Your charter flight to the lodge in the Pacific Coast Mountain Range is a spectacular journey, and your destination - the Chilkotin area is known for its stunning beauty and many different species of wildlife. While out looking for Grizzly Bears you will also find Eagles, Osprey, ducks, geese, Mule Deer, Black Bear and salmon. Everywhere you look, it's beautiful!
Autumn bear watching : A very special time of year in the Chilkotin is during “Indian summer”. It is an explosion of autumn colors, an abundance of wildlife, and an orchestra of sounds. With the changing seasons the Sockeye & Chinook salmon return in vast numbers, spawning in the river and lake. There is no more pure symbol of the Canadian wilderness than the grizzly bear, and to experience it in its natural habitat is an awe-inspiring experience.
During the Salmon Run in September and October one can see the largest number of bears for the year. The salmon run also attracts a great number of Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, Herons, Ducks and Ospreys. This is the best season for seeing cubs.
Two daily grizzly bear viewing excursions are included. Viewing is done by boat and each boat takes four people, one guide and three guests.
Daily Bear Watching Excursions: Heading out by boat early in the morning, we spend the morning photographing the bears and other wildlife. Then we come back to the lodge for a hot soup and sandwich and an afternoon break. During the afternoon break, most of our photographers spend their time downloading their photos, relaxing, or just taking a break until about 3:00 pm which we go out again for afternoon photo shoot. Each day can be totally different. Some days you might see a few bears, while other days you will see a lot of bears. It just depends on what is happening in the bear world. Besides grizzly bears, there are lots of photo opportunities for Black Bears, Foxes, Waterfowl, Osprey, Eagles, Herons, Hawks, Salmon, the odd Moose, and beautiful landscapes.
Accommodation, all meals, wine with dinner and two daily wildlife activities by boat
Drinks from the bar, items of a personal nature, gratuities
FLIGHT & TRAVEL TIMES:
Your charter flight departs on Sunday from the the South Terminal in Vancouver.
The total travel time is approximately 2.5 hours: 1 hour by air and 1.5 hours by vehicle to the lodge.
Your return flight from the Chilkotin arrives in Vancouver in the early afternoon.
If you have a connecting flight from Vancouver, please book that after 3:30 PM, or ask us to book an airport hotel for the night.
Arrival and departure times may vary due to weather conditions.
BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE:
Your baggage is limited to 75 lbs. per person in soft-sided luggage. This includes your carry on bag.
CLOTHING:
Weather in late September to early October can range from warm and sunny (up to 25º C) to cold and wet (rain or snow, down to -5 º C). Please pack accordingly.
Because we are out on the water when photographing, expect temperatures to feel 5-10 degrees cooler than they are, so bring clothing that will keep you warm and dry in temperatures that feel as cold as -10.
Please wear colors like brown, green or black (earth tones), rather than bright colors. Avoid bright red or yellow jackets and loud, scratchy materials for your outer wear.
Please read the Pre-Departure Document for a detailed packing list.
