Knight Inlet Grizzly Bear Experience

Embark on an unforgettable journey to the wild heart of British Columbia, where dramatic fjords, ancient forests, and glacial-fed rivers set the stage for one of the world’s greatest wildlife experiences.

At Knight Inlet Lodge, you’ll find yourself in one of the best places on Earth for grizzly bear viewing. In the autumn, as thousands of salmon return to the Glendale River, bears gather to feast, offering unparalleled opportunities to watch them fish, interact, and prepare for winter. From secure elevated platforms, you can witness powerful displays of strength as adult bears catch salmon, and playful moments between mothers and cubs, all in a quiet, non-intrusive setting.

Beyond bear viewing, the lodge offers a range of immersive activities: sea kayaking, fjord cruises, rainforest hikes, and explorations of ancient cedar groves. Expert naturalists guide all excursions, ensuring a safe, educational, and intimate experience with the wilderness.

Combined with time to explore the vibrant city of Vancouver, this trip offers both wilderness adventure and urban discovery — a perfectly balanced Canadian holiday.

Everything can be adjusted, or extended, to suit your needs and create your perfect Canadian holiday.

Will I definitely see Bears?

Because Knight Inlet Lodge is located deep in a remote wilderness and wildlife behaviour depends on natural conditions, bear viewing schedules are flexible and sightings can never be guaranteed. However, the lodge’s exceptional location, experienced guides, and multiple daily excursions make encounters with grizzly bears very likely.

Bear viewing activities vary with the season — from boat tours through the inlet and estuary in spring and summer, to raised viewing platforms during the autumn salmon run. Each excursion is led by knowledgeable naturalists who understand the bears’ routines and habitats, ensuring you have the best possible chance of observing these magnificent animals in their natural environment.

While you may also see other wildlife such as seals, eagles, and occasionally whales, the real magic of Knight Inlet Lodge lies in immersing yourself in pristine nature and witnessing grizzlies living freely in their own domain.

Is this a Private Tour or a Group Tour?

All of our Canada tours are private, tailor-made itineraries, designed around your preferences. We can adjust every element to suit your interests, pace, and travel style. This particular Canada trip includes flights, accommodation, and car rental (where applicable). Many of our Canada tours also includes excursions.

What are the Departure Dates?

Since this is a private trip, there are no set departure dates. Let us know your preferred dates of travel, and we’ll find the best flights to fit your itinerary.

We can advise on the best times to visit each region of Canada — from the snowy peaks of the Rockies to the coastal beauty of British Columbia or the vibrant cities of the east. We’ll also guide you on when to avoid peak tourist seasons or when travel conditions may be affected by weather.

Which Airlines do you use?

We work with all major airlines flying to Canada. Depending on your departure city, we typically suggest carriers such as Air Canada, British Airways, or WestJet.

If you have a preferred airline or route, just let us know. We can also arrange flights from any regional UK airport. There are direct flights from the UK to several Canadian hubs, including Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal.

Which Hotels do you use?

We carefully select hotels based on location, style, and quality, but we are guided by your preferences. We specialise in boutique hotels, charming historic properties, and smaller luxury hotels where available.

In major cities like Vancouver, Toronto, or Montreal, hotel rooms can sometimes be compact and modern in style. If you prefer larger rooms, heritage properties, or a specific ambience, we’ll tailor our recommendations accordingly. In more rural areas such as the Rockies or Vancouver Island, we can suggest beautiful lodges, cabins, and nature resorts that bring you closer to Canada’s stunning landscapes.

Please note that many hotels in Canada charge resort or facility fees covering amenities such as Wi-Fi, fitness centres, or pools. We try to include these in our pricing wherever possible, but as policies vary, we’ll confirm details at the time of booking.

Car Rental & Driving in Canada

Many of our itineraries include car rental, allowing you to explore Canada’s vast landscapes at your own pace, but there are a few practical points to note:

• One-way fees: Some itineraries involve picking up a car in one city and dropping it off in another. One-way fees can apply, depending on the rental company and locations. We will try to include these where possible.

• Parking: City hotels may charge for parking, and rates can vary. We will guide you on likely costs.

• Insurance & Navigation: We can advise on the best insurance coverage and suggest GPS or app-based navigation for ease of travel.

• Driver Requirements: A valid driver’s licence is required.

Ask us for more details so you can plan your trip with confidence.

Isn’t Canada expensive?

Canada offers a wide range of experiences to suit different budgets — from luxury lodges and scenic rail journeys to comfortable mid-range hotels and affordable self-drive adventures. We plan your trip to balance value and comfort, helping you get the most out of your accommodation, transport, and excursions.

Many of our itineraries include car rental, which gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems off the beaten path. There’s plenty to see and do without spending much, from scenic drives and hiking trails to charming small towns and local markets.

Entrance fees to national parks, museums, or attractions are generally reasonable but vary by location. Private guided trips can be more expensive, but there are also plenty of small-group options available, which allow you to enjoy expert guidance while keeping costs manageable. We can mix and match this to suit your itinerary. Dining in Canada can suit every budget, from cosy diners and casual cafés to gourmet restaurants and farm-to-table eateries

Vancouver

Set between the Pacific Ocean and the coastal mountains, Vancouver is a stunningly scenic city that perfectly blends urban sophistication with natural beauty. From the bustling streets of downtown and the trendy shops of Gastown to the leafy trails of Stanley Park, the city offers a wealth of experiences for every visitor.

Vancouver is also a culinary hotspot, with an international food scene that reflects its multicultural population, including fresh seafood, Asian fusion, and farm-to-table delights. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore nearby beaches, bike along seawalls, or ski in the nearby mountains during winter. With its lively arts scene, vibrant neighbourhoods, and breathtaking surroundings, Vancouver promises a city experience like no other.

Campbell River

Set along the eastern shore of Vancouver Island, Campbell River is known as the “Salmon Capital of the World.” This vibrant coastal community combines rich Indigenous culture, outdoor adventure, and spectacular ocean-to-mountain scenery.

Visitors can enjoy world-class fishing, embark on wildlife tours to see whales, bears, and eagles, or hike the scenic trails of Elk Falls Provincial Park. The waterfront offers charming shops, local eateries, and sweeping views across Discovery Passage. Blending wilderness and welcoming hospitality, Campbell River is the perfect base for exploring the wild beauty of northern Vancouver Island.

View Itinerary in Detail

To view a sample holiday, click on one of the links below. This will open the itinerary up in a new window.

All of our Canada Holidays are completely tailor made and we can put together any kind of itinerary to suit your interests and budget.

We have many other options so if you have a particular hotel in mind just let us know and we'll put together a price and itinerary for you.