Grizzly Bears of the Wild
Grizzly Bears of the Wild: A First Nations Wildlife Journey into the Great Bear Rainforest
Discover the awe-inspiring wilderness of British Columbia while immersing yourself in First Nations culture, ecological stewardship, and Indigenous Protected Areas (IPCAs).
This transformative experience combines meaningful wildlife viewing, rich Indigenous history, and the opportunity to contribute directly to the preservation of vital ecosystems and cultural heritage.
Departing from Port McNeill or with an optional roundtrip shuttle from Port Hardy, this full-day adventure takes you through breathtaking coastal landscapes frequented by orcas, humpback whales, and other marine life. Venture into the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest, where pristine waterways and ancient forests provide a stunning backdrop for grizzly bear viewing.
Tour Highlights
- Grizzly Bear Viewing: Visit renowned bear-viewing locations like Knight Inlet, Bond Sound, or Thompson Sound, each offering unparalleled opportunities to observe grizzlies in their natural habitat. Learn about the cultural and ecological importance of grizzly bears from our knowledgeable Indigenous guides, who will ensure a safe and respectful distance for observation.
- Whale Watching and Marine Life: Traverse the rich waters of Blackfish Sound and the Broughton Archipelago, home to humpback whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, bald eagles, and more.
- Indigenous Protected Areas (IPCAs): Gain insight into the Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas established by First Nations to safeguard biodiversity, restore ecosystems, and uphold cultural practices tied to the land. Learn how these areas represent a collaborative approach to conservation, rooted in Indigenous knowledge and leadership.
- Indigenous Cultural Insights: Learn about the Kwakwaka’wakw peoples’ deep connection to the land, as guides weave cultural teachings throughout the journey.
- Salmon Restoration Projects: Discover the essential role of salmon in maintaining the ecosystem and hear about Sea Wolf Adventures’ salmon stewardship initiatives, which help restore wild salmon stocks vital to grizzlies, marine life, and Indigenous traditions.
- Support Sustainability and Culture: By participating in this tour, your contributions to cultural and salmon stewardship fees directly support ongoing conservation and community programs, including the protection of IPCAs
What will we see?
Travelling to our bear viewing areas is an important part of the day’s adventure, as we enjoy unparalleled access to our traditional territories and the communities where our owners and guides are honoured members. Pacific white-sided dolphins often dance alongside the bow of our boat, eagles soar overhead, and animals roam the shell-strewn beaches where ancient villages were once occupied by our people.
Sharing the cultural significance and histories behind the scenery, we make our way through waters favoured by migrating orcas and other awe-inspiring wildlife. Staying a safe and respectful distance from these majestic creatures, we’ll then visit grizzly bears in their home, where we also give the bears space to roam as nature intended.
Embark on an extraordinary journey into the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest, guided by our Indigenous Knowledge Keepers. Each day and season offers something new, and our route adapts to ensure you experience the best possible grizzly bear viewing. Travel in comfort through breathtaking landscapes and areas of cultural significance, such as Knight Inlet, Bond Sound, and Thompson Sound.
Your adventure begins with a two-hour boat journey from Port McNeill or the First Nations village of Alert Bay into the stunning territory of the Kwakwaka‘wakw peoples.
As you explore, listen to your guide’s Indigenous insights about the surrounding landscapes and learn about the rich history of the Kwakwaka‘wakw people, from ancient traditions to modern-day life.
Enjoy a locally sourced lunch before we journey back through the Broughton Archipelago and Blackfish Sound, where sightings of Pacific wildlife, including migrating humpback whales, often add a magical ending to the day.
Tour Info
- Grizzly Bears of the Wild tours last eight to nine hours and depart from our office at 1514 Broughton Blvd., Port McNeill on Northern Vancouver Island
- Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks are provided
- Tours have a minimum age of 10 years old. All passengers aged 18 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Please arrive 30 minutes before the tour’s 7:00 am departure time to sign a waiver. At the office, your guide will provide a safety briefing and an overview of the tour and area we will be exploring. The boat is docked a short (one-minute) walk from our office.
