grizzly bears of Canada tour Overview

The Grizzly Bears of Canada tour takes place in the stunning wilderness of the Chilcotin region. Nestled in the heart of British Columbia. Since 2014, we have been exploring this amazing and beautiful area. It offers exceptional bear viewing experiences and fantastic photography chances with wild grizzly bears each year.

Following extensive visits to this area we are the only UK company running photography tours from the outstanding wilderness lodge. We have been hosting tours to this area and lodge since 2021. Every year guests have returned with some truly spectacular images and each day a multitude of fantastic bear sightings.

See what our guests say about this tour and our other photo tours HERE

Why is this a good time for bear photography?

This is a crucial time for the bears. Thy concentrate on feeding to build up their weight and energy before entering their winter torpor (sleep). The peak bear season runs from mid-September to early October. It often allows for sightings of several bears on each boat trip, including many sows with their cubs.

It is quite simply an incredible location within the beautiful Canadian wilderness to photograph grizzly bears! If you’re looking for a world class location to photograph bears feeding on salmon this is the tour for you!

what you can expect

Our grizzly bears of Canada tour features a total of 6.5 days of bear viewing. Each day comprising of twice daily 3.5-4 hour boat excursions. Providing us us with plenty of time in which to witness different behaviours. As well as likely seeing a number of different individuals. We use a very sought after, charming, homely and delightful small lodge in the heart of this pristine region. Surrounded with fantastic views of the Chilko River and the surrounding mountains.

the best location for bear photography

A short one-hour private charter flight from Vancouver, included in the package, takes us to our secluded yet conveniently reachable lodge. This stunning wilderness lodge sits atop a hill overlooking the Chilcotin River and boasts its own private jetty. A short walk down the hill will lead you to the river. Guests relish in its beauty just moments after leaving our charming lodge.

number of hosts

During this photo tour we use two boats for our maximum group size of 6-guests. Each boat features only a maximum of 3x guests. Your host will take turns to rotate between the two boats used for each outing. (2 x boats/1 x host for a group size of 6 or less).

With a professional photography host from the Images of Wildlife team (Sarah Skinner, Andy Skinner or Christopher Hodsgon) You will have the benefit of learning different techniques and perspectives to assist with gaining the best out of your photographic and wildlife encounters.

The boats allow ample room for photography with only 3 x guests in each boat (see images below). They provide an excellent vantage point in which we can photograph the bears at eye level. With extensive experience in accommodating photography groups, the lodge, along with its owners and boat guides are members of Commercial Bear Viewing Association. This is simply a world class location. Offering unparalleled photographic opportunities and is a truly stunning setting to view bears in their natural habitat.

the bears

The bears of this region are exceptionally attractive, with beautiful coats that range from dark brown to blond. Varying markings make them incredibly photogenic. These interior bears are simply stunning. The mountains, river and lake, combined with the autumn colours of the region provides a beautiful setting. Creating a beautiful contrast against the glacier melt water.

A truly stunning setting in which to photograph the bears. It is also not uncommon to be able to photograph bears in the mist. On cold days it can rise from the lake and river, providing some incredible photographic opportunities. Examples of images obtained from this region, and the region itself in the gallery section of this page.

what other wildlife will we see?

This tour mainly centers on capturing stunning images of grizzly bears. It’s also a fantastic area for spotting bald eagles and golden eagles along the river. If fortune smiles, we might even catch a glimpse of some deer species and the occasional fox that wander near.

Hosted by seasoned wildlife photography guides with extensive experience exploring Canada. Throughout grizzly bears of Canada photo tour, we provide photography instruction both during boat tours and back at the lodge.

who is this tour for?

We invite photographers of every skill level, as well as all wildlife lovers. Anyone eager to spend time in nature and observe patiently. Please note that the grizzly bears of Canada photo tour centres around photographing bears. All photography sessions will take place from boats on serene rivers and lakes. If you are happy to be immersed in nature then this tour is for you!

