Prepare for Your Visit

What to Bring

Knight Inlet Lodge is located in a remote area of the Canadian Wilderness with boat and floatplane access only. We recommend that you bring anything you consider essential during your stay, including prescriptions and other medication… and your camera (don’t forget your charger!)

Please keep in mind, due to the Lodge’s very remote location in the Canadian Wilderness there is no access to WiFi or cell phone coverage at the Lodge… it is a true ‘Digital Detox’ zone.

Eco-friendly, scent-free shower gel and shampoo is available in your ensuite bathroom. If you do bring your own toiletries please make sure they are scent free as a Grizzly Bear’s sense of smell is 2600 times more sensitive than a humans!

Will you need insect repellent? Typically there are no biting insects at the Lodge itself due to our location on the water. There may be some mosquitoes on some of the excursions (especially land based tours) so if you do bring insect replant , please make sure it is as fragrance free as possible.

We do provide high quality binoculars while visiting the Lodge. If you need to borrow a pair, please let our staff know when you attend the mandatory Safety Orientation after you arrive by floatplane.

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) are required anytime you are on the water during or transiting to your tours and excursions. We provide high quality PFDs and these will be issued to you when you attend the mandatory Safety Orientation after you arrive by floatplane.

Depending on the time of the season you visit, we recommend dressing in layers as it may be quite cool in the mornings and late evenings. For comfort due to cool temperatures you may not want to wear Shorts or Skirts on your early tours. We do provide high quality rain-gear (Jackets, Trousers and Wellington Boots) if needed. Our gift-shop does stock some fantastic Knight Inlet Lodge branded clothing… Shirts, Sweaters, Hats and Jackets, so if you forget something (or would like a souvenir) please take a look.  If you plan on taking part in a few of our hiking adventure excursions,  you may want to bring your hiking boots or a comfortable pair of walking shoes. When packing… please keep in mind, the floatplane luggage allowance* is only 14Kg or approximately 30 pounds (*more info below)

Floatplane Luggage Limits

The official floatplane luggage size limit from our floatplane provider’s website is : 14 to 15KG (approx. 30lbs) per traveler and not to exceed 110 linear centimeters (Length + Width + Height) in any one direction. The luggage is stowed in the floats, so soft cases are preferred. Due to Transport Canada Safety regulations, floatplanes of this size are not allowed ‘carry on luggage’ as there is no where to store it.  The final decision regarding floatplane operations and safety will always be up to the pilot and the floatplane staff.

When you check-in for your floatplane flight on the morning you fly to the lodge, there will be a sample of a ‘seat pocket’ at the floatplane check-in counter. These ‘seat pockets’ are on the back of each seat on the aircraft… anything you want to bring on your person will have to fit in this pocket, if it fits…then it will be allowed in the passenger compartment (this includes cameras and lenses). Vancouver Island Air (our floatplane flight provider) Has been quite strict on this lately.

We do provide complimentary secure luggage storage at the floatplane facility for any luggage you would like to store while at the Lodge. Luggage tags will be provided in the ‘Welcome Pack’ that you will receive at check-in at the first night hotel in Campbell River.

Climate & Weather

Knight Inlet Lodge is located in the southern reaches of the Great Bear Rainforest. This protected rainforest is one of the largest intact coastal temperate rainforests in the world. It has a moderate climate with four distinct seasons. The coast of British Columbia is known for high rainfall, which creates humid and wet conditions in the rainforest. The amount of rainfall in our location also contributes to the rainforest’s lush, green vegetation. Our location also experiences a large amount of tidal activity, which can create strong currents and waves . Tides here can reach up to 16 feet (5 meters) and are a result of the unique geography of the area.

Spring is an amazing time to visit Knight Inlet Lodge. The days become longer and the weather starts to warm up, making it a great time to explore the rainforest and view the Grizzly Bears coming out of hibernation. Temperatures during this season can range from 6-18 degrees Celsius (43-62 degrees Fahrenheit). On a nice day in June, temperatures can get as warm as 22 degrees Celsius (71 degrees Fahrenheit)

Summer is a very busy part of our season and we have many families visiting the Lodge. The weather is warm and sunny, making it ideal for our hiking and wildlife marine adventures. The days are long and typically quite warm… evenings are a great time to sit with a glass of wine on one of our outdoor decks! Temperatures during this season can range from 15-30 degrees Celsius (59-86 degrees Fahrenheit).

Autumn is a beautiful time to visit and historically the height of our season. Fall colours and sunshine create  stunning landscapes. The Grizzlies are generally feeding on the Salmon Run and temperatures during this period can range from 5-15 degrees Celsius (41-59 degrees Fahrenheit).

