Experience the Coast Awaken with Spring Bears and Waterfalls
Experience the coast as it awakens from winter on this unforgettable spring wildlife tour. Travel by covered vessel into remote mainland inlets, where snowmelt fuels towering waterfalls at their peak flow and fjord landscapes glow with fresh spring greens.
Watch for black bears foraging along the shoreline, Steller sea lions resting on rocky outcrops, and seabirds soaring overhead. With chances to spot Orcas and the first returning humpback whales of the season, every journey offers a new glimpse into spring on British Columbia’s wild coast.
Operating Season
April 15 - June 15
Departures
9:00 AM daily
Vessel & Transportation
Operated aboard a covered, heated vessel with an onboard washroom.
Starting From
From $290 CAD per adult*
*Base price is subject to additional fees: 12% fuel surcharge, $5 conservation fee, and a $15 Commercial Bear Viewing Association fee (bringing the starting subtotal to $344.80 CAD), plus 5% GST.
What you might see
What's included
- Travel aboard a well-maintained 12-passenger covered vessel with an onboard bathroom.
- Certified Naturalist guide and Captain providing engaging nature interpretation.
- Opportunities for photography and wildlife observation - cameras and binoculars welcome (tripods not recommended).
- Homemade zero-waste lunch, including fresh wraps, baked goods, and beverages (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, water).
- Snack and water provided: a homemade granola bar and a reusable water bottle.
What to bring
- Camera & Telephoto Lens - Capture wildlife from a safe distance; bring a protective case.
- Binoculars - We have a few to share, but personal binoculars give you the best view.
- Warm Layers - The coast can be chilly. Think T-shirt, fleece or thin puffy jacket, and a rain jacket.
- Beanie & Gloves - Stay warm and comfortable during land-based viewing.
- Sun Protection - Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended.
- Reusable Water Bottle - Fill up at our office or grab one on board if needed.
- Optional Snacks - Bring extra treats if you like.
- A Smile & Sense of Adventure - Essential for making the most of your experience!
What our guests say about this tour
"Can't reccomend these guys enough, myself and my partner went on the spring watch boat tour on a covered boat, captained by the wonderful Bex! Bex was incredibly knowledgeable, really enthusiastic and got everyone on the boat excited/involved.
We were lucky enough to see bald eagles, steller sea lions, california sea lion, black bear, grizzly bear and then to top it off a black bear with 2 young cubs! It was truly magical.
Also to note the food offered was really tasty, freshly prepared, didn't expect it to be as good as it was.
So if you're even considering it, book now!"
Shannon, 2025 via Tripadvisor
"Bex, our guide was wonderful- very personable and knowledgeable. She was also very safety conscious. The bear sighting we experienced were terrific. We were able to get quite close without disturbing the bears.
The scenery was stunning! The waterfalls that we saw were beautiful!
We had a lovely lunch on the back deck of the boat.
It was a lovely day.
I would recommend any tour from this company."
Lorna, 2025 via Tripadvisor
"Following an unforgettable experience two years ago, we returned with friends for a second tour with friends, and it did not disappoint!
Steve and the team were once again outstanding, and our guide Brad was knowledgeable, engaging, and made the entire journey both fun and informative. The boat was exceptionally comfortable, with space for 12 passengers and plenty of options to enjoy the scenery (indoors, outside, and even from the upper deck for panoramic views).
We were lucky to spot several orcas along the way, set against breathtaking coastal backdrops. The waterfalls were absolutely stunning, and we had the incredible opportunity to observe five black bears in their natural habitat.
Lunch was thoughtfully provided in sustainable packaging and local produce, and everything was delicious, especially the oat cakes (I’d love the recipe!).
An all-around magical spring adventure, highly recommended for anyone visiting Vancouver Island."
Maxi, 2025 via Tripadvisor
FAQS
Explore More About Bears
Discover more about bears and the untamed Pacific through our blog.
Responsible Bear Viewing is Our Top Priority
We love seeing bears as much as our guests do! But their safety, comfort, and natural behaviour always come first. Our goal is to provide unforgettable wildlife experiences while minimizing any impact on these incredible animals and their environment.
We are proud members of the Commercial Bear Viewing Association of British Columbia (CBVA), and we follow their Code of Conduct, which goes above and beyond in ensuring safe and respectful bear viewing.
How We Protect Bears and Their Habitat
- Keep a safe distance: Bears have personal space, and we never approach, crowd, or chase them. Guides set boundaries so bears can choose how close they want to come.
- Minimize disturbance: We move quietly, limit noise, and position ourselves so bears can feed, rest, and travel without disruption.
- No human food or garbage: Bears must never have access to human food, and all waste is securely managed.
- Predictable behaviour: Our guides act consistently and safely, helping bears feel comfortable and reducing stress.
- Group safety and etiquette: Guests stay together, follow the guide’s instructions, and respect the bear’s signals.
- Boat and land-based viewing: We maintain respectful distances from shore and water, approach slowly, and coordinate with other viewing groups to avoid crowding.
We carefully observe each bear’s behaviour and will end a viewing session if an animal shows signs of stress or discomfort. Our priority is always the well-being of the bears, even if it means giving up a closer look.
For a full list of guidelines, you can view the CBVA Code of Conduct.
Protecting Old Growth Forest, One Square Meter at a Time
For every guest who joins us on a tour, we protect 1 square meter of old growth forest! Since 2018, we’ve partnered with Wilderness International to conserve rainforest on Canada’s West Coast, ensuring its preservation forever. This vital work helps sequester carbon and protect the last of our planet’s intact habitats through legally secure land purchases.
You'll receive a personalized certificate featuring an aerial photograph and geocoordinates, so you can see exactly which piece of forest you're helping to protect!
Want to do even more? During checkout, you’ll have the option to make an additional donation to Wilderness International, helping protect even more rainforest and expand our conservation efforts.
Support Bear Conservation With Every Tour
When you join us for a bear viewing adventure, you’re not just creating unforgettable memories - you’re helping protect bears and their habitat. $15 from every ticket goes directly to the Commercial Bear Viewing Association’s (CBVA) Small Grant Program for Bear Conservation.
Each year, the Small Grant Program funds initiatives that support the protection of grizzly, black, and spirit bears, while also engaging local communities, First Nations governments, researchers, and conservation organizations.
The program supports projects that:
- Advance bear conservation and habitat protection
- Promote research, education, and community engagement
- Build skills within the bear viewing, research, and conservation network
By joining a bear viewing tour with us, you’re directly contributing to these conservation efforts - helping ensure future generations can experience bears in the wild.
Learn more about the CBVA Small Grant Program for Bear Conservation here.
$5 Of Every Ticket Supports Local Marine Mammal Conservation
As part of every ticket, a $5 conservation fee is donated to local marine conservation initiatives such as the North Island Marine Mammal Stewardship Association (NIMMSA) Conservation Fund and other non-profit conservation projