About Us

Tyler Bruce (He/Him)

Tyler Bruce has grown up on the water. His early years were spent down in the Gulf Islands, before moving north and exploring Nootka Sound, Discovery Passage, and the Johnstone Strait.

He's been involved in the commercial sportfishing and ski industry since 2001. He was the Assistant Slope Supervisor at Mount Washington Alpine Ski Resort, and was tasked with supervising a crew of 20 in day-to-day operations. He is also a commercial sports fisherman in Nootka Sounds Discovery Passage, and Johnstone Strait.

Tyler has a Leadership and Safety Excellence certificate from ACSA, MED 3A- Marine Emergency Duties, Marine First Aid CPR/AED Level C, VHF Radio Operators License, and Small Vessel Operators Proficiency from Transport Canada.

Stephen Gabrysh (He/Him)

Stephen Gabrysh has had a passion for the water since moving from Alberta in 1992. He is a avid fisherman and outdoorsman. Stephen lives in Campbell River and loves spending time with his family. His two daughters are 5 and 12. They have enjoyed spending more time on the water and share his passion for the outdoors.

His business background as an entrepreneur has grown a company from 30 employees to 75. Stephen has a Bcom in Entrepreneurial Management from Royal Roads University. He is a trained naturalist, Commercial Bear Viewing Association Level 1 bear viewing guide and is Transport Canada Certified for small commercial vessel operations. Stephen also holds a Multi Engine IFR Pilots License, and a Class 1 Commercial Drivers License.

He also currently serves as President of the North Island Marine Mammal Stewardship Association, member of the City of Campbell River Tourism Advisory Committee, and member of the Discovery Islands Tourism and Forestry Working Group.

Maddie Lemke (She/Her)

Maddie was born and raised in the countryside of southern Germany. Although she grew up far from the ocean, childhood camping trips to the Atlantic coast of France and the Baltic Sea sparked a lifelong fascination with the marine environment and ocean creatures.

Maddie holds a bachelor’s and master's degree in tourism and destination management and has been a part of our team since 2023. She has found her dream job in the ethical whale watching industry, where she finds herself immersed in constant learning about wildlife, while also fulfilling her passion for creativity and sustainable development. Maddie utilizes her marketing expertise as a tool to communicate the importance of ethical practices in wildlife viewing, inspiring guests to join educational tours and fostering a deep interest in ocean conservation awareness.

Outside of work, Maddie loves spending time outdoors - mountain biking, hiking, or enjoying a quiet beach day with a good book and plenty of time swimming. She also volunteers with Kitty Cat PALS, helping socialize feral cats, and enjoys creative outlets such as painting, linocut printmaking and baking.

Favourite wildlife to see on tour: Seals
Favourite tour: 6-hour Zodiac Whale Watching

Anaïs Barnes (She/Her)

Born on the island and raised in the rural Northern Rockies, Anaïs' love for the outdoors and adventure is grand. The ocean was calling, and she found her way back to the island in 2015.

Anaïs graduated University in the Arts and in Administration. She is thrilled to join the team in 2025 and be a part of sustainable eco-tourism. Helping others to experience and enjoy the incredible beauty of our local area and wildlife, while helping to educate them on the importance of sustainable and responsible practices is of great importance to her.

When not helping others have their dream day on the water, Anaïs can be found enjoying time with her busy little family in the garden, on the trails, or singing in local choirs or productions.

Taya Rice (She/Her)

Taya grew up on Vancouver Island, where spending time on the water and immersed in nature was simply part of everyday life. Those early experiences shaped her connection to the marine environment and led her to pursue a Management Degree with a major in Sustainable Tourism and Recreation.

Taya has been working in the tourism industry since 2012 and joined the Campbell River Whale Watching team in 2018. Having always envisioned a career rooted in nature and the ocean, she feels right at home in an industry that allows her to share meaningful wildlife experiences with guests. One of the aspects she values most about her role is working for an employer that truly puts people first and is committed to building supportive, long-term careers for its team.

When she’s not at work, Taya loves exploring and playing outdoors with her young kids and spending as much time as possible on the water aboard their own boat during the summer months.