Knight Inlet Lodge doesn’t operate during Winter (when the Grizzly Bears are hibernating). The weather can be very cool and wet. Temperatures during this season can range from -15 to 5 degrees Celsius (10-41 degrees Fahrenheit). At our location in Glendale Cove there are moderate winter snowfalls, and the higher elevations see cooler temperatures and even more snowfall.

The Great Bear Rainforest experiences some of the heaviest rainfall in North America with an average of 6,650 mm of rain falling each year! This is why we provide high quality Rain Jackets, Trousers and Wellington Boots.  You will want to bring warm clothing… even in summer, nights can be cool. Bring a sweater or light jacket for evening activities. If you are staying for a longer package (3,4,5 or 6 Nights) you will want to bring comfortable shoes as  there may be some walking involved on excursions exploring around Knight Inlet. Make sure the shoes you have packed are suitable for wet and muddy conditions.

Current weather and tide conditions at Knight Inlet Lodge can be found at this link

The Lodge

Knight Inlet Lodge is your floating home away from home and the base for all of your wildlife adventures. The Lodge is not a Luxury Resort… the Lodge is a Luxury Wilderness Experience! We have a total of 18 guest rooms. Eight of the guest rooms face the ocean and ten guest rooms face the shoreline. Fourteen of the rooms have two queen beds and four rooms are ‘Family Rooms’ with one queen bed and two twin beds. Due to very strict safety protocols in place, the maximum room capacity is limited to four guests per room. Normally the Lodge will have 36 guests visiting each night, but this number can go as high as 44 guests during the Summer with the number of families visiting (The lodge will typically never exceed 44 guests in order to provide the optimum in amazing guest experience). Rooms are typically allocated on a ‘First Come – first Serve’ basis with timings based on your booking request… there is not a bad room in the house and there is always the chance of seeing Grizzly Bears from the shore facings rooms (depending on the season). You will spend very little time in your room other than sleeping, as a typical day starts around 6AM with breakfast being served and doesn’t finish until 9:30PM when the evening presentations end.

When you are at the Lodge, please feel free to walk anywhere you like on the outside decks and always keep your Camera handy as there is typically wildlife everywhere. The Lodge is made up of multiple floats and is stably secured to the ocean floor to prevent motion… that said, the Lodge is a floating facility and you may feel very slight tidal motion (our guests often say they have the best sleep of their life).

We do generate our own electricity and purify our own water at the Lodge. We have state of the art, high efficiency generators that provide standard North American AC voltage to all areas of the Lodge during the day. After 10pm, the generators shutdown and we switch over to a battery/inverter system that continues to provide standard AC power. You will probably not notice the ‘switch over’ as everything electric will function as normal other than the hot water on demand system that will not be active after 10PM in your room. The generators will restart at 4:30AM. Unless you like cold showers, make sure to have your shower when the hot water on demand system is active (4:30AM to 10PM). You will of course be able to charge your cameras, phones and run any electric device as needed overnight.

Our location in the Protected Great Bear Rainforest has some of the best fresh water on the planet and we do run an amazing purification system to produce potable water. You can drink water from any tap at the Lodge and our system is tested regularly to make sure our water supply exceeds stringent government standards. We have also installed a brand new desalination system that will allow for the conversion of ocean saltwater to drinkable fresh water (this system is a backup and would only be used if the freshwater supply was interrupted).

Tours & Excursions

Our location in the protected Great Bear Rainforest has one of the largest resident populations of Grizzly Bears on the planet. Although there is typically an abundance of wildlife sightings… Knight Inlet Lodge is not a Zoo or a Theme Park and we cannot guarantee the frequency of sightings. The Grizzly Bears are majestic, sentient creatures who are living their lives in the wilderness of Knight Inlet. The longer your stay at the Lodge, the better your wildlife viewing and inclusion into the Grizzly’s environment.

All of your tours and excursions run right from the Lodge and there will be multiple tours running simultaneously during the day.  There is no need to ‘pre-book’ your tours… The KILGB2 is all preplanned. With KILGB3,4,5 or 6 Night Packages, after your first full day at the Lodge, you will meet with our Lodge Manager each evening before dinner (there will be a desk set up in the dining hall) to discuss and coordinate your next day’s adventures. A day is divided into 4 ‘blocks’ of time (approximately 2 to 2 ½ hours each block except departure morning – 1 ½ hours) and depending on the adventures you pick, you can have anywhere from one to four excursions per day (most guests are taking part in two to three adventures per day). Excursions are limited to between six and twelve guests depending on the excursion to avoid stress on our resident wildlife population.

