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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
