Khutzeymateen - British Columbia Cruise
An Exclusive Grizzly Bear Viewing Experience
Canada’s Only Grizzly Bear Sanctuary
Nestled within the fjords of northern British Columbia’s coastal mountain range lies Canada’s largest grizzly bear sanctuary. Offering unparalleled bear viewing, this spring itinerary reveals rarely seen bear behaviour and interactions.
A 10-day voyage option is available. Please contact us for more information.
Highlights
• Unique Bear Behaviour. Get a glimpse into behaviour rarely linked to the grizzly bear experience.
• North Coast Adventure. Launching from the northern tip of the Inside Passage, venture into British Columbia’s expansive and less visited northern terrain.
• Limited Public Access. Join the select few who are fortunate enough to be allowed access into this sanctuary teeming with wildlife.
• Set Sail. Travelling north along relatively open water allows our captains and crew great opportunities to unfurl the sails.
Meet your Bluewater Adventures crew & vessel late morning at Cow Bay in Prince Rupert. Departing the harbour quickly leads us off the beaten path into the awe-inspiring geography of the north coast of British Columbia with its dense rainforests, winding fjords, and high rugged mountains.
The myriad of islands in Chatham Sound offer remote beaches to explore and beautiful anchorages in which to kayak, while the waters here offer the chance to search for marine mammals such as sea lions and whales.
The waters surrounding these outer islands are more exposed and we hope for a good wind to allow for the opportunity to raise the sails and enjoy the silence and serenity of nature.
Sailing inland we’ll spend one day bear viewing in Ksi X’anmaas (Kwinimass River) Conservancy and two days bear viewing in Khutzeymateen Inlet (Khutzeymateen/K’tzim-a-deen Grizzly Sanctuary). The Khutzeymateen Valley holds Canada’s first grizzly bear sanctuary and these adjacent inlets are an important home to a dense bear population. In Khutzeymateen Inlet, our trip focuses on bear viewing along the shores of the inlet and into the estuary where only a few operators are permitted. Thanks to this exclusivity, this stunning bear viewing location with its backdrop of snow-capped peaks is a well kept secret.
After anchoring, we’ll proceed by zodiac as we take care to spot foraging bears from the water. May and June are peak season for viewing as bears are attracted to the estuary for its abundance of protein rich sedge grasses – an integral spring food source. Spring is also mating season which means there is the potential to see larger male grizzlies in search of females.
We return through narrow Venn Passage to Prince Rupert. Venn Passage has an incredible collection of petroglyphs (indigenous rock carvings); tides depending, we may have a chance to see some of these ancient carvings and learn of their history from a local Tsimshian Guide.
We return to Prince Rupert around noon. Guests will have time for lunch and a wander through town before catching a mid-afternoon flight back to Vancouver.
We keep our itineraries purposefully flexible allowing our captains to cater to the needs and interests of their group as well as take into account weather, wildlife sightings, and more.
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Cabin
Additional charges:
5% Canadian Tax + Sustainability Fee: $200 CAD
Vessel Type: Motor Sailer
Length: 68f / 20.7m
Passenger Capacity: 12
Island Roamer is a classic 68-foot motor-sailer that pioneered small-ship eco-tourism along British Columbia’s rugged coastline. Launched in 1983, she was the first vessel of her kind to explore the remote northern reaches of the coast, offering an intimate wilderness experience with just 12 guests on board. Her size and shallow draft allow access to narrow channels and secluded bays that larger vessels cannot reach, giving travellers the chance to encounter wildlife and landscapes up close. With six comfortable double-occupancy cabins, shared bathrooms with hot showers, and protected on-deck seating, Island Roamer provides a welcoming and practical base for coastal exploration.
Life aboard Island Roamer blends adventure with comfort. Guests can relax in the cosy below-deck library with its beautiful teak finishing, enjoy panoramic views from the enclosed wheelhouse, or take to the water in stable sea kayaks and two expedition Zodiacs for respectful wildlife viewing. Operating from May to mid-October, she travels through some of the most spectacular marine environments, from estuaries rich with bears in spring to salmon-filled rivers in autumn. Thoughtfully equipped with organic toiletries, marine binoculars, and safety systems that meet rigorous standards, Island Roamer offers an authentic and memorable sailing experience in one of the world’s most pristine coastal regions.
Inclusions
• All meals and accommodation while onboard
• Full crew, fuels, any applicable permit and user fees
• Full use of all facilities onboard ship
• Select itineraries include pre-night accommodation and shuttle service to and from the vessel
Exclusions
• Transportation to and from the start /completion point of the trip
• Airport transfers – unless indicated otherwise
• $200 sustainability fee
• Travel or cancellation insurance and crew gratuities
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• Canadian tax (GST) of 5% must be added on to trips operating in British Columbia. All FIT bookings are also subject to a $200 sustainability fee.
Yacht
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