Chilko Lake Bear Camp Photography Expedition
5 Days / 4 Nights $7250 per person, 5 spaces available
September 11th–15th
An immersive small‑group photography expedition into one of British Columbia’s most productive grizzly bear ecosystems. This experience combines daily guided bear viewing on the Chilko River with exceptional accommodations, chef‑prepared meals, and access to wild landscapes few photographers ever reach.
Bear Camp Pricing
5 Days / 4 Nights
What’s Included
Round‑trip air transportation from Vancouver to Bear Camp
All ground and water transfers where applicable
Experienced professional wildlife guides
4 nights accommodation at Bear Camp (double occupancy deluxe safari tents)
All meals from dinner on Day 1 through lunch on Day 5
Beer, house liquor, and wines at Bear Camp
(premium upgrades available with advance notice)All activities described in the itinerary
Park fees and all necessary permits
Not Included
Optional heli‑hiking (minimums required)
Gratuities
Day 1 – Arrival Day | September 11
Vancouver → Chilko Lake
For planning purposes, we will assume departure from the South Terminal near Vancouver International Airport, typically around 12:00 PM. This is a smaller terminal (separate from the main YVR terminal) and offers a complimentary YVR shuttle service. Exact terminal and flight details will be confirmed closer to departure, as they can vary.
Arrival at Bear Camp
Upon arrival at Chilko Lake, guests will be met by our guides and transferred to Bear Camp. After check‑in, we’ll hold a brief orientation covering camp logistics, safety, and the range of activities available throughout the week.
Bear Camp features:
8 deluxe safari tents
3 lounge areas
Central bar and dining room
Private indoor and outdoor seating at each tent
A large communal deck near the main lodge
Chef‑Prepared Riverside Dinner
The expedition begins with cocktails and appetizers on the deck, followed by a gourmet dinner in the dining room—our first taste of the exceptional culinary experience that defines Bear Camp.
Day 2 – Bear Photography on the Chilko River
Morning Bear Sessions
After breakfast, our group will go out with a dedicated guide, bonus (I am also a CBVA bear guide) and jet boat for the morning.
The Chilko River is renowned for extraordinary bear photography opportunities, particularly sows and cubs. These interior grizzlies—distinct from coastal brown bears—often display lighter, multi‑toned coats bleached by long summers and southern mountain exposures.
Wildlife ethics are central to this experience. While bear encounters are frequent, our priority is never to disrupt feeding behavior. Autumn calories are critical to survival. All guiding follows CBVA (Commercial Bear Viewing Association)standards, limiting viewing to a maximum of 20 minutes per group of bears.
Midday & Afternoon
Guests return to camp for a hot lunch and downtime before heading back out for an afternoon river or lake session.
Evening at Camp
Cocktails and appetizers on the deck precede another chef‑prepared dinner, with time afterward to review images, relax, and share stories from the day.
Day 3 – Hiking, Exploration & Optional Heli‑Hiking
In addition to daily bear photography outings, guests can choose from a variety of land‑ and water‑based adventures:
Green Lake Hike – Gentle terrain, ideal for a relaxed walk and scenic photography
Mt. Tullin Hike – A more challenging ascent with sweeping 360‑degree views
Kayaking & Stand‑Up Paddleboarding on lake or river
Optional Heli‑Hiking
For those looking to elevate the experience, heli‑hiking can be arranged at an additional cost (minimums apply). These flights access remote valleys and glaciers and are widely considered a highlight of the trip.
The day concludes back at Bear Camp with another exceptional dinner and the camp’s signature hospitality.
Day 4 – Up Close with the Bears
One of Chilko’s best‑kept secrets is how close wildlife encounters can be when traveling by non‑mechanized watercraft.
Today’s optional activities include:
Inflatable kayaking on the upper Chilko River
Sea kayaking on the lake or river
A scenic 18‑mile drift boat journey through stretches of river inaccessible to jet boats
The drift boat offers incredibly stable shooting platforms and frequent encounters with bears and bald eagles. Participation in these activities is optional, but they consistently deliver some of the most intimate and unique wildlife photography opportunities of the expedition.
Chilko Lake earned its reputation among adventurers long before television crews arrived—and long before it became a global destination for bear photography.
Day 5 – Return to Vancouver
After a leisurely breakfast, guests will have time for a final morning of exploration before enjoying a deckside lunch. Flights depart in the early afternoon for the return to Vancouver.
Arrival back at the South Terminal near YVR is typically around 3:30 PM, though weather delays are always possible. We strongly recommend overnighting in Vancouver rather than planning same‑day onward travel.
Final flight details will be confirmed closer to departure.
Who This Workshop Is For
Wildlife and nature photographers comfortable with their gear and ready to focus on high-quality output
Hobbyist photographers or creatives seeking a dedicated, photo-only experience in a remote BC location
Photographers who value small-group interaction, field instruction, and in-depth critique
What to Bring / Prerequisites
DSLR or mirrorless camera body (two bodies recommended if available)
Telephoto lens (300mm+ recommended; 400–600mm ideal)
Wide-angle or standard zoom (24–70mm or 70–200mm) for environmental context
Tripod or monopod (optional; useful for shore and habitat work)
Memory cards, external backup drive, and laptop or tablet for image review
Weather-proof clothing: waterproof jacket, boots, and layered clothing
Sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, and personal medications
Most importantly: patience, respect for wildlife, and readiness for early starts and changing coastal conditions.
This expedition is designed for photographers who value ethics, access, and immersion—combining rare wildlife encounters with comfort, safety, and time in the field where it matters most.
