Every season on the coast has its own draw, but fall just may be the most underrated one. Some guests are concerned that it’s not an ideal time for wildlife viewing, but really it’s the opposite. Humpbacks are still here! These migratory whales are still here for the autumn. While they spend their winters in warmer waters to breed, such as Hawaii or Mexico, this… Read more »
There are few places in the world where you can go from alpine adventures to ocean wildlife encounters in the same day – Campbell River, on the east coast of Vancouver Island, is one of them. Known as the gateway to the wild west coast of British Columbia, Campbell River is where towering forests, rugged mountains, glacier-fed rivers, and the Salish Sea come together to… Read more »
For Ocean Week, we partnered with the Discovery Passage Aquarium and the Wei Wai Kum Guardians to host a remote beach cleanup on Marina Island, off of Vancouver Island. On June 7, departing from our Campbell River location, we transported 12 guests to the island, along with our team of staff and the Wei Wai Kum Guardians. As a company proudly owned by the Wei… Read more »
Every photograph of a whale is an opportunity to discover who they are. Through photo-identification, we can recognize individual humpback whales by the unique patterns on the underside of their flukes and the shape of their dorsal fins. Orcas can be identified by their dorsal fins, saddle patches, scars, and eye markings. Being able to identify individual animals is a powerful tool for both science… Read more »
While many visitors to Campbell River and the surrounding coast come hoping to spot giant whales and fuzzy bears, spring is also an exceptional season for birds. Some of the species we encounter live along our coast year-round, while others become more active and visible as the season changes. Although birds are often overlooked in favour of larger wildlife, they are an equally fascinating part… Read more »
After a long winter, the coast awakens in spring. Leave Campbell River behind and find yourself among towering mountains, lush waterfalls, and vibrant spring greenery. Spend a day with us on the water and discover what you might see on our tour. Photo by Sara Kempner Our Spring Bear and Waterfall Tour runs from mid-April to mid-June, travelling to Toba Inlet. You may know this… Read more »
When people picture whale watching, the image is often dramatic. A whale rising beside the boat.A perfectly framed tail against the horizon.A moment that feels cinematic and larger than life. These images are powerful – and they’re everywhere. They shape what many of us expect wildlife encounters to look like before we ever step onto the water. But real whale watching is quieter than that…. Read more »
In the eco-tourism industry, the prefix ‘eco’ is often used as a shield against scrutiny. We pair it with sustainability and goodness, conveniently ignoring the impact we leave behind. But observing nature is rarely without impact. As a naturalist, I work in the tension between that realization and the preservation of the species I love. If I can turn a spectator into a steward, the… Read more »
At Campbell River Whale Watching (CRWW), we believe that responsible tourism isn’t a destination – it’s a continuous journey. Every season brings new challenges, new learnings, and new opportunities to do better for our ocean, our community, and our team. We’ve been leading in sustainability for many years now, but 2025 was the year we raised the bar. From achieving the highest levels of sustainability… Read more »
The Question Everyone Asks When planning a trip to British Columbia, the excitement of seeing the wild Pacific Northwest is high. We inhabit one of the richest marine environments on the planet right here on the east coast of Vancouver Island. Naturally, when guests look into booking whale watching trips, the most common question we get asked is: “Do you guarantee we will see whales?”… Read more »
How to make your holiday festivities more ocean friendly in 2025 The holiday season is upon us, and it’s a time for celebration, spending time with loved ones, and giving back. At Campbell River Whale Watching, we’re not only passionate about marine mammals but also committed to preserving their environment. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to make your holiday… Read more »
Since 2018, Campbell River Whale Watching (CRWW) has partnered with Wilderness International, a non-profit organization dedicated to the legal protection of endangered wilderness. With their help we’ve been able to fully offset our carbon footprint, making us a carbon neutral company. Wilderness International is dedicated to the long-term protection of temperate rainforests, focusing its efforts on two of the most ecologically vital and threatened regions… Read more »
