Khutzeymateen Provincial Park [a.k.a. Khutzeymateen/K’tzim-a-deen Grizzly Sanctuary]
About This Park
The Khutzeymateen Provincial Park [a.k.a. Khutzeymateen/K’tsim-a-deen Grizzly Sanctuary] was established as the first area in Canada to be protected specifically for grizzly bears and their habitat. It also represents the first undisturbed estuary of its size to be protected along the north coast of BC. The topography of this land and marine sanctuary is diverse, with rugged peaks towering to 2100 metres above a valley of wetlands, old growth temperate rainforests and a large estuary. An abundance of wildlife shares the area. The ultimate purpose of this area is to protect the north coast grizzly bear by preserving a part of the ecosystem in which they live. Because of this area's high sensitivity and strict conservation orientation, visitor use is not encouraged. However, a limited amount of controlled viewing is allowed under permit. The hunting of grizzly bear is prohibited and hunting of other wildlife is restricted to areas above 1000 metres elevation.
Park Size: 44,300 hectares
Special Notes:
- All guided tours must be with a permitted guide.
- For additional information, click here to view these non-government web links.
- When you arrive in the Khutzeymateen Inlet, please check in at the K’tzim-a-deen Ranger Station in the inlet. Once in the Khutzeymateen Inlet, there are very specific rules and regulations for the Inlet Conservancy and Grizzly Bear Sanctuary. There is no land access permitted in the Grizzly Bear Sanctuary and the Khutzeymateen River estuary is closed for public access. More information is available at the interpretive centre.
- Visitors using the inlet as an overnight anchorage should be aware of tidal fluctuations, particularly near the estuary, where water depths can vary considerably. High winds are also frequent in this area.
- Boaters entering the sanctuary should keep to the centre of the inlet to avoid disturbing bears. All visitors must register at the Guardian Station upon entering the sanctuary. An interpretive centre is located at the ranger station and is open to the public.
- Land access is prohibited within the sanctuary.
- Unguided entry into the river estuary is not permitted.
- Angling is prohibited on the Khutzeymateen River and tributaries.
- The hunting of grizzly bear is prohibited and hunting of other wildlife is restricted to areas above 1000 metres elevation.
- Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park.
- Pets/domestic animals are not permittee in the estuary.
- There are no developed trails in the park.
- Jet boats are not permitted on the Khutzeymateen River.
- Fishing is not permitted in the Khutzeymateen River.
Location and Maps
45 km northeast of Prince Rupert. Boat access only. The closest communities, towns and cities are Port Simpson, Port Edward and Prince Rupert.
Nature and Culture
- Cultural Heritage - The park encompasses the watershed of the Khutzeymateen River. The area has long been an important hunting and fishing site for First Nations people, notably the Gitsiis, one of the nine tribes making up the Allied Tsimshian Tribes. The park was created in partnership with the Gitsiis people. The park is managed jointly with BC Parks and the Tsimshian Tribal Council. K’tsim-a-deen means “valley at the head of the inlet” in the Tsimshian language.
- Conservation - The topography of this land and marine sanctuary is diverse, with rugged peaks towering to 2100 metres above a valley of wetlands, old growth temperate rainforests and a large estuary.
- Wildlife - The ultimate purpose of this area is to protect the north coast grizzly bear by preserving a part of the ecosystem in which they live. Both fishing and hunting are prohibited in the sanctuary. Contact BC Parks for further information.
Management Planning
Management Planning InformationThe management plan for Khutzeymateen Provincial Park [a.k.a. Khutzeymateen/K’tsim-a-deen Grizzly Sanctuary] was approved in December 2011.
