BEARS OF CHILKO LAKE

A wildlife photography adventure during the peak of the salmon run in British Columbia. Home to one of the highest density grizzly bear habitats in North America.

OCTOBER 1 - 5, 2026

Join Destination Earth photographers Chris Byrne and Shane Kalyn for five days of incomparable grizzly bear viewing in the remote wilderness of British Columbia. Watch for abundant grizzlies as they hunt for salmon in the azure blue waters of Chilko Lake and the Chilko River! Stay in riverside safari-style tents perched high above the waters while grizzlies feed on salmon right in front of you.

Remote and spectacular, the Chilcotin Country of British Columbia remains largely undiscovered by outsiders. Chilko Lake lies at the heart of this vast and diverse region, flanked by the jagged, ice-etched Coast Range on the west and sage-covered plateaus on the east. The lake, a 55-mile-long alpine basin filled with clear glacial water, is our base for natural adventure on a scale rarely encountered. From our wilderness camp we will embark on nature walks, river trips and lake excursions that bring us close to the abundant wildlife that thrives in the Chilcotin: Canada’s true “Wild West.”

Based out of Bear Camp, guests will be dazzled by fine food, great hospitality and a “Canadian twist” on the classic wildlife safari and with a limit of 8 guests, this promises to be an intimate, immersive experience for everyone. The goal of the workshop is to give you the ability to explore the beautiful scenery and elevate your wildlife photography skills. Our experienced pros are here to help, both in the field as well in post processing development to bring your images to life. Assisting and seeing our clients create a portfolio of images that they are excited and proud of is priority number one on all of our workshops, along with having a good time!

INSTRUCTOR: CHRIS BYRNE & SHANE KALYN                

GROUP SIZE: 8 PARTICIPANTS

COST: $8450

INCLUDED: Meals, Lodging, Flight from Vancouver, BC

NOT INCLUDED: International Flights, Camera Equipment, Travel Insurance

DEPOSIT: A 33% deposit is required to secure a spot. A second 33% payment is due 180 days in advance with the final balance due 90 days prior to workshop.

ACTIVITIES TO CHOOSE FROM:

Hiking: there are an endless number of great trails accessible right from Bear Camp. Green Lake offers pretty mellow terrain for stretching one’s legs, while Mt. Tullin is a challenging hike with 360 degree views.  Heli hiking can also be arranged at additional expense (but is worth every penny) and visits a number of valleys and nearby glaciers.

Kayaking:  Chilko Lake is one of the world’s premiere alpine lake destinations where you can explore by boat in total tranquility. Surrounded by massive glacier-capped peaks and a road-less wilderness, you will spend the days paddling the lake and picnicking on sandy beaches. Days are long but the alpenglow sunsets are worth the wait! During bear viewing season, most of the bruins congregate right at our doorstep so we do not have to paddle far to watch bears feeding on Mother Nature’s bounty. We also have a quiver of very stable paddle boards (SUP’s) and paddling above the salmon is truly surreal.

River Float or Paddle: floating right from Bear Camp, we can travel a half-day (10 miles) or an entire day (21 miles with a picnic lunch) by inflatable kayak (aka “ducky”) and navigate some fun and scenic water that is still appropriate for little ones.

Drift Boat: for the ultimate in scenic rides – and ideal for photographers – try a drift on this breathtaking stretch.  In a drift boat you get a fun ride but soak up the scenery instead of waves.  Our drift boat is also ideal for fly fishing outings and during salmon season, the dories provide an unobtrusive way to float among the bears.

Fishing: A veritable bouillabaisse of fish, the Chilko is utopia for anglers of all abilities.  The river is a giant bevy of hot spots, with clear shallows and deep pools.  Draining the main lake, the waters never cloud and fishing is superb throughout the season. The river is “fly fish only, catch and release” and we have jon and drift boats and all the necessary gear to wade and fish this pristine waterway. We can teach beginners to fly fish or you can take a spin rod on the lake, the choice is yours.

Mountain Biking: flowing double track, winding dirt roads, coasting along the rivers edge or gliding through pine-scented forests, we’ve got it all. Our fleet of Kona mountain bikes comes with vehicle support and a knowledgeable guide. What more could you want? Eliminate the hills? We can do that too!

Bushcraft: there are many options for paddling, fishing, hiking or biking but one of the big highlights of this trip is the option for “bushcraft”. This involves a hike or drive up to Scotty Meadow to meet, 80 year old survivalist expert, Mike Yates, a.k.a. “Grizz”.  Mike ran a survival school for decades and was better known as the Marlboro Man for the cigarette manufacturer’s advertising series in Europe and abroad. Participants will see how to live off-the-grid, learn about plants and wildflowers as well as learn about constructing traditional log homes. By the day’s end you will be ready to face even the worst zombie apocalypse…or at least light a fire and build shelter!

ABOUT THE REGION

 THE TERRAIN

Our trip begins at the north end of Ts’yl-os Provincial Park. Established in 1994, Ts’yl-os (pronounced sigh loss) is 233,240 hectares in the Chilcotin Ranges of the Coast Mountains. Although Chilko Lake is the centre piece of the park, it is just one of many incredible natural features. Though there is much to explore in the region, it is rugged and unserviced leaving its visitors up to their own devices. This is where we fit in.

The Chilcotin River flows near Nazko Lakes Provincial Park and Stump Lake Provincial Park. Both were recently expanded to protect wildlife habitat and BC’s only colony of nesting white pelicans, respectively. Upstream from the confluence of the Chilcotin and Big Creek, lies the new 660 hectares of rolling grassy plateau protected in Big Creek Provincial Park.

