Knight Inlet Lodge; In Search of Grizzly Bears in Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest

Deep in the heart of British Columbia’s temperate rain forest on the west coast of Canada, lies a unique environment, home to the wild Great Bear Rainforest. This rugged environment filled with natural beauty and teeming with wildlife, is one of the largest remaining tracts of unspoiled temperate rainforest left in the world. The unique ecosystem is home to one of the most majestic animals in Canada, the grizzly bear, as well as eagles, cougars, wolves, whales, seals, wild salmon, and an array of marine birds. The area is home to several First Nations and spectacular old-growth forest including thousand-year-old western cedar and Sitka spruce.

Beautiful Knight Inlet Lodge is located 240 km northwest of Vancouver, British Columbia on the sheltered waters of Knight Inlet, the longest fiord on BC’s coast. The remote fly-in floating lodge, which is nestled deep in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest, attracts adventure seekers and wildlife lovers from all over the world, who descend on this special place every year with the hope of seeing grizzly bears in their natural habitat. With towering mountains jutting out of the ocean and glacier-fed waterfalls showering down from surrounding clifftops, Knight Inlet lodge is the perfect place to search for the mighty grizzly bear.

Indigenous-owned and Sustainability-focussed

Established in the mid-1990s, Knight Inlet Lodge is one of the few Indigenous owned wildlife viewing lodges in the Great Bear Rainforest. The lodge is owned by five partner First Nations; the Da’naxda’xw Awaetlala, Mamalilikulla, Tlowitsis, Wei Wai Kum and K’ómoks. As stewards of the land and Knight Inlet for thousands of years, the ancient knowledge of these First Nations provides not only an amazing wildlife experience, but a cultural one as well.

Knight Inlet Lodge actively participates in conservation efforts, and contributes to research and environmental protection of the Great Bear Rainforest. Not only do they engage in policy issues, advocating for sustainable fisheries and improved wildlife management policies, but also actively participate in and support grizzly bear research initiatives. The lodge has a strong emphasis on sustainability; a small hydro-electric system is in place for off-season power supply, with plans for permanent solar power in the works. Waste produced by the lodge and its operations are reused and recycled as much as possible, with the primary goal of reducing waste to minimize the lodge’s environmental footprint. Since the main lodge floats just off the shoreline, there is little structural impact to the land surrounding the lodge, allowing the natural environment to remain undisturbed to surrounding wildlife.

How to get to Knight Inlet lodge

The Knight Inlet Lodge adventure starts in Campbell River, British Columbia, located on beautiful Vancouver Island. There are daily flights to Campbell River from Vancouver on Central Mountain and Pacific Coast airlines, providing the quickest route from Vancouver. Knight Inlet Lodge provides a convenient complimentary airport shuttle to the joining hotel, where an overnight stay is included as part of every package.

If you opt to drive, take the BC Ferries across to Vancouver Island. There are two route options available (Tsawwassen to Duke Point, and Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay) and the crossing take about two hours. Once on Vancouver Island it’s approximately a 2-hour drive to Campbell River depending on your arrival port. If you’re spending more time exploring Vancouver Island, either before or after your grizzly bear adventure, Campbell River is close to popular destinations on the island including Tofino and Victoria.

Besides spotting grizzlies for the first time, getting to the lodge by floatplane is one of the most exciting parts of the Knight Inlet Lodge experience. Transfer to the floatplane base in Campbell River early in the morning and climb into a classic DeHavilland Turbine Otter, a unique bush plane built between 1950 and 1967, used for remote wilderness adventures. As the engine revs up and you soar slowly off the water, you’ll be glued to your window as you float over thick forests, glacier lakes, remote islands, secluded beaches and crystal-clear waterways on your way to the lodge. You’ll also get a good perspective of the British Columbia logging industry as you leave Campbell River. After a 30-minute flight, glide seamlessly onto the waters of Glendale Cove and taxi up to the dock to unload and explore your new home for the next few days.

When to see Grizzly Bears in the Great Bear Rainforest

Spring

Grizzly bears can be spotted from the spring to the fall season in the Great Bear Rainforest. Beginning in April, bear watching tours are conducted by boat as both black and grizzly bears begin emerging from hibernation. The majestic creatures flock to the estuary to regain their summer weight after a long winter season. Watch them feast on new vegetation, and carefully turn over rocks to uncover small sea creatures hidden beneath along the shoreline. Spring is also the perfect time to watch newborn cubs emerge and venture out for their first foray in the forest, with mother bears keeping close watch.

Summer

The summer season allows you to view grizzly bears both by boat and on foot. Many bears move into the forest to feed on berries in the height of summer, however you can still spot bears moving in and out of the estuary from a waterside vantage point. Nearby old logging roads provide the chance to view bears from the land when the opportunity permits. The summer season has the best weather of the year and is the ideal season for those looking to relax and enjoy the various activities the lodge has to offer under the summer sun.

