Spirit Bear Photography Tour
Our Spirit Bear photography tour
takes place in the Great Bear Rain Forest with Marven Robinson of the Gitga'at First Nations. The Hartley Bay lodging is home base for our very small group of photographers seeking the very finest in Spirit Bear photography. You will be surrounded by the largest ancient temperate Rain Forest left on the
planet. The towering trees give way to lush carpets of green moss
drenched in moisture. Streams teeming with wild salmon feed the elusive
Kermode Bear,known as the Spirit Bear. The area we will be travelling in is only accessible by boat or float plane and lies within the Territory. Our guide Marven Robinson, has been following these spirit bears his whole life. Marven has been featured in multiple documentaries on the area including one by National Geographic and the IMAX film entitled Great Bear Rain Forest. He will take us to locations that are only open to First Nations and their guests. The timing of these trips will coincide with the peak of the salmon runs.
Quality not Quantity
The very small group of only 7 or 8 photographers will provide a more intimate experience, but most importantly will allow each photographer a clear view of the subject without another photographer in the way. This is very important due to the tight locations we are in. We are
easily mobile so we can move to each location quickly. We feel that this trip will provide you with the
experience of a lifetime. Its has been described as profound on more
than one occasion.Equipment Recommendations
Your most used focal length will be in the range of 70 to 400mm. Wide angle lens for up close encounters as well as landscapes. If possible bring 2 camera bodies and a sturdy tripod.
Other Considerations
Medium level of fitness is required. Rough uneven terrain with some walks up to 25 minutes. Bathroom breaks are available throughout the day.
Accommodations
A newly built guest house with large rooms, comfortable beds and internet.
Price Includes:
5 Day trip - 4 nights accommodations. All meals and transportation while in Hartley Bay. Personalized instruction offered at all times.
7 Day trip - 6 nights accommodations, meals and transportation while in Hartley Bay. Personalized instruction offered at all times.
Not included: Accommodations, meals and transportation while in Prince Rupert. Boat ride to and from Hartley Bay.
All flights to and from Prince Rupert.
Itinerary for 5 day trip
Day 0 Fly in to Prince Rupert, British Columbia from Vancouver. Nights stay in Prince Rupert.
Day 1Morning ferry ride to Hartley Bay. Once arriving you and your gear will be escorted to your rooms. Lunch and a quick
orientation with some photography tips and you will be on your way to your first photography location. Evening dinner is planned when we return.
Day 2,3 and 4 Early
breakfast then out on Marven's boat to our next location. Lunch is packed with us. We are out all day. Landscapes, humpback and killer whales, wolves, mink and eagles are also possibilities on this trip. Dinner together and review the day.
Day 5 Breakfast and then the long but beautiful boat ride back to Prince Rupert. Keep a camera close by. We had killer whales right next to the boat last year.
Day 6Fly out of Prince Rupert to Vancouver.
5-Day September 8 to 12, 2022 Spirit Bear Photo Tour Sold Out
Total Cost $5,500.00 cdn funds includes all taxes. Double occupancy available only.
$1,500.00 non-refundable deposit required at time of booking.
Remaining amount of $4,000.00 payment due 90 days prior
to departure date.
7-Day September 12 to 18, 2022 Spirit Bear Photo Tour Sold Out
Total Cost $7,700.00 cdn funds includes all taxes. Double occupancy available only.
$2,500.00 non-refundable deposit required at time of booking.
Remaining amount of $5,200.00 payment due 90 days prior
to departure date.
IF INTERESTED IN A 2023 SPIRIT BEAR TRIP PLEASE CONTACT ME
Payment, Registration and Refund Policy
A
non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot. Once the
deposit is received your spot on the trip will be confirmed and you will receive an
email that includes a detailed itinerary. Balance in full is due 3
months before the tour start date. A reminder will be sent to you via
email, but it is the sole responsibility of the participant to
remember this due date. If the balance is not received in time, we
will attempt to fill your spot from the waiting list. If the spot is
filled, you will lose only the deposit. Fees are based upon double occupancy. Checks can be made payable to Wild Outdoors Limited and sent to Michael Bertelsen P.O Box 1012, Churchill, Manitoba, Canada, R0B0E0. Payment can be made through Paypal (add 3% surcharge) or e-transfer.
Travel Insurance
Whenever travelling with Wild Outdoors Photography travel insurance and health insurance is highly recommended.
Liability
Wild Outdoors Photography does not accept responsibility for any
losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other
services, sickness, weather, strike or other causes. The tour
participants shall bear all such losses and expenses. Wild Outdoors
Photography will take all reasonable steps to ensure that services
provided are of high standard. Wild Outdoors Photography will not
accept liability for physical injury, loss, damage or expense resulting
from
circumstances beyond our control. By agreeing to participate
in a Wild Outdoors Photography workshop, each participant agrees to
release, indemnify and hold harmless Wild Outdoors Photography, its
agents, employees, shareholders, directors, attorneys, and contractors
as more completely set forth in the liability waiver that will be
provided. The waiver must be signed and received by Wild Outdoors
Photography prior to participation.
Contact Michael if you have further questions or to check availability and to request a booking.
