The MAGICAL Khutzeymateen Valley
2024
With
Michelle Valberg
The MAGICAL Khutzeymateen Valley
With Nikon Ambassador
& Canadian Geographic Photographer-in-Residence
Michelle Valberg
ON
Afterglow I
with
Ocean Light Adventures
GROUP 1
May 28 – June 1, 2024
GROUP 2
June 1 – 5, 2024
A SMALL group Grizzly Bear Photography Adventure
In the magical
Khutzeymateen
$5195.00 plus 5% GST
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
The trip begins in the coastal community of Prince Rupert. An early morning float plane flight from the Seal Cove float plane dock takes you to the Afterglow I and her crew who await at the head of the Khutzeymateen Inlet. The remainder of the day will be spent pursuing bear-viewing opportunities.
Days 2, 3 and 4 – B/L/D
The itinerary for these days must remain flexible so that we can maximize each day’s bear and wildlife viewing opportunities. The daily tide schedule varies and will largely dictate our itinerary. Our time in the inflatable or ashore will find us in some part of the estuary/inlet viewing what could be any number of animals, including black and grizzly bears, seals, river otters, coastal wolves, geese, ducks, and eagles. At dusk, after the evening’s activities, you will return to the boat to enjoy a hot drink and dinner while reflecting on the day’s events.
Day 4 – B
After breakfast the float plane will arrive for your return trip to Prince Rupert.
What’s included:
The services of a fully qualified skipper/bear guide and cook/crew on Afterglow I (the finest of food made by Jenn – YUM!)
Return air charter by float plane from Prince Rupert to the
Khutzeymateen Valley
All meals as listed on the itinerary (B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)
$200 Park Fee
$25 Bear Sustainability Fee for research and conservation
$25 Bear Viewing License fee
What’s NOT included:
Gratuities for crew (optional and/or discretionary, but always appreciated!)
Transportation between your home and Prince Rupert, BC
Personal belongings and equipment as per “Clothing & Equipment List”
Any meals and accommodation in Prince Rupert prior to Day 1
Excess baggage charges
Any extra personal expenses incurred because of weather, logistical delays, or delayed departures of chartered or scheduled aircraft
ABOUT THE KHUTZEYMATEEN VALLEY
The Khutzeymateen Valley is Canada’s only Grizzly Bear Sanctuary. This 39,000-hectare valley lies 40 kilometres (25 miles) northeast of Prince Rupert on the British Columbia coast. It supports a robust ancient trilogy of grizzly bears, spawning salmon, and mammoth Sitka spruce trees. In 1992, after years of effort by several individuals and organizations, such as the Valhalla Society, the Khutzeymateen Valley was declared Canada’s first Grizzly Bear Sanctuary by the B.C. government.
This area is home to an estimated 40 – 60 grizzlies who depend on the rich valley for their existence, with its dense rainforest, river mouth estuary, and open fjord. It also attracts wolves, migrating geese, ducks, harbor seals, beaver and otters, as well as orca and humpback whales. The watershed also supports over 100 species of birds including owls, grouse, shore birds, hummingbirds, swifts, woodpeckers, and kingfishers.
Uninhabited by humans, there are no roads, villages or campsites, making this valley pure wilderness and the perfect habitat for the grizzly bear. To explore this magnificent valley, we will use the motor yacht, the Afterglow I as our base, and then travel by motorized inflatable to the estuary to safely observe and photograph these mighty animals.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
AT TIME OF BOOKING: $1000 CAD per person (payable to Ocean Light Adventures)
Final payment is due 90 DAYS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE
We highly recommend that you speak with a travel insurance agent to obtain comprehensive insurance coverage including without limitation; medical, trip cancellation & interruption, emergency evacuation, accident and baggage insurance. It is the responsibility of the participant to secure insurance that safeguards them for all the eventualities that can occur on your trip with Ocean Light Adventures. Additional expenses are the full responsibility of the participant. Any losses experienced as a result of incorrect travel planning or not securing adequate insurance will also be the full responsibility of the participant.
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