Truly Wild

Nicki Harrison on 17 July 2017
If there was ever an experience that will take your breath away and get you up-close and personal with the best of Canada's wildlife - this is it! Located about 50 air miles north of Campbell River, is the wild and remote area known as Knight's Inlet.

I visited Knight's Inlet Lodge with my husband on my honeymoon in June 2016 and although it was just 2 days of our 3 week adventure in Canada, it was easily one of the most memorable stays of my life.

Starting at Campbell River, a transfer took us to the sea plane port to get us on our way. Having never been on a sea plane before, it is quite surreal when you realise that the take off strip is water - but what an experience! The flight travels over some stunning scenery in British Columbia before landing with a splash on the estuary at Knight's Inlet. The pilot even offered to let me sit up front as he didn't have a co-pilot. I thought better of it in case I touched something and caused the plane to crash, although I can highly recommend a plane that can land on water!

We were met by the incredibly knowledgeable and friendly staff of the lodge and shown to our cabin style room on what would be our floating home for the next 2 days. After we were settled, we had the chance to join the estuary river boat tour in hopes of seeing bears. And we did... Nine... Nine bears in one hour!

Our guide told us all about the land and the bears who they had named and been observing for years. The bears are by no means enclosed; they choose to come back inlet, especially at this time of year to raise their young. They know that it is a safe and protected area - although they have to put up with a photo or three. But the lodge is blessed with so much more; from bald eagles to an abundance of marine life including dolphins and even whales. We were lucky enough to see dolphins on the inlet cruise tour to Rainbow falls that we did the next day.

Our stay at Knight's Inlet was on a full board basis and dining was like being at the family dinner table, chatting with all the other guests about their experiences and the chance to compare photos. They also had a little gift shop with some wonderful shots of the area and of the wildlife. The owner of the lodge also supports a local program called "stop the hunt" where by they commit to a financial settlement with the local guide-outfitter to pay for his bear tags - i.e., paying them not to hunt!

For our last excursion, we decided to jump in kayaks and get a little closer to the shore. We were able to see Bella and her cubs again as well another resident bear called Lenore who was happily resting in the sunshine whilst her cub was learning how to find her own food by scavenging around the rocks.

Our stay at this wonderful lodge and the experience getting there and back is one I can highly recommend!