The Na̲nwak̲olas Timber Limited Partnership (“Na̲nwak̲olas”) and Dean and Kathy Wyatt are pleased to announce that the Knight Inlet Lodge has been sold to Na̲nwak̲olas. The sale closed on October 31, 2017. Na̲nwak̲olas is a First Nations controlled entity and is mandated to secure economic development opportunities for the benefit of its five limited partner First Nations (Da’naxda’xw Awaetlala, Mamalilikulla, Tlowitsis, Wei Wai Kum and K’ómoks First Nations) within their collective traditional territories.

This acquisition represents a significant achievement for our First Nations toward improving the well-being of their communities, exerting greater control over and protecting their traditional territories.

Knight Inlet Lodge is Canada’s premier Grizzly Bear viewing destination. Located in the Great Bear Rainforest on the coast of British Columbia, the Lodge is a remote wilderness paradise. Situated in Glendale Cove, Knight Inlet, the resort is in prime Grizzly Bear territory where it is not uncommon for guests to see Grizzlies from the deck of the Lodge. In addition to bear viewing there is a full program of wilderness tours including Whale Watching, Rainforest Hikes, Inlet Cruises and Nature Interpretation Hikes. Since its humble beginning as an Eco Lodge in 1995, Knight Inlet Lodge has grown to be an industry leader with innovative and environmentally responsible programs.

Na̲nwak̲olas is thrilled to be acquiring the ‘platinum standard setting’ Knight Inlet Lodge – a business that, under the guidance of Dean and Kathy Wyatt, has become the leader in the eco-adventure lodge business in British Columbia, with an international reputation that is second to none. No major changes to the Lodge’s products are anticipated. Na̲nwak̲olas is committed to maintaining the Lodge’s high standard, while seeking to introduce a First Nation cultural component to the experiences offered by the Lodge. Na̲nwak̲olas is also committed to continuing Knight Inlet Lodge’s long tradition of funding grizzly bear research and environmental initiatives.

Na̲nwak̲olas is pleased to announce that Brian Collen is the new General Manager of Knight Inlet Lodge and is uniquely suited to run the Lodge after four years as the Lodge Operations Manager. All other senior management from the Lodge will remain in place. Additionally, Dean and Kathy Wyatt will remain with the Lodge in an advisory and consulting role.

Na̲nwak̲olas would like to thank Dean and Kathy Wyatt for their many years of stewardship of the Glendale Cove area and its wildlife, for maintaining a respectful relationship with the Da’naxda’xw Awaetlala First Nation over the past 20 years, and for the opportunity to carry on and grow their legacy.

“We are proud and excited to announce our acquisition of the Knight Inlet Lodge. The Lodge is the crown jewel of wildlife viewing in North America and we look forward to adding the beauty of our culture to this tremendous experience. This acquisition represents a significant achievement for our First Nations toward improving the well-being of their communities, exerting greater control over and protecting their traditional territories.” 

Dallas W. Smith
President, Nanwakolas

“Kathy and I are pleased that we were able to facilitate this transition to First Nations ownership. Our hope is to see the evolution of wildlife viewing through sustainable management of lands, resources and the bears themselves, continue to grow under their stewardship. The protection of grizzly bears in our region and the province has been important to us and we feel that we are leaving this work in good hands. We believe that the development of a broader cultural component will be a welcome addition to the overall lodge experience. We wish Nanwakolas the best of success in the continuation of our legacy and look forward to their future endeavours.” 

Dean Wyatt
Former owner, Knight Inlet Lodge

“I’d like to congratulate Nanwakolas on this amazing opportunity. The growth of eco-tourism needs to continue to be led by First Nations who have local knowledge and expertise of the wildlife and their habitat as we have seen in the Great Bear Rainforest.”

Chief Doug Neasloss
Kitasoo Xai Xais First Nation (owner of Spirit Bear Lodge)

Contacts: 

For information specific to the acquisition of Knight Inlet Lodge:

Dallas W. Smith
President, Nanwakolas Timber Corporation
250 203-0280
president@nanwakolas.com 

For general information regarding Knight Inlet Lodge:

Brian Collen
General Manager, Knight Inlet Lodge
250 337-1953
brian@grizzlytours.com
www.grizzlytours.com