You’ve booked the tickets. The dates are set. Now, the real excitement begins.
You are about to enter one of the most vibrant marine ecosystems on the planet. Whether you’re joining us for world-class whale watching on Vancouver Island or venturing deep into the mainland inlets for our grizzly bear tours, the adventure starts long before you step on the boat.
We know that planning a trip to the remote coast of British Columbia comes with questions. What layers should I pack? How do I get to Campbell River? Where can I get the best coffee before my tour?
Consider this page your "Local's Guide" to getting it right. We’ve compiled everything you need - from driving directions to wildlife photography tips - so you can focus less on the logistics and more on the magic of the Salish Sea.
Let’s get you ready for the water.
⚠️ IMPORTANT INFORMATION
⏰ WHEN TO ARRIVE: Your tour departs at the time listed in the header of your confirmation email. Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to that time for check-in. CHECK-IN CLOSES 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE SCHEDULED DEPARTURE TIME. The boat cannot wait for late arrivals.
📝 YOUR WAIVER: Required Before Arrival Please click the dark grey button in the section in your confirmation email titled "Next Step: Your Waivers". All guests must sign this before arriving at the marina. For grizzly bear tours, please note that each guest must complete two waivers.
How to Get to Campbell River
Planning your trip to the "Salmon Capital of the World"? Whether you are driving from Victoria or flying from Vancouver, here is the best way to reach us.
By Car & Ferry (From Vancouver)
Most guests arrive via BC Ferries. You have two main options from the mainland:
- Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay (Nanaimo): The most direct route if you are coming from downtown Vancouver.
- Tsawwassen to Duke Point (Nanaimo): Best if you are coming from YVR Airport or the US border.
Driving Tip: Once you arrive in Nanaimo, you have a choice!
- The Fast Route (Hwy 19): Takes about 1.5 hours. Great if you are rushing to catch your tour.
- The Scenic Route (Oceanside Route / Hwy 19A): Hugs the coastline through Parksville and Qualicum Beach. Takes closer to 2.5 hours but offers stunning ocean views.
By Air
- YBL (Campbell River Airport): Direct flights are available from Vancouver (YVR).
- YQQ (Comox Valley Airport): A larger hub just 40 minutes south of us. Many guests fly here and rent a car for the short, scenic drive north.
Finding Us & Parking
Our office is located in the Discovery Harbour Marina.
- Look for the big red Float House building in the marina. Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your tour departure to check in.
- Parking: There is a large gravel parking area directly above the marina.
- The "Free" Side (South): The half of the lot closest to the BC Ferry Terminal is currently free to park. This is the best spot for our longer tours!
- The "Paid" Side (North): The half furthest from the ferry terminal is paid parking.
⚠️ A Note of Caution: The line between the free and paid sections isn't very clearly marked. Please keep a sharp eye out for signs to ensure you are in the free zone.
Wildlife Guide: What Might You See?
Vancouver Island is one of the best places in the world to view marine wildlife. While every trip is different, here is who patrols our waters.
The Whales of the Salish Sea
- Biggs (Transient) Killer Whales: The apex predators of the ocean. These orcas hunt marine mammals (e.g. seals, sea lions) and can be found around Campbell River year-round.
- Northern Resident Killer Whales: A unique eco-type of Orca that almost exclusively eats Chinook salmon. You might see them during the summer months (typically July-August).
- Humpback Whales: The "acrobats of the ocean." After nearly disappearing, they have made a massive comeback in BC waters. Look for them breaching (jumping) or slapping their massive tails!
The Bears of the Inlets
- Grizzly Bears: Found exclusively on our Toba Inlet and Bute Inlet tours (and rarely on Spring Bear tours). These tours take you to the mainland fjords where grizzlies feast on sedge grass in spring and spawning salmon in the fall.
- Black Bears: Frequently spotted on local beaches at low tide during the spring time, flipping over rocks to find crabs. These are most likely to be seen on our Spring Bear and Waterfall Tour or occasionally on longer whale watching tours.
Dolphins, Seals & Birds
- Pacific White-Sided Dolphins: Energetic and social, these dolphins are often found in large pods of 50+.
- Steller & California Sea Lions:
- Stellers: The largest species of sea lion (males can weigh 2,500 lbs!). They are lighter in color and have a deep growl.
- California: Smaller, darker brown, prominent forehead, and known for their loud, barking noise.
- Porpoises:
- Dall’s Porpoises: One of the fastest marine mammals in the world! They are black and white (looking like mini-Orcas) and create a "rooster tail" splash when they swim fast.
- Harbour Porpoises: Smaller and much shyer, usually seen briefly surfacing in calm waters.
- Harbour Seals: The most common marine mammal in our waters.
- Bald Eagles & Marine Birds: Keep your eyes on the tree tops for majestic Bald Eagles. On the water, you may spot various marine birds including diving cormorants, gulls, and murres.
📸 Photography Tip: Bringing a camera? A telephoto lens (200mm-600mm) is ideal for wildlife, but don't forget a wide-angle lens to capture the stunning landscapes of the Discovery Islands!
👉 Learn More: Check out our blog for specific Photography Tips for your Adventure
Packing List: What to Wear Whale Watching
The #1 mistake visitors make? Underdressing. It is always cooler on the water than on land.
- The "Must-Haves":
- Layers: Start with a t-shirt, add a fleece/sweater, and top with a jacket.
- Windbreaker/Rain Jacket: Essential to cut the wind chill.
- A hat: Keep your ears warm.
- Closed-Toe Shoes: Sandals are not permitted for safety reasons.
