Grizzly Bear Watching Guide by Natural World Safaris

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO GRIZZLY BEAR WATCHING

A LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE

a world of natural wonders

From the rugged peaks of Alaska, to the sedge meadows of the remote Bella Coola Valley and the icy wilderness of the sub-arctic Yukon; the grizzly bears of the American far-north are a source of both fear and fascination. Between the months of June and September, these impressive beasts emerge from hibernation and can be seen fishing, foraging and fighting for dominance along the shorelines of rivers teaming with spawning salmon. Whether you want to capture the remarkable natural phenomenon of the ‘ice grizzlies’ on camera, or track the elusive spirit bear in the ancient Great Bear Rainforest, the opportunities for adventure are limitless. At first glance, when scanning the internet or looking through websites, it is often difficult to see the difference between what various operators are offering and the quality of the product. To cut to the chase, we have therefore outlined here what we do and why we do it in the hope that this will help you to ascertain what separates us out from the rest. We are specialists. Yes, a lot of people say this these days! At Natural World Safaris however, we truly specialise in the natural world. We do NOT offer the world as a whole and we do NOT offer everything from safaris and beaches to villas and skiing holidays. We are: Niche. Wildlife. Specialists. Right Place, Right Time. On all occasions, this is the ethos that we adhere to. We are not led by commissions or loyalties, we tailor your holiday to maximise your return on your investment and to ensure that you see as much as possible throughout your journey. On occasions this may mean you are in basic tented accommodation, and on others you may be staying in the most expensive property in the country – wherever we put you, we endeavour to ensure that you are in the right place at the right time in order to see as much as possible. Local knowledge and expertise. Our specialists have either lived or worked in the destinations that they sell! This intimate level of knowledge and expertise is essential in tailoring your perfect journey of a lifetime and ensuring that you truly benefit from experiencing everything the destination has to offer. Whilst we are never the cheapest, it pays to pay that little bit extra in order to rest assured that you are being given the best service possible at all times.

WWW.NATURALWORLDSAFARIS.COM | SALES@NATURALWORLDSAFARIS.COM | UK: +44 (0)1273 691 642 | US: 1866 357 6569 | AU 1800 668 890

THE BEST SPOTS FOR GRIZZLY BEAR EXPERIENCES WHAT’S ON THE MAP

ALASKA

Our grizzly bear experiences focus on Alaska and Canada in North America. Here you can experience a huge variety of activities as you scout for some of the most impressive mammals that roam the earth; from walking with grizzly bears in Alaska, to visiting the ice-grizzlies of the Yukon, helicopter flights, private planes, and more.

4. DENALI NATIONAL PARK

Some of our safaris can focus solely on seeing the bears if you so choose, but each of the locations below has something unique and special to offer alongside this. We’ve delved into a little more detail on some of our favourite areas on the following pages.

This is one of the best spots in Alaska to see grizzly bears during the salmon run. Grizzlies pepper the rivers and their banks, swiping salmon from the bubbling rivers, play fighting, and foraging. Wildlife is free and unfenced, and you can also see wolves, caribou and more.

5. GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK 4 6 7

CANADA

A glacier encrusted landscape that spans 3.3 million acres. This is an excellent place to explore; from hiking and kayaking, to watching grizzlies roam the shores, and even spotting whales! Glaciers crashing into the water often break the peace of the park, where no motorised boats are allowed.

8 5

6. KATMAI NATIONAL PARK

1. BELLA COOLA VALLEY A haven for natural world experiences, Bella Coola is a dramatic sweeping landscape with a history dating back over 10,000 years. It is a fascinating cultural area, as well as an excellent place to head as salmon spawn the rivers, drawing the grizzlies to the river banks. Read more on page 8.

2 1

A stunning wilderness, Katmai National Park is home to some of the best bear viewing. Watch them from the riverbanks or viewing platforms, or even float among them down the rivers. The park is excellent for grizzlies, as well as moose, caribou, red fox, and numerous whale species. Read more on page 6.

2. GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST

7. KODIAK ISLAND

This ancient forest is home not only to grizzly bears, but also black bears and the very elusive spirit bears. There are endless opportunities for adventure here, and due to how remote it is, the wildlife here has little fear of us humans. Exploring via a small ship is one of the best options here.

Kodiak Island is home to the largest grizzly bears on Earth the Kodiak grizzlies. This is the place to go for photographers as you can track the bears on foot, getting within just a few metres. The wild landscape is also home to mountain goat, muskrat and red squirrel. Read more on page 12.

