NORTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA - British Columbia: Including the Alaska Highway - page 608

the tidal zone at the head of the inlet where approximately 50 grizzly bears, fresh out
of hibernation in May and June, come down to the water's edge to feed on sedges
and grasses. Through summer, the bears remain in the area, feeding in the salmon-
rich Khutzeymateen and Kateen Rivers.
Given the inaccessibility of the region, most visitors arrive on a guided trip. For
adult $205, child $165, Prince Rupert Adventure Tours (250/627-9166 or 800/
201-8377, www.adventuretours.net , mid-May-July) runs visitors into the area by
boat from Prince Rupert, but most of the six-hour trip is spent traveling. Overnight
tours are run by SunChaser Charters (250/624-5472, www.sunchasercharters.ca ,
from $2,200 for four days), which offers trips on a live-aboard motor cruiser. Depart-
ing from Prince Rupert and taking half a day to reach the sanctuary, the trips emphas-
ize bear viewing, but time is also spent exploring other aspects of the area's natural
and human history.
ACCOMMODATIONS AND CAMPING
Prince Rupert's 700 motel rooms fill fast every summer night (late June-early Sept.) with
travelers waiting for ferries—so book well in advance (if you're traveling onward from
Prince Rupert, you should have already made ferry reservations, so you know which nights
you'll be in town). Accommodation choices are wide-ranging, and although no one prop-
erty stands out as being good value, all are moderately priced. On the other hand, Prince
Rupert has a great campground within easy walking distance of the ferry terminals.
Under $50
The distinctive blue and green Pioneer Backpackers Inn (167 3rd Ave. E., 250/624-2334,
dorms $27-32, $65 s or d) is mostly full of “steadies” in winter, but in summer daily and
weekly accommodations are offered. Facilities include dorm rooms with shared bathrooms,
a couple of private doubles, an outside yard with a barbecue, free use of bicycles, a living
room with TV, and a small but well-equipped kitchen.
$50-100
In a restored two-story bank building in the heart of downtown, Java Lodge (516 3rd
Ave. W, 250/622-2833, $65-75 s, $68-78 d) has three simple but comfortable upstairs guest
rooms that share bathrooms but have TV/DVD combos. Wireless connections are free and
a light breakfast is included in the rates.