Remote and Pristine, the Khutzeymateen
Lead Scientist Cate Collins shares what makes the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary such a magical place to visit.
Home to the densest population of grizzly bears in North America, the Khutzeymateen – also known as the “Valley of the Grizzly” – is the ultimate destination for seeing these legendary giants in their natural habitat. Here, rugged glacier-capped peaks rise 2100 meters above sea level, and they tower over old-growth Sitka spruce forests and wetlands that provide important feeding and mating grounds for the grizzly bears.
The spectacular Khutzeymateen valley.
Where is the Valley of the Grizzly?
Located on British Columbia’s northern coastline, the Khutzeymateen Inlet is nestled between the Coast Mountains, just south of the southeastern tip of Alaska. This remote inlet lies within the traditional territory of the Tsimshian Nations. From Prince Rupert, the Khutzeymateen Valley is around 45 km northeast along the rugged BC coastline. Accessible only by air or boat, this pristine valley has been protected as an important grizzly bear habitat for over 30 years.
The Khutzeymateen Park, northeast of Prince Rupert, as shown on the BC Parks map. Explore the map here: Khutzeymateen Park.
Protecting the Khutzeymateen
In 1994, the B.C. government and the Tsimshian first nation came to an agreement to protect the Khutzeymateen as crucial grizzly bear habitat. This landmark decision marked the first area in Canada to be protected specifically for grizzlies. This protection has played a major role in ensuring a thriving population of grizzly bears continue to roam among the old-growth Sitka spruce forests and undisturbed river estuary. In 2008, an additional agreement was made to protect the Khutzeymateen Inlet that leads to the Khutzeymateen Valley, as it also provides key habitat for the grizzlies.
Guests aboard the 72-foot catamaran observing wildlife on the shores of the Khutzeymateen valley.
Seeing the grizzlies
Surrounded by rugged peaks and ancient Sitka spruce rainforests, the grizzly bears make their way to the shoreline to graze on sedge grass and mussels during low tide. In the spring, they emerge from their dens after a long winter of hibernation and descend into the estuary to feed. This is a prime time to see mothers with their cubs, as well as large boars in search of food and mates.
While grizzlies are the main focus of our 1-Day Grizzly Bear Tours, the journey also offers plenty of opportunities to spot an abundance of marine wildlife during the 7-hour guided tour aboard a catamaran. From bald eagles and blue herons soaring in the skies, to orcas, humpback whales, and porpoises swimming in the seas, to seals and sea lions sunning themselves on the shores, the BC coast teems with wildlife.
A grizzly bear grazing on sedge, a grass-like plant.
This spectacular coastal wilderness has been preserved for the grizzly bears, making it the perfect place to witness this wild and healthy population of grizzlies in their natural habitat. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, nature lover, photographer, or someone seeking a truly unique Canadian adventure, the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary offers an unforgettable experience.
Ready to see these magnificent creatures up close? Book your 1-Day Grizzly Bear Tour today and immerse yourself in one of Canada's most pristine and wildlife-rich environments.
References
British Columbia Parks. Khutzeymateen Park (a.k.a. Khutzeymateen/K’tzim-a-deen Grizzly Sanctuary). https://bcparks.ca/khutzeymateen-park-aka-khutzeymateen-ktzim-a-deen-grizzly-sanctuary/ (Accessed March 23, 2025)
Government of British Columbia. British Columbia Parks, Ecological Reserves, and Protected Areas [Map]. ArcGIS. https://governmentofbc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=077ef73a1eae4ca88f2bafbb831215af&query=British_Columbia_Parks_Ecological_Reserves_and_Protected_Areas_8747,ORCS_PRIMARY,397¢er=-129.763861,54.625943&level=11 (Accessed March 23, 2025)
BC Spaces for Nature. Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary. https://spacesfornature.org/greatspaces/khutzey.html (Accessed March 23, 2025)
About Gold Star Canadian Tours
At Gold Star Canadian Tours, we focus on providing the worlds best travel experiences to authentically Canadian destinations. Our flagship tour is a convenient 1-day Polar Bear Expedition with dedicated non-stop charter flights from major airports directly to Churchill, Manitoba. With Gold Star Canadian Tours, the wonders of the Arctic are closer than ever. Your Adventure Awaits!
