Humpback Whale Fluke in fog

How wild: Shifting the mindset in wildlife tourism

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 »

Grizzly bear carrying a salmon across the river in Toba Inlet

Exploring the Interconnectedness of British Columbia’s Coastal Ecosystem

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 »

A red Zodiac with guests, looking out for whales

Inspired by the Sea: My Journey into Marine Tourism

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 »

a grizzly bear walking on a log to cross a river

Where Salmon Lead, Grizzlies Follow: An Autumn Adventure from Campbell River, BC

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 »

A grizzly bear eating a slamon on a pebbly beach

Why October is the best time to visit Vancouver Island for Grizzly tours

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 »

trap feeding

Five Humpback Whale Feeding Strategies

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 »

two humpback whales are diving under the water. one whale is showing its fluke while the other is showing its fin and back

World Oceans Day 2024: Awakening New Depths with Campbell River Whale Watching

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »