Grizzly Encounters in the Wild: An Unforgettable Stay at Knight Inlet Lodge

Arrival in Campbell River: A scenic start 

Before heading into the wilderness, we began our journey in Campbell River, a coastal town on Vancouver Island. A quick stop at Elk Falls Provincial Park showed us even more of British Columbia’s natural beauty with its dramatic suspension bridge and rushing waterfalls. 

That evening, we checked into the Comfort Inn & Suites, resting before the real adventure began. 

 

Floatplane to the wild: Journey to Knight Inlet 

The next morning, after dropping off our rental car at the floatplane base, we boarded a small plane for a scenic 30-minute flight over the Discovery Islands and into the Great Bear Rainforest. 

As we soared above remote fjords and forested coastlines, we knew we were headed somewhere truly special – and then it appeared. Knight Inlet Lodge, a floating haven tucked into Glendale Cove – prime grizzly territory. 

 

Day 1: First sighting of bears and a taste of the Inlet 

The adventure begins the moment you arrive. After a warm welcome and safety briefing (floating lodge = unique safety protocols!), we suited up in windproof gear provided by the lodge and hopped on a boat for our first excursion: the Introductory Tour. 

Within minutes, we spotted a grizzly mum and her cub, casually foraging along the shoreline – a breathtaking moment, which was just the beginning. 

Back at the lodge, ribs were on the lunch menu, and they were delicious (as was everything on offer – and cooked fresh from scratch directly at the lodge). After lunch, it was off on an Inlet Cruise, guided by a local native with a deep knowledge of the region’s history and natural ecology. Though it wasn’t billed as a wildlife tour, we were lucky enough to see a pod of dolphins and even a humpback whale! 

After a quick cookie and coffee break, we wrapped up the day with our first Estuary Tour (bear tour), and once again it didn’t take long to spot the bears. The spring season means the bears are out feeding on the lush sedge grasses – and watching the cubs imitate their mother’s every move as well as playing alongside her was endlessly entertaining. 

Evenings at the lodge offer time to unwind – whether it’s by the cozy electric firepit, in the floating sauna, or during an informative evening talk led by guides at the lodge. 

 

Day 2: Walking among giants and tracking in the wild 

Our second day started early with a hearty breakfast before boarding a boat to the Kwalate River Valley for a guided Rainforest Walk. Towering trees, moss-draped branches, and a gentle trail made this a peaceful way to explore on foot. Along the way, our guides shared insights about the region’s flora and fauna, with a break for cookies and hot chocolate by a waterfall. Magical. 

In the afternoon, we donned rubber boots for a unique Bear Tracking Tour. While not aimed at finding bears there and then, this walk gave us deeper insight into bear behaviour and habitat, including sightings of rub trees, claw marks, and even bear day beds. 

We finished the day on another estuary tour – this time spotting a mother bear with two slightly older cubs! Each encounter felt just as special as the last. 

 

Day 3: Kayaking finale and farewell 

On our departure day, the lodge made sure we squeezed in one last adventure. While some guests opted for another estuary tour, we chose the kayaking excursion – a peaceful paddle through calm waters with the chance to spot bears from a whole new vantage point. 

Gliding silently near the shoreline, we watched a young bear forage in the grass while various birds soared overhead. It was the perfect send-off to an unforgettable stay. 

After one final cookie-and-coffee break, our floatplane arrived to whisk us back to Campbell River, where the road trip continued – but we carried a piece of the wilderness with us. 

 

Final thoughts: A must-do for wildlife lovers 

Knight Inlet Lodge isn’t just a destination – it’s an experience. From the moment you arrive, you’re immersed in a world where nature comes first, and the connection between land, animals, and humans is deeply respected. The guides are passionate, the food is excellent, and the bear encounters? Absolutely unforgettable. 

Whether you’re a photographer, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply craving a deeper connection with the natural world, this place delivers in every way.