Page 27 - Breath of the Bear

The Great Bear Rainforest

Shayne McGuire

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Shayne McGuire

seafood, and the people of Prince Rupert are day with the rising tides into the estuary. grizzlies offer a resting place for the souls of the
proud to cook with local ingredients cultivated people who have died before, and from them the
from the surrounding landscape. The locals have Besides bears, Khutzeymateen is also known souls are re-born for the next generation.
a connection to the land and community, a place for seals, whales, otters, wolves and eagles, but it
where people stop what they are doing to watch is the bears that have people enthralled. Coming A unique way to visit Khutzeymateen is with
Mother Nature’s display as the summer sun dips down from their winter mountain hibernation, Pacific Tugboat Adventures. Experience the
below the horizon and the curtain closes on the grizzlies make their way to the valley floor beauty of Alaska and British Columbia in a fully
another day. Hiking, kayaking, fishing and wildlife in the spring where they gorge on sedge grass. restored vintage 1941 tugboat. Travel the Inside
viewing all make up the adventures to be found Bears eat up to 100 pounds a day of the early Passage in luxury where “guests are pampered
in Prince Rupert. springtime sedge, which is 25% protein, making by a dedicated and friendly crew with tantalizing
this an important part of the their diet. From July to meals, fine wines and all the comforts of home”.
Captain Davis of Prince Rupert Adventure Tours October the Khutzeymateen rivers teem with four Journey into the Great Bear Rainforest where you
says that Khutzeymateen is “the greatest show different species of salmon and it is at the river’s will experience the mystic majesty of evergreen
on earth.” Their 7-hour bear-viewing tour gives edge where bears will devour up to 110 pounds of forests, secluded beaches and deep cut channels
tourists an opportunity to see these legendary fish a day, bulking up before the snow begins to and fjords. Humpback whales, wolves and
giants in their natural environment. According fall. Mothers teaching their cubs how to fish and bears call this area home and the grandest of
to Davis, “Our goal is to provide you with a safe, forage can be seen at the rivers, as well as bears residents is the Spirit Bear. Held in esteem by the
pleasurable, unique wilderness experience. We napping, playing and posturing for dominance. First Nations people, the contrast of this cream
conscientiously avoid altering the natural behavior colored bear against the variations of greens will
of these creatures.” Khutzeymateen will not disappoint with its take your breath away and make memories for a
spectacular scenery of natural, unspoiled vistas lifetime. From May through July, Pacific Tugboat
Other operators such as Wild Compass offer and crisp, clear waters. Be an attentive observer Adventures can be accessed in Prince Rupert.
visitors a unique Khutzeymateen experience of the behavior of these magnificent creatures, Local hotels often have special rates that allow
with three or six-day photography tours for where for the bears nothing is gained or lost free vehicle parking and shuttles to and from
intermediate wildlife photographers. Dan because visitors come not to disturb. The wildlife connecting flights. For more information about the
Wakeman, who was instrumental in the creation of of Khutzeymateen holds a special place in the Spirit Bears, see the interview with Gitga’at tribal
the sanctuary, also conducts three to six-day tours hearts of the First Nation tribes but it is the bears member Cam Hill.
with visitors staying on a yacht and traveling every who are most revered, for it is believed that the

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