Grizzly Bear Expedition

This full-day Grizzly Bear expedition is a trip of a lifetime, that takes you deep in the wilds of British Columbia. Discovery Marine Safaris were one of the original eco tour companies to partner with Homalco Wildlife Tours and to offer Campbell River based bear tours to Bute Inlet and the Orford Valley. This area marks the southern reaches of the Great Bear Rainforest. And is renowned as one of the best places to see Grizzly Bears in their natural habitat. Can you picture yourself crossing paths with a Grizzly?

Full Day Grizzly Bear Tour Itinerary

Your full day Grizzly Bear expedition starts with a 2.5 hour adventure by boat. Cruise through spectacular scenery before we reach Bute Inlet and the Orford Valley on BC’s rugged mainland coast. A friendly welcome awaits you.

On docking at Orford Bay, you are welcomed to the traditional territory of the Homalco First Nations. The indigenous guides from Homalco Wildlife Tours will take over as your hosts.

At the start of your land based grizzly adventure you travel by mini bus. A short journey that takes you to the first in a series of strategically placed viewing areas and stands deep in Grizzly habitat along centuries old salmon spawning grounds.

Here you can safely observe the natural behaviour of Grizzly Bears as they scan the river looking for spawning salmon. These bears are NOT fenced in, this is as REAL as it gets.

You will hear and smell the wild while you learn about the Bears of Bute from your Homalco First Nation guide.

Discovery Marine Safaris Grizzly Bear Expeditions

Full Day Grizzly Bear Expedition (8-9 hours) includes locally prepared lunch
Guests must be 10 years +
Covered purpose built boat with 3 viewing decks & washroom
Daily Departures from August 20 through October 15 2023 at 8:30 am

Rates starting at: Adult: $455.00 Child (10 -12 yrs): $439.00 (excludes fees & taxes)

Applicable taxes: 5% GST Applicable fees: 10% Fuel surcharge fee + Conservation fees of $25.00 per person. Conservation fees include: A $1.00 fee for the NIMMSA North Island Marine Mammal Stewardship Association Conservation Fund. This fund supports organizations who conduct marine conservation activities in the region. A $20.00 per person Homalco Conservation Fee. This Conservation Fee supports the Orford fish hatchery in rebuilding native wild salmon populations to enhance healthy bear habitat.

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Your land based Grizzly Bear Expedition is led by Homalco First Nations Guides

Your experience on land is enhanced by your Homalco guides who will give you an insight into their culture and stewardship role.

You will learn about the Orford Salmon Enhancement Hatchery. And, how you have contributed through the environmental fee included in the cost of your tour. This fee contributes to increasing the population of native fish species in the rivers.

Your guides will point out areas of historic interest, introduce you to their language and interpret the behaviour of the bears while keeping you safe.

You will gain a deeper insight in to the importance of preserving the fragile eco-systems that our wildlife and indigenous peoples depend on.

The bear viewing stands allow guests to quietly observe these magnificent animals at a remarkably close distance. Just imagine being able to listen, smell and connect with the bears without disturbing them. You might also see one of the herds of Elk that share their environment. This full day Grizzly Bear Expedition is quite the wildlife experience!

“a totally awesome experience”

Highlight of the holiday!

Were fortunate enough to be on this extremely well organised trip to the Bute Inlet on 12th September. Friendly and helpful Captain and crew and excellent guides at the Homalco Reserve. We were lucky enough to see 14 grizzlies. A totally awesome experience – including 2 cubs fighting over a salmon which their mother had just caught! I could not rate this trip highly enough and, judging by the other reviews, it is consistently excellent. I am only sorry we did not book on the whale watching excursion as our experience out of Tofino was disappointing. Many thanks for the collection/delivery from April Point..

Reviewed by lucylocket2018 September 27, 2018 see full review on TripAdvisor

CREWS TIP . . . If using a large telephoto lens a monopod rather than a tripod is less of an obstacle to other guests. Don’t forget a spare battery, it’s a full day and you may well need one! Visit our FAQ’s for more info.