Our tours are not only about viewing wildlife ethically and sustainably, but also about enriching our guests with the history of all of the cool places that surround us! From the Discovery Islands to the different inlets, we are so lucky and privileged to have so many fascinating points of interest to share with you! Seeing these different areas ultimately depends on… Read more »
For centuries, whales have captured human imagination – once feared as monstrous sea beasts to be hunted, later confined behind concrete tanks as curiosities. Thankfully, many countries have now ended whale hunts and captivity, recognizing that cetaceans deserve freedom and a natural life. While this progress is important, the journey toward truly ethical wildlife tourism is ongoing. The next challenge is changing how we think… Read more »
At Campbell River Whale Watching, protecting the incredible wildlife and ecosystems around us isn’t just part of our tours – it’s part of how we run our business. We’ve been working hard to reduce our footprint and move closer to a zero waste operation. We took another big step forward by conducting a waste audit to better understand where our waste comes from and how… Read more »
The coastal ecosystem of British Columbia (B.C.) is a complex web of ecological dependencies between grizzly bears, Pacific salmon, and a multitude of other species. At the heart of this complex web lies the Pacific salmon, often referred to as a keystone species due to their influence on both terrestrial and aquatic environments. Pacific Salmon: Transferring Nutrients between Sea to the Rain Forests Pacific salmon,… Read more »
The ocean—a vast, ever-changing expanse that holds countless mysteries, stories, and supports all life on this planet. From the tiniest plankton to the largest mammals on earth, the ocean is home to endless wonders, many of which remain undiscovered. I was lucky enough to be born on a small island off the southern coast of British Columbia, and some of my earliest memories revolve around… Read more »
As the boat rounds the southern tip of Quadra Island, a familiar sense of wonder washes over me. The crisp autumn air, mingled with the sharp, salty sea breeze, stings my nostrils as I breathe in deeply. Small pockets of water bubble around the boat, pushed to the surface by the powerful ocean currents working tirelessly beneath. The Coast Mountain range emerges in the distance,… Read more »
As 2024 draws to a close, we are proud to celebrate a year of significant milestones and progress in sustainability. From earning new certifications to supporting vital community initiatives, we remain committed to creating positive change for our guests, the environment, and the local community. Pioneering Inclusivity: Becoming Rainbow Registered We are thrilled to announce that Campbell River Whale Watching & Adventure Tours is the… Read more »
We’re thrilled to announce that Campbell River Whale Watching & Adventure Tours has become the first whale-watching company in Canada to earn the prestigious Rainbow Registered accreditation. Awarded by the Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce (CQCC), this honor reflects our dedication to creating an inclusive environment where all guests, staff, and community members feel welcome and respected. Setting a New Standard for Inclusive Tourism At… Read more »
With summer fading into fall, October brings crisp air and vibrant foliage to the Campbell River area on Vancouver Island. It is not only one of the most picturesque months of the year but also a prime time for grizzly bear watching. Here’s why you should consider visiting this stunning region in late fall: 1. Prime grizzly viewing opportunities October is not just the tail… Read more »
Humpback whales, known for their acrobatic displays, are equally fascinating for their diverse feeding strategies. They employ several methods to secure their daily sustenance of up to two thousand pounds of prey per whale. Campbell River serves as a crucial feeding ground for these whales, drawing them in abundance due to its rich marine resources during the summer months from May to November. Here’s a glimpse… Read more »
Written by Maddie Lemke The ocean, a vast expanse of wonder and life, faces challenges as deep as its waters. As stewards of this blue planet, it’s imperative that we do not allow the phrase “out of sight, out of mind” to guide our actions. Instead, we must awaken new depths of responsibility, understanding, and compassion towards our oceans. This year, on World Oceans Day… Read more »
By Maddie Lemke Sustainable travel is not just a trend but a responsibility we hold as global citizens. It involves making smart choices at every step of our journey, from booking transport and accommodation to supporting local businesses and minimizing our environmental footprint. Whether you’re a seasoned eco-traveler or just getting started on your sustainable travel journey, these practical tips will help you explore the… Read more »
