Backcountry Journeys Presents 

Coastal Predators:
Wolves, Bears & Marine Wildlife of British Columbia

Pre-Booking Available Now | Reservations Open May 14th
June 18-25, 2027
June 16-23, 2028

Wolves. Bears. Orcas. Humpbacks.
Meet British Columbia's wild Pacific coast.

We connect passionate people to
exceptional experiences.

arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text

Pacific's Apex: Wolves of the Wild Coast​​​​​​​ 

The coastal wolves of British Columbia are unlike any wolves on Earth, smaller, darker, and shaped by thousands of years of life at the ocean's edge. With active den-site monitoring informing our access, and June's pup-emergence period anchoring pack activity near their dens, we have a genuine and rare edge in locating and photographing one of North America's most elusive predators.

arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text

 Grizzlies, Black Bears & the Wild Shoreline​​​​​​​  

Grizzly bears are a dominant presence along the intertidal zones and river margins of this coastline, foraging, fishing, and moving through some of the most dramatic scenery on the Pacific coast. Black bears are regularly encountered along the kelp-lined shore. With bears active throughout the day and accessible by boat, encounters here are frequent, intimate, and photographically exceptional.

arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text

   The Richest Waters on the Pacific Coast​​​​​​​   

The channels and open passages of this coastline are alive with marine wildlife. Humpback whales feed actively in June, producing some of the most dramatic surface behavior of the year. Orcas move through the coastal passages in both resident and transient pods. Sea otters, harbor seals, and Steller sea lions round out a marine cast that rivals anywhere on Earth.

arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text

 One of Earth's Last Great Wild Places​​​​​​​ 

The Great Bear Rainforest is one of the largest intact temperate rainforests remaining on Earth, a vast, roadless, and fiercely protected wilderness where old-growth cedar meets the open Pacific. The light in June is extraordinary, long golden hours, coastal mist, and soft directional light that makes every frame feel cinematic. This is a landscape that rewards photographers at every level.
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text

 An Exceptional Base for an Exceptional Journey​​​​​​​ 

Our base for the week is an outstanding all-inclusive lodge with private oceanfront cabins, exceptional cuisine, and an intimate atmosphere that feels as remote as the wilderness surrounding it. After long days in the field, great food, comfortable surroundings, and views straight out to the Pacific make for a deeply satisfying and restorative experience.

Pre-Booking Available Now | Reservations Open May 14th

Pre-Booking Open Now - Limited Spots Available
​​​​​​​[Block//Trip//Trip Category (Destinations)]
[Block//Start Date %M j%+0] to [Block//End Date %M j, Y%+0]
From [Block//Current Price] for [Block//Trip//Trip Length (Days)] Days
MAX GROUP SIZE OF 9 PHOTOGRAPHERS

Trip Itinerary​​​​​​​ 

Start/End: Vancouver, BC (YVR)

Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 1: Arrival in Vancouver (D)
We’ll meet in Vancouver in the evening to kick things off with a group orientation and welcome dinner. This is a great chance to get to know one another, go over the plan for the week, and prepare for the adventure ahead. We’ll discuss gear, expectations, and what it takes to photograph wildlife in one of the most remote ecosystems on the planet.

Day 2: Into the Great Bear Rainforest (B,L,D)

This morning, we’ll board a scenic flight to Bella Bella, following the rugged coastline and glaciated peaks of British Columbia. From there, we’ll transfer to the docks and begin our boat journey north toward the lodge. Keep your camera ready—this is our first opportunity to photograph marine wildlife along the way. Upon arrival, we’ll settle in, get oriented, and enjoy our first evening together overlooking the Great Bear Sea.

Days 3–7: Coastal Wolves & Wild Encounters (B,L,D)

Our days are fully dedicated to exploring the Great Bear Rainforest in search of wildlife, with a special focus on coastal wolves. Each morning, we’ll head out by boat into a constantly changing landscape of estuaries, river systems, and remote shoreline. Because wolves are elusive, we’ll embrace a patient, quiet approach—often waiting in promising locations and letting the scene unfold naturally. The reward can be extraordinary!