The grizzly bears of Canada photo tour requires only a reasonable level of fitness. This means that all guests should be able to walk up and down a short hill to/from the lodge/jetty (around 100m and medium incline). Guests will need sufficient mobility/flexibility to enter and exit the boat and have a reasonable degree of flexibility whilst on the boat, plus being able to carry your own camera gear onto the boats. You can see an image of the lodge, with it’s location according to the jetty in the ‘accommodation tab’ above. Please see below for more detail on the boats used.

photographic techniques

Your host is on hand to provide as much or as little photographic tuition as each guest requires. This can include tuition in both traditional and also creative photographic techniques. Such as high and low-key photography as well as panning techniques with slow shutter speeds and of course optimising all weather and light conditions to hand. In addition to advice on composition and helping guests achieve their desired level of learning on the tour. Your hosts are always on hand. They ensure all logistics of the tour run smoothly and that guests requests are catered for.

If you are looking for a tour that will provide excellent opportunities to photograph beautiful grizzly bears in a spectacular wilderness setting, and a chance to disconnect from the outside world then this is the tour for you!

The Boats & Bear Viewing

5* Fairmont Vancouver Airport l (1-night/room only basis)

The Fairmont Vancouver Airport is the only soundproofed, luxury hotel and spa conveniently located within Vancouver’s International Airport (YVR). Voted the #1 Airport Hotel in North America (#5 in the World) for the eighth year in a row at the 2022 Skytrax World Airport Awards, this Vancouver airport hotel features breathtaking floor-to-ceiling mountain and runway views, and diverse dining choices.

The hotel offers spacious and well equipped rooms, In-Room Dining, an airline check-in kiosk, in-room wellness offerings and a fully equipped Health Club with indoor pool. The award-winning restaurant and lounge, open daily, feature local coastal cuisine, set against the backdrop of mountain and runway views.

Wilderness Lodge, Chilcotin Region (7-nights/Full board basis)

We use a beautifully appointed and charming wilderness lodge, that has a prime view over the Chilko River and the coast mountains. This lodge is the perfect location in which to reconnect with the wilderness and just a few steps away from the private jetty from where we take our twice daily boat drifts on the river. The wilderness lodge, which is of an excellent standard provides a warm and welcoming gathering place to enjoy good times with your fellow travellers.

The lodge compromises of a charming open plan kitchen/dining and lounge room area room with a big stone fireplace, a lovely place in which to relax in between bear viewing trips. The lodge also offers a fully stocked bar of beer, wine, and spirits (guest own cost). Outside you will find a jacuzzi, barbecue area, and large decks with breath taking views over the river and with mountain views. The lodge also provides power charging for your camera equipment either in your room or at central power bank in the main lounge area.

the dining experience

Sumptuous meals of an excellent standard are prepared fresh by the lodges chef in the open kitchen and served family style at the lodge, Breakfast is a blend of the Canadian hot breakfast, bacon & eggs, fresh potatoes, pancakes, as well as an assortment of fresh fruits, cereals, and yogurts. A hearty and delicious lunch is taken after your mornings’ bear viewing. In the evening everyone gathers for a relaxing dinner and mouth-watering meals; fresh salads, meats, breads, pastas, as well as tasty deserts. Wine is also served with dinner and included in your tour cost. Most dietary requests can be catered for at the lodge with advance notice provided.

Accomodation at the lodge

The lodge accommodates a total of 14 people in log cabins or in the suites in the main lodge. Each unit is set up for two persons (twin or double beds). Each room offers comfy beds with Egyptian cotton sheets and duvets, gas fireplaces or a wood burning stove. All rooms offer access to either a shared bathroom or your own private bathroom. Therefore, all guests should be prepared to share a bathroom if a room with a private bathroom cannot be allocated. Daily maid services keep your room clean and tidy and supplied with fresh towels everyday.

Single Occupancy Rooms: Due to the unique nature of this small, but truly beautiful wilderness lodge and the different cabin/room configurations all rooms are allocated to guests on arrival and will depend on the final group configuration. All cabin/rooms are of the same excellent standard. On this tour we have only 2-3 single occupancy rooms that can be guaranteed at the outset (single occupancy charge applies). Therefore early booking for single travellers is advised. All other single travellers (not paying a single occupancy charge) who book on this tour should be prepared to share a large room with twin beds (same sex) OR will be allocated a single occupancy bedroom with a shared bathroom. Single travellers paying a single supplement will be allocated their own private room and a private bathroom but in rare occasions they may be asked to share a bathroom. All rooms are allocated on arrival.

Additional Info 

For a detailed itinerary and also information of the accommodation used please click on the above tabs. Around two – three months prior to departure those guests booked on the tour will receive a useful PDF document that will assist with packing advice, camera equipment suggestions and much more in order to help you pack and prepare for the tour. Please see below for basic detail and additional useful information regarding this tour. 