- Please dress warmly and wear sturdy footwear
- Plenty of wildlife photography opportunities are available but please do not bring tripods on board
- Bear viewing locations may change, without notice, to provide you the best opportunity to see grizzlies.
Searching Availability...
Tour Length: 8 to 9 hours
Group size: Three people minimum. Twelve people maximum
Minimum age: 10 years old.
Departs: Meet at our office 30 minutes before your tour’s departure time, 1514 Broughton Blvd, Port McNeill. Click here for directions.
May 17 through Sepember 24 – daily departures at 7:00 am
September 25 to October 13 – daily departeres at 7:30 am
What’s included:
- Boat transportation
- Naturalist Aboriginal guides
- Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks
- Binoculars
- Rain ponchos
What should you bring?
Guests joining our grizzly tours must come prepared with proper footwear and clothing (darker clothing preferred).
We provide everything you need to enjoy the day, but here are some extras you may want to consider bringing:
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellant
- Medication (if needed)
- Hats (toques or beanies) and sun hats
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Breathable, non-cotton clothing is recommended, but not essential
- Good, sturdy footwear
The wild salmon decline in recent decades has been a wake-up call. Through salmon enhancement projects and careful stewardship, we are working to rebuild their stocks, ensuring they continue to thrive for future generations. As we share these efforts with our guests, we aim to inspire a deeper understanding of the importance of wild salmon, not only to our people but to the health of the entire planet. How would wildlife viewing tourism do without wild salmon? #salmonislife #wildsalmon #fishsandwiches #smokedfish #yusa #rivers #sustainability #salmonprotection #seawolfadventures 📸 @dolfvermeulen
The wild salmon decline in recent decades has been a wake-up call. Through salmon enhancement projects and careful stewardship, we are working to rebuild their stocks, ensuring they continue to thrive for future generations. As we share these efforts with our guests, we aim to inspire a deeper understanding of the importance of wild salmon, not only to our people but to the health of the entire planet. How would wildlife viewing tourism do without wild salmon? #salmonislife #wildsalmon #fishsandwiches #smokedfish #yusa #rivers #sustainability #salmonprotection #seawolfadventures 📸 @dolfvermeulen
Honoring Salmon and the First Nations Who Protect Them. Salmon is life. It sustains the land, the waters, and all who depend on them. For countless generations, First Nations have stood as guardians of this sacred lifeblood, fighting tirelessly for the survival of our wild salmon.
Their efforts have not only protected a vital species but preserved the balance of entire ecosystems. Through their wisdom, resilience, and connection to these lands and waters, they remind us that salmon is more than sustenance—it is culture, identity, and tradition.
We honor the First Nations who have carried this fight, safeguarding the future of wild salmon for all species and all people. Their legacy inspires us to continue the work of stewardship and ensure that salmon, the lifeblood of these territories, continues to thrive.
With gratitude and respect, we pay tribute to our chiefs and matriarchs for enduring commitment to salmon, to life, and to the land. Salmon Is Life! #salmonislife #seawolfadventures #protection #salmonstewardship #salmonwarriors Music by @garrettwilliemusic
Honoring Salmon and the First Nations Who Protect Them. Salmon is life. It sustains the land, the waters, and all who depend on them. For countless generations, First Nations have stood as guardians of this sacred lifeblood, fighting tirelessly for the survival of our wild salmon.
Their efforts have not only protected a vital species but preserved the balance of entire ecosystems. Through their wisdom, resilience, and connection to these lands and waters, they remind us that salmon is more than sustenance—it is culture, identity, and tradition.
We honor the First Nations who have carried this fight, safeguarding the future of wild salmon for all species and all people. Their legacy inspires us to continue the work of stewardship and ensure that salmon, the lifeblood of these territories, continues to thrive.
With gratitude and respect, we pay tribute to our chiefs and matriarchs for enduring commitment to salmon, to life, and to the land. Salmon Is Life! #salmonislife #seawolfadventures #protection #salmonstewardship #salmonwarriors Music by @garrettwilliemusic
Repost from @garrettwilliemusic
•
JUST ANNOUNCED: The Holiday Willie Warmer on December 20 in Victoria, BC at @capitalballrm with @trophydadmusic2.0 🎅🏽🤘🏼
Pre-sale is tomorrow at 10am PT! Use code: WARMER.
