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Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary

 
Activities Availabe At This Park Facilities Available At This Park
Activities Availabe At This Park

A campfire ban is currently in effect for this park. For more information about campfire bans and about provincial parks with park closures and campfire bans in effect, visit the BC Parks campfire ban webpage.

Park Info

Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary

The Khutzeymateen/K'tzim-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 meters elevation.

Park Size: 44,300 hectares

Special Notes:

  • All guided tours must be with a permitted guide. Currently, there are two licenced guides permitted in the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Sanctuary. They are:
    • Ocean Light II Adventures
      #363-1917 West 4th Avenue,
      Vancouver, BC V6J 1M7
      604 328-5339
    • Dan Wakeman – Sun Chaser Charters
      Box 1096
      Prince Rupert, BC V8J 4H6
      250 624-5472
  • For additional information, click here to view these non-government web links.
  • The public is welcome to visit the Sanctuary. When you arrive in the Sanctuary, please check in at the Ranger Station in the inlet. Once in the Khutzeymateen, there are very specific rules and regulations. There is no land access permitted in the Sanctuary and the river estuary is closed for public access. More information is available at the interpretive centre.

Sanctuary Hazards & Special Regulations:

  • 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 meters elevation.

Stay Safe:

  • 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 permittee in the Khutzeymateen River.
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General Visitor Information

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Location

45 km northeast of Prince Rupert. Boat access only. The closest communities, towns and cities are Port Simpson, Port Edward and Prince Rupert.

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Nature & 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.
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Management Planning

Management Planning Information

  • Online Management planning information for this park is not available at this time.
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Activities Available At This Park

Interpretive Programs

Interpretive Programs

There is an interpretive centre located at the guardian station. The centre is open to the public.
Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife Viewing

There is no viewing platform but water based bear and wildlife viewing is excellent at river estuaries.
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