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.
Our Spring Bear and Waterfall Tour runs from mid-April to mid-June, travelling to Toba Inlet. You may know this region for its fall grizzly viewing tours, but it’s a must-see destination at any time of year.
Arrive early at Discovery Harbour Marina and meet your guide, who will walk you through the day ahead and prepare you for our 9:00 am departure.
As we approach the mainland inlet, the water shifts to an icy turquoise, coloured by glacial melt. Snowmelt fuels waterfalls at their peak flow, and fjord landscapes glow with fresh spring green.
In spring, Black Bears emerge from hibernation and can often be seen along rocky shorelines, foraging for crustaceans while berries are not yet ripe.
We’ll stop for a delicious catered lunch, prepared by a local Campbell River caterer. Lunch contains a wrap, granola bar and additional snacks. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated. All packaging is 100% compostable or reusable. Enjoy tea or coffee as you take in the breathtaking mountain views and cascading waterfalls.
Spring is also a great time to spot Bigg's Killer Whales. We’ll keep watch for the telltale black fin slicing through the water - and if we’re lucky, we’ll pause for an unforgettable encounter.
California and Steller Sea Lions are often seen basking on rocks and shorelines in the spring. Many migrate to rookeries in the summer, returning again in September.
Keep an eye on the skies for Bald Eagles. Their white heads stand out against the lush forest, though juveniles may still have brown plumage.
Humpback Whales return to these waters each summer to feed. Around 85 percent migrate to Hawaii and 15 percent to Mexico during the winter breeding season. They can arrive as early as mid-May, so with a bit of luck, we may even spot one.
You may also see Harbour Seals, Harbour and Dall’s porpoises, and Pacific White-Sided Dolphins along the way.
We return to Campbell River at approximately 3:00 pm, where your guide will walk you through the day’s route on a map. You’ll leave with a deeper connection to the coast - and an unforgettable experience.
There’s something uniquely magical about witnessing the coast come alive in spring. Join our team on this six-hour adventure and discover what makes this season on Vancouver Island so extraordinary.
