Arrival – Prince Rupert

You must arrive in Prince Rupert the day before the tour begins (May 21st) to allow for any potential travel delays.  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. This small coastal town offers a charming introduction to the region, with a walkable waterfront, local shops and galleries, and a rich cultural history rooted in the traditions of the Tsimshian First Nations.

*This itinerary is a general guideline and is subject to change based on weather conditions and wildlife sightings.

Day 1 (May 22nd) – Embarkation & Into the Wild

We meet at Cow Bay Marina in Prince Rupert late morning and board our private expedition vessel. After settling into our cabins and a brief orientation, we depart into the sheltered waters of Chatham Sound.

As we begin our journey, keep your cameras ready—wildlife encounters can begin immediately, from seabirds to marine mammals. The surrounding islands and waterways offer a stunning introduction to the landscapes we’ll be exploring throughout the week.

Days 2–3 (May 23rd-24th) – Coastal Exploration & Marine Wildlife

We spend the next two days exploring the remote islands of Chatham Sound, including Porcher, Stephens, and Dundas Islands. These outer coastal waters are rich with marine life, and we’ll be on the lookout for humpback whales, orcas, and sea lions.

Conditions permitting, we may raise the sails and experience the quiet beauty of moving through this landscape under wind power.

There will also be opportunities to explore sheltered inlets by kayak, offering a peaceful, immersive way to experience the coastline. Mornings and evenings—when the water is often at its calmest—are ideal for these outings.

If timing allows, we may visit the historic Green Island Lighthouse, a remote outpost still staffed by lightkeepers.

Days 4–6 (May 25th-27th) – Grizzly Bear Viewing in Khutzeymateen

We shift inland toward one of the most remarkable parts of the journey: dedicated bear viewing in the Khutzeymateen region.

We’ll spend time in both the Ksi X’anmaas (Kwinimass River) Conservancy and the Khutzeymateen Inlet, home to the protected Khutzeymateen Grizzly Sanctuary. This area is jointly managed with local First Nations and is one of the most important protected habitats for grizzly bears in British Columbia.

Exploring by small boat, we’ll quietly observe bears along the shoreline and in the estuaries, where they gather to feed in the nutrient-rich intertidal zones. Because hunting is not permitted here, the bears are generally tolerant of our presence, allowing for exceptional viewing and photographic opportunities—always at a respectful distance.

This time of year is particularly active, with bears feeding, socializing, and moving through the landscape. We may encounter females with cubs, juveniles, and occasionally larger males.

Beyond bears, the surrounding environment is equally compelling—lush rainforest, dramatic fjords, and a wide range of coastal wildlife.

Day 7 (May 28th) – Return to Prince Rupert

We begin our return journey through the narrow and scenic Venn Passage, an area known for its ancient petroglyphs carved into the rock. If conditions allow, we may have the opportunity to view these remarkable cultural sites and learn more about their significance.

We arrive back in Prince Rupert by midday, with time to explore town before catching late afternoon or evening flights back to Vancouver.