Tucked deep within the remote wilds of British Columbia’s Khutzeymateen Inlet, this exclusive photography retreat offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in one of North America’s most pristine coastal ecosystems. Accessible only by boat, Khutzeymateen Wilderness Lodge serves as your floating basecamp, an intimate, off-the-grid haven where wildlife quite literally surrounds you.
Over the course of four full days in the field, you’ll photograph coastal brown bears as they forage along salmon-rich creeks and rivers, alongside opportunities to capture humpback whales, sea lions, seals, and an extraordinary array of birdlife including bald eagles, herons, and gulls. Timing is carefully chosen to coincide with peak salmon activity and the presence of whales in the area. So we have a variety of wildlife to photograph.
All field excursions take place by boat, allowing for exceptional wildlife access without the need for long hikes or strenuous activity. This makes the experience well-suited for photographers of a wide range of physical abilities, without compromising on proximity or photographic opportunity.
Between excursions, the lodge itself offers a warm and welcoming retreat. With just eight guest rooms, a wood-fired sauna, and a cozy communal living space, it’s designed for both comfort and connection. Evenings are spent unwinding by the dockside fire, reviewing images, and sharing stories from the day, all while surrounded by sweeping views of ocean and forested mountains.
Led by Art Wolfe, this small-group workshop combines immersive fieldwork with thoughtful guidance, allowing you to refine your wildlife photography in an environment that is as inspiring as it is remote. With wildlife at your doorstep and wilderness in every direction, this is a rare chance to slow down, observe deeply, and create truly meaningful imagery.
Early Bird Special Being Offered Through April 30th!
Led by Art Wolfe
Assisted by Gavriel Jecan
Limited to 8 participants
Transportation and Accommodation
- All meals during the workshop, lodging (all single rooms), and transportation to and from the lodge is included. You will be responsible for your flight to and from Prince Rupert, our starting and ending point, and for your hotel in Prince Rupert. You are requested to arrive by Sept 10th so that the entire group can convene on Sept 11th for departure.
- We will provide hotel information for where the group will be staying. You will need to reach out to the hotel directly to secure your room reservation. You are not required to stay at the suggested lodge, as there are other options nearby.
Activity Level
The activity level for this workshop is minimal as our field excursions will all take place on boats. You will have to be able to get yourself on and off a boat.
Itinerary
Shooting schedules have the ability to be altered to effectively cater to the photographic desires of the group, as well as to adapt to changeable weather conditions.
Day 1 Sept 10th
- Meet and greet with Art and the rest of the participants 6pm for a no host dinner at restaurant in Prince Rupert. Everyone can introduce themselves, and prepare for the departure the following day.
Day 2 Sept 11th
- Depart Early AM for Khutzeymateen Wilderness Lodge by water taxi
- Cabin assignments and settling in to lodge
- First field outing will take place once everyone has put their luggage away and is ready to depart.
Day 3-5 Sept 12-14th
We are out bear viewing and exploring twice a day for three hours each tour. Our tour boat is designed to view bears quietly in shallow water throughout the inlet’s extensive sedge flats and estuary, starting directly across from our lodge. Our covered tour boat also ensures that you can focus on the bears rather than keeping your camera gear dry.
Viewing opportunities are excellent throughout May to September. The Khutzeymateen is world renowned for the predictability of viewing grizzly bears in a wilderness environment. Its location is remote, and it is incredibly quiet.
After each day of photography the group will return each night for a delicious dinner and can download and edit images together in communal areas of the lodge or separately in their individual rooms.
On the evening of Sept 14th, after the groups farewell dinner, Art will provide a slideshow of his favorite images and will allow each participant to participate as well.
Day 6 Sept 15th
On our final morning, once luggage has been gathered and rooms cleared, we’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast before we collect our gear and prepare for departure.
All too soon, our water taxi will arrive to return us to Prince Rupert. We typically arrive back at the hotel by 10:30am, allowing ample time for guests to schedule departing flights later that same day.
Early Bird Special Being Offered Through April 30th!
Note: Cancellation fees apply. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before registering.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Your return boat transportation from Prince Rupert to the lodge.
- Two – three hour tours daily.
- All chef prepared meals, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. We provide complimentary wine/beer with dinner (you are welcome to bring in your own alcohol).
- Individual Cozy rooms with queen sized beds (one per guest/couple) and four shared bathrooms with showers.
- Outdoor campfire.
- Photography Instruction provided by Art Wolfe and Gavriel Jecan
- Final Critique of your work at the end of the tour