08/27/2021
I have had the good fortune of seeing lots of brown bears during my travels: grizzly sightings in Wyoming, Montana, Canada, and, of course, Alaska. But hands-down, no contest, the best bear viewing Iāve ever experienced was in British Columbia The Chilko Experience]
In September and October grizzlies from all over the region descend upon the area to feast on spawning salmon. It is an incredible spectacle to behold.
I was there in 2019 at the beginning of bear season. The grizzlies were just starting to arrive and I believe we saw 20+ during our 5-day stay. During the height of the season (mid-September through mid-October), you can see 20+ in one day!
They are so abundant that they become a familiar part of the stunning natural backdrop that Chilko provides: bears grazing on the grass in front of your lodge (until the dogs chase them off!), bears on the shore of Chilko Lake while you paddle by in your kayak, bears in the field by the side of the road as you zoom by on your ATV.
As Phil, the owner of Chilko, likes to say, these bears have an āall you can eat buffet of salmonā and are completely uninterested in you. So, in spite of their size, being around them feels surprisingly comfortable and very safe (however, if you decide to do something stupid like sneak up on a sow and tickle her cub, all bets are off and it was nice knowing you!).
Chilko is a true wilderness experience - remote, expansive, and stunningly beautiful. If youāve ever been to Yellowstone, where there are often 30 cars on one bear, Chilko is the east opposite: just you, your guide, and several bears. Calling all Safari junkies!!! This is your bear-viewing experience!
I am not aware of a better value at a luxury wilderness lodge in Alaska or Canada and there is a still space in September and October of this year.
If you are ready to experience pristine wilderness and lots and lots of bears, reach out! Letās get you to The Chilko Experience]