Grizzly Bears of Khutzeymateen Tour
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)
• Total travel timeframe: May 31–June 5, 2026
• Group Size: 6 photographers
• 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
• 2026 Special Rate: $4,900 CAD (~$3,500 USD)
• 2027 pricing expected to increase by ~15%
• Minimum 5 guests needed within 7 days for trip to be a go.
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
Payment & Booking Details
Price: $4,900 Canadian dollars per person + 5% GST (approx $3500 USD)
50% deposit required by check or credit card - if paying by CC then a 2.8% fee will be added
this deposit is non-refundable (see cancellation policy below)
Final Payment
Remaining balance due 90 days before the tour
Currency: All CC payments are in Canadian Dollars unless otherwise noted. If you wish to pay in U.S. Dollars, personal checks are accepted by mail and full payment is required if paying in USD funds.
Payment Reminders
Email reminders for final payments are sent automatically
Non-Photographer Companions
Same daily rates apply even if not photographing
Cancellation Policy
This tour involves accommodations and other arrangements requiring non-refundable, advance commitments by Ken Anderson Photography.
The 50% deposit to reserve your spot is non-refundable.
If you cancel before final payment is due, We will try and sell your sport to another person. If we are successful all payments will be refunded minus a $500 administration fee.
If you cancel after final payment, no refund will be issued unless we can fill your spot to another person. If we are successful all payments will be refunded minus a $500 administration fee.
We strongly recommend purchasing trip cancellation and travel insurance to protect your investment.
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.
