Grizzly bears - Chilko Lake — Stephan Olivier Photography&Tours

Grizzly Bear Adventure Tour - Chilko Lake

Bear- Camp

Have you ever dreamed of photographing or viewing Grizzly bears up close in a pristine environment? Are you seeking for an adventure with breathtaking views over a lake surrounded by majestic mountains? Can you imagine finding and photographing wild Grizzly bears in this spectacular environment?

Join me in September as we explore the azure blue waters of Chilko Lake and river in the amazingly beautiful British Colombia. We will search for Wild Grizzly bears, bald eagles and other wildlife as they are feasting on salmon during the annual “salmon run”. Step out of your perched Safari-style tent with a fresh coffee in hand and be absolutely amazed by the stunning mountain and lake views.

We will use kayaks or jetboats on the lake and river to search for the feeding grizzlies and will position for the best photo opportunities possible. With only 3 guests per boat, you will have ample space for all your photography gear. At night back at the lodge, we will review some of the photos and talk about techniques and composition and how you can improve on them.

Not a die-hard photographer (yet)? Not a problem, we will explore your camera or cellphone together and you will learn tips or techniques that will instantly improve your photography.

Remote and spectacular, the Chilcotin Country of British Columbia remains largely undiscovered by outsiders. Chilko Lake lies at the heart of this vast and diverse region, flanked by the jagged, ice-etched Coast Range on the west and sage-covered plateaus on the east. The lake, a 55-mile-long alpine basin filled with clear glacial water, is our base for natural adventure on a scale rarely encountered.

Hungry for more adventure. No problem! Grab a kayak and paddle the blue glacial lake to your hearts content. Love Horses? Fantastic! Go for a ride on horseback as you explore the area. Love fishing? Perfect, what better way to wet the lines in some surreal scenery! Feeling a bit more fit? Embark on nature walks or explore bike paths from the Wilderness camp while keeping an eye out for other abundant wildlife that thrives in the Chilcotin.

What are you waiting for? Let’s Explore Wild Places together.

Highlights of the tour.

Take a scenic flight over the Coast Mountains to Williams Lake or fly direct to spectacular Chilko Lake (three flight options are available or drive in yourself)
Check into the waterfront Bear-Camp and get settled in deluxe safari style tents.
Be amazed by the abundance of grizzlies, black bears and eagles feasting on spawning salmon
Watch grizzlies feed on salmon below your deck and while on daily excursions
Explore the Coast Mountains, Chilko and Tatlayoko lakes by canoe, kayak, boat, horse and foot
Paddle and fish the breath-taking azure waters of Chilko River
Horseback ride in spectacular mountains
Hike or bike on paths enveloped by awe-inspiring mountains
Enjoy home-cooked meals and evening “feasts” paired with eclectic wines and craft beer
Unwind with a book, or do nothing but drink in the spectacular scenery.
Lots of fun, laughter and unforgettable adventures.
Wildlife photography in pure raw nature.

Book now for 2023

Tour information:

This tour is open to anyone 12 years and older.

Rates are based on double occupancy but single rate supplement can be discussed.

Date: September 2023

Size of group: 8 persons

Cost: To be announced

Payment: 25% non refundable deposit to secure your spot. Remainder is due 120 days before travel date.

Book now for 2023

No set schedule and can be as relaxing and flexible as you want it to be. Here is a sample of what it might look like.
Day one:
- Meet at Vancouver Airport. (it is highly recommended to be in Vancouver the night before to minimize delays etc as weather can be unpredictable this time of year especially flying in from other countries).
- Fly out to Chilko lodge in a private floatplane.
- After admiring the spectacular views from above and settling into your safari style tent a short orientation from the guides will follow.
- We will jump in a boat and search for our first grizzly bears that very same afternoon.
Day Two -Four
- We will rise early and enjoy the day break with a fresh cup of coffee.
- Before breakfast we will depart in either boats or kayaks in search of the feasting bears and spend quality time with them photographing form all kind of angles.
- Mid morning will be a good time to head back to camp for a hearty breakfast.
- After breakfast you can choose to partake in any of the activities listed (kayaking, hiking, paddle board, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding etc.) or just choose to relax on the deck in front of your room with a good book in hand.
- Bears can often be seen around the camp so wildlife viewing /photographing can continue without even lifting a finger.
- In the afternoon we will once again head out on boats or kayaks and search for more grizzlies or bald eagles feasting on the spawning salmon.
- After a delicious supper we can look through some of the days pictures and learn how to edit some of the photos or just learn new and different techniques.
Day Five:
- We will partake in one last bear viewing excursion and enjoy one last scrumptious breakfast before departing back to Vancouver. This will indeed be a sad moment after glorious few days in the wilderness. But with a heart full of happy memories and new lifelong friendships that have been made life truly feels good.
- Since we will arrive later in the afternoon and depending on the weather it is again recommended to possibly stay over in Vancouver to minimize delays to other travel plans.
- Experienced professional guides
- Accommodations at Bear Camp ( 5 days, 4 Nights)
- All meals and beverages from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 5
- All activities described in the itinerary
- Park fees and necessary permits
- Return flights on floatplane from Vancouver Airport
- Travel to and from Vancouver.
- Accommodation the night before or the night after. Please feel free to get in touch if you need me to arrange this for you.
- Tips or gratuities to guides.
- Meals not specified in the itinerary.
- No skills required. Just a passion for the great outdoors and a hunger for adventure.
Please find it hereT&C

FAQ

With a passion for the outdoors and a love of photography, I prefer to be away from big crowds. Therefor all my tours are small intimate tours and we concentrate on experiences in nature with sweeping vistas rather than city skylines. With my knowledge of wildlife and photography I can help you get the very best photos and experiences that will take your breath away.
Most certainly! Although we concentrate on photography you can be assured that you will still have a great time. Early mornings and late afternoon is typically when animals are the most active. So even as a non photographer you will be able to experience animal behaviour that a lot of folks never get to witness. If a cellphone is all you carry I can still guide you through basic tips and tricks to help you showcase your amazing holiday to your friends and family.
Yes it is very safe. We will not venture out on our own and will only use qualified professional guides that know the area. We are not there to disturb the bears in any way and will always strive to not interfere with their daily routines. We won't push the boundaries and will keep a safe distance from the bears at all time. Besides giving the bears space will result in much more natural looking images and experiences as you will be able to witness their everyday behaviour.
Yes all activities are included in the price and you can decide how and when to do them. If you get up in the morning and rather want to enjoy some peace and quite from your deck and don't feel like going out in search for bears just make sure to arrange that with myself or one of the guides at Bear-camp. Or maybe you want to go hiking or mountain biking or even horseback riding that is no problem and can be arranged. This is your holiday and you set the pace yourself. Just have fun is the main thing.