind this ancient petroglyph. We’ll tie up in Prince Rupert by midday, concluding our photographic expedition with a collection of stories and stunning shots from our adventure.
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.
LIANNE THOMPSON
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.
SABINA MOLL
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.
Photography Lectures
Photography Basics: Mastering Aperture, ISO, and Shutter Speed - An introduction to essential camera settings, exploring how aperture, ISO, and shutter speed work together to create the perfect exposure for wildlife and landscape photography.
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Mastering Bear Photography: Behavior and Timing - Understand bear behavior to capture their most dynamic and intimate moments, with tips on timing and positioning for the perfect shot. We will also focus on high-speed photography to freeze or creatively blur bear movements, whether they're fishing, running, or interacting with their environment.
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Composing Shots in Dense Forests - Techniques for navigating the challenges of photographing bears from a boat in a rainforest environment, including managing light and framing. We will also discuss how to best take care of your gear.
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From Sky to Sea: Photographing Birds and Whales in Their Element - Learn techniques for capturing the grace of birds in flight and the majesty of whales in the ocean, with tips on shooting from a boat, using long lenses, anticipating animal behavior for the best shots and how to handle the challenges of photographing both fast-moving subjects in different environments.
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Storytelling and Photography – How to create a narrative through your photography by capturing interactions between animals, their environment, and other species, to convey a deeper connection to nature.
Coastal Landscape Photography - How to compose sweeping landscapes of the British Columbia coast, incorporating elements like mountains, water, and forests into compelling visual stories.
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Editing for Impact: Enhancing Your Wildlife and Landscape Photos - Discover powerful editing techniques to bring out the best in your images, from adjusting lighting and colour to fine-tuning composition and sharpening details for professional-quality results.
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Phone Photography - Explore the various settings available in your phone to maximize your photo/video opportunities. Please note: phone photography will not be a main feature of this trip but will be included. Many of the lectures will also relate to phone photography, but for best quality photos, please see our gear recommendations .
Frequently Asked Questions
COST
Total Cost is $8795CAD 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 strongly recommended.
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VESSEL INFORMATION
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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WHAT’S INCLUDED
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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NOT INCLUDED
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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TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
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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TRAVELER INSURANCE
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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IS THIS TRIP RIGHT FOR YOU?
This is a ‘soft adventure’ trip. If you have any concerns about your full participation in the trip, please discuss your situation with us. We have experience leading a variety of guests and want to ensure that the trip meets your expectations so that you have the best experience possible on this adventure. We respect the confidential nature of any personal information shared and can guarantee all information provided to us is only used to help our crew prepare for your trip.
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Participants need to be amenable to live in close quarters of a motor-sailor yacht and able to follow Crew’s safety
directions. We find the best trips we operate are those where the dynamics of the group work well – at little patience
with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone’s experience.
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On days within the Khutzeymateen Sanctuary, we are limited to boat-based (zodiac) viewing due to Parks restrictions.
These days will be less active. Good clothing will go a long way in making these days memorable and your enjoyment of
this incredible landscape.
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We do not travel far during our shore excursions – a few kilometres at most – and guests should expect a variety of
trail conditions, anywhere from slippery shoreline; to flat, maintained, forest paths; to undulating, unkept rainforest
exploration. Proper footwear is required.
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While we mostly travel in protected waters, there can be days during your trip that may include some rolling seas
during transit. Our sailing vessels are equipped to stabilize to these conditions if encountered.
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Guests must be capable of getting in and out of the zodiacs – this includes getting in/out from the boat as well as in/out
on shore. Assistance will always be provided.
Join us on this adventure!
Receive more information and book your trip now.