SPRING
Spring at the Chalet is marked with the return of this territory's dominant male grizzly bear - "Hank", inspired by Henry V and my grandfather. His sole mission is most ancient, he seeks females in estrus. Over the years that he has shared his home, we have come to know Hank to be a most powerful yet, benevolent king.
SUMMER
As the days lengthen, native plants, insects and birds thrive in the meadow below us. Resident female grizzly bears bring their cubs here to forage on succulent greens. Black bears and mule deer are also regular grazers. Where there are deer, wolves and cougar are never far behind. You may feel the awe that comes from hearing, or seeing these elusive beings. We are very fortunate to share this land with other megafauna such as moose, lynx, and wolverine.
FALL
Autumn brings the return of pink salmon to the Atnarko River. Spring salmon also begin to die at this time, having fulfilled their exhaustive commitment to the next generation. Resident and transient grizzly bears come to Tweedsmuir Provincial Park to take advantage of this salmon feast. Being situated on the bank of the Atnarko, allows us a front row seat to this annual spectacle. The Atnarko/Bella Coola River is the 'heart' of this valley; the salmon, the 'blood' - the 'Circle of Life' still churns in this intact ecosystem.