3. SUB-ARCTIC YUKON

8. WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NATIONAL PARK

For just a few weeks per year, the grizzly bears here become ‘the ice grizzlies’. Water in their fur freezes causing white dreadlocks to form. As something few people know about, even fewer people get to experience this natural phenomenon, making this a very exclusive experience. Read more on page 10.

Our focus here is at the stunning Ultima Thule Lodge. Experiences include picnics on untouched glaciers, hiking, access to a private jet and, of course, grizzly bear watching. This is a very remote place to go, a real once in a lifetime experience that we can wholly recommend.

WWW.NATURALWORLDSAFARIS.COM | SALES@NATURALWORLDSAFARIS.COM | UK: +44 (0)1273 691 642 | US: 1866 357 6569 | AU 1800 668 890

KATMAI NATIONAL PARK, ALASKA

A stunning wilderness of snow-capped peaks, Katmai National Park in the far reaches of Alaska is the best place to go to see some of the biggest, baddest grizzlies around. © Eric Rock

These huge bears are predominantly in action between the months of May through to September. The earlier months of June and July find the bears out in the meadows with their young and enjoying the sedge grass. The later months, from July onwards, is when the salmon start to come in, the bears move into the rivers and the fishing commences! All seasons bring a hive of activity as mothers protect cubs from encroaching males, individuals fight over the best fishing spots and ever-wary wolf packs skirt the fringes on the lookout for the odd piece of stray salmon.

WHERE TO STAY: M/V URSUS Often referred to as the ‘Grizzly Cruiser’, the M/V Ursus is a simple yet brilliant vessel that explores the estuaries and waterways of Katmai, putting you in the right place to maximise your bear viewing. A former crab fishing boat, it has been fully refurbished with comfortable lodgings, a state-of-the-art navigation system and even a small library.

WHEN TO GO June to September. WWW.NATURALWORLDSAFARIS.COM | SALES@NATURALWORLDSAFARIS.COM | UK: +44 (0)1273 691 642 | US: 1866 357 6569 | AU 1800 668 890

KATMAI IS ONE OF OUR FAVOURITE SPOTS FOR WATCHING THE HUGE GRIZZLIES, HERE YOU CAN ACTUALLY WALK AMONG THEM!

BELLA COOLA, CANADA

For a more laid back approach to bear viewing, the wonderfully inaccessible Bella Coola Valley offers true outback authenticity, with the village population being outnumbered by the resident brown and black bears! Bear viewing here focuses on the months of August and September and is geared around either ‘bear viewing platforms’ or drift boat viewing. The latter involves sitting with your guide in a comfortable tin boat and slowly drifting for a few hours down the river, passing fishing bears along the way; mothers with cubs or big grumpy sows. For those wishing to maximise their photography, your guide can ‘drop anchor’ to steady your boat whilst you take photos of your grizzly subject. Aside from grizzlies, Bella Coola offers a chance to experience one of the locals’ fish smokeries, an educational visit to one of the smallest and most fascinating museums of Canada, and helicopter flights over the stunning glaciated peaks of the surrounding mountains.

WHERE TO STAY: TWEEDSMUIR LODGE Located a few miles outside of the town itself, it sits on the banks of the river and often has grizzlies grazing on the lawn. Under the watchful eye of your local guide, you can wander down to the river’s edge to check out the action, or make use of the hot tub. Cabins are exceedingly cosy and provide the perfect place to rest up following a day out grizzly tracking. With delicious homemade food too, Tweedsmuir is a hard place to leave!

WHEN TO GO June to September. WWW.NATURALWORLDSAFARIS.COM | SALES@NATURALWORLDSAFARIS.COM | UK: +44 (0)1273 691 642 | US: 1866 357 6569 | AU 1800 668 890

AN EXCELLENT PLACE FOR VIEWING GRIZZLIES AND EMBARKING ON A WHOLE HOST OF ADVENTURES, ON THE LAND AND IN THE RIVER.

NORTHERN YUKON, CANADA

Located in the far-flung wilds of north-western Canada, the ice grizzlies of the Yukon are an exceptionally rare and exceedingly popular sight which can only be experienced for a few weeks of the year. © Phil Timpany

Thermal waters result in local rivers continuing to flow as winter arrives and as the salmon make their annual migration upstream. This results in 50+ grizzlies congregating in the region to make the most of some of the only free flowing waters left. The ice grizzly name stems from our ursine friends submerging themselves in the thermal waters, emerging with salmon in their teeth into the freezing cold air and turning their once shaggy heads into icy dreadlocks.

