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Knight Inlet Lodge - THE place to see grizzly bears in their natural habitat
View the bears differently in the different seasons. In the spring, you set out in boats to get close to the shore (50 metres) to give you a good view of the bears feeding remaining far enough away as to not disturb them. The early summer programme continues on the water as well, but if the opportunity arises there may be a chance to use the tree stands. By late August viewing the grizzly bears is mainly from platforms at the spawning channel. Knight Inlet Lodge strive to see the bears in their natural environment without having a negative impact on them. Book your bear watching holiday in Canada as early as possible as spaces are limited and do get booked up.
This itinerary is flexible and can be tailor-made to suit you; if you want to add extra days in Vancouver or at the Lodge, or extend the holiday to include more of Canada. Talk to one of our experts about how to make this holiday the perfect one for you.
The Experience
Located in the traditional territory of the Da’naxda’xw Awaetlala First Nation and in the southern reaches of the Great Bear Rainforest, Knight Inlet Lodge is 80kms by floatplane (30 minutes) from Campbell River. The inlet itself (Knight Inlet) is 125 km in length and is one of the longest on the BC coast. It features towering snow-capped granite cliffs, waterfalls and glaciers and is home to an abundance of grizzly bears as well as killer whales, humpback whales, porpoises, dolphins, salmon, seals and sea lions.
Knight Inlet Lodge itself is a peaceful haven within this stunning part of British Columbia. You can walk the dock and enjoy the scenery, meet visitors from around the world, hear bald eagles whistling in the forest and see inquisitive river otters on the dock. Amenities include accommodations, 2 saunas, designated cold plunge swimming area, meals in the dining hall, lounge, dock patio and gift shop. The lodges dining hall is open all day and serves buffet style breakfast, lunch and dinner. Evening meals often include fresh local seafood as well as meat and vegetarian choices. Snacks, fruit and beverages are always available. The Lounge offers a varied selection of beer, wine, spirits and cocktails. They always use the best of Vancouver Island with locally sourced and supplied products. See more details on the lodge itself HERE.
Sea kayaking is readily available all season. Many people try kayaking for the first time at the lodge and love it. They have single and two-person kayaks which are very stable, comfortable and a pleasure to paddle. All the paddling takes place within the sheltered protection of Glendale Cove. It’s a fantastic way to view wildlife and listen to the peace and quiet of nature. Please note that the grizzly bear viewing guideline does apply on this tour. Sea kayaking is not about rigorous paddling. It is another option for enjoying the beauty of Glendale Cove with a moderate level of physical activity.
Inlet Cruise is available all season – This tour covers the most dramatic stretch of the fjord, Glendale Cove to Glacier Bay, approximately 20 miles due north. Along the way see waterfalls cascade into the inlet, steep glacially carved cliffs rising straight out of the ocean and snow-capped mountain peaks. Wildlife viewing on this trip can include mountain goats, scrambling on the cliff faces of the inlet in the spring, and black bears foraging on the beaches. Marine wildlife viewing possibilities include Pacific white-sided dolphins and seals, both of which are locally abundant.
Rain Forest Hike is available all season – This hike takes place in the Kwalate Valley, know as the “place of many berries”, which is a 20-minute boat ride from the lodge. This river valley is one of the few pristine watersheds left in the area. The main trail follows the beautiful crystal-clear Kwalate River that is surrounded by lush coastal temperate rainforest. Options include hiking up to a breath-taking waterfall or further into the rainforest to see some old-growth Sitka Spruce trees. Interpretation of flora and fauna and taking in the beauty of the rainforest are the primary objectives of this trip. An easy hiking pace is maintained throughout.
They also offer a shorter but steeper hike – Big Cedar Hike, an easier interpretive walk – Walke Above The Clouds, and some educational tracking tours.
If you are staying at the lodge for at least 3 nights then you will also have the chance for some whale watching and marine tours from mid July.
Other tours – Knight Inlet offer quite a few options during your stay with them
How you will see the grizzly bears
May 21 to June 30 – Boat Viewing
In the spring and summer, the bears feed on the sedge growing around the estuary shores. Your guide will take you out in a small flat-bottomed skiff in search of grizzly bears and other wildlife like black bears, deer and eagles. Some bears are very tolerant and you will be able to approach quite closely. Other bears are more skittish and you will respectfully keep our distance. The main priority is that the bear’s behavior is not altered due to your proximity.