Beyond wolves, we’ll have excellent opportunities to photograph grizzly bears, humpback whales, and possibly orcas, along with eagles and a variety of coastal wildlife. Some days we’ll stay in one location, while others we’ll explore more broadly depending on conditions. Evenings are relaxed and rewarding, with great meals, image sharing, and opportunities to learn more about the Kitasoo Xai'xais culture through stories and presentations.

Day 8: Departure (B)

After a final breakfast, we’ll say our goodbyes and begin the journey back to Bella Bella by boat, with one last chance for wildlife sightings along the way. From there, we’ll board our return flight to Vancouver, wrapping up an unforgettable week in one of the wildest places left on earth.

Lodging Details

Every room at the lodge is oceanfront and all are double occupancy. Whether you're traveling with a partner or joining us solo, you'll be paired comfortably with a fellow traveler and wake up every morning to uninterrupted Pacific views.

Fitness Details

This workshop is rated as a Fitness Level 2. Most days involve minimal walking, with the majority of wildlife viewing done from boats or at short distances from drop-off points. When walking is required, distances are typically a few hundred meters (roughly 0.1–0.2 miles), though rare outings may involve walks of up to approximately 1 mile.

Terrain can vary widely and may include uneven riverbanks, muddy or cobbled surfaces, forest trails, and natural obstacles such as fallen logs. In some locations, guests may encounter short sections with steps cut into riverbanks or rope assists to help navigate steeper or slippery areas.
​​​​​​​
This trip is best suited for guests who are comfortable walking on uneven and occasionally slippery terrain at a relaxed pace. It is not recommended for guests with significant mobility limitations or those unable to safely manage variable outdoor conditions.

​​

check_circle
Price Includes 

  • All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop

  • All transportation during the workshop

  • All lodging during the workshop

  • Airport transfers

  • All permits and park fees

  • Internal flights to/from Bella Bella, BC

  • Professional photography guiding and instruction​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​
  • Gratuity for service staff
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text

cancel
Does Not Include 

  • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​Flights to/from Vancouver, BC (YVR)
  • Meals not listed as included on the itinerary

  • Lodging outside workshop dates

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Souvenirs and personal items

  • Gratuity for photography guide and local guides. Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities

arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text

Important Details 

  • Final Balance Due 150 days prior to Trip Start Date.

  • Specialized Itinerary terms & conditions apply. Please see our Cancellation / Transfer policy on our Frequently Asked Questions page.

  • Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance (REQUIRED) - see plans here.

We Connect Passionate People To
​​​​​​​Exceptional Experiences

add_a_photo
World-Class Photography Tours & Workshops
Experience Stress-Free Travel Photography
Our trips our designed by photographers for photographers. Every aspect of each itinerary is meticulously planned from when and where we shoot, to local dining, to lodges we rest at in-between workshops.

Leading the way are professional photographers that are experienced travel guides, who bring a creative perspective and hands-on instruction to every workshop.
Unparalleled Photography Tours
With over 100+ destinations to choose from, we offer tours built around a wide range of different photography niches all around the world.
Unmatched Support & Expert Guides
Every trip is led by a professional photography guide, and is supported by a dedicated team of over 20+ office staff supporting each trip.
World-Class Photography Community
Experience community with other passionate photographers as you travel the world--capturing timeless moments, and witnessing true beauty.
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text

Awarded 2025 Travelers' Choice 

Backed by 500+ five-star reviews and recognized as a Travelers’ Choice winner for 5+ years, Backcountry Journeys is trusted by photographers worldwide for exceptional experiences and world-class service.
[Block//Review]
[Block//Trip Reviewer//First Name] - [Block//Date Of Review %n/j/Y%+0]
Verified Guest
settings
PREVIOUS
settings
NEXT

Worry Free Travel Guarantee!

HERE’S THE DEAL

We offer one of the most rock solid guarantees in the travel industry - our worry free travel, peace of mind guarantee to you!

We’re so confident that the Photography Trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.

Natural events such as wildlife & weather are certainly out of our control but every aspect of the trip including logistics, accommodations, vehicles, itinerary & your expert trip leaders will match the lofty promises we’ve
made on the site – we guarantee it!
[bot_catcher]