Day Trips
8–9 hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 100% of travellers
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Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours
Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours
Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours
5
Eco ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingNature & Wildlife ToursDay Trips
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours invites you to experience some of the most spectacular whale watching, grizzly bear, and wildlife viewing in the world. Our commitment is to offer our guests an experience of a lifetime, to discover and explore the natural and human wonders of the Discovery Islands and Johnstone Strait. We pride ourselves on maintaining a high standard which guarantees our guests a safe, educational and memorable experience. Not only are our guides expert mariners, they are also certified naturalists whose love and ethical regard for marine wildlife is always evident. As the North Island’s first company to have gone fully Carbon Neutral, the preservation of the environment is very important to us. For every person out on a tour with us, 1 square metre of old growth forest is protected on the West Coast of British Columbia!
Campbell River, British Columbia, Canada
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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8–10 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 94% of travellers
94% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
C$691
per adult
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,377 reviews
Excellent
1,296
Very good
54
Average
8
Poor
12
Terrible
9
Michael McGuire
Vinings, GA15 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
We booked this trip in addition to the full day Toba Inlet Grizzly/whale tour we went on the day before. We saw so many humpbacks on the first day I was starting to think that maybe the second trip was unnecessary. However, every trip is different and we had an amazing day seeing whale and dolphin behavior that was beyond what I could have hoped for. The morning started with a mother humpback and a calf that playfully breached several times! At this point the trip was already worth it! But it didn’t stop there! We later watched sea lions hunting and performing aerials in the currents and then ultimately came across an acrobatic pod of pacific-white sided dolphins. They provided non-stop action and photographic opportunities. Robin a.k.a Batman was an amazing guide and his knowledge of both the wildlife and the history of the area was impressive. I watched the video about the ripple rock explosion as soon as I got home. It was an amazing trip. Thanks again!
Written September 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MountainSeaSky
London, UK67 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
We did the 6 hour whale watching yesterday on the covered boat. Quinn, our captain and guide, worked single-handedly to pilot boat, provide info, keep us safe on the water and find us wildlife. He succeeded and while this was amazing for us, I did wonder why the company didn’t provide him a second pair of hands as he DOES IT ALL! Such a responsibility. We saw several humpbacks at a respectful distance, a mega-pod of playful dolphins, stellar sea lions and a few species of porpoise. The boat seats inside are good and outside are not anchored to the deck but safe anyway. I enjoyed being outside but bring a warm jumper as that wind can blow right through you at sea when driving at speed despite a very hot day! A lovely day, a decent lunch in a stunning setting on land (Stuart Island) I wasn’t expecting (assumed would eat on board), so don’t worry about the extended day as it’s fine! Thank you Quinn!
Written August 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Manbyk
Minnesota585 contributions
Sept 2021
My wife and I booked three excursions with Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure tours. Whales, bears, amazing sights, what made our trip was the amazing guide staff (Ty?). He took extra time on the water to ensure customers saw what they came for. Whale's breaching, Orca's traveling, bears feeding on salmon, so much more.
Written August 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
reesSydney
Sydney21 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
An awesome grizzly bear tour to Toba Inlet. The weather was not good (an understatement!) but our amazing captain, Tyler, made up for it with his knowledge, warmth and humour. The boat was much more comfortable than I expected, with a heater, comfy seats and a toilet. Tyler explained the route he would take to make the journey as smooth as possible in windy conditions, and everything he said was spot on.
The Klahoose guides at Toba were also brilliant. They took us to several hides, communicating between themselves to ensure we saw grizzlies, and shared their knowledge of the bears and the land which was fascinating. We felt in very safe hands.
Snacks and lunch were excellent, and the whole day was run very efficiently. Highly recommend. This was an experience I will never forget.
The Klahoose guides at Toba were also brilliant. They took us to several hides, communicating between themselves to ensure we saw grizzlies, and shared their knowledge of the bears and the land which was fascinating. We felt in very safe hands.
Snacks and lunch were excellent, and the whole day was run very efficiently. Highly recommend. This was an experience I will never forget.
Written September 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Awesome to hear that you had such a great experience despite the bad weather! So glad that Tyler made you feel comfortable and safe throughout. He is great isn't he!
Thanks so much for joining us and taking the time to share your review.
Written September 29, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robert D
5 contributions
Sept 2019
We took grizzly bear and whale watching tours on consecutive days in September 2019 (and I'm sorry it's taken so long to write this review). They truly were the most amazing and memorable days of our lives. Steve took us on the grizzly bear tour and was a fantastic host. On the way, as well as humpback whales, we saw a superpod of dolphins that Steve got to follow the boat for a while. That was just the warm up to seeing the grizzlies in the wilderness - we lost count of how many we saw - at least 20 - all in the most stunning scenery. The Holmaco First Nation Bear Guides were so welcoming and knowledgeable. The next day we went whale watching with Robin, again another excellent host. Robin took us well beyond the normal limits of the trip to see orcas which was amazing. One of the best aspects of our experience was the clear respect that the Company have for the wildlife and environment, ensuring that we were no more than privileged spectators of these wonderful animals without impacting on their natural behaviour. I cannot recommend this company highly enough!
