SEA WOLF EXPEDITIONS
With local First Nations guide, Marven Robinson, we are offering an extraordinary opportunity to watch and photograph wild sea wolves in the Great Bear Rainforest.
Expedition Overview
We have spent years getting to know the territory and habits of a local wolf pack. Although wolves are notoriously elusive, we have a very high success rate and have seen wolves on every expedition since we began offering them in 2017.
For wildlife photographers and those who are fascinated by wolves, the opportunity to watch and photograph these remarkable carnivores is the holy grail of Great Bear Rainforest experiences. Some of our previous guests have said these unique expeditions feel less like a tour and more like being on an assignment for National Geographic.
This region is home to some of the highest population densities of wolves in North America. These wolves are genetically distinct from their interior counterparts and are uniquely adapted to their coastal rainforest environment, where they make much of their living from the ocean and have become known as “Sea Wolves.”
In a world dominated by human landscapes, the wild landscapes of this region are a refuge for wildlife, including the wolf. In the words of eminent scientist Dr. Paul Paquet, “the remote ocean archipelago of the Great Bear Rainforest comprises North America’s most unusual and one of its most pristine wolf populations.”
Exploring this wild place, we delve into the fascinating world of the coastal wolf. This adventure is specifically designed to provide you with the best possible opportunities for watching and photographing these elusive and beautiful carnivores and learning about their ecology. It is also an opportunity to camp out close to nature, live by the rise and fall of the tides, and immerse yourself in a wild corner of the Great Bear Rainforest that few people ever witness.
2025 Dates
Aug 8-14
Aug 17-24
Aug 24-29
A few spaces still available for 2025.
Group size
Maximum 6 guests per trip
Departure point
Prince Rupert, British Columbia
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Sea wolf photo gallery
A sample of photos from previous expeditions
Testimonials
Simply put, this trip was truly a once in a lifetime experience. From the remote location to everyone involved. It will forever hold a place close to my heart. I feel extremely fortunate for the opportunity and couldn’t thank everyone enough for the wonderful time. I wouldn’t change a single minute of it. Thank you again Tim, Marven and the entire crew.
I went out to this wolf expedition facing the unknown into the wild pretty much out of nowhere and I was definitely not disappointed at all. Everyone on the crew worked hard to accommodate all our needs. The guides knowledge and experience made our trip an unforgettable one. In the end was an incredible journey into the wild which will haunt me for the rest of my life. I took with me a piece of that place and keep it close to my heart with hope I will be able to return again. For people who seek the unknown and the adventure I will strongly recommend this trip.
The Coastal Wolves Expedition vastly exceeded my wildest expectations. We were fortunate to have daily (sometimes fleeting) wolf sightings which I am sure was a rarity for these coastal wolves. But what wonderful encounters! As expected, the “boatel” accommodations are rustic, but sufficient. Prepared daily meals were tasty and plentiful. Recommended for an adventure!
An excellent tour in the wilds of the remote BC north coast with a rare chance to spend time in the magical world of the elusive BC Coastal wolves.
Check out this remarkable video made by @chriswdc, during his trip with us in 2024
Expectations
To provide the best chances of success we camp out in prime wolf territory where we have been scouting out the local wolf pack for years. By camping out on location and adapting to the wolve’s schedule, we greatly increase our chances of success.
However, these expeditions are not for everybody. You must be willing to live in a communal camp with others and be prepared to deal with all kinds of weather and the potential for hours of waiting. However, for those people who are eager to immerse themselves in a wild landscape and photograph the Great Bear Rainforest’s coastal wolves, our trips offer the very best opportunity to make that dream a reality. After working as a guide in the Great Bear Rainforest for 20 years, some of my most profound wildlife encounters have been on these expeditions. I have also spent hours and hours waiting around for wolves to show up, but there is magic in that too.
Although the coast of British Columbia is a wildlife haven, the reason we are successful on these expeditions is that we focus specifically on wolves. Immersing ourselves in their world is the best way to increase our chances of success. Nonetheless, we can also expect to see a lot of birdlife including ospreys, sandhill cranes, peregrine falcons, bald eagles, and a host of shorebirds, all set within a backdrop of a beautiful and unique coastal landscape.
Accommodations
This trip is best for people with previous wilderness camping experience.
Our camp is located on boats to consolidate the human presence and reduce our impact on the wolves. The only good places to pitch tents interfere with wolf travel corridors. This is why we do not allow people to bring their own tents – it is too much of an imposition on the animals.
Sleeping accommodations are in a communal plywood cabin outfitted with bunks. There is a second communal cabin for meals, relaxing, and downloading photos. There are chemical toilets in our camp, and limited gas-fired hot showers. Conditions are rustic.
Guests need to bring a sleeping bag, and anything else they need to sleep comfortably (We will provide a packing list).
Sample Itinerary
This is a hypothetical itinerary for a 6-Day wolf expedition. We are using it here for illustrative purposes only. It is simply meant to give you an idea of what our activities will look like during this trip. During your trip weather and wildlife encounters will dictate our activities from day to day. For a 7-Day expedition, just add one more day.
You must arrive in Prince Rupert the day before your trip begins
HYPOTHETICAL TRIP ITINERARY JULY 7-12 (6 DAYS)
JULY 6 (DAY 0):
Guests arrive in Prince Rupert, get settled in their hotels and enjoy exploring the town.
JULY 7 (DAY 1):
All guests will meet Marven or a water taxi at the town dock with their baggage.
The specific meeting place and time of departure are to be determined and are dependent on tides and weather. Travel time to our camp is about 2.5 hours. Upon arrival at wolf camp, we will get settled, have a snack or meal and get prepared to look for wolves for the afternoon and evening. Dinner will be served after we return to camp.
JULY 8-11 (DAYS 2-5):
The best wolf activity is usually early in the morning and in the evenings, but this can vary depending on the tides. During these trips we will adapt to the wolves’ schedule. Each day we will rise early, have a quick breakfast and head out to a viewing location. We will take a break for lunch and relaxation during mid-day when wolves are less active. This will give people time to download images, charge batteries, take a nap or read a book etc. We will head back out for more wolf watching and photography in the late afternoon and return to camp for dinner when the light fades. Depending on the wolf activity, we may eat an early dinner before heading out for our evening photography session.
JULY 12 (DAY 6):
After a final viewing and photography session in the morning, guests will pack up and prepare to head back to Prince Rupert by water taxi, or with Marven. The specific departure time will depend on the weather and tides. Guests should plan to stay in Prince Rupert for the night.
AUG 9 (DAY 7):
Fly to Vancouver and beyond.