You can visit a remote grizzly bear sanctuary from YVR in a single day

So much to do with so little time is a common conundrum people experience when travelling, particularly on shorter trips or amidst an already jam-packed schedule. This is especially true in Vancouver, which is seeing an influx of visitors thanks to a certain soccer event happening this summer.

Whatever your itinerary, you should absolutely experience the breathtaking natural wonders of the area — and thanks to Aspire Canada Tours (ACT), you can do just that with a same-day return.

An unforgettable grizzly bear tour

ACT’s Grizzly Bear Tour is a one-day escorted journey that takes guests from the Vancouver International Airport to the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary on British Columbia’s North Coast.

Few travellers have actually seen the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary due to its remote location, but ACT makes it feasible by handling the logistics. We’re talking private charter jets, local marine guiding, your meals for the day, and more.

What to expect

You’ll start your day bright and early at Vancouver International Airport, where you’ll board a private charter jet to Prince Rupert Airport on Digby Island. From there, you’ll hop on a 72-foot catamaran and journey into the Khutzeymateen.

The Khutzeymateen is Canada’s first area created specifically for grizzly bears and their habitat. From the water, you’ll get to watch for grizzly bears foraging along the shoreline, along with other coastal wildlife like humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and bald eagles. You can check out www.aspirecanadatours.com/en-ca/grizzly-bear-tour-photos to get a sneak peek of what to expect.

This keeps the experience responsible and low-impact while still getting you close to shore for strong viewing potential.

The M/V Inside Passage travels through coastal waters as a whale surfaces nearby. Aspire Canada Tours

The guest naturalist on the tour will be North Vancouver’s Ellie Lamb, also known as “The Bear Whisperer.” A long-time B.C. bear-viewing guide and 2024 Tim Jones Award recipient (an annual honour for outstanding contribution to British Columbia’s outdoor community), Lamb has extensive experience in bear behaviour, safety, and peaceful co-existence between people and bears, adding an extra layer of insight to the day.

The route itself traverses mountain-ringed tidal waters, old-growth rainforest, and inlets at the northern edge of the Great Bear Rainforest, with your tour guides providing commentary and interpretation along the way, from shoreline feeding and family bonds to the learned behaviours passed from mothers to cubs. The objective is to watch natural behaviour without disturbing it.

Time on the boat is about seven hours, while the full day is about 14 hours, including the return flight. With minimal walking and a same-night return to the city, this tour is an easy way for all ages to enjoy a unique wilderness experience. You can check out all the details at www.aspirecanadatours.com/en-ca/grizzly-bear-tour.

The early bird gets the worm

Three grizzly cubs stand together on a seaweed-covered shoreline near the edge of the coastal rainforest. Aspire Canada Tours

Whether you’re coming from out of town to take in the tournament, seeking an in-Canada getaway, or live in the area, Aspire Canada Tours’ Grizzly Bear Tour is a can’t-miss summer activity.

The next tour is taking place on Saturday, July 4, and a limited-time early bird rate is available. Book online at www.aspirecanadatours.com/en-ca/grizzly-bear-tour to secure your spot, and get ready to journey into the grizzly bear sanctuary!

Aspire Canada Tours Grizzly Bear Tour

When: Saturday, July 4
Where: Depart from Vancouver International Airport
Time: 6:25 a.m. to 7:05 p.m.
Cost: Early bird: $1,470, regular: $1,575
Tour overview, pricing, and booking: www.aspirecanadatours.com/en-ca/grizzly-bear-tour

BC Consumer Protection licence, 89327