Public on sale on Friday at 10am PT.
🤲🏽$1 from every ticket will be donated to @vnfccommunications.
Come out & celebrate the holidays with us!
Big thanks to @seawolfadventures for the support.
Repost from @garrettwilliemusic
•
JUST ANNOUNCED: The Holiday Willie Warmer on December 20 in Victoria, BC at @capitalballrm with @trophydadmusic2.0 🎅🏽🤘🏼
Pre-sale is tomorrow at 10am PT! Use code: WARMER.
Public on sale on Friday at 10am PT.
🤲🏽$1 from every ticket will be donated to @vnfccommunications.
Come out & celebrate the holidays with us!
Big thanks to @seawolfadventures for the support.
The calm waters reflect the boat, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere, and the mountainous background fades into mist, adding to the mystery and beauty of the scene. This image embodies the essence of our tours — connecting with the natural world in a respectful, peaceful manner, while learning and appreciating the significance of these lands and waters to the Musgamakw Dzawada’enuxw people. #seawolfadventures #swa #traveltruthbeauty #gonorthisland #indigenousbc #musgamakwdzawadaenuxw
The calm waters reflect the boat, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere, and the mountainous background fades into mist, adding to the mystery and beauty of the scene. This image embodies the essence of our tours — connecting with the natural world in a respectful, peaceful manner, while learning and appreciating the significance of these lands and waters to the Musgamakw Dzawada’enuxw people. #seawolfadventures #swa #traveltruthbeauty #gonorthisland #indigenousbc #musgamakwdzawadaenuxw
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our friends and guests, both from around the world and locally, for supporting our Indigenous-owned company throughout the 2024 season. It has been our honor and privilege to share the beauty of our territories and waters with you. We are deeply grateful for the return of the wild salmon this year, which holds special significance for us, our culture, and the health of our ecosystems! #seawolfadventures #traveltruthbeauty #swa #seasonwrap #gonorthisland #indigenousbc 📸 @dolfvermeulen
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our friends and guests, both from around the world and locally, for supporting our Indigenous-owned company throughout the 2024 season. It has been our honor and privilege to share the beauty of our territories and waters with you. We are deeply grateful for the return of the wild salmon this year, which holds special significance for us, our culture, and the health of our ecosystems! #seawolfadventures #traveltruthbeauty #swa #seasonwrap #gonorthisland #indigenousbc 📸 @dolfvermeulen
Tribal leaders in California recently gathered to discuss the possibility of reintroducing the grizzly bear, marking 100 years since the last of these magnificent and spiritual beings was seen in the state. Once abundant throughout California, grizzlies were hunted to extinction by the early 20th century. The meeting emphasized the cultural significance of the grizzly bear to Indigenous peoples and the importance of restoring balance to ecosystems. Leaders expressed a desire to heal the land and reconnect with the animals that once roamed their territories, exploring ways to bring the grizzly back to its rightful place in California’s wilderness. The @grizzlybearfdn were brought in as lead advisers to share our knowledge with our brothers and sisters! We also got to meet an indigenous powerhouse @indigenouswomenhike woman and invited her up to our territory for a grizzly bear experience. Also got to meet @devlin_gandy, who’s now a brother! @seawolfadventures got share what we do and how we connect to the grizzly through our experiences in our territories! #californiagrizzlybear #triballeaders #grizzlybearhealing #grizzlybearleadership #grizzlybearterritory
Tribal leaders in California recently gathered to discuss the possibility of reintroducing the grizzly bear, marking 100 years since the last of these magnificent and spiritual beings was seen in the state. Once abundant throughout California, grizzlies were hunted to extinction by the early 20th century. The meeting emphasized the cultural significance of the grizzly bear to Indigenous peoples and the importance of restoring balance to ecosystems. Leaders expressed a desire to heal the land and reconnect with the animals that once roamed their territories, exploring ways to bring the grizzly back to its rightful place in California’s wilderness. The @grizzlybearfdn were brought in as lead advisers to share our knowledge with our brothers and sisters! We also got to meet an indigenous powerhouse @indigenouswomenhike woman and invited her up to our territory for a grizzly bear experience. Also got to meet @devlin_gandy, who’s now a brother! @seawolfadventures got share what we do and how we connect to the grizzly through our experiences in our territories! #californiagrizzlybear #triballeaders #grizzlybearhealing #grizzlybearleadership #grizzlybearterritory
