See how bears journey long distances to Algard Creek and the Orford River to feast on the spawning salmon during a special season. Embark on a unique wildlife-watching tour on Vancouver Island, immerse yourself in local history and traditions, and enjoy lunch and snacks.
Learn about this fascinating journey, part of a quest to fatten up before a long winter hibernation. In doing so, they continue a cycle that has taken place for millennia on the traditional territory of the Homalco First Nation people. Be our guest as we enter their world.
Your full-day adventure begins in Campbell River and through the Salish Sea, learning about the lands of the First Peoples as you enter one of British Columbia’s greatest fjords - Bute Inlet. As an abundantly rich area for wildlife, there are opportunities to view marine animals while discovering the breathtaking scenery of Homalco territory.
Your arrival in Orford Bay begins a 3-hour land experience. Indigenous guides transport you by bus to a variety of raised wildlife viewing platforms and prime ground viewing locations to look for the magnificent χawgəs (grizzly bear). Along the way, guides share knowledge about the bears, salmon, Homalco people and their ties to the land. Lunch is served at the dock in Orford Bay with an unobstructed view of the estuary and its spectacular mountain surroundings.
The Bear Viewing Season:
The Orford River and Algard Creek water channels provide salmon spawning grounds with different viewing locations that we use depending on where the bears are active. The following information offers what to expect in a “typical” year (note that climate change is having a significant impact on weather and bear behaviour, and this is our best interpretation in constantly changing conditions). Grizzly bears know that around mid-August the annual salmon run begins in Orford Bay on the edge of the Great Bear Rainforest.
- August has the hottest, most pleasant days and grizzlies are moving from up high into the area. Until early September bears are mostly foraging for grasses, berries and shellfish as they wait for the salmon to begin moving from the mouth of Orford Bay and up the rivers to spawn
- From September and onward bears are hunting for salmon in the rivers
- September typically has the highest number of bears, and is also the busiest time for visitor volume. The weather begins to change into our annual period of rain typical for BC's Coastal Temperate Rainforest
- October offers intimate, quiet and yet spectacular fall bear viewing in spite of shorter days and more variable weather.
Our experienced Indigenous guides know the area very well and will help identify wildlife through various bear viewing towers from which you can view the bears comfortably. Please keep in mind that these are wild animals and we cannot guarantee the number of bears to be seen.
By travelling with us a portion of your trip price goes to supporting bear conservation, salmon restoration, Homalco language and cultural rejuvenation, plus employment and career options for the Homalco people. I:mote (it is good/thank you).