Written by Maddie Lemke Wondering when to spot the best wildlife on our tours? It’s a common question, with answers as dynamic as the wildlife itself. “What kind of wildlife will I see?” or “What are the chances of seeing specific animals?” – the excitement lies in the unpredictability. Many species around Campbell River are migratory, making each season unique in its offerings. While it… Read more »
Written by Zoe Hasenfratz A tiny silver streak in the water. It catches your eye, and you turn your head to investigate. As you look down into the depth of a jade sea, you notice that it isn’t just one streak but thousands of silver fish darting through the water forming a formidable bait ball. Herring. The tiny link in a very large food web. … Read more »
Words by Maddie Lemke 📸 Bluetree Photography in partnership with Destination Campbell River Encountering whales in the wild is a special experience. Taking photographs on your tour is a great way to enhance lasting memories. However, capturing photos of whales is easier said than done. The boat is constantly moving, being rocked by the waves, and wildlife disappears and reappears unpredictably. In this comprehensive guide,… Read more »
Words by Maddie Lemke Whale watching has gained popularity as a captivating recreational activity, allowing people to observe these majestic marine mammals in their natural environment. Observing wildlife can have many positive impacts, but if not done responsibly, it may do more harm than good. In this blogpost we want to give an overview of positive and negative impacts of whale watching and help you… Read more »
Words and Photos by Zoe Hasenfratz Picture this, you find yourself on a whale-watching tour. You are bobbing about on the water, having just discovered several humpback whales. Suddenly, you start to witness some acrobatic behavior: pectoral fins waving back and forth in the air, tails slapping the surface, and breaching. As you watch the whales propel themselves out of the water in what nearly… Read more »
Written by photographer and guest blogger Kristian Gillies. Raindrops pelt the windscreen, their staccato rhythm creating a familiar percussion that welcomes the changing of seasons. The boat cuts through the water below, a symphony of rich green hues swirling in its wake. Inside the cabin, the mingling scent of sea salt tangles with the chatter of fellow adventurers. Each sentence carries a subtle undercurrent of… Read more »
Written by Maddie Lemke Whales are not only magical creatures, but also play a vital role in the health of our planet. As we struggle with the effects of climate change, it is crucial to understand the significant contributions whales make in mitigating its impact. One such fascinating phenomenon is the “whale pump”, a process that showcases how (baleen) whales help sequester carbon dioxide and… Read more »
Written by Maddie Lemke Oceans cover 71 % of the planet and are home to important species and ecosystems that we rely on for food, livelihoods, climate regulation and more. But our oceans are facing a lot of challenges these days, with a lot of species and ecosystems being at risk. Most of those challenges are impacted by human actions including overfishing, plastic pollution, as… Read more »
Have you seen our newest addition to the fleet, the Tenacious III? This past season was our first in operation since bringing Discovery Marine Safaris under the Campbell River Whale Watching umbrella and with it, their flagship vessel the Tenacious III. Here are 10 Facts about the Tenacious III 1) She is 42’ or 12.8 m long 2) We can accommodate 30 guests onboard 3)… Read more »
Setting goals around our sustainability is an important part of our business, and how we ensure we are continuing to do better! We set the following goals for ourself at the start of 2021, and have made some significant strides towards reaching them. 1) To eliminate single use plastics by 2022 We are very proud to say that we have accomplished this goal! Back… Read more »
Have you been looking for a new spot to get outside and explore? Since the COVID pandemic began, many of us have been taking advantage of the many AMAZING trails on Vancouver Island, but have you headed over to Quadra Island yet? Quadra Island is home to some beautiful hikes, ranging from beginner to advanced. Our resident Quadra experts, WildCoast Adventures did a great job… Read more »
You’ve been planning your dream trip for months, eagerly awaiting the day you finally get to head out on the water for a chance to see humpback whales and orca and all the amazing wildlife our area is home to. We know the feeling, we still feel this way every single day! But, there is one big variable that can have a pretty major impact… Read more »