Minimum Tour NUMBER:

This tour will operate with a minimum of 3 x guests.

Tour Starting Point:

The grizzly bears of Canada photo tour starts and finishes in Vancouver (please see itinerary) which is easily accessed from Europe, the US and beyond. Advice on international flights can be provided and we are always happy to answer any questions by phone or email. We include a night in a conveniently located hotel close to Vancouver Airport prior to the start of the tour.

Whilst we are usually back in Vancouver by around 1pm on the last day and there is time to catch late evening flights you may wish to also consider booking a further night in Vancouver after the tour (either city or airport hotel) to allow for any weather delays when transferring back to Vancouver by a private charter flight If you do not stay an extra night please ensure you do not book any international flight that depart before 17:00 hours from YVR International. Please note: should any weather delays be encountered during our transfer and this means your onward flight is missed then any rebooking of onward international flights is at guests own expense.

Vancouver itself is a beautiful city, with much to see and do. Making a perfect extension for those wish to spend a little more time in Canada following the tour. Additional nights accommodation can easily be booked via sites such as Expedia and Booking.com.

As a guideline return international flight costs (based on direct flights/economy class) based on London – Vancouver (YVR) are on average usually around £600-£900 per person. 

Additional Tour Costs:

The ‘cost’ tab above lists what is included and not included in the tour cost. We prefer to be open and honest of any additional tour costs that may be incurred and areas where there are small chances of a change to tour cost (which you will also generally find are mentioned in most tour operators T&C’s). Please also see below and please do check out the ‘COST‘ tab.

♦ Gratuities: 

Providing a gratuity in Canada is generally considered customary for good to excellent service. Gratuities and the amount provided is of course at the discretion of each guest. As a general guideline – the suggested minimum recommendation, as per detail provided by the wilderness lodge is $650-$750 USD pp. This will cover all gratuities for all staff for a 7-night duration at the wilderness lodge, including your 2-3 x lodge boat guides, all kitchen staff, chefs, and all housekeeping staff. Guests should kindly be asked to also allow for this as an additional tour cost. This can be paid by credit card at the lodge. 

♦ Government taxes:

Your current tour cost for 2024/5 includes government taxes of 2.5% and an extra accommodation cost of $77 per person per week, of which are all correct and current at the time of the tour launch in August 2021  Although we do not foresee any change in taxes, or have any knowledge of a planned change in taxes for 2024/5 the Canadian government can occaisonally change the taxes applicable. In which case guests will be advised and any additional taxes will be payable by the guest. 

♦ First Nation Fee:

At this point in time there is no First Nation fee applicable to visiting this area. However, this situation can change with short notice and therefore guests should be aware that if the First Nations choose to add a entry fee to the region this will be payable by guests at the net cost. At the time of launch (Aug 2025) we are not aware of any First Nation Fee, nor any planned charges. Guests booked on the tour will be updated should any charge be implemented.

Weather

We are often out on the boats for up to 4 hours (Usually around 3-4  hours) and due to it’s location weather can vary greatly and the temperature can often feel a little cooler on the river/lake. In general the maximum temperature that can be experienced is around +13-+20 degrees (middle of the day). However, cold snaps can often occur, in which temperatures can sometimes go as low as -10. Therefore guests should pack accordingly and with any variation in temperatures layering is a good option.

As with any region in which grizzly bears are generally found mist, rain and snow can also be experienced during the tour. However, this all adds to providing a wide variety of photographic opportunities in a variety of weather conditions. Waterproofs (jacket and trousers) and warm clothing (including hat/gloves) are therefore essential items for this tour. Please wear neutral/earth colours, such as brown, green or black, rather than bright colors (please do not bring bright red or yellow jackets)

Fitness level

The grizzly bears of Canada photo tour requires a reasonable level of fitness. This means that all guests should be able to walk up and down a short hill to/from the lodge/jetty (around 100m and medium incline). Guests will need sufficient mobility/flexibility to enter and exit the boat and have a reasonable degree of flexibility whilst on the boat, plus being able to carry your own camera gear onto the boats. You can see an image of the lodge, with it’s location according to the jetty in the ‘Accommodation tab’ above. Please see the ‘Overview’ more detail on the boats used.  Due to weight limitations on the boats guests are required to weigh 350lbs or less (159kg) in order to join this tour. 