WHERE TO STAY: BEAR CAVE MOUNTAIN CAMP Throughout your time here you stay in the basic but comfy Bear Cave Mountain Camp, providing you with the best chance of experiencing the ice grizzlies up close and personal. No five star set up, but clean and comfy and the perfect base from which to admire the northern lights following a day of grizzly action! With a maximum of four clients and accessible only by helicopter, you can be assured of a truly unique stay.

WHEN TO GO This experience is only possible for a short two to four week period over the months of October and November and is in high demand (you need to book at least two years in advance) with photographers and bear enthusiasts alike. WWW.NATURALWORLDSAFARIS.COM | SALES@NATURALWORLDSAFARIS.COM | UK: +44 (0)1273 691 642 | US: 1866 357 6569 | AU 1800 668 890

EXPERIENCING THE UNIQUE ICEGRIZZLIES IS A REAL ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE, AFFORDED TO VERY FEW PEOPLE EACH YEAR...

KODIAK ISLAND, ALASKA

Mountainous and heavily forested, Kodiak Island has attracted some fantastic wildlife and is renowned for its very own Kodiak bears, the largest found anywhere in the world. The second largest island in the USA, Kodiak Island was once encased in glaciers, resulting in a unique landscape of majestic jagged peaks, wide valleys and fjord-like bays. Two-thirds of the island is now covered by the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, home to around 3,000 Kodiak bears, which - along with the polar bear - is the largest bear in the world, reaching up to 10 feet in height standing on their hind legs. As well as the fascinating wildlife species here, which also includes several species of whale, sea otters and sea lions, the Kodiak archipelago is rich in cultural history, with the native Alutiiq people having lived on the islands for almost 7,000 years.

WHERE TO STAY: BEST WESTERN KODIAK INN At the cosy Best Western Kodiak Inn you will find fantastic hospitality from very friendly staff, welcoming and spacious accommodations, and a multitude of hotel amenities, from the Alaskan hot tub to the onsite restaurant, providing a perfect gateway to the island and the Kodiak bears.

WHEN TO GO June to September. WWW.NATURALWORLDSAFARIS.COM | SALES@NATURALWORLDSAFARIS.COM | UK: +44 (0)1273 691 642 | US: 1866 357 6569 | AU 1800 668 890

ÂŠ Marion Owen

THE KODIAK ISLAND GRIZZLIES ARE THE LARGEST IN THE WORLD, AND CAN BE SEEN HERE IN STUNNING NATURAL LANDSCAPES.

Fun grizzly bear facts We love grizzly bears; they’re an inspiring animal, especially when you see them in the wild. Here are a few of our favourite grizzly bear facts! •

Grizzly bears can stand as tall as 2.5 metres and weigh up to 360 kilograms. • Grizzly bears are omnivores eating fruit, nuts, leaves, roots, fungi, insects, salmon, fish, rodents, sheep and elk. • During hibernation, a grizzly bears heartbeat slows from 40 beats per minute to just eight. They also do not go to the bathroom during these months! • Pregnant grizzly bears give birth in their sleep!

WWW.NATURALWORLDSAFARIS.COM | SALES@NATURALWORLDSAFARIS.COM | UK: +44 (0)1273 691 642 | US: 1866 357 6569 | AU 1800 668 890

BEST TIME TO SEE GRIZZLIES IN THE WILD

HOW MANY WILD GRIZZLIES ARE LEFT? This is a tricky question as there are various ‘sub-species’ of grizzly bear. In general though, grizzly bears form one of the stronger populations of bear species left on our planet, and in some areas their populations are even increasing. In Canada there are assumed to be approximately 25,000 grizzlies spanning the region from British Columbia to Manitoba, whereas in Alaska populations are estimated in the region of 30,000.

The best time for grizzly bear viewing does depend hugely on where you are going and also what you wish to see.

WHEN TO SEE GRIZZLY BEARS As a general rule of thumb, any time between June and September is best for seeing the bears. The earlier months of June and July generally see the grizzlies in the sedge grasses (meadows) where they are grazing and often have their newborn youngsters in tow. This can cause for some feisty encounters as the big males also emerge and start showing interest in the fresh-faced females! Later in the season (July to September) the

salmon run comes in and the bears begin to claim their river spots to ensure the best fishing rights. This is a frenetic time as huge grizzlies fight to prove their dominance and stake their claim on the best salmon fishing locations.