1) Shop and Support Local Businesses This year more than ever independent small businesses need our support. Buying from small shops helps families in your community in a meaningful and direct way. We know that for many of us, money is tight this year, but there are ways to support your local businesses without spending a dollar. Promote them on social media! Like and share… Read more »
It’s not uncommon to have somebody in your life that is impossible to shop for. What do you get someone that already has everything? Look no further: we’ve put together a list to make your life easier! Check out these unique and environmentally friendly ideas! Gift a piece of Old Growth Forest Who doesn’t want to own a piece of land? Donate… Read more »
I’ve been a big reader for as long as I can remember. While I love a variety of genres, I’ve slowly been incorporating more non-fiction into my life. There’s something special about reading about a topic that’s close to your heart and it’s satisfying to have what you already know be validated! I won’t ever claim to be a whale expert, but these are… Read more »
Grizzly Bears are one of the most intelligent animals in the world. They have distinct behaviors that set them apart from other bears and can be found near or in rivers searching for salmon. September 1st marks the official start of our Grizzly Bear tours for 2020! This season we have partnered with Klahoose Coastal Adventures to view bears at the Klite River in… Read more »
Living in Campbell River has a number of different perks – the biggest one is that we don’t have to travel very far to see different types of wildlife! We’re so lucky to be surrounded by greenery that animals are attracted to! It’s not uncommon for locals to have a black bear or two in their backyard when their pear and apple… Read more »
Dolphins bring out a child-like wonder in anyone that is lucky enough to see them out in the wild! In our area, we have Pacific White-Sided Dolphins. They are playful, acrobatic mammals and can be the highlight of any tour! Here are some facts that you may not know about them: 1. There is currently no population estimate for how many Pacific White-Sided Dolphins… Read more »
Have you heard our great news? We have a new covered boat! Check out our 12-passenger Eagle Craft with an outdoor seating area! It was originally built in 1994 by Daigle Marine as a tour boat for a wealthy private island owner near Victoria. After that, the vessel lived most of its life moving crews in and out of logging camps along… Read more »
We have the pleasure of seeing a number of different marine mammals on our tours. While we live in an area that has an abundance of Humpback Whale and Transient Orca sightings, we also get to see a vast number of sea lions and seals! One specific species that we encounter often are Steller Sea Lions. 1. Steller sea lions are golden brown… Read more »
Our doors are officially open, and we’re thrilled to get back on the water and provide our guests with the experience of a lifetime! As of July 1st, we are running an assortment of daily tours on our zodiac and covered vessels: 3 hour Whale and Wildlife Evening Tour 4 hour Whale and Wildlife Tour 4 hour Ocean Rapids Tour (tide dependent)… Read more »
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead Trying to make a difference is a daunting task. It may seem like nothing you can do would matter. However, implementing small changes actually helps things in the long run! It takes thousands of small changes for… Read more »
Porpoise are small-toothed whales that are closely related to dolphins. They can be differentiated by their teeth, which are spade-shaped opposed to cone-shaped, their dorsal fins, which are triangular, and their beaks, which are less elongated. While there are said to be 32 different dolphin species in the world, there are only 6 different types of porpoises! In the Campbell River area, we are… Read more »
To our Valued Community, Amidst all of the news of COVID-19, we would like to take a moment to address how we are handling this ever-changing situation. The well-being of our employees and customers is of the utmost importance to us. While Campbell River continues to be a SAFE travel destination, we are erring on the side of caution and opting to take this time to… Read more »
Spring is in the air and we are excited to announce our brand-new tour! Two things that we love about spring are that we spot Bears that have just come out of torpor which is a lighter form of hibernation, and we get to see beautiful flowing waterfalls from the winters melting ice! Our Spring Bear and Waterfall tour will be the perfect tour… Read more »
Have you found yourself on Vancouver Island after all of the whale watching tours have closed up for the season? Or are you just looking for new things to do? Have no fear! There are a ton of activities to do on Vancouver Island that will make your adventurous heart happy! Charter a boat We are able to run tours year round! If you’re… Read more »
