Mossy Forest

How to Travel More Sustainably in 2024: Exploring Responsibly Around the Globe

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 »

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

The Seasonal Guide to Whale, Wildlife and Bear Watching in Campbell River, Vancouver Island

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 »

Big Little Fish: Forest Edition

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 »

Photography Tips for Your Whale and Wildlife Watching Adventure

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 »

breaching humpback whale

How Ethical is Whale Watching? A Guide to Finding a Responsible Tour Operator

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 »

How to Make your Holiday Festivities More Ocean Friendly in 2023

Words by Maddie Lemke How to make your holiday festivities more ocean friendly in 2023 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… Read more »

Humpback Whale Breaching

Does Wildlife Put on a Show?

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 »

large grizzly bear crossing river

A Trip to Bute Inlet

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 »

The fluke of a humpback whale showing as the whale dives into the ocean in front of Vancouver Island

Whales and Climate Change: The Whale Pump Explained

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 »

pacific white-sided dolphins swimming in the ocean

World Ocean Day 2023: How We Can Save Our Oceans

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 »