Please note the following: During the ‘Platform Viewing’ part of our season (August 31 to October 15), to be fair and allow all guests to visit the stands, we guarantee one trip to the viewing stands per day. Also, the all day (8+ hour) Marine and/or Whale excursions are not available on the 2 and 3 night packages due to the length of tour.  If you would like a timeline breakdown of your visit, please email our reservations team to request your customized timeline.

FYI – All land-based tours do require, at a minimum, walking distances of approximately 200 meters on rocky and / or uneven shoreline that may be slippery. To take part in these tours you must be able to walk this section without the assistance of Knight Inlet Lodge Guide Staff. The style of some of our wildlife tours that we offer are not suitable for guests that require the use of walkers or wheelchairs.

Meals & Libations

Meals at Knight Inlet Lodge provide a rich culinary experience and we have an amazing chef who utilizes only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients (the prawns and crabs for our appetizers are harvested right from the waters outside the Lodge). If you have any dietary requirements, allergies or follow a specialized diet, please feel free to email us* and our chef will prepare special tasty gourmet alternatives (*Special Diet requests require a minimum of one weeks notice due to menu logistics… we boat or fly everything in!)

Each evening we serve complementary Red and White wine at dinner. We source these wonderful wines from local BC wineries  such as 40 Knots and Beaufort Wines. Typically different wines will be on rotation each dinner service. Our dining hall does have a very well stocked bar that includes excellent beers from Vancouver Island Brewing, and spirits from Shelter Point Distillery … our bartender can certainly make some very tasty cocktails! We also have various soft drinks and fruit juices available plus coffee (regular, decaf, lattes, espresso and cappuccinos) and a wide selection of teas.

Your meals are included while at the Lodge, but not the first night of your package in Campbell River. Campbell River is becoming a ‘foodie’ paradise and there are a number of fantastic restaurant options within walking distance of your first night hotel.  Please check out this link for the more information about the culinary scene in Campbell River.

First Night in Campbell River BC

When you visit Knight Inlet lodge, the first night of all packages is a night in Campbell River BC. Due to logistics and operations, this first night in Campbell River is not optional… we have guests arriving from around the world each day during the season and Campbell River is our start and finish point. When you check-in for your package first night, you will receive a ‘Welcome Pack’ with important information about your visit to the Lodge. Our hotel partner is the Comfort Inn located in downtown Campbell River and is only 3km from the floatplane facility we utilize at Tyee Spit to transport you to and from the Lodge.

In regards to timings… You can arrive at the hotel anytime after 11AM on your package start date but keep in mind that on your departure day from the lodge you will not arrive back into Campbell River until roughly 11:15AM. We always recommend not booking any super tight connectors (Flights, Ferries, etc) as there may be the chance of delays in floatplane operations due to weather and ocean conditions. Knight Inlet Lodge and our floatplane provider will always choose safety as our number one priority. Weather can be unpredictable on the wild West Coast of Canada and depending on the time of the season you are visiting the Lodge, you will want to consider coordinating evening departures from Campbell River to avoid issues related to weather with connecting travel plans.

Campbell River BC is the last major city located on Vancouver Island and is the gateway to the wilderness of the  North Island. Known as the ‘Salmon Capital of the World’ , Campbell River has in recent years become a tourism destination in it’s own right with the great Canadian Wilderness starting just outside the city limits. With a population of approximately 30,000 people, Campbell River is very well serviced and has everything you need for your holiday. Check out this link for the Top Ten Things to Do in Campbell River…

Parking

Most of our guests arrive and depart by air. If you do decide to drive, there is complimentary parking available at the Hotel in Campbell River for the first night of your package. The next morning you will need to drive 3km to the floatplane terminal to check-in for your flights by 8AM . As with any airport, there will be pay parking available at the floatplane facility . The staff at Vancouver Island Air will assist you with the designated parking area. Typically Vancouver island Air charges $5 per day for a standard sized automobile and you can pay by cash or credit card.

Travelling By Air

If you are travelling by air we offer local complimentary airport shuttle service in Campbell River. In order to coordinate this service, please let us know your arrival / departure dates, times and flight numbers. If you don’t know the flight details when you book your stay at Knight Inlet Lodge, please feel free to email us the information anytime* prior to your visit. (*Please let our reservation team know as the shuttle service coordination requires a minimum of 48 hours notice. This service is not ‘on-demand’ and cannot be facilitated last minute)

Photography

Knight Inlet is an ideal setting for creating stunning images. From breath taking landscapes to the quintessential Canadian Wildlife experience, you will definitely want to have your camera handy at all times. Here are a few helpful hints for your photo adventure:

• Keep your camera shutter noise to a minimum to avoid disturbing the Grizzly Bears and other guests. A mirror-less camera system is a great choice for this and turning off the ‘Click’ on your camera phone

•  Tripods are not allowed in the skiffs or at the viewing stands.

