Autumn Grizzly Viewing

Sept-Oct

  • View grizzly bears fishing for salmon or feeding on berries
  • Experience BC’s ancient inland rainforest, the only such ecosystem in the world
  • Walk on trails used by black bears, moose, elk, wolves, beavers and cougars
  • Head out in tiny groups – typically 2 to 4 guests with an expert bear guide
  • Float down our wilderness river – see bald eagles diving for salmon
  • Optional hot tub or sauna right on the banks of our river
  • Drive to our lodge from Calgary, Vancouver, or Spokane in the US

Guided Grizzly Viewing in the Wild

In late September and October we view wild grizzly bears deep in their natural habitat.

Each day we head out into remote terrain walking on bear trails and following bear tracks in habitat little changed since the last Ice Age.

We often see bears – sometimes with cubs in tow – fishing for salmon in our wilderness river.

We will show you how to read tracks, rubs and tiny hair samples left on trees and explain how bears read the landscape they are moving through.

An Immersive Bear Experience

Grizzly-viewing at Wild Bear Lodge

The bear-viewing we offer is immersive. You will join an experienced guide in the wilderness with no physical barriers between you and the bears.

We are experts in interpreting bear behaviour and body language and it is this knowledge that allows us to walk with confidence around grizzly bears, even mums with cubs.

Our valley is little known and we have the only permit to view bears in our area. Often on our walks we don’t see another person all day.

In more than 15 years in operation and after many thousands of bear encounters we have a perfect safety record.

At Wild Bear Lodge we offer wild grizzly-viewing holidays led by a veteran wilderness guide

Float down a wilderness river

We will also take you on a float on one of BC’s most beautiful wilderness rivers offering a chance to watch the spawning salmon as well as bald eagles.

Some grizzly viewing operations use wildlife-viewing platforms that can seat a dozen or more guests at a time. Some draw in semi-tame bears with various forms of artificial or natural attractant.

What we offer is a wilder, more natural experience that is nevertheless extremely safe.

Our autumn grizzly viewing experiences are not designed for professional photographers.

Many guests do come away with excellent photographs (all the photos on this website are taken at or near the lodge) but the experience of viewing wildlife is always our priority.

Our Commitment to Safety

Grizzly-viewing on the river at Wild Bear Lodge

Safety is at the core of what we do. As well as being trained naturalists and certified bear guides, we are also trained in off-road driving, swift-water rescue (rafting guides only) and wilderness first aid.

Julius, your lead guide, has nearly two decade’s experience walking around wild bears and is one of the few guides in BC certified to train new guides.

Wild Bear Lodge is a member of the British Columbia Commercial Bear Viewing Association, an organisation which is responsible for promoting safe viewing and bear conservation.

Our holidays are not especially physically demanding. But you should be able to walk comfortably for a couple of hours at a time over uneven terrain.

Our age recommendation for the autumn is 14-75.

A typical itinerary in September-October

  • Day One: Arrive at Kaslo Hotel overlooking Kootenay Lake. Dinner.
  • Day Two: Breakfast. Transfer to Wild Bear Lodge in the morning. Introduction and a guided rainforest walk.
  • Day Three: A dawn walk through grizzly habitat. Float down our wilderness river – a chance to spot bears, bald eagles and the spawning salmon.
  • Day Four: Option of different walks along the river where grizzlies come to feed.
  • Day Five: Breakfast and departure.

Pricing & Availability

  • A four-night holiday at Wild Bear Lodge in Sept or Oct is priced at $4,480.
  • Our rates are in Canadian dollars, per person, and include all meals, drinks, accommodation and guided tours.
  • These prices are based on double occupancy .
  • They include a $100 donation to our conservation fund.
  • They do not include 5% tax, or optional gratuities.