Camera Equipment

In terms of camera equipment for the bear viewing we would recommend lenses with a focal length that can cater for a minimum 400mm, or ideally 500mm. The following zoom lenses would be well suited; Canon 100-400mm, Nikon 80-400mm, Nikon 200-500mm, Sigma 150-600mm, Tamron 150-600mm. The distance of which we are viewing bears is usually at the longer focal lengths. Having a zoom lens provides a good degree of flexibility if you are photographing a family of bears and for varying distances.  In terms of prime lenses we would recommend any of the following: 300mm, 400mm, 500mm, 600mm. For prime lenses used on full frame bodies then we would suggest ensuring you also bring a teleconverter/extender – especially for a 300/400mm prime lens (min of 1.4x).

We would also suggest bringing a wide angle lense for the beautiful scenery that the region has to offer. Monopods/or tripods can also be used on the boat. However, we generally recommend the former as tripods can sometimes become a little ‘unwieldy’ on the boat and far less flexibility vs. a monopod. Due to the changing weather conditions we would also strongly recommend a waterproof cover for your cameras/lenses and also a dry bag. Plenty of memory cards and a back up device is also essential. 

Single Occupancy Rooms:

Due to the unique nature of this small lodge and the different cabin/room configurations all rooms are allocated to guests on arrival and will depend on the final group configuration. On this tour we have only a small amount of rooms that can be guaranteed as single occupancy at the outset. All other single travellers (not paying a single occupancy charge) who book on this tour should therefore be prepared to share a large room with twin beds (same sex) OR will be allocated a single occupancy bedroom with a shared bathroom. Single travellers paying a single supplement will be allocated their own private room and a private bathroom but in rare occasions they may be asked to share a bathroom. All rooms are allocated on arrival. 

WiFi/Phone Network Access

At the wilderness lodge in Chilcotin there is NO access to Wifi and no available phone network. The lodge does have access to phone and internet communication for guest emergency use only. Therefore, please be prepared to disconnect from the outside world!. Wifi and phone networks are available at the hotel in Vancouver. 

Dietary:

Most dietary requests can be catered for with advance notice provided to us at least two months prior to departure.

Guest Weight limits

Due to weight limitations on the boats guests are required to weigh 350lbs or less (159kg) in order to join this tour. 

Travel Insurance:

We strongly recommend purchasing your own travel insurance at the time of booking to cover any eventualities should you need to cancel your tour due to unforeseen circumstances as both the deposit and final balances are non-refundable. 

grizzly bears of Canada photo tour Cost

The 2025 cost of the grizzly bears of Canada photo tour is £7595 per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room. The bathroom will be either a shared bathroom (usually with only one other person) or your own private bathroom. Therefore, all guests booking should be prepared please to share a bathroom if a room with a private bathroom cannot be allocated. We do our best to ensure that all of our guests have a private bathroom where possible. 

The 2026 cost of the grizzly bears of Canada photo tour is £8050 per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room. The bathroom will be either a shared bathroom (usually with only one other person) or your own private bathroom. Therefore, all guests booking should be prepared please to share a bathroom if a room with a private bathroom cannot be allocated. We do our best to ensure that all of our guests have a private bathroom where possible. 

Additional Costs:

Gratuities: 

Providing a gratuity in Canada is generally considered customary for good to excellent service. Gratuities and the amount provided is of course at the discretion of each guest. As a general guideline – the suggested minimum recommendation, as per detail provided by the wilderness lodge is $650-$750 USD pp. This will cover all gratuities for all staff for a 7-night duration at the wilderness lodge, including your 3 x lodge boat guides, all kitchen staff, chefs, and all housekeeping staff. Guests should kindly be asked to also allow for this as an additional tour cost. This can be paid by credit card at the lodge. 

Single Occupancy cost 2025: (Providing a single occupancy room for 8-nights-) See below for detail: £1650

Single Occupancy cost 2026: (Providing a single occupancy room for 8-nights-) See below for detail: £1725

40% non-refundable deposit of your tour is required to secure a place. With the final balance due 90 days prior to the departure date 

Single Occupancy Rooms:

Due to the unique nature of this small wilderness lodge and the different cabin/room configurations all rooms are allocated to guests on arrival and will depend on the final group configuration. All cabin/rooms are of the same excellent standard. On this tour we have only 2-3 single occupancy rooms that can be guaranteed at the outset (single occupancy charge applies). Therefore early booking for single travellers is advised. All other single travellers (not paying a single occupancy charge) who book on this tour should be prepared to share a large room with twin beds (same sex) OR will be allocated a single occupancy bedroom with a shared bathroom. Single travellers paying a single supplement will be allocated their own private room and a private bathroom but in rare occasions they may be asked to share a bathroom. All rooms are allocated on arrival. 