• Drones are prohibited during the season due to the Environmental Management Plan in place at our location in the protected Great Bear Rainforest.

• Carry-on luggage is not allowed on the Floatplane, this includes large lenses and cameras on your person due to safety protocols. You will want to use a small pocket camera or your cellphone camera when taking photos from the floatplane during your arrival and departure.

Welcome Pack (Waiver, Medical Forms & Dietary Requirements)

A low to moderate level of physical fitness is required for all tours, including the ability to walk approximately 100 – 200 meters on uneven and potentially slippery shorelines.

Each of our guests will receive a ‘Welcome Pack’ at the first night Hotel check-in.  All guests must complete the enclosed Guest Health & Dietary Review Form. This information helps us in preparing for your visit to the Lodge. Please provide as much detail as you can, and include a note identifying all allergies, dietary needs or medical conditions. Click to view a sample of our Health & Dietary Review

Guests must also sign the enclosed Liability Release once in Campbell River. This type of document is standard to Canadian eco-adventure companies and a hardcopy will be in the ‘Welcome Pack’ you receive at the first night check-in. Please take time to review this document in detail. By signing, you agree to the content. Click to view a sample our liability waiver 

Guests are also required to complete the enclosed Bear Viewing License (Please retain the GRAY copy for your records)

More information about Knight Inlet Lodge is available in our Lodge Guide, Please see Links below↓

2025 Lodge Guide – Click Here

100% Indigenous Owned

Knight Inlet Lodge has been in operation nearly 40 years and has been 100% Indigenous Owned since 2017 by the Nanwakolas Council. We are very proud to showcase our First Nations culture and heritage. Although Wildlife Viewing and Eco-Adventure are at our core connection, we offer a number of cultural experiences and have many indigenous team members on staff. When you visit our world class remote Lodge, you really will enjoy the quintessential Canadian Experience!

The name Nanwakolas, which means “a place we go to find agreement,” and honours traditional ways of making decisions collaboratively that will benefit all the member First Nations.

Da’naxda’xw Awaetlala, Mamalilikulla, Tlowitsis,  Wei Wai Kum, We Wai Kai, and K’ómoks are the member First Nations of the Nanwakolas Council. These First Nations each hold responsibility for the stewardship of Aweenak’ola, which means “the lands we are on,” within their traditional areas on North Vancouver Island and the mainland coast of what is now British Columbia, Canada. Knight Inlet and our Lodge’s location (Glendale Cove) in the protected Great Bear Rainforest are the traditional territory of the Da’naxda’xw/Awaetlala First Nation.

Da’naxda’xw – “the sandstone ones” and the Awaetlala – “those up the Inlet” are part of the Southern Kwagyulth or Kwak’wakw’wakw language group. The Da’naxda’xw territory was at the head of Knight Inlet and the Awaetlala’s territory was the area farther south including Glendale Cove. The first recorded census of tribal populations was in 1835 with 300 people belonging to the Awaetlala and 375 to the Da’naxda’xw Nation. Around 1860 a rock slide threatened the Da’naxda’xw village at Wakas (Wahkash Creek) causing them to join the Awaetlala at Kwatsi (Siwash Bay).

“…The Lodge is the crown jewel of wildlife viewing in North America and we look forward to adding the beauty of our culture to this tremendous experience. This acquisition represents a significant achievement for our First Nations toward improving the well-being of their communities, exerting greater control over and protecting their traditional territories.” 

Dallas W. Smith
President, Nanwakolas

More information about the Nanwakolas Council can be found at this LINK

Cancellation Policy

We strongly recommend Travel, Trip Interruption and/or Cancellation insurance for your protection

Your deposit is fully refundable up to 90 days before arrival. Payment in full is required 45 days prior to arrival with a 40% refund possible until 30 days prior. No refund inside 30 days.

► $500.00 deposit per person at time of booking. Balance due 45 days prior to arrival

► Cancellation prior to 90 days no charge

► 45 – 90 days prior to arrival – $500.00 per person cancellation fee

► 30 – 44 days prior to arrival – 60% of package price per person cancellation fee

► 0 – 29 days prior to arrival no refund

Refunds will not be issued for weather related and/or wildlife viewing issues.

If you have any questions when you prepare for your visit please don’t hesitate to contact us by email at info@grizzlytours.com

See you at the Lodge!