Autumn

Perhaps the most popular time of the year to view grizzly bears at Knight Inlet Lodge is in the fall when bears are most prevalent in the area. Beginning in late August, bear viewing is done from three specially constructed viewing stands. These unique, safe, and comfortable vantage points are excellent spots to watch grizzlies converging on the spawning channels to fish for pink salmon in preparation for winter hibernation. If you’re looking for the iconic photos of grizzly bears fishing, this season is for you.

Grizzly Bear Viewing

Whether you’re staying for 1 night or 5, grizzly bear viewing begins right when you step off the float plane. After a quick orientation, check in, and activity selection, head out into the clear waters of Knight Inlet by zodiac for your first foray at spotting grizzlies. As you troll the shoreline at a safe distance, with your camera and binoculars close at hand, expert guides carefully scan the shoreline for bears.

We visited Knight Inlet Lodge during the spring season, in early May, where bear viewing is done by zodiac. During our first excursion we spotted a mother and cub peacefully grazing in the sun, as well as two young males flipping over rocks in search of protein, including crab, clams, barnacles, amphipods and tiny invertebrates in the intertidal zone. The boat stays with each bear as long as the guests on board desire, allowing you plenty of time to observe these amazing creatures, and snap some great photos. On subsequent outings in the late afternoon, we had great luck spotting bears grazing at the shoreline, and spotted some bald eagles and other birdlife further into the estuary.

For photography enthusiasts looking for that iconic grizzly bear image, we recommend a long lens (400+ mm) to capture the perfect shots. When bears are spotted the zodiacs move in closer to the shore, however they still float about 50 m away from the shoreline in an effort to not disturb the animals. For the best experience we recommend sitting as close as possible to the front of the boat which provides you with unobstructed views if you’re sharing a boat with other guests.

The Lodge, Dining and Amenities

Knight Inlet Lodge is a modern and rustic lodge, consisting of five floats with 18 guest rooms, dining room, patio, guest lounge, interpretive centre and support buildings. The lodge can accommodate up to 36 guests at full capacity and all rooms are comfortably equipped with two queen beds, private ensuite with shower, wardrobe, writing desk and chair. There are also four rooms with one queen bed and two singles, perfect for families. All rooms have views of the inlet or the shoreline providing the opportunity to spot wildlife in the estuary and surrounding forest. With the lodge having no physical connection to the land, you feel safe from wildlife and can fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Glendale Cove.

When you’ve worked up an appetite after a day of adventure, the dining room is the place to gather with other travellers to share your day’s adventures and enjoy a hearty meal. Meals are prepared by skilled chefs and are served buffet-style with fresh ingredients flown in daily, including food and drink from local producers in the Comox Valley and Vancouver Island. The cuisine focuses on West Coast and Continental cuisine, with an emphasis on local seafood including crab, salmon and prawn harvested right from Knight Inlet. There is definitely something for everyone no matter your tastes or dietary needs, and you’ll leave each meal fueled for your next adventure.

Optional Activities

Along with tracking grizzly bears, there are numerous other activities to enjoy at Knight Inlet Lodge. Whether you choose a 2-3 night or 4–6 night package, your time in Glendale Cover will allow to explore the area’s pristine beauty and diverse wildlife.

Whale Watching and Boat Tours

For guests who choose a 4–6-night stay there are daily marine wildlife watching tours in the beautiful Johnstone Strait. In mid-July these tours focus on the boundaries of the nearby Robson Bight Marine Orca Whale Sanctuary, which is home to 16 different pods of orcas, the iconic west coast whale. As one of the best places in the world to whale watch, you’ll definitely want to add this boat tour to your itinerary.

All guests at the lodge also have the opportunity to take an amazing 2-hour boat cruise through Knight Inlet. The cruise allows you to explore the supreme beauty of the area, as you pass by sheer rock faces, ancient glacier rock, and wild rivers, all while learning about the history and legends of the region. The highlight of the tour is a stop at a stunning set of waterfalls plunging high from the cliff tops above. Get some amazing photos and feel the power of the mist on your face.

Walking, Interpretive Tracking Tours and hikes

If exploring on land is more your style, there is the option to embark on several guided walking tours and hikes in the region, allowing you to explore the ancient old-growth rainforest, local plants and wildlife, and catch spectacular views from scenic lookouts. To learn more about grizzly bear behaviour, join an interpretive tracking tour which takes you down old logging roads in search of typical bear markings. Learn how to identify bear tracks, trails, day beds, and the signature bear “rub” on nearby trees. The experience is great for those wanting to learn more about grizzlies and is important for anyone looking to spend more time in bear country.

Sea Kayaking

Perhaps one of the best ways to fully experience Knight Inlet is by sea kayak. Embark on your own self-guided paddle and look for grizzly bears along the shoreline, or bring a friend in a double kayak to discover the area. With its sheltered location and calm water, kayaking through Knight Inlet is perfect for those with limited kayaking experience. If you’ve never kayaked before, the lodge’s experienced guides can provide you with the fundamental skills necessary to hit the water. Drift peacefully in the cove and enjoy the scenery, search for bears and birds, and keep your eyes peeled for whales gliding in and out of the water nearby.