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 »

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 »

Grizzly Bear charging through river

Facts About Grizzly Bears

  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 »

Red Float House seen through window of whale watching boat

Everyday Wildlife in Campbell River

    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 »