Float into the wild:
photograph grizzly bears in khutzeymateen
You wake in the morning to the gentle sounds of water lapping against the floating lodge. The fresh morning air fills your lungs as a lazy sun creeps over the horizon, filling the sky with glorious shades. You take a sip of coffee as you walk the deck scanning the tree line for the first signs of wildlife. There are no roads, towns, or campsites for as far as the eye can see. This time is yours to be free of distraction and embrace the natural world. Together, we will experience all the Khutzeymateen has to offer on covered boats, with plenty of room to move and adjust as the activity unfolds around you.
KHUTZEYMATEEN: FLOATING grizzly bear LODGE
Dates: June 6-10, 2026
Location: prince rupert/khutzeymateen grizzly bear sanctuary, british columbia
Price: $6799 USD*
Fitness Level: LEVEL TWO - GENTLE ADVENTURE
Group Size: 7 participants + group leader; Minimum 6 to go
*Price per person, based on double occupancy accommodations. Single supplement available for an additional fee, please inquire.
Tour Highlights:
Remote & Pristine Wilderness - Explore the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary, a protected area home to one of the densest populations of coastal grizzlies in North America.
Limited visitors, Unparalleled Encounters - Experience the seclusion and exclusivity of a floating lodge deep within grizzly territory. Step onto your deck each morning to the sights and sounds of grizzlies, bald eagles, and misty coastal landscapes.
Up-Close Grizzly Bear Photography - Observe and photograph grizzlies in their natural habitat, from fishing in tidal estuaries to roaming the lush rainforest.
Beyond the Bears - Photograph coastal wolves, black bears, harbor seals, sea lions, bald eagles, orcas, humpback whales, and porpoises.
Spectacular landscape photography - Capture dramatic mountain backdrops, mist-shrouded forests, and glassy fjords.
Gain insights into bear behavior and master wildlife photography techniques.
*Due to the remote and isolated nature of this trip, a call with the tour leader will be required prior to booking. Please click the button below to schedule a call.
Embark on an unforgettable wildlife photography adventure at the Khutzeymateen Floating Grizzly Bear Lodge, nestled in the heart of Canada’s first Grizzly Bear Sanctuary. This exclusive, remote experience offers unparalleled access to one of the densest populations of coastal grizzlies in North America. From the comfort of a secluded floating lodge, surrounded by towering mountains and misty fjords, you’ll witness grizzlies in their natural habitat—grazing in lush meadows, foraging along the shoreline, and fishing for salmon in pristine rivers. Guided by expert wildlife photographers and naturalists, you’ll have intimate, respectful encounters with these magnificent creatures, all while refining your photography skills. Beyond grizzlies, the Khutzeymateen’s untouched wilderness teems with diverse wildlife, including coastal wolves, black bears, bald eagles, harbor seals, and even orcas or humpback whales in the surrounding waters. With limited visitor access, a small-group setting, and an eco-friendly approach, this immersive journey offers a truly one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect with nature, capture breathtaking images, and experience the raw beauty of British Columbia’s untamed coast.
What’s Included:
All meals, including welcome dinner on June 5
Water taxi to/from floating lodge
Lodge accommodations June 6 to June 10
Guiding and photography instruction in the field
Park fees
Tips/gratuities for local guides
What’s Not Included:
Airfare to Prince Rupert
Photography/Personal Gear
Hotel the evening prior to tour starting (6/5)
This tour begins and ends in Prince Rupert, British Columbia. Please make travel arrangements based on the itinerary below, or Contact Us for travel assistance.
All Images Property of Jacquie Matechuk
Daily itinerary
Day 0 (pre-trip), June 5: Guests arrive in Prince Rupert
Meet with everyone that evening in town & have group dinner at The Pavilion.
Discuss morning meet times and how to pack for efficacy
Day 1 : water taxi to floating lodge
Early start typically meeting in lobby of hotel at 7am, we will have 2-3 taxis booked to get everyone and their luggage to the dock, where we will catch the water taxi for transport to the lodge.
We will drive to the dock together, bags will be stowed below and we will be inside the main cabin for a 1.5-2 hr shuttle to the floating lodge. After cabin assignment and tour, we will suit up to visit the Inlet (tides control).
Day 2-4: Daily Excursions into the Sanctuary
Each morning starts with Chef-prepared meals, then we load into the 24 ft covered zodiac to explore the region for grizzly bears and other wildlife. We will return to the lodge for lunch, then head back out with higher tides returning a few hours later for dinner and visiting.
Day 5: Last Day in Paradise
Once all our bags are brought down to the main area and rooms are cleared. We will gather one more time for an amazing meal crafted by our Chef. Then a short stroll on the deck, some last minute group photos or curling up with that warm coffee in a big ole adirondack chair while the water gently laps the dock beneath us. Shortly, the water taxi will arrive to shuttle us back to Prince Rupert. Typically arriving back at the hotel sometime between 11am-1pm, allowing guests to book flights for later that same day.
location & accommodations
Tour Leader: Jacquie Matechuk
Based out of her hometown, Cochrane, Alberta Jacquie Matechuk is a Canon Ambassador, has been recognized as Nature Photographer of the Year, 2024 gold medallist at the World Photographic Cup, is an internationally published artist, presenter, certified bear guide and photographic coach. Her journey is as unique, and passion-filled as her perspective on life and her ability to capture those jaw-dropping, heart-warming moments, that truly give her subject a voice.
Today, Jacquie has further embraced the challenge to see & share the beauty in this world by teaming up with organizations such as Canadian Conservation Photographers Collective, the Jane Goodall Institute, Polar Bears International, Canadian Geographic, as well Bear Conservation NGO’s based out of Ecuador and Peru. And now she looks to share her love & respect for wildlife and their environments with creators from all over the globe. Creating opportunities to help her fellow creatives improve and embrace their passion for life behind the lens, setting their minds free and leaving their hearts full.