AND FOR THE ICE GRIZZLIES? When it comes to the ice grizzlies, the time period is slim with literally only a few weeks that will offer you the opportunity to photograph these icy dreadlocked beasts. Early to mid-October usually provide the best weeks, however, it is important to remember that wildlife is unpredictable so nothing can be guaranteed!

FOR THE MAJORITY OF GRIZZLY BEAR EXPERIENCES, YOU NEED TO TRAVEL BETWEEN JUNE AND SEPTEMBER. OUTSIDE OF THESE MONTHS THE BEARS HIBERNATE.

WWW.NATURALWORLDSAFARIS.COM | SALES@NATURALWORLDSAFARIS.COM | UK: +44 (0)1273 691 642 | US: 1866 357 6569 | AU 1800 668 890

ACCOMMODATION M/V Ursus

KODIAK BEAR TOUR

BELLA COOLA EXPLORER

A thrilling 8 day bear watching safari - from £6,495 per person sharing, excluding international flights.

A lovely tailor-made 6 day trip to explore the Bella Coola Valley - from £3,065 per person sharing, excluding international flights.

What makes this trip extraordinary? • • • •

“A SPECIALIST-LED TRIP TO SEE THE WORLD’S LARGEST GRIZZLIES, IN THE STUNNING NATURAL SURROUNDINGS OF KATMAI NATIONAL PARK.”

Ability to navigate the estuaries and waterways of Katmai National Park, allowing up-close bear encounters on the ‘grizzly cruiser’. Explore Katmai National Park and witness grizzly bears on foot. Potential of seeing grizzly bears in massive numbers. Visit Kodiak island, home to the largest grizzly bears in the world, and discover the islands’ native and Russian heritage.

The experience Discover the Alaskan wilderness as you search for the largest grizzly bears in the world. Rivers bubble with spawning salmon as grizzlies swipe them from mid-air with their powerful jaws. Bears pepper the shorelines; fishing, foraging, playing and fighting. On this incredible trip you explore rocky coves and vibrant coasts on Kodiak Island and in Katmai National Park, travelling via private boat trips, cruisers and even on foot, walking among the magnificent Ursus arctos.

Tweedsmuir Park Lodge

What makes this trip extraordinary? • • •

•

“SPEND TIME WITH THE GRIZZLIES OF THE BELLA COOLA VALLEY, ENJOY HELICOPTER FLIGHTS OVER GLACIATED VALLEYS AND HOME COOKED FOOD.”

Explore isolated and wildlife-rich locations via helicopter. Drift down the Atnarko River as grizzly bears swipe salmon from the water’s edge and eagles circle ahead. Venture through Bella Coola Valley, which is home to the world’s highest concentration of grizzly bears in North America. Stay at the wonderful Tweedsmuir Park Lodge and dine on locally sourced cuisine.

The experience The perfect week away for a family looking for some adventure or a couple looking to experience the Canadian wilderness. Lodging at the wonderful Tweedsmuir Park Lodge with great wines and home cooked food, you set out each day on a variety of excursions from drifting down the river watching grizzly bears as they fish, scenic helicopter flights over the glaciated valleys, nature walks through the forests or just soaking in the hot tub.

TRIP DETAILS

This is a tailor-made trip which can be amended to suit your preferences and budget.

This is a small group safari departing on set dates. For more details, give us a call: UK Office: +44 (0) 1273 691 642 US Toll Free: 1866 357 6569

ACCOMMODATION

Best time to travel: June to September. Style: Small group safari departing on set dates between June and August. Get in touch for departure dates.

WWW.NATURALWORLDSAFARIS.COM | SALES@NATURALWORLDSAFARIS.COM | UK: +44 (0)1273 691 642 | US: 1866 357 6569 | AU 1800 668 890

For more details, give us a call: UK Office: +44 (0) 1273 691 642 US Toll Free: 1866 357 6569

Best time to travel: May to September. Style: Tailor-made safari to suit your specific requirements.

GRIZZLY BEARS & WHALES ACCOMMODATION Middle Beach Lodge

An 11 day grizzly bear & whale self-drive safari in British Colombia from £3,225 per person sharing, excluding international flights.

What makes this trip extraordinary? • • • •

Come face to face with the magnificent grizzly bears. Stunning scenic drives across the beautiful Vancouver Island. Witness black bears on Vancouver Island. Watching orcas, grey whales, minke whales, harbour seals and other marine wildlife.