- Sun Protection:
- Sunglasses: The glare off the water is strong, even on cloudy days. Furthermore, on our Zodiac tours, the wind speed can cause your eyes to tear up - sunglasses act as a windshield!
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Please choose an ocean-friendly sunscreen (look for zinc or titanium-based, non-nano options). Standard chemical sunscreens can harm marine life, so we encourage using products that protect both your skin and the ecosystem.
- Binoculars:
- We pride ourselves on respectful wildlife viewing, which means keeping a safe distance. Binoculars allow you to get a "close-up" look without disturbing the animals.
- For Kayaking Trips:
- Please bring quick-drying clothes, a clear dry bag for your phone (great for photos!), and a spare change of clothes just in case.
We Are a Scent-Free Company: Please avoid perfumes, colognes, or strong body sprays. Marine wildlife (especially bears) have incredibly sensitive noses. Strong scents can alter their behavior or alert them to our presence too early.
Food & Drinks on Tours
All tours include water and a light snack (granola bar). Tours lasting 6 hours or longer also include a fresh, homemade lunch, along with hot beverages such as coffee, tea, and hot chocolate served at lunchtime.
You’re welcome to bring your own reusable water bottle - free water refills are available at our office. Additional food and non-alcoholic drinks may be brought on board if you wish; please note that alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Sustainable Tourism & Your Donation
We are proud to be Carbon Neutral and certified by Wilderness International.
Your Booking Protects Old Growth Forests: Check your booking confirmation email! You will find a distinct donation code. You can use this code to register your very own square meter of BC old-growth forest. You will receive a photo, geocoordinates of your personally protected area, and even the ability to name it.
👉 Register Your Forest Here: Wilderness International Registration
The Visitor Pledge: We encourage you to use this resource as a "North Star" while embarking on journeys throughout BC. This pledge offers simple tips on honoring Indigenous cultures, treading lightly on the land, and respecting our waters.
👉 Take the Pledge: Sign the #ExploreWildBC Pledge
Beyond the Waves: More to Explore in Campbell River
While the whales are the main event, Campbell River’s backyard is an outdoor playground. Here are our top picks for experiencing the region once you’re back on dry land:
- Elk Falls Provincial Park: A local must-see. Take a short, easy walk to the suspension bridge for a bird’s-eye view of the thundering waterfall and canyon.
- McIvor Lake: Skip the crowds and head to this crystal-clear lake just minutes from town. With its sandy beaches and warm summer waters, it’s the perfect spot for a swim, paddle, or a lakeside picnic.
- Museum at Campbell River: Immerse yourself in local heritage. Don't miss the famous film of the Ripple Rock explosion or the stunning contemporary First Nations gallery and cedar carvings.
- Mt. Washington & Strathcona Park: Take a 45-minute drive to the alpine for the Eagle's Flight Zipline or a scenic chairlift ride. From the resort, you can easily access the Paradise Meadows loop - a beautiful, flat boardwalk trail through Strathcona Provincial Park’s sub-alpine wildflowers. There are options to venture further into the alpine wilderness from there!
- Quadra Island Ferry Hop: Catch the 10-minute ferry from downtown for a quick island getaway. Head to Rebecca Spit for a scenic beach walk or explore the local artisan galleries.
- The Seawalk & Tyee Spit: Stroll the paved 6km Seawalk along the coastline, or visit the historic Tyee Spit (ʔuxstalis). It’s a peaceful place to watch the current, see local driftwood art, and spot seals in the estuary.
- Discovery Pier: Walk Canada’s first saltwater fishing pier to watch the boat traffic in the narrows. Make sure to stop at the concession for one of their legendary oversized ice cream cones.
- Ripple Rock Trail: A moderate 8km hike through mossy forest that leads to a spectacular lookout over the Seymour Narrows - the same waters you’ll navigate on our tours!
Local Treasures: Shopping & Artisan Goods
Take a piece of the West Coast home with you. Campbell River is home to incredible makers and curated boutiques:
- Westcoast Wildflowers: An Indigenous-owned lifestyle boutique featuring high-quality apparel, jewelry, and wellness products from Indigenous makers and Canadian artisans.
- Mussels and More Pottery: Famous for their unique nautical-themed pottery, this studio and gallery also showcases stunning glass, metal, and wood art inspired by the Pacific Ocean.
- Bough & Antler Northwest Goods: A nature-inspired shop specializing in locally screen-printed apparel, handmade pottery, and a curated selection of Canadian-made gifts.
- Weiwaikum House of Treasures: Located in a striking traditional-style building, this gallery offers authentic First Nations art, including masks, jewelry, and bentwood boxes.
Eat Like a Local: Campbell River Dining
After your tour, fuel up at the spots the locals love.
- Fresh Seafood:
- Riptide Marine Pub: Great views and classic pub fare.
- Crabby Bob's: A fun spot for seafood right on the dock.
- Elevated Dining:
- Carve Kitchen: Excellent for a higher-end meal with local ingredients.
- Casual Vibes & Breweries:
- Beach Fire Brewing: The local craft brewery. Great for sharing plates and seasonal ales.
- Session Taphouse: A fantastic spot for pizza and drinks.
- More Eatery: Perfect for a casual, delicious bite.
- Dick's Fish & Chips: A Campbell River classic located at Discovery Pier.
- Best Coffee & Bakeries:
- FoggDukkers Coffee: A unique spot right on the ocean's edge (watch for whales while you sip!)
- Island Grind, Freya, Meera Bakery, & Stonehouse Teas: All excellent local options.
