The silence is hypnotic in Khutzeymateen Provincial Park (also called Khutzeymateen Grizzly Sanctuary), hidden deep within the rainforest along British Columbia’s north coast. The park is fascinating, with rugged 2,100-metre peaks towering over a valley of prehistoric-looking old-growth forest and a productive river estuary. However, for the fortunate folks (myself included) who enjoyed a wildlife viewing tour of this special place in early summer, the grizzlies were the main attraction.

Aboard the Ocean Light II, a 21-metre ketch-rigged sailboat, we spent hours on the water in search of these amazing creatures and had many mind-blowing encounters: we witnessed sparring juveniles, swimming bears, female bears with cubs and a mating pair. The relentless rainfall meant that I had to be well prepared (read: waterproof gear and rain covers for my camera), but it added moodiness to the images and gave great texture and colour to the bears wet fur and their green surroundings.

This was a challenging shoot, but the images were well worth it. Here are some of my favourite moments.