Favourite wildlife to see on tour: Humpback whales - she’s never not in awe when she sees one!
Favourite local spot for food or a drink: Big Foot Donuts in Courtenay

Jack Springer (He/Him)

Meet Jack, the founder of Campbell River Whale Watching and one of our seasoned guides. Known affectionately as "Hurricane Jack," his journey into marine tourism began with the acquisition of a sturdy Hurricane 733 vessel, akin to those used by the Coast Guard. Over six years, Jack logged an impressive 1200 hours per season, navigating from Painter’s Lodge to destinations like Telegraph Cove and Alert Bay—a round trip spanning over 200 miles.

Jack's bright orange Hurricane 733 became a familiar sight along the coast, pioneering Zodiac tours in the region. He forged relationships with local fishing guides, exchanging valuable wildlife sightings for weather updates—a collaboration that earned him the nickname "Hurricane Jack."

For over three decades, Jack has explored the waters of Discovery Passage and Johnstone Strait, captivated by their natural beauty and abundant wildlife. With a Bachelor of Education from the University of Victoria, specializing in Outdoor and Physical Education, Jack combines his academic background with extensive certifications in marine emergency duties, first aid, and naturalist studies.

Jack’s passion lies in sharing the wonders of his backyard—Pacific White-Sided Dolphins, Grizzly and Black Bears, Bald Eagles, and the majestic Orca—with visitors and their families.

Jessica Parker (She/Her)

Meet Jessica, a seasoned captain aboard our covered and zodiac vessels, also helping out in the office! Coming from Stuart Island, she was a 10 year, fourth-generation fishing guide. Family ties brought her closer to move to Campbell River, where her passion of boating led her into the whale watching industry. With family connections to the original owner of Campbell River Whale Watching, Jessica officially joined our team in 2022.

Jessica's commitment to wildlife and sustainability is evident in her dedication to education and advocacy for sustainable fishing practices and regulations. With over a decade of experience guiding, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Campbell River Whale Watching Team.

For Jessica, the best part of her job lies in spending her days outdoors, on the water, surrounded by nature and getting to share it with others. Outside of work, she loves to go fishing on her boat with her family, going on bike rides and hitting the ski slopes in the winter months!

Capt. John Lewis (He/Him)

Captain John Lewis, a true Campbell River local, has spent five decades navigating the British Columbia coast. After a fulfilling career with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, he embraced semi-retirement, joining the Campbell River Whale Watching team two years ago as captain of the M.V. Tenacious III.

John's lifelong connection to the ocean fuels his dedication to environmental protection. With a background in Fish, Wildlife, and Recreation from the British Columbia Institute of Technology, and years spent at DFO's Conservation and Protection division, he's committed to ensuring the sustainability of our marine resources. Joining Campbell River Whale Watching was a natural fit, allowing him to continue exploring the ocean while educating visitors from around the world.

Outside of work, John is actively involved in environmental initiatives and serves as a director of the Campbell River Environmental Committee and the Haig-Brown Institute. He enjoys boating, camping, playing with the Royal Canadian Legion Pipe Band, and has a dog named Otis.

Zoe Hasenfratz (She/Her)

Meet Zoe, one of our zodiac guides and naturalists. Hailing from Salt Spring Island, Zoe’s deep connection with the ocean began early in life. She pursued her passion through earning a Bachelor of Marine Science from Quest University and an Adventure Guiding Certificate from North Island College.

Zoe’s career in whale watching stems from her love for the outdoors and dedication to wildlife conservation. She believes in the transformative power of hands-on experiences in fostering a deeper appreciation for nature and sustainable living.

Passionate about environmental stewardship, Zoe integrates sustainability into both her personal and professional life. At Campbell River Whale Watching since 2021, Zoe shares her expertise and enthusiasm for marine wildlife while promoting responsible tourism.

Guiding guests through unforgettable wildlife encounters is Zoe’s greatest joy. Whether observing whales or playful dolphins, she delights in creating lasting memories for visitors from diverse backgrounds. Outside of work, Zoe enjoys hiking, camping, diving, and skiing, as well as expressing her love for nature through various creative outlets.

Bex Dawkes (She/They)

Meet Bex, one of our amazing guides, bringing a wealth of outdoor experience and a passion for sustainability to our team. Originally from the UK, Bex's childhood revolved around competitive sail racing, sparking a love for the ocean. Despite detours through academia and non-profits, Bex ultimately traded London's hustle for BC's natural beauty in 2018, finding a home in Campbell River.

For Bex, working in the whale watching industry is a dream come true. It's an opportunity to blend a love for the outdoors with educating others about the natural world and inspiring positive environmental change. With a Master's Degree in Sustainable Development, Bex believes in fostering connections with nature as a catalyst for conservation efforts.

