The Chilko River is widely regarded as one of the best places to view wild grizzly bears thanks to its remarkable combination of untouched wilderness, rich salmon runs, and one of the largest concentrations of grizzlies in British Columbia.
Each fall, the river comes alive as thousands of salmon return to spawn, drawing bears to its clear blue waters where they can be seen fishing, interacting, and teaching their cubs essential survival skills. Wildlife guides note that grizzlies often outnumber humans along the Chilko, creating rare opportunities to watch these magnificent animals in a completely natural setting—without viewing platforms or crowds, just bears behaving as they have for generations in a pristine ecosystem.
Surrounded by towering Coast Mountains, old‑growth forests, and the turquoise expanse of Chilko Lake, the river offers not only abundant bear activity but also one of the most breathtaking and intimate wildlife experiences in North America.
Our trip was made even more special by the abundance of bears and the opportunity to get some amazing photographs.
“See why John Marriott, and other world-renowned photographers come to Tsylos Park Lodge and capture their epic photos. Many, including John, have returned several times. Why? Because the photography, the views, the abundance of bears in their natural habitat, and the wildlife, are among the best in the world. Visit us and you’ll understand.”
Hosted Photography Weeks
On select weeks, professional photographers host photography-focused groups at Tsylos. These are separate from our regular grizzly bear viewing weeks and may include photography guidance from the visiting professional photographer. Please contact us for upcoming hosted dates and contact information for the photographer hosting the week.
Our experienced guides know the Chilko River and focus on safe, respectful grizzly bear viewing. They are knowledgeable about bear behaviour, river conditions and boat handling, allowing guests excellent opportunities to observe and photograph bears in their natural environment.
Our Tsylos guides are not professional photography instructors. Each boat carries a maximum of three guests plus one guide, providing plenty of room for guests and their camera equipment.
Our bear-viewing operations follow the guidelines of the Commercial Bear Viewing Association of BC (CBVA). Some of our guides are CBVA-certified, while others are completing the required field experience and working toward certification.
Between the Tsilhqot'in Nation (community of Xeni Gwet’in First Nation) and the BC Provincial Government, the Tsilhhqox Qay Naguten Wildlife Management Area (WMA) was introduced, The WMA surrounds the Chilko River, playing a critical role in protecting one of British Columbia’s most ecologically significant grizzly bear populations. This protected status helps ensure that the natural rhythms of the Chilko ecosystem remain undisturbed, from the annual salmon migrations to the seasonal feeding and denning cycles of grizzly bears. It also ensures that conservation decisions are rooted in Indigenous knowledge and guardianship, prioritizing the long‑term health of the land, the bears, and their cultural significance to the region.
Chilko Lake supports one of the most stable grizzly bear populations in the southern part of the province. The lake and river host some of the largest and healthiest sockeye and chinook salmon runs in British Columbia, providing a critical late‑summer and fall food source essential for the bears’ survival and for cubs to reach maturity. Protecting these spawning grounds—and reducing disturbances in this feeding corridor—is vital for maintaining bear health and supporting long‑term population stability.
The wildlife management area also limits road access, regulates human activity, and restricts movement in sensitive seasons, such as the annual closure of the upper Chilko corridor from September 1 to October 31 to reduce bear‑human conflict during peak feeding season. These proactive protections allow bears to feed without stress, conserve energy, and behave naturally—key factors in healthy cub survival rates and stable population dynamics.
Finally, the area’s co‑management with the Xeni Gwet’in First Nation ensures that conservation decisions are rooted in Indigenous knowledge and guardianship, prioritizing the long‑term health of the land, the bears, and their cultural significance to the region.
Together, these protections make this Wildlife Management Area an essential stronghold for grizzly bear conservation—preserving habitat, safeguarding salmon, reducing human pressure, and allowing one of nature’s most iconic species to thrive in a rare, undisturbed wilderness.
Seven Night Grizzly Bear Viewing & Photography Package — Sunday to Sunday — USD$7695.00* per person plus taxes.
*Prices based on double occupancy. Prices do not include taxes, fishing licenses and beverages from the bar or gratuities. For full package details and terms, please contact us via our inquiry form, or reach out by phone or email.
