OCEAN LIGHT II ADVENTURES

COASTAL EXPLORATION ABOARD THE OCEAN LIGHT II

THE KHUTZEYMATEEN

Only eternal vigilance, valley after valley, generation after generation, will save the Grizzly and all that the Grizzly represents.

The Khutzeymateen Valley, Canada's only grizzly bear sanctuary located north of Prince Rupert, is home to more than 50 grizzlies. We were part of the fight to help save the Khutzeymateen Valley from the very beginning, donating our boat for the good of the valley and ultimately the bears. We have now been authorized by BC Parks to run grizzly bear tours here. In 2002 we were granted a ten-year operating permit. In addition to this park permit we are the first operation to be given an extensive tenure for operating on the BC Coast from the Khutzeymateen southward into the Great Bear Rainforest. We have also signed working protocol agreements with the First Nations people on the coast.

The Ocean Light II and her crew pioneered grizzly bear guiding on the BC Coast, with more experience in the Khutzeymateen than anyone else. In the early years we worked closely and in collaboration with bear biologist Wayne McCrory and bear naturalist Charlie Russell. We were the initiators of Grizzly and Great Bear Rainforest viewing programs on the coast. Ocean Light II Adventures has run more bear viewing trips and has taken and educated more people than anyone. Each year, for the past 19 years, the Ocean Light II has headed north to view bears in their natural setting. Much of the viewing is done from the shore as well as from the inflatable and the sailboat. There are numerous opportunities to explore the home of the grizzly bear, from the dense rainforest to the lush sedge meadows and skunk cabbage bogs. We look closely at the bear wallows, the bear mark trails and the bears' day beds. Viewing the individual bears in their everyday world is a fantastic experience. It is a photographer's dream come true.

We offer four-day tours of the Valley, which supports a robust ancient trilogy of grizzly bears, spawning salmon and mammoth Sitka Spruce trees. We explore the fiord on the Ocean Light II and at high tide we utilize the inflatable to reach the heart of the river valley and its estuary. In four days you get a real picture of the complex ecosystem in which the grizzly thrives. The area also attracts wolves, migrating geese, ducks, seals, beavers, and otters as well as orcas and humpback whales. The watershed boasts over 100 species of birds. Uninhabited by humans, there are no roads, villages or camp sites, making this valley pure wilderness and the perfect habitat for the grizzly bear.

We use the Ocean Light II as a floating base, eating all our meals, sleeping and relaxing on board. Healthy, hearty food is served including seafood, fresh salads, fruit, home-made soups and fresh-baked breads and goodies.

• Schedule & cost
• Khutzeymateen brochure

"A trip that stimulates the senses, the spirit and the soul" - Mike Heffring, Alberta

"A wonderful adventure. We loved the bears, the mountains, the seals and otters and especially the people. You are grand hosts." - Marcia and Don McInerney, Illinois

"I came, I saw, and was conquered by the majesty of the Khutzeymateen" - Phil Harsham, Florida "

A privilege to be with you, so in tune with your environment, so respectful of the bears, treating them with the love and dignity that they deserve" - Candace Wilson, Ontario

"A magical place with more, so much more than bears." - Jonathan Hayward, Ontario

"Thank you for the trip of a lifetime. Tom, Jenn and Sarah are world class hosts" - Jeff and Joanne Dao, California