Bears gather at coastal B.C. spot during salmon run
B.C.’s Holmaco Wilderness & Cultural Tours and Klahoose Wilderness Resort are inviting people to be on hand when some mighty bruins have lunch.
The Indigenous enterprises are promoting the Toba Bears & Wilderness Tours, which run from Aug. 22 through Oct. 19, 2025, and lead clients to a coastal B.C. spot north of Vancouver where grizzly bears gather during a salmon run, with the bears feeding on salmon.
“The highlight of our tours is the unforgettable grizzly bear viewing experience at Toba Inlet, along the Klite River in Klahoose First Nation Territory,” says Chyanne Trenholm of the tour company. “Departing from Campbell River, the journey also features a scenic boat tour where guests can marvel at marine life and enjoy rich Indigenous cultural storytelling, including insights into the territory of the Homalco First Nation.”
It’s common to spot anywhere from one to five grizzly bears at Toba Inlet, but tour organizers note they are seeking wildlife in their natural habitat, and so sightings can vary and can’t be guaranteed.
Guests observe the bears from a series of raised and covered viewing platforms, offering what the tour company and the lodge say provide a safe and immersive experience.
“At times, the bears can be seen further down the river, while at other times, they stroll right beside the platforms,” Trenholm reports. “Our knowledgeable Klahoose guides, trained by the Commercial Bear Viewing Association of BC, ensure the bears remain undisturbed and provide insightful commentary throughout the experience.”
The Homalco and Klahoose First Nations are Sister Nations, sharing the same Coast Salish language group Ayajuthem and have strong historical ties in a shared territory, family groups, culture and language.
Chris Tait of the Klahoose Wilderness Resort — found in Desolation Sound and which describes itself as an authentic Indigenous sustainable eco-lodge — says Toba Inlet is seen as a prime viewing spot.
“The coastal grizzly bear population around Toba Inlet is in relatively healthy standing,” Tait reports. “However it is challenging to say for certain without recent bear studies and evidence. We see multiple bears in a single day, and they are fishing as they normally do, so we are quite confident that they are doing well as a species so long as the wild salmon are doing well.
“This location is truly special, drawing grizzly bears during the late summer and fall salmon run as they feast on the abundant salmon. While the grizzly bears are the star attraction, the tour also offers opportunities to observe other wildlife, such as bald eagles and salmon. During the boat ride, guests can marvel at a variety of marine life, including humpback whales, orcas, and dolphins, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of ocean vistas and cascading waterfalls.”
Meanwhile, Trenholm says the background of those providing the tours provides clients with particularly interesting insights.
“Welcoming guests into the Homalco and Klahoose Territories through Indigenous-led tours provides a unique opportunity to experience nature through the perspective of its original stewards,” Trenholm adds. “Guests gain a deeper understanding of whose land they are on, fostering a meaningful connection to the culture and history of Indigenous peoples who have navigated these lands and waters since time immemorial. These tours go beyond wildlife viewing, offering an enriching connection to the land, its stories, and its people.”
More information can be found at klahooseresort.com or holmaco.com.
