Bear Cave Mountain Camp
Bear Cave Mountain Camp is rustic camp set in the pristine wilderness of the northern Yukon. Accessible only by helicopter it offers unique grizzly bear encounters. Set up by Phil Timpany, renowned bear specialist and wildlife photographer, the camp is located in deep with the Ni‘iinlii Njik Territorial Park & Wilderness Preserve along the Arctic Circle in the Yukon. The Fishing Branch River is fed by thermal springs which means the water flows freely throughout the year without freezing.
The camp opens up for guests in mid-September with grizzlies modelling immaculate autumn coats and actively chasing the newly arrived chum salmon. Sometime during early to mid-October winter conditions set in, with snow beginning to fall and colder temperatures. The frosty atmosphere begins to form ice on the pelts of the hunting grizzlies creating a natural phenomenon unseen anywhere else in the world.
A two hour helicopter flight north from Dawson City in the Yukon takes you to the camp Ni‘iinlii Njik Territorial Park & Wilderness Preserve along the Arctic Circle. With Bear Cave Mountain overlooking the nearby Fishing Branch River, the camp is about as remote as you can get in this pristine wilderness.
The camp comprises of four rustic wooden cabins which are built around a central wooden deck. Two of these are private guest cabins which are basic, but comfortable. They are heated by wood burning stoves, equipped with LED lighting and have individual beds with fresh sheets, pillows and duvets. The main lodge houses the kitchen-dining room which is big enough for four guests and the guide and also boasts a heated shower room. The final cabin is the guide cabin which stores food and any survival gear need for your stay. There is a long drop toilet located at the camp which is cleaned on a daily basis.
Bear viewing is done ‘face to face’ on the ground with bear specialist Phil Timpany. Various viewing sites offer unrivalled opportunities to watch grizzly bears fishing for chum salmon which come to spawn in the area. All the viewing sites are within easy walking distance of the camp, and afford themselves to optimum light and weather conditions for spectacular observation and photography.
A typical day might include spending between two to four hours at a bear viewing site depending on activity. A conveniently positioned site found at the end of a 40 metre walkway from the camp is ideal for those below freezing days allowing guests to retreat into the warmth between bear viewing. As all sites are within a close proximity of the camp, it opens it up to guests of all levels of fitness. Although bear viewing is the primary function of a visit here, there are also possibilities to view moose, wolves, caribou and even wolverines.
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