📸 @gatu04
Can language revitalization be incorporated on boats? Yes it can! Language revitalization is essential for First Nations as it connects people to their culture, heritage, and identity. In today’s world, it serves as a powerful act of reclaiming history, restoring cultural pride, and strengthening communities. Revitalizing Indigenous languages is not just about preserving words; it’s about preserving knowledge, values, and worldviews that have shaped these communities for generations. As languages come back to life, they foster resilience, healing, and a deeper connection to the land, offering a path forward in a world that urgently needs diverse voices and perspectives. Take a look at our leading language revitalization organization @nawalakwhealingsociety! #seawolfadventures #swa #traveltruthbeauty #language #languagerevitalization #paradigms #nawalakwhealingsociety 📸-@dolfvermeulen
Can language revitalization be incorporated on boats? Yes it can! Language revitalization is essential for First Nations as it connects people to their culture, heritage, and identity. In today’s world, it serves as a powerful act of reclaiming history, restoring cultural pride, and strengthening communities. Revitalizing Indigenous languages is not just about preserving words; it’s about preserving knowledge, values, and worldviews that have shaped these communities for generations. As languages come back to life, they foster resilience, healing, and a deeper connection to the land, offering a path forward in a world that urgently needs diverse voices and perspectives. Take a look at our leading language revitalization organization @nawalakwhealingsociety! #seawolfadventures #swa #traveltruthbeauty #language #languagerevitalization #paradigms #nawalakwhealingsociety 📸-@dolfvermeulen
We can learn a lot from our furry friends in knowing what they have to go through. #seawolfadventures #swa #grizzlybear #gonorthisland #patience
We can learn a lot from our furry friends in knowing what they have to go through. #seawolfadventures #swa #grizzlybear #gonorthisland #patience
He’s back! #seawolfadventures #swa #traveltruthbeauty #gonorthisland
A fine reel from one of our guests!
#Repost @bcoutdoorsmagazine
・・・
Some encouraging news for Salmon populations in BC courtesy of the talented @rolfhickerphotography
“The removal of fish farms has greatly impacted our bears in the Great Bear Rainforest.
Back in 2019, my photos highlighted the heartbreaking sight of starving bears due to a lack of salmon.
Yesterday, I had the incredible opportunity to join @seawolfadventures and visit X̱a̱ḵwika̱n in the Traditional Territories of the Kwakwaka’wakw People.
Seeing salmon leaping over waterfalls and grizzly bears enjoying a feast was a sight I hadn’t witnessed in years.
A huge thank you to Sherry and Alan for showing us the remarkable return of salmon and the healthier bears that come with it. 🙌
But our work isn’t done. Fish farms still operate around Knight Inlet, and the government has extended their “fade out period” for another 5 years. We need to act quickly—our bears might don’t have that much time left! 🕰️💪”
#bcoutdoorsmagazine
#Repost @bcoutdoorsmagazine
・・・
Some encouraging news for Salmon populations in BC courtesy of the talented @rolfhickerphotography
“The removal of fish farms has greatly impacted our bears in the Great Bear Rainforest.
Back in 2019, my photos highlighted the heartbreaking sight of starving bears due to a lack of salmon.
Yesterday, I had the incredible opportunity to join @seawolfadventures and visit X̱a̱ḵwika̱n in the Traditional Territories of the Kwakwaka’wakw People.
Seeing salmon leaping over waterfalls and grizzly bears enjoying a feast was a sight I hadn’t witnessed in years.
A huge thank you to Sherry and Alan for showing us the remarkable return of salmon and the healthier bears that come with it. 🙌
But our work isn’t done. Fish farms still operate around Knight Inlet, and the government has extended their “fade out period” for another 5 years. We need to act quickly—our bears might don’t have that much time left! 🕰️💪”
#bcoutdoorsmagazine