Search for Grizzly bears at Knight Inlet Lodge
Thanks to its location in a completely unspoilt wilderness, Knight Inlet Lodge has built a well-deserved reputation over the years for being one of the best places on the planet for viewing brown or grizzly bears in their natural habitat. Nestled in the only protected cove on a 160km-long inlet for which the property is named, this remarkable floating lodge’s only neighbours are predominantly bears, mountain goats, otters, seals and eagles!
Guests at Knight Inlet Lodge are accommodated in 18 cosy, cedar-panelled ensuite rooms warmed by wood-burning stoves. All have views onto either Glendale Cove or the shoreline behind the lodge, often frequented by resident bears. The shared dining room is where sumptuous West Coast cuisine is served, along with fine wines and indulgent desserts. Often on the menu are locally caught crab, salmon and prawns, harvested fresh out of the waters of Knight Inlet.
Grizzly bear viewing is the prime attraction of course. This activity takes place from boats along the shoreline from May to mid-August and from specially built platforms alongside salmon spawning channels from mid-August to mid-October. Other activity options include whale-watching tours, rainforest walks and sea-kayaking.
*Valid for select travel dates in 2023. Price shown is based on travel between 15 May and 30 Aug 2023. Minimum two people travelling together.
Single travellers on request. Strictly subject to availability. Conditions apply.
Historical Grizzly Bear Viewing Seasons
May to Mid-August
From boats along the shoreline
Mid-August to October
Platforms in the spawning channel, as well as tree and river stands
Accommodation Details
- Transfers in Campbell River to/from float plane
- 1 night in Campbell River at the Comfort Inn & Suites
- Float plane transfer to/from lodge
- 3 nights at Knight Inlet Lodge (full board & house wine with dinner)
- Meals as per itinerary
- Activities at Knight Inlet Lodge
- Environmental levy and gratuities
- Flights other than mentioned
- Travel insurance
- Taxes
- Items of a personal nature
- Bear viewing
- Bird-watching
- Kayaking
- Hiking
- Boat excursions
*Some activities are available at extra cost.
- A lodge with a well-established reputation for excellent grizzly bear viewing
- Set in a very secluded cove surrounded by unspoilt wilderness
- Observation by boat or from special tree stands depending on season
- Marine tours along Johnstone Strait to view whales, sea lions, dolphins and orcas
- Wonderful hiking and kayaking opportunities
Campbell River is located on the north-east coast of Vancouver Island. There are regularly flights from major Canadian cities including Vancouver and Victoria.
Sample Itinerary
5 days/4 nights
Ex Campbell River
Day 1
Campbell River
On arrival in Campbell River, located on Vancouver Island, transfer to the Comfort Inn & Suites for overnight.
Days 2-4
Knight Inlet Lodge
Transfer by float plane (30 minutes) to Knight Inlet Lodge. With its 18 warm, cedar-panelled ensuite rooms and cosy wood burning stoves, the lodge accommodates guests in complete comfort.
Over the next few days, choose from a range of activities offered at the lodge accompanied by trained naturalists. This includes grizzly bear viewing by boat or from the specifically built tree platforms overlooking salmon spawning channels, as well as boat trips to the Johnstone Strait to see marine wildlife (weather permitting). There is also great birdwatching to be had, including species such as Bald Eagle.
The more adventurous may wish to explore the surrounding old-growth rainforests on foot or maybe even paddle a sea kayak. In the evening, enjoy delicious meals of fresh Pacific salmon and crab served in the dining room. B L D
Day 5
Campbell River, tour ends
This morning if time permits, enjoy a final adventure before your float plane transfer back to Campbell River. On arrival in Campbell River, tour ends. B
Please note: Additional nights can easily be incorporated into this itinerary. Luggage Limit for float plane is 14kg.
Canada Wilderness Lodges
Below are some of our other recommended Canadian wilderness lodge accommodation options, carefully selected for their superior location, incredible wildlife and wilderness experiences, service and level of comfort.
Farewell Harbour Lodge
Family-run Farewell Harbour Lodge offers privileged access to the untouched temperate rainforests and rich marine life of the Broughton Archipelago.
Great Bear Lodge
Great Bear Lodge is situated in a location of outstanding beauty in British Columbia's aptly named Great Bear Rainforest.
Khutzeymateen Wilderness Lodge
Khutzeymateen Wilderness Lodge is one of the most unique bear viewing lodges in Canada’s British Columbia.
Knight Inlet Lodge
A secluded lodge with a well-established reputation for excellent grizzly bear viewing from special tree stands or by boat depending on the season.
Sonora Resort
This Relais & Chateaux resort offers gourmet meals and a wealth of outdoor adventures in the heart of pristine wilderness without compromising at all on luxury.
Spirit Bear Lodge
Deep inside the Great Bear Rainforest, Spirit Bear Lodge provides visitors with a chance to view unique spirit bears, a rare subspecies of black bear sporting a white or cream-coloured coat.
Tweedsmuir Park Lodge
Located in the Great Bear Rainforest, award-winning Tweedsmuir Park Lodge offers sensational grizzly bear safaris