July 1 to Aug 30 – Boat Viewing
Summer is a very busy part of their season and they have many families visiting the Lodge. The weather is warm and sunny, making it ideal for hiking and wildlife adventures. The days are long and typically quite warm. Although there is always the chance for great wildlife viewing, this part of the season is all about ‘Eco-Adventure’ and the quintessential Canadian outdoor experience.
Aug 31 to Oct 15 – Platform Viewing
The bear viewing changes from the estuary setting to the Glendale River itself, as hundreds of thousands of salmon enter the fresh water to spawn. Bear viewing takes place from secure viewing platforms located at two different sites along the river. Dza’ na’ sas Sa Gela, “where the grizzlies hang around” (finger stand) and Kwe lu we da ‘as, “place where salmon spawn” (weir stand). To get to these locations, you will travel by boat across the cove, board a bus and take a 20 minute drive along an old forestry road. Platform viewing sessions are two hours in length so be sure to take and wear warm clothing.
Frontier’s Personal Experience
More About This Expert“Having been lucky enough to stay here I highly recommend Knight Inlet Lodge to any wildlife lover. The whole experience at Knight Inlet was wonderful, the team there are so helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. I saw many gorgeous grizzly bears and have left Knight Inlet with such wonderful memories that I will cherish and remember for a long time.”
Jeanette Dembrey,
Frontier Canada
Itinerary (7 Nights)
Here’s a day-by-day guide to your itinerary. Feel free to ask us to add other days or ideas and excursions by contacting us directly, so we can give you the best price.
Days 1-2
Arrive into Vancouver and check in to your hotel. Spend 2 to 3 days here...
Days 1-2
Vancouver
Arrive into Vancouver and check in to your hotel. Spend 2 to 3 days here to relax and explore this fantastic city. Explore downtown for some shopping and amaing restuarants (we highly recommend the CinCin Ristorante and bar), head into gastown and see the incredible steam clock that was built in 1977 and is powered by steam & whistles to tell the time. Venture onto Granville Island for the colourful market and food scene, cycle or jump on the hop on/hop off bus and head into Stanley Park where you can discover kilometres of trails, beautiful beaches, local wildlife, great eats, natural, cultural and historical landmarks inluding totem poles and Canada’s largest aquarium – Vancouver Aquarium. Head further afield and visit Capilano Suspension Bridge that crosses the Capilano River and is a thrilling experience, or head up Grouse Mountain for a breath taking view back over Vancouver city.
2 nights in Vancouver.
Day 3
Fly with Pacific Coastal Airlines from Vancouver South Terminal to Campbell River. Alternatively you could...
Day 3
Vancouver
to
Campbell River
Fly with Pacific Coastal Airlines from Vancouver South Terminal to Campbell River. Alternatively you could hire a car and drive via a ferry (maybe stopping in Victoria en route for some whale watching or even heading over to the lovely town of Tofino on the west coast of the island). Once in Campbell River you will commence your Knight Inlet Package, the first night is at the recently renovated Painters Lodge in Campbell River ready for your morning float plane flight to the lodge. (no meals included in Campbell River).
1 night in Campbell River at the Painters Lodge
Days 4-7
Campbell River to Knight Inlet Lodge
This morning you will fly to Knight Inlet Lodge to commence your stay here. We...
Days 4-7
Campbell River
to Knight Inlet Lodge
This morning you will fly to Knight Inlet Lodge to commence your stay here. We highly recommend at least 3 nights at the Lodge to make the most of this unique experience.
4 nights in Knight Inlet Lodge (can be 2 to 6 nights).
Day 8
Knight Inlet Lodge to Vancouver
Say goodbye to Knight Inlet and flyback to Campbell River to meet your flight back...
Day 8
Knight Inlet Lodge
to
Vancouver
Say goodbye to Knight Inlet and flyback to Campbell River to meet your flight back to Vancouver, or pick up your car and drive back to Vancouver or carry on your holiday to North Vancouver Island and maybe through the Inside Passage.
This is a tailor-made holiday itinerary focussing on the bear watching in Knight Inlet, we can expand the itinerary to include whatever else you would like to do and see, from the Inside Passage ferry departing Port Hardy at the north point of Vancouver Island, to heading into interior British Columbia for the wineries, golf, ranches, scenery and continuing over to the Rockies. Please contact us to discuss ideas and we can create your perfect tailor-made holiday to Canada.
Frontier’s Personal Experience