The Nature Educator

This refuge is protected specifically for grizzlies 🐻. Khutzeymateen Provincial Park (aka K’tzim-a-deen Grizzly Sanctuary) was established in 1994 to protect critical habitat for the region’s grizzly bear population and the largest contiguous stand of old-growth Sitka spruce in the world. It is the first undisturbed estuary of its size (45,000ha) to be protected along the north coast of British Columbia.

It is located on the North Coast in the traditional territories of the Lax Kw’alaams Tribes and the Metlakatla Nation.

The proposed Northern Gateway pipeline would have put extraordinary places like Khutzeymateen Provincial Park at risk by bringing oil tankers through the fragile waters of B.C.’s North Coast, where a major spill could have devastated critical wildlife habitat. The recent decision to uphold the North Coast oil tanker ban is welcome news, helping ensure these globally important ecosystems remain protected for generations to come.

Thank you to Ocean Light Adventures for the incredible opportunity to visit and experience this pristine ecosystem.