Cost Includes:

* Your tour cost includes current government taxes of 2.5% and an extra accommodation tax of $77 per person per week, The Canadian government can occasionally change the taxes applicable. In which case guests will be advised and any additional taxes will be payable by the guest. 

Not Included

First Nation fee

** At this point in time there is no First Nation fee applicable to visiting this area. However, this situation can change with short notice and therefore guests should be aware that if the First Nations choose to add a entry fee to the region this will be payable by guests at the net cost. At this time of launch (Nov 2023) we are not aware of any First Nation Fee, nor any planned charges. Guests booked on the tour will be updated should any charge be implemented. 

Gratuities

*** Gratuities: Providing a gratuity in Canada is generally considered customary for good to excellent service. Gratuities and the amount provided is of course at the discretion of each guest. As a general guideline – the suggested minimum recommendation, as per detail provided by the wilderness lodge is $750 USD pp. This will cover all gratuities for all staff for a 7-night duration at the wilderness lodge, including your 2-3 x lodge boat guides, all kitchen staff, chefs, and all housekeeping staff. Guests should kindly be asked to also allow for this as an additional tour cost. This can be paid by credit card at the lodge. 

grizzly bears of Canada photo tour – How to Book

To book on the grizzly bears of Canada photo tour please contact us and secure your place with a 40% non-refundable deposit per person. The remaining balance is payable 90-days prior to departure. We are able to take payments for deposits and final balances via bank transfer or payment via credit or debit cards.

We strongly recommend purchasing your own travel insurance from your point of booking to cover any eventualities should you need to cancel your tour due to unforeseen circumstances as both the deposit and final balances are non-refundable. 

Financial protection & ATOL

Images of Wildlife Photo Tours & Safaris is the trading name of Images of Wildlife Ltd. A company registered in England & Wales. Company No: 10566301. We are a member of  Protected Travel Services (Membership Number: 5221).

Protected Travel Services

As full members of Protected Travel Services we are able to offer the highest financial protection. All monies you pay to us are financially protected in line with the 2018 Package Travel Regulations via a trust account. This means that your funds are secure in an independent trust account and will be protected against our failure from the moment you pay to the day that you return from your trip. This includes protection for the initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all monies paid to the trust account, arising from cancellation or curtailment of your travel arrangements due to the insolvency of Images of Wildlife Ltd or any of our local suppliers paid from the trust account.

ATOL Protection: 

ATOL protection applies to the Grizzly Bears of Canada Photo Tour. Our ATOL Licence number is: 11862

grizzly bears of Canada photo tour – How to Book

To book a place on the grizzly bears of Canada please fill in the details below with detail of how many spaces you wish to secure. Once a member of our team receives the email we will provisionally hold your place/s while a booking pack is sent out by email with details of the deposit payment required.

A 40% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place, plus 40% of any single occupancy supplement for those requiring a single occupancy room. The remaining balance is payable 90-days prior to departure. We are able to take payments for deposits and final balances via bank transfer or payment via credit or debit cards.

We strongly recommend purchasing your own travel insurance from your point of booking to cover any eventualities should you need to cancel your tour due to unforeseen circumstances as both the deposit and final balances are non-refundable. 

Financial protection & ATOL

Images of Wildlife Photo Tours & Safaris is the trading name of Images of Wildlife Ltd. A company registered in England & Wales. Company No: 10566301. We are a member of  Protected Travel Services (Membership Number: 5221).

Protected Travel Services

As full members of Protected Travel Services we are able to offer the highest financial protection. All monies you pay to us are financially protected in line with the 2018 Package Travel Regulations via a trust account. This means that your funds are secure in an independent trust account and will be protected against our failure from the moment you pay to the day that you return from your trip. This includes protection for the initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all monies paid to the trust account, arising from cancellation or curtailment of your travel arrangements due to the insolvency of Images of Wildlife Ltd or any of our local suppliers paid from the trust account.

ATOL Protection: 

ATOL protection applies to the Grizzly Bears of Canada Photo Tour. Our ATOL Licence number is: 11862