Christmas is a time of happiness and joy for most people – spending time with family, enjoying beautiful decorations, and giving gifts. We love the holidays but the holiday season seems to wreak havoc on the environment! To give you an idea, in Canada alone, over 500,000 tons of Christmas wrapping paper goes to the landfill. Don’t let this get you down! There are… Read more »
Grizzlies are magnificent animals and if you have the opportunity to see them in the wild, you should definitely take it. You’ll be talking about it for years to come! The most common question we get regarding the Grizzly Bear Tour is, “when is the best time to go?”. Typically, we are able to see Grizzlies along the river systems from the middle of August until the… Read more »
Hiking is a great way to explore your surroundings, but what if you’re looking to do something different? There’s a lot of breathtaking and lush wildlife all around us, and the best way to discover it is to go out on an adventure. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of sights for you to explore — whether you prefer the energy of the ocean, or the… Read more »
Salmon are one of the most iconic species of British Columbia for so many different reasons. Ultimately, they feed our animals, our people, and our forests. There are seven species of salmon in the Pacific: Chinook (or Spring), Coho, Sockeye, Chum, Pink, Cutthroat Trout, and Steelhead Trout. Salmon are born from eggs in a river and as they mature, they head to the ocean…. Read more »
Humpback whales are baleen whales that have been making a strong comeback to our area since 2004. These gentle giants are frequently sighted on our tours, but many people don’t know anything about them! 1. Humpback whale’s pectoral fins are the longest appendages in the entire animal kingdom at up to 16 feet (1/3 length of their entire bodies). 2. Female humpback whales… Read more »
Orcas are well-known for being exceptional predators and are often featured in mainstream media. While these “ocean pandas” are truly remarkable mammals, there are a lot of misconceptions and unknown facts about them! 1. Despite being known as “killer whales”, Orca are the biggest members of the dolphin family. 2. We see 3 main ecotypes of Orca that differ in diet, appearance, and vocalizations:… Read more »
Vancouver Island might be small, but it’s packed full of endless and amazing summer activities. Working in tourism, we can’t count how many times a day we get asked what the best thing to do on the island is. It can be very overwhelming trying to plan the perfect vacation and deciding which activities are the most worth while – especially when you are… Read more »
In North America, many people find it difficult to tell the difference between grizzly bears and black bears. While you may think that their colouring is an obvious difference, it can often be very misleading – especially when you’re face-to-face with a bear! So what are the telltale signs that differentiate these two animals? Hump Grizzlies notably have a bigger shoulder hump between… Read more »
Harbor seals are so common in our area that they’re often overlooked by locals. It isn’t until we hear and see visitors get excited about these mammals that we really stop and think about how amazing they are. Here are some facts about these creatures that you may not know: 1. Their hearing is 14x better while underwater than a human’s 2. What can… Read more »
More often than not, we seem to think that being “eco-friendly” or “going green” is more difficult than the reality. Many companies, including ourselves, have been dedicating themselves to sustainable travel, which has become more and more appealing to tourists around the globe. In fact, eco-friendly tourism has been gaining more traction over the last few years than ever before. By checking into the… Read more »
Every year, we are noticing more and more Humpback whales in the Campbell River area. In the 2018 season, Sarah Hauser, one of our extraordinary guides, was able to document and ID 52 different Humpbacks with the help of Jackie Hildering and MERS. You may be wondering how we are able to identify Humpback whales. If you take a close look at the photos, you can see… Read more »
We’re thrilled that our carbon neutral initiative has been picked up by the media! Read the article here! Not sure what we’re talking about? Check out our press release!
CAMPBELL RIVER – Whale Watching companies provide a unique opportunity to bring the public to the wonders of the marine environment. Yet, we feel that it is our responsibility to acknowledge and mitigate the impact that our vessels have. In 2018, we spent a grand combined total of over 3850 hours on the water. We have always been aware of and concerned about our fuel… Read more »
The number of Humpback Whales seen on a daily basis so far this year is between 12 and 20. We tell you why!
In the Summer alone, we can expect to see 10 to 20 Humpbacks feeding between Powell River and Kelsey Bay each day.
