Bear Camp – Orca Camp Combo

Join us for the best orca and grizzly bear viewing opportunities in Western Canada. Watch for abundant grizzlies as they hunt for salmon in the azure blue waters of the Chilko River then explore the West Coast for 4 days of paddling and viewing orcas and humpback whales!

Stay in riverside safari-style tents perched high above the waters while grizzlies feed on salmon right in front of you. On the coast, you’ll be accommodated in Alaskan-styled wall tents also with comfy beds and a wood-fired hot tub!

Click to see a typical grizzly experience at Bear Camp  This video “Breakfast with Bears” was filmed and edited by Randy Kerr 

Remote and spectacular, the Chilko River is flanked by the jagged, ice-etched Coast Range on the west and sage-covered plateaus on the east. From our wilderness camp we will embark on nature walks, river and lake excursions that bring us close to the abundant wildlife that thrives in the this true “Wild West.” In the autumn we usually average 40-45 unique bear sightings as the bruins feed on our annual salmon run.

The Johnstone Strait is the BEST place on the planet to view orcas in the wild. Taking leisurely day trips by kayak and powerboat, we explore the area adjacent Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. There’s more to paddling this cedar-fringed coast than orcas.  Bald eagles, dolphin, porpoise, whales and bears also call this tidal environment home.

Our wildlife expeditions are best experienced with smaller groups. Based out of Bear Camp and Orca Camp, guests will be dazzled by fine food, great hospitality and a “Canadian twist” on the classic wildlife safari.

• Take a scenic flight over the Coast Mountains to Williams Lake or fly direct to spectacular Chilko Lake
• Check into our waterfront Bear-Camp and get settled into your deluxe safari tent
• 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 azure waters of the Chilko River
• Horseback ride in spectacular mountains
• Hike or bike on paths enveloped by awe-inspiring mountains
• Enjoy evening “feasts” paired with eclectic wines and craft beer
• Unwind with a book, or do nothing but drink in the spectacular scenery
• Take a scenic flight to Vancouver Island
• Watch for wildlife as we boat to the mountain-backdropped Orca Camp
• Settle into your deluxe oceanfront tents, soak in a hot tub while whale watching
• Sea kayak Blackfish Sound watching for orca, whale, dolphin and porpoise as well as intertidal life
• Indulge in fantastic organic meals and glorious nights under the stars

What to Expect on the Bear Camp – Orca Camp Combo

Relax in comfort as we whisk you up the scenic waterways of the Inside Passage to our remote wilderness camp on the edge of Blackfish Sound.  Depending on where you are coming from, there are a number of places where your Orca Camp experience may begin:

From Bear Camp:  guests will fly into Port McNeill and transfer to Orca Camp by water taxi.

From Vancouver: one can meet on Quadra Island,  which is a scenic float plane ride from Vancouver or 10-minute ferry ride from Campbell River.  Or you can meet at Way West Coastal Ventures & Water taxiin Campbell River the day of your trip.

We highly recommend making Quadra Island a part of your vacation plans.  It’s a beautiful laid back island with endless opportunities for outdoor activities, beaches to relax on, amazing accommodations and great local artisans.

Day One

Rise and shine ready for fun and adventure. After meeting our water taxi and a safety briefing, our captain takes us up Discovery Passage and safely through the infamous ‘Seymour Narrows’, renowned for its treacherous tidal flows and whirlpools.  En route, sightings of marine life such as porpoises, dolphins, sea lions and whales are common.  After the 2 1/2 hour journey we arrive at our remote wilderness base camp on Blackfish Sound.  After settling into our new surroundings and having lunch we will have a kayak orientation and discuss safety procedures before setting off on an afternoon paddle.  We will return in time for a fresh wild salmon dinner (alternatives of course for those who do not eat fish). Enjoy the sunset from the hot tub before retiring to rest for more fun in the morning.

Day Two

After a hearty camp breakfast we will meet to discuss our plans for each day.  Our route and schedule will depend on weather conditions, wildlife viewing opportunities and group preferences. Generally, we set out in our kayaks after breakfast and paddle to one of the area’s many pocket beaches for a picnic lunch before paddling ‘home’ again in time for some relaxation time before dinner.  On our way, we’ll take breaks for stretching and snacks, and we always take lots of time to explore the intricate shoreline. For the very brave there is always the option of a dip into the chilly waters of Blackfish Sound before a restorative soak in the hot tub!

Day Three

This morning we’ll be met by our covered vessel for a 3-hour journey further into Blackfish Sound, Johnstone Strait or Queen Charlotte Strait, giving you the opportunity to explore areas beyond the reach of our kayaks.  We’ll return in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon kayaking the nearby waters and islands.

Day Four

This is our last day of exploration on the coast.  After a final morning paddle we will pack up our things and soak up the last bit of tranquility before the water taxi arrives and our flights to Bear Camp where we watch for abundant grizzlies as they hunt for salmon in the azure blue waters of Chilko lake and river!

As soon as everyone’s gear is stowed, we will board our plane for the incredible flight over the mountains and glaciers.  Upon arrival, your bear guides will give you an orientation to the events ahead and we’ll enjoy the first of many delicious meals in our new wilderness setting.

Though we are here to encounter nature, the camp environs are also captivating.  Your safari tents are built up on large viewing platforms and have either one king or two double beds complete with comfy duvets, indoor/outdoor lounging areas and a view that cannot be beat.  The main tent and renovated 1954 trappers lodge are the focal points for meals, cocktails and relaxing.  Fine fare is a ROAM hallmark, and our chef creates elegant meals using local and regional natural foods, including abundant vegetables and local herbs.

Day Five

Every morning before breakfast we will start with coffee delivery to your tent.  And there’s always a morning paddle or boat ride to watch the bears as the sun rises on the river.  Chilko Lake is one of the world’s premiere alpine lake destinations.  During your trip you will explore unobtrusively by sea kayak, canoe and boat.  Surrounded by massive glacier-capped peaks and a road-less wilderness, you will spend the day paddling the lake and picnicking on sandy beaches.  Some may want to hike to Green Lake upon your return while others wish to take in a massage or kick back and enjoy a cold drink and watch the salmon and bald eagles.  Before dinner we will do another boating trip to see more grizzlies.

The Chilko River lies within an ecosystem that contains some of the world’s best habitat for grizzly bears.  They converge in great numbers in the fall (85-100), when millions of salmon return to spawn at the river’s mouth, providing a feast of stunning proportions.  Black bears, wolves and cougars also abound in the pine and fir forests.  As we float a 10 to 21 mile stretch of the river, flowing directly out of Chilko Lake, we keep an eye out for bears that often visit its banks.  Following a picnic lunch, we return later to the camp for some free time or more activities.  Mountain bike, kayak, unwind with a book on the deck, or do absolutely nothing but drink in the spectacular scenery.  At dusk and before dinner, we board our boats again to look for bears along the lakeshore.

Day Seven

After another morning paddle and hearty breakfast, we will leave Bear Camp and get ready for flights home.  You should arrive late afternoon but we always recommend overnighting in Vancouver at the end of the trip in case of weather issues with smaller aircraft.  ROAM would be pleased to make Vancouver accommodation arrangements on your behalf.