Experience the Wild with Grizzly Bears in Khutzeymateen
Khutzeymateen Grizzlies Photo Tour
Northern British Columbia, Canada
Experience one of the wildest and most protected grizzly bear habitats on Earth in a rare access window available for 2026 only. This departure was originally planned for 2027, but a unique scheduling opportunity allows us to visit next June during prime bear season.
This is a small-group, ethical wildlife photography adventure in a remote coastal sanctuary that very few people ever experience.
Trip Snapshot
• Dates: June 1–4, 2026 (3 nights on board)
2027 DATES - FILL IN FORM BELOW TO BE NOTIFIED WHEN DATES ANNOUNCED
• Total travel timeframe: May 31–June 5, 2026
• Group Size: 6 photographers ( 2026 SOLD OUT )
• Licensed operator with over 30 years in the sanctuary
• 3 full days exploring the estuary by boat & inflatable
• All meals included onboard
• Float plane transportation included from Prince Rupert
• 2027 Announced late summer 2026 - Fill in form below to be notified when dates announced
Deposit: 50% once departure is confirmed.
Final Payment: 90 days prior to departure
Itinerary Overview
Day 0 – May 31
Arrive in Prince Rupert. Overnight at hotel of your choice (not included).
Day 1 – June 1
8:00am float plane into the Khutzeymateen. Board vessel. First afternoon on the estuary photographing bears.
Days 2 & 3 – June 2–3
Flexible wildlife schedule based on tides and bear behavior.
Grizzlies, black bears, wolves, otters, seals, eagles & seabirds.
Evenings onboard with great meals and image review.
Day 4 – June 4
Morning float plane return to Prince Rupert. Travel home or overnight.
Day 5 – June 5
Final travel buffer day recommended.
Accommodations — M/V Afterglow I
A comfortable and recently refit 60-ft expedition vessel designed for safe, stable wildlife viewing.
• Panoramic salon, galley & wheelhouse
• Cozy cabin berths for up to 7 photographers
• Covered walkways + foredeck & upper deck viewing areas
• Heated interior with drying space for wet gear
• Fully Transport Canada–certified for safety
• Quiet inflatable boat for estuary excursions
Your warm, floating home in the heart of grizzly territory.
What’s Included
✓ Fully crewed vessel (skipper, bear guide, cook & crew)
✓ Return float plane flights Prince Rupert ⇆ Khutzeymateen
✓ All meals onboard
✓ Park fees & sanctuary access permits
✓ Photography instruction & ethical wildlife guidance
What’s Not Included
✗ Travel to/from Prince Rupert
✗ Accommodation & meals before/after Day 1
✗ Gratuities for crew
✗ Travel insurance & personal expenses
✗ Camera gear shipping or excess baggage fees
✗ Costs associated with weather delays
Deposits & Booking
A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking to reserve your spot on this tour.
Deposits are non-refundable (see Cancellation Policy below)
Invoices are issued electronically
Canadian Clients
Canadian clients may pay in CAD using:
Interac e-Transfer (no processing fee)
Credit card (a 2.7% processing fee applies)
U.S. Clients
U.S. clients may pay in USD using:
ACH bank transfer (USD) – preferred, lowest-fee option
Credit card (a 2.7% USD processing fee applies)
USD pricing is converted from Canadian pricing using a fixed exchange rate of 1.38.
ACH payment instructions are provided directly on the invoice.
Final Payment
The remaining balance is due 90 days before the tour / workshop date
Automatic email reminders are sent in advance of the final payment deadline.
Non-Photographer Companions
The same daily rates apply for non-photographer companions.
Cancellation Policy
This tour involves accommodations, transportation, and other arrangements that require non-refundable advance commitments.
The 50% deposit is non-refundable
If you cancel before final payment is due, we will attempt to fill your spot
If successful, all payments will be refunded minus a $500 administration fee
If you cancel after final payment, no refund will be issued unless your spot can be filled
If successful, all payments will be refunded minus a $500 administration fee
We strongly recommend purchasing trip cancellation and travel insurance to protect your investment.
Waiver & Non-Disclosure Notice
All participants are required to sign a Liability Waiver prior to joining any Ken Anderson Photography workshop or tour. This agreement outlines the inherent risks associated with wildlife photography in remote environments, affirms that you are responsible for your own personal safety at all times, and includes a commitment to protecting sensitive wildlife locations.
Why the Khutzeymateen?
The Khutzeymateen Valley is a globally unique wilderness, featuring three major ecosystem types: mountain hemlock, coastal western hemlock and alpine tundra. Where these ecosystems meet (called ecotones) biodiversity flourishes. The result is one of the richest and most protected coastal habitats in North America.
It is believed that at least 60 grizzlies live in the Khutzeymateen, one of the highest concentrations found anywhere on the BC coast. These bears share the watershed with wolves, black bears, wolverines, mountain goats, mink, otters, beavers, martens and porcupines. Marine mammals including seals and whales are often seen in the inlet, and more than 100 bird species call this region home.
The area is co-managed by BC Parks and local First Nations and is strictly regulated to ensure bears remain wild and unstressed by human presence. Only two commercial operators are permitted to take guests into the sanctuary, supported by First Nations Rangers who monitor wildlife interactions to maintain the highest standards of conservation. The result is one of the last places on Earth where grizzlies can be observed up close, naturally, and respectfully.