ACCOMMODATION Bear Cave Mountain Camp

An extraordinary self-drive journey across Vancouver Island in search of grizzlies, black bears and whales. Your safari begins in Vancouver before a drive takes you up to the Campbell River, the gateway to Knight Inlet, a wild and remote area of the Pacific Northwest home to one of the largest concentrations of grizzly bears in North America. Further drives take you to the coastal towns of Tofino and Victoria, where boat safaris along Vancouver Island’s coast bring you into contact with black bears, orcas, and resident grey whales. A combination of remote wildlife lodges, coastal resorts and city hotels with stunning scenic drives make this a wildlife safari that you’ll never forget.

TRIP DETAILS

What makes this trip extraordinary? • • • •

On the ground encounters with the Yukon’s ice grizzlies. Incredible photographic and videography opportunities. Possible sightings of moose, wolves, caribou and even wolverines. Experience first-hand a unique natural phenomenon.

“THIS UNIQUE ADVENTURE BRINGS YOU FACE TO FACE WITH ICICLE-CLAD BEARS IN A NATURAL PHENOMENON FOUND NOWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD.”

The sub-Arctic region of the Yukon is an area of pristine wilderness which has to be seen to be believed. From mid-September, chum salmon make their way upriver to spawn. Thermal springs below the river allow the water to flow throughout the year without freezing. From early to mid-October winter conditions set in and the wet fur on hunting grizzlies freezes in the frosty atmosphere, creating a natural event unseen anywhere else in the world - these are the Yukon’s ice bears! Experience this remote wilderness in basic, but extremely comfortable accommodation. With only four people allowed to visit at a time, it feels like you have the bears all to yourself.

TRIP DETAILS

This is a tailor-made trip which can be amended to suit your preferences and budget. For more details, give us a call: UK Office: +44 (0) 1273 691 642 US Toll Free: 1866 357 6569

A 12 day adventure into the sub-Arctic in search of ice grizzlies - from £9,995 per person sharing, excluding international flights.

The experience

“SEARCH FOR GRIZZLY BEARS, BLACK BEARS, ORCAS AND A WIDE RANGE OF OTHER WILDLIFE ON THIS SELF-DRIVING ADVENTURE.”

ICE GRIZZLIES OF YUKON

This is a small group safari departing on set dates.

Best time to travel: June to October. Style: Self-drive safari, tailor-made to suit your specific requirements.

WWW.NATURALWORLDSAFARIS.COM | SALES@NATURALWORLDSAFARIS.COM | UK: +44 (0)1273 691 642 | US: 1866 357 6569 | AU 1800 668 890

For more details, give us a call: UK Office: +44 (0) 1273 691 642 US Toll Free: 1866 357 6569

Best time to travel: September to November. Style: Small group safari departing on set dates between September and November. Get in touch for departure dates.

The next step Contact our team of grizzly bear safari specialists and design your very own journey into the extraordinary.

MIXING UP YOUR GRIZZLY BEAR SAFARI One of the best ways to explore the domain of our grizzly friends is on a self-drive trip. This means you can travel at your leisure (we can tailor the itinerary for you prior to departure) and you make your way from property to property along the way. In this way, you can see as much or as little as you wish of the Canadian wilderness and can take your time to soak up your surroundings. It may be that some of your â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;self-driveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; actually involves local charter flights or boats to access the more remote properties. One thing for sure, however, is that you have the freedom to explore at will, but the reassurance of knowing that all of your accommodation, activities, etc. are all booked in advance. Some of our favourite properties to consider for such a trip include:

Brooks Falls Lodge

Knight Inlet Lodge

Clayoquot Wilderness Resort

Located at the heart of Katmai National Park, Brooks Falls Lodge puts you as close to the wildlife as possible. Originally opened as a fishing camp, this area attracts up to 50 grizzly bears during salmon spawning season, which you can watch from viewing platforms set up all along the river.

This scenic floating lodge offers comfortable and cosy cabins, an outdoor hot tub and prime bear viewing experiences. It is ideally situated in Glendale Cove, home to one of the largest concentrations of grizzly bears in British Columbia, and surrounded by dramatic snowpeaked mountains.

Wonderfully remote and luxurious, this tented resort can only be accessed via a 45 minute seaplane from Vancouver. Ideal for honeymoons as well as families, guests of any age will enjoy the myriad of activities, whether you want to track bears in the wild, try ice fishing or even a spot of surfing.

WWW.NATURALWORLDSAFARIS.COM | SALES@NATURALWORLDSAFARIS.COM | UK: +44 (0)1273 691 642 | US: 1866 357 6569 | AU 1800 668 890

Call from UK +44(0)1273 691 642 Toll Free from US 1866 357 6569 Toll Free from Australia 1800 66 8890 Email sales@naturalworldsafaris.com