Joining the Campbell River Whale Watching Team in 2023, this is Bex's second season as a guide. The highlight of Bex's job? Witnessing the awe on people's faces as they encounter the wonders of nature.

Outside of work, Bex is an avid photographer. On days off, you'll find Bex hiking, biking, skiing, or kayaking with their partner and their dog. Fun fact: Bex hails from Worcestershire, home of Worcestershire sauce, and really enjoys listening to people try to say it.

Lorill Vining (She/Her)

Meet Lorill, one of our Zodiac drivers! During the year she works as the Principal of Quadra and Surge Narrows Schools! Her upbringing in Desolation Sound instilled a deep love for the ocean and all its inhabitants from a very young age.

Her Journey into the whale watching industry was fueled by her passion for the ocean and teaching. As she approached retirement planning, she found whale watching to be the perfect blend of her interests. Exploring these waters and learning about the local wildlife has been truly uplifting to her, and she is grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the talented and inspiring team at CRWW.

Before Joining in 2020 she worked as a fish guide and eco-tour guide on the West Coast! The best part of her job is the opportunity to collaborate with inspiring individuals, forge connections with new people, and create lasting memories with guests, all while being awestruck by the beauty of our coast and its magnificent creatures.

Outside of work, you'll find her immersed in family time, tending to her garden, enjoying her property and friends in Quatsino Sound, and most recently, learning from her two bee hives that have become a delightful new hobby.

She definitely has a playful side as a self-proclaimed part-pirate, and she's excitedly planning to commemorate that spirit with an octopus tattoo!

Bradden Kiley (He/Him)

Meet Bradden, one of our passionate guides. Bradden’s name, crafted by his mother without historical significance, reflects his unique journey into the world of recreation and social tourism.

Bradden’s career path evolved as he embraced life’s opportunities, drawn to sharing experiences of the environment and its interconnected creatures. Joining the team during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bradden brought with him a wealth of stories and experiences from his time at Painter's Lodge. Surrounded by diverse personalities, including fishing guides with countless tales, Bradden’s transition to whale watching was seamless.

For Bradden, the allure of his work lies in the vastness and complexity of our world. Every day brings new discoveries and opportunities to expand his understanding—a perpetual learning journey that keeps him engaged and excited.

Lexie Thomas (She/Her)

Meet Lexie, one of our marine naturalists. Lexie has been obsessed with whales since the beginning of time, particularly humpback whales. She loves them for their curious and acrobatic nature, as well as the noise of their soothing yet mystical ‘blows’.

Lexie worked in the horticulture industry for 10 years, pursuing a diploma in Horticulture and Greenhouse Technology. She recently moved to British Columbia from Ontario to pursue a change of career into the field of sustainable ecotourism to bring the public to amazing wildlife encounters right at the edge of their doorstep and to showcase the natural wonder of cetaceans in British Columbia.

Lexie is deeply committed to ocean conservation, eager to contribute to the restoration and health of our marine environments for future generations.

When Lexie is not working, she enjoys scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming and all things water-related. She likes to make people laugh and smile by encouraging weirdness!

Olivia Rumbell (She/Her)

Olivia was born in Toronto and raised in a rural community in Southern Ontario, both far from the ocean. However, spending her summers visiting family on Vancouver Island ignited a fascination with marine life and the coastal environment.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Carleton University, Olivia has worked in communications with environmental non-profit organizations, and produced a podcast episode exploring solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change in rural Uganda. Olivia joined us as Sales and Marketing Assistant, helping to promote ethical wildlife viewing and meaningful guest experiences.

Outside of work, Olivia enjoys hiking, camping, and immersing herself in the natural beauty of the coast. On rainy days, she can often be found baking or working on creative projects like crocheting.

Sherry Heggie (She/Her)

Meet Sherry! She was born and raised in Campbell River. She grew up living on the water, fishing with her family and watching the whales in the Strait from the shore.

Her tourism career started in 1967 as a teenager working at April Point for three summers before graduating and attending University of Victoria. Retiring in 1999 from trucking management, she found herself drawn back into her first love of tourism. She joined the team in 2009 because of her friendship with Jack Springer.

Her love of nature and customer service makes things a perfect fit for her. “I truly enjoy the friendship of the staff and the customers that I had a pleasure of helping along the way.”

When not working she is an avid gardener and loves to spend time in her yard!