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there,
Thank you so much for writing us a review and for joining us on two separate trips with Steve and Robin!
We're so happy to hear that you enjoyed both trips and had a number of different sightings!
We try our absolute hardest to ensure that we respect both the wildlife and the environment and we are incredibly passionate about sharing this with our guests! It's very exciting that it was one of the best aspects of your experience with us!
We hope that you'll join us for another day or two in the future!
Written June 26, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Glenn Sollitt
2 contributions
Sept 2021
We live in BC and are already active with our own boat. We are lucky enough to see a lot of what our coast offers ourselves and don't really consider going on "tourist" activities. When my wife's sister asked us if we'd go Grizzly viewing with them (they too live on Vancouver Island) we said sure anyway. So glad we did! Our experience with the full day tour to Bute Inlet was absolutely fantastic. The boat and guide (Jim) were totally professional and the Homalco driver and guide (Ian and Jared) were also top notch. Jared had a great mix of knowledge and humour. We saw so many Grizzlies that our tour ran late and it seemed the guides were as excited as us guests. I'd recommend this tour to anyone that can do it.
Written September 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hey Glenn,
So glad you enjoyed your tour so much! I think one of the best parts of the past two years, has been how many locals have expirienced our tours for the first time! It is such a unqiue expirience, we are so lucky to live and work in such a beautiful place, and have partners like the Homalco First Nation to showcase their territory to us.
Thank you for joining us, and taking the time to share your review with us!
Written September 15, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lanamom
Sunnyvale, CA673 contributions
May 2023
The absolute best ever - we did two day trips with them last May. The first was their all day whale watching tour. It was just incredible - we saw orcas and orcas and orcas, then so many eagles, and then a few bears on the beach. Plus the scenery was incredible, boat was terrific - it has indoor seating for everybody and then half of the group at a time can sit up on top. Quinn was just amazing for spotting all the wildlife.
The next day we did their spring bear tour. We had even better bear sightings on the beaches, but the scenery was just amazing!! The fjords, the waterfalls cascading into the water, wow!! I've seen Milford and Doubtful Sounds in New Zealand and I think this was even more beautiful.
We are hoping to come back in the fall to see the bears!
The next day we did their spring bear tour. We had even better bear sightings on the beaches, but the scenery was just amazing!! The fjords, the waterfalls cascading into the water, wow!! I've seen Milford and Doubtful Sounds in New Zealand and I think this was even more beautiful.
We are hoping to come back in the fall to see the bears!
Written July 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for joining us for both the whale watching tour and the spring bear and waterfall tour! So glad to hear that you enjoyed them both so much and were able to see so much wildlife!
Written July 31, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michele
Ladysmith, Canada8 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
This was our second tour with Campbell River Whale Watching. Lorill was our guide. Her passion and joy for wildlife and knowledge of the First Nations communities made our trip a learning experience. We saw orcas right away and many groups of humpbacks. We have done the 8:00 am and moon trips and on both we saw lots of wildlife. We look forward to our trip next year, maybe I can convince my boys to do the 6 hour one :)
Written July 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
drog69
25 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
What a fantastic trip, we saw Sea Lions , 2 Hump Back Whales, enjoyed the most stunning scenery you could imagine, truly magical morning.
Tyler W kept us informed throughout the trip, top class guy and guide with a wealth of knowledge which he happily shared with us, very natural in his delivery, never seemed like he was reading a script like some tour operators. Obviously passionate about conservation, that came across numerous times. 100% recommended, can't wait to come back.
Thanks Tyler W.
Tyler W kept us informed throughout the trip, top class guy and guide with a wealth of knowledge which he happily shared with us, very natural in his delivery, never seemed like he was reading a script like some tour operators. Obviously passionate about conservation, that came across numerous times. 100% recommended, can't wait to come back.
Thanks Tyler W.
Written September 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So happy to hear you had such an awesome time whale watching!! Tyler W joined our team this year and has been such a perfect addition to our team. He is an absolute Rockstar!
Thanks so much for joining us and taking the time to share you review, hope to see you again.
Written October 2, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Fearless822074
3 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
It was 4 hour cover boat whale and wildlife experience. We went on the high standard new T3 boat, which allowed both comfortable seating inside and unobstructed view from the board outside, The weather was fine a we have seen humpbacks, sea lions, seals and dolphins, great number of sea birds, and also beautiful and interesting coast of few islands- Quadra , Cortez, Mitlenatch. Our captain and knowledgeable guide Robin has a gift of passing the information with quiet humour and -without any pretence- truly respects the wildlife and the enviroment as well as his passengers. It has been a great pleasure to be onboard.
Written September 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Does the 6 hour zodiac tour have opportunity for bathroom breaks at all?
Written September 12, 2021
I did an 8-hour trip so I think it will be the same for the 6-hour trip. There is a small bathroom on the zodiac. No one in our group used it so I don't know much about it - but it was nice knowing that it was available if needed while on the water. During our lunch stop, there was an "outhouse" (very basic) that everyone used.