CULTURAL NOTES

To aboriginal people of the Nemaiah Valley, Ts’yl-os is much more than a provincial park. Ts’yl-os was a man, or at least he used to be long ago, and like any man he had his moods. Given his towering height of 3,061 meters (Mount Tatlow on a map), it is wise to respect him and especially not to point at him. His presence can be so dominating that when occasional bad weather hits the valley, the 250 native residents wonder if it is a message from their spiritual protector.

For the isolated Nemaiah First Nation, their agreement on the park represents an important, but tentative first step toward reconciliation with the outside world. It is this world that led to the so-called Chilcotin Indian War of 1864 and the subsequent deaths of many. Today, that historic uprising against the white intrusion on Chilcotin Lands continues to colour the native psyche and the park’s future.

The silty confluence of the Chilcotin and Fraser was also a major territorial boundary. The Ts’ilhqot’in people of the Athapaskan language group held a territory on the northwest side of the confluence where the Junction Sheep Range is located. Small bands of natives traveled the Chilcotin watershed, hunting and gathering food. During salmon runs, these bands would come together at the mouth of the Chilcotin.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

XXXXXXXXXTake a scenic flight over the Coast Mountains and transfer to Camp

• Check into the waterfront Bear Camp and get settled in our deluxe safari tents

• Be amazed by the abundance of grizzlies, black bears and eagles feasting on spawning salmon

• Watch grizzlies feed on salmon below your deck and while on daily excursions

• Explore the Coast Mountains, Chilko and Tatlayoko lakes by canoe, kayak, boat, and on foot

• Paddle and fish the breath-taking azure waters of Chilko River

• Hike or bike on paths enveloped by awe-inspiring mountains

• Enjoy home-cooked meals and evening “feasts” paired with eclectic wines and craft beer

• Unwind with a book, or do nothing but drink in the spectacular scenery

MEET THE INSTRUCTORS

Hello there! I’m Chris Byrne and I spent way too many years aimlessly wandering the earth and working for the man before finding my true passion in nature and landscape photography. My love of nature started very early in life as I would study the photographs in my dad’s huge collection of National Geographics, and also spend as much time as I could out exploring in the woods with my younger brother. Fast forward many years and after getting a finance degree in college I went to work in the stock market for over fifteen years (and didn’t get rich). During my time, I saw first hand two of the most devastating financial crises in our country’s history, and after the second go around I completely lost interest in my profession and desperately needed something more. I found myself in a place in life without any inspiration or excitement for what I was doing.

Then on a trip to Glacier, Montana I rediscovered my love of nature. However, the photographs I was trying to get just didn’t do the place any justice. It was then that I decided to get serious about photography and quickly poured all of myself into the craft, learning as much as possible as quickly as I could. I was a super sponge and had a new passion for life! As soon as I became proficient in my skills, I wanted to share my knowledge and began teaching others. Now I lead workshops to some of the best places on the globe.

Along the way I’ve won a few awards, but with so many contests out there, I wouldn’t claim that’s a good judge of a good teacher. Rather I am proud to be able to inspire others and spend as much time as I possibly can with each person in helping them connect with nature while teaching the techniques to capture the images that they want to create. Seeing people make breakthroughs in their art is something that I cherish. I truly believe that nature is good for the soul. The more you explore, the more you will be inspired. Join me on an unforgettable photography adventure!

As an introduction, let me explain my journey to you. Photography is a hobby that you can come to at any stage of your life. I personally arrived at this destination in October 2015. I had always been active, played gaelic and soccer, enjoyed my team sports and had relative successes, but felt that I needed a change. I always had an interest in hiking around Ireland. Until 2015, I never owned a camera so a friend suggested buying one for a hobby and I can honestly say that photography just grabbed me from the moment I took my first shot. It led me on a whirlwind journey around the world with a new appreciation of the wonderful sights around us all.

I live close to the centre of the most beautiful country in the world and I can reach the most fantastic places in less time than it takes most people to commute to work. Ireland is a stunning country and when I am behind my lens, the camera paints the landscape in the most vivid manner, I never fail to be amazed at the beauty that surrounds us.

Photography allows me to live the dream. I can be alone, at one with the world around me, and yet feel as though I am at the centre of the universe when I capture that split second in time. Photography is the gift that keeps on giving…

Since starting, I have travelled the world and seen it from both sides of the lens. I have met great people, shared amazing experiences, helped peoples dreams come true and have memories that will last a lifetime, all with like minded people. And now…as a natural talker, I have combined my hobbies to start a business and as the man behind Bernard Geraghty Landscape Tours, I hope that we can both use this website to stay in touch. So, whether it’s local or international, close by or far away, I hope that we can tailor a trip for you!!!

CANCELLATION POLICY

We reserve the right to cancel the workshop if minimum participants are not met or in the event of an emergency. In the event of emergency where Chris cannot personally attend, then a replacement guide will be the first option. If a cancellation does occur, participants may either use the fee towards a future workshop or receive a full refund. We are not responsible for travel expenses incurred and therefore strongly recommend travel insurance to cover such costs.

A $200 change fee will be charged for changes or cancellations. Participants who cancel prior to 90 days before the workshop will receive either a full refund or credit to a future workshop minus the change fee. Any cancellations within 90 days of the workshop cannot be refunded under any circumstances. Only if we are able to fill the vacancy, will the participant will receive a credit to a future workshop minus the change fee. Workshop credits are good for one calendar year from the date of the missed workshop.

Any cancellations within 30 days of the workshop (for any reason) will forfeit their entire registration fee as it is extremely difficult to fill the space on that short of notice. If a true emergency arises last minute we will do our best to work with you granting a partial credit towards a future workshop, but this is not guaranteed. Again travel insurance is strongly recommended.