The Khutzeymateen Explorer 2024

ABOUT THE KHUTZEYMATEEN GRIZZLY SANCTUARY:

Canada's only grizzly bear sanctuary is located at the tip of a long, remote and pristine inlet on the northern coast of British Columbia. Much of the area is closed to the public - and only two licensed guides are allowed to lead very small groups into the heart of this majestic, globally unique ecosystem - The Khutzeymateen Estuary. The sanctuary is home to about 50 resident grizzlies, with many more passing through during the year. This remote piece of wilderness is set within one of the planet's few remaining completely intact temperate rainforests and offers a stunning, verdant backdrop to observe and photograph wild grizzlies as they interact with one another as they have for millennia. The bears themselves grant visitors with a very rare privilege: they allow humans fully and completely into their rich and behaviourally diverse daily lives. Be one of under 200 people - and far, far fewer photographers - annually gifted with the intimate experience of sharing the lives of the Grizzlies of the Khutzeymateen.

OVERVIEW OF THIS KHUTZEYMATEEN GRIZZLIES PHOTO TOUR:

This trip starts with a "full dose" of the Khutzeymateen Grizzlies - after arriving in the beautiful Khutzeymateen by float plane we'll spend June 19 through June 21 in the heart of the Khutzeymateen photographing spectacular Grizzly Bears. Then, on June 22nd, we'll travel out the Khutzeymateen Inlet aboard the Afterglow and to ANOTHER spectacular estuary system where we'll spend time photographing more Grizzlies and other wildlife, possibly including Coastal Gray Wolves. On June 23rd and 24th - and while travelling back to Prince Rupert - we'll go after marine mammals like Humpback Whales, Killer Whales, and more! By noon-ish on June 24 we'll pull into Prince Rupert - along with memory cards chock full of stunning images (and some great memories) of this classic coastal BC experience!

This photo tour begins and ends in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada.

What's Included? Pretty much everything after you arrive in Prince Rupert on Day 1 of this great trip! That means one night of accommodation in Prince Rupert, float plane transport into the Khutzeymateen, and all food and accommodation once in the Khutzeymateen. A certified bear guide, photography guide, and all sanctuary and conservancy fees are also included. Note that all participants will receive detailed information and extensive photographic "tips and tricks" about the idiosyncrasies of shooting bears in the Khutzeymateen prior to the trip.

Sample Photos? Many of the Grizzly Bear images in my very popular "Bears" photo gallery were captured in the Khutzeymateen - feel free to check them out to see what the Khutzeymateen has to offer for a keen photographer!

Other Khutzeymateen Photo Tours Offered in 2024:

• Grizzlies of the Khutzeymateen Instructional Photo Tour

THE CRITICAL DETAILS:

• PHOTO TOUR TYPE: Photo Op Photo Tour (go here for a description of the types of our photo tours).

• SCHEDULED PHOTO TOUR LEADER: Brad Hill.

• DURATION: 6 NIGHTS/7 DAYS (including arrival and departure days) with 5 NIGHTS/6 DAYS aboard the Afterglow (a 60-foot fully customized Gulf Commander powerboat).

• PROVISIONAL DATES: June 18 to June 24, 2024, including arrival and departure days. June 19-24 aboard the Afterglow.

• NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: Limited to 6.

• CURRENT NUMBER OF AVAILABLE SPOTS: Up to 2.

• COST: $7299 CAD plus 5% GST. Currency converter available here.

• PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS TRIP: This photo tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness and good mobility for at least some of the outings. We will be walking/hiking on trails or beaches a number of times on this trip and we will be shooting images from the deck of a boat, from within a Zodiac, and on shore. To maximize your enjoyment of this trip you should be able to perform the following tasks:

• Be able to hike up to 2-3 km (up to 2 miles) on uneven, slanted and potentially slippery terrain and/or over some obstacles that could be up to a meter or slightly more high (e.g., large fallen logs) - all while carrying your own camera gear.
• Be able to easily move between the main boat and the Zodiac. This involves stepping from the deck of the Afterglow and into the Zodiac.
• Be able to easily move from the Zodiac and a beach and/or rocky shoreline. This involves being able to climb over an obstacle (the side of the Zodiac!) approximately 1 meter high to or from a surface that may be unstable or slippery. This requires some balance and mobility.
• Be able to shoot your camera from within a Zodiac. This ultimately involves multiple tasks that are dependent on a degree of mobility and flexibility. The specific tasks including shooting your camera while sitting on the pontoon of the Zodiac or, at times, while sitting on the floor of the Zodiac. In some cases you may find that the most convenient way to shoot will be while kneeling (on your knees) on the bottom of the Zodiac. Note that tripods can NOT be used within the Zodiac and while it is theoretically possible to use a monopod in the Zodiac, few photographers find it practical. This means you must be able to hand-hold the camera/lens combinations you choose to bring on this trip.

Note that on some occasions it may be possible to stand in the Zodiac when shooting, but you will be shooting while sitting or kneeling far more frequently. A degree of flexibility and/or suppleness can make your time in the Zodiac far more productive and enjoyable!

• REGISTRATION: Contact me at seminars@naturalart.ca to reserve your spot!

• MORE INFORMATION? Just download this brochure (PDF; 5.6 MB) - or contact me at seminars@naturalart.ca