Written September 13, 2021
Good evening. I'm planning a tour in Canada starting next 22th of May.
I'll arrive in Campbell River on the 28th of may. Do you think could be a good time for a whale watching there?we could see also some killer whales?
Let me know your opinion, please
Regards
Written March 4, 2020
Good afternoon,
I hope you are well! Thank you for your interest in our tours!
The end of May is a great time to see whales! During that period in 2019, we saw Humpback Whales and Orca. I would recommend joining us on a longer tour as it gives you a greater opportunity to see more as you're on the water for more time.
If you would like to see the sightings we had in May 2019, you can find them on our website under sightings!
Written March 6, 2020
We are looking to book a Grizzly Tour in early Sept, can you let me know what we should pack for the day, and also are there rest rooms on boat and dock.
Written February 24, 2020
Hi Charlie,
Thanks so much for your question!
We recommend you bring a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, extra snacks, sunglasses, camera, and binoculars. Dress in layers with a rainproof jacket and wear sturdy walking shoes (hiking boots are not necessary).
Be aware that bears are particularly sensitive to smell. Please avoid wearing strong smelling perfumes or deodorants, citronella insect repellent.
We do provide lunch and snacks, but it is a long day.
There is a washroom at our office, on the boat, and at the Welcome Centre where the Bear viewing portion of the tour begins.
Written February 25, 2020
Hello I'm Marion from Germany.
I'm planning a trip to campbell river this September.
I would like to do the grizzly bear tour. I only have the problem that my English is not so good.
I'm afraid I don't understand important rules. Is it possible to take part in the tour without a good knowledge of English?
Best regards Marion
Written February 2, 2020
Hi Marion,
It is definitely possible to take part in the tour with limited English! We do our best to speak slowly and ensure that our guests understand what we're saying as safety is our top priority.
We also have a large demographic of German speakers that join us, so it's also possible that you may have someone on the tour that can help translate!
At this time, we do not have a German speaking guide for our Grizzly Bear tours, but we can make sure that we have the rules written in German before your arrival so that you won't miss anything. Please contact us once you have booked so that we can ensure this is ready to go for you!
I hope this helps! Please let us know if you have any other questions or concerns!
Written February 3, 2020
Hi we are planning a trip to Vancouver Island next September. Can you advise when the best time to see bears catching salmon would be. I would be amazing to see this. We have been on many bear tours but not seen this. Last year we saw them on a beach in Alaska.
Written October 20, 2019
Hi Sally,
It is really hard to say, as every year is a little different with the salmon run, but I would suggest anytime in the second half of the month.
If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to let us know!
Hopefully we will see you next September.
Written October 23, 2019
Is there an age minimum for the zodiac tours? I don't see anything on the website, and I didn't get a response to my email. Thanks!
Written May 31, 2019
Hi there,
My apologies for your e-mail not being answered! I had a look through our system and it doesn't look like it came through. Thank you for reaching out on here!
Our minimum age for zodiac tours is 4 years old unless the boat is being chartered. We find that the wind is too much for children!
I hope this helps!
Written May 31, 2019
Wanting to do the grizzly bear tour and notice that the tour is offered to book online through the summer and into the fall. How likely are clients able to see the bears at the end of August compared to mid-September?
Written May 5, 2019
Hi there,
I hope you are well! Thanks so much for your interest in our Grizzly Bear tours!
We begin this tour in mid-August as the salmon start running in the river around the beginning of the month. In all the years that we've been running the tour, we have had great sightings on all of the days that we went out!
The bears know that the river will be full of salmon around this time (knowledge that has been passed down through generations) so they come back every year. Some tend to be a bit slower and don't show up until September, but there are always bears around in August!
I hope this helps!
Written May 6, 2019
I really want my guests to see whales, orcas, dolphins more than land wildlife. Does the 2 pm tour look for land wildlife more than marine life. This will be my 3rd trip. I am paying for the other 2 and can not afford the 8 hr. tour. so, I am curious Thx.
Written July 21, 2018
Hi Leanne,
We look for everything on our tours, including bears and wildlife along the shoreline, but marine life is our main priority!
Written July 26, 2018
Hi, we are staying in Campbell River from 9th-13th October. Do the whale watching trips still run at this time (we would particularly love to see orcas) and also what are our chances of seeing bears in the area at this time?
Written July 8, 2018
Hello!
We do still have whale watching tours running in October, but they are a bit more weather and demand dependent, as they go out in zodiac boats rather than the covered boat (the covered vessels switch over to our Grizzly Bear tours in mid-August). We do run our Grizzly Bear tours (which travel over to the Orford River) and the bear viewing opportunities are very good. On all of our tours, we do look for bears along the shoreline as well.
Written July 8, 2018
Hi, I read since 2017 the tour operators need a permit to enter the river to the grizzlys. Do you have this permit?
Thank you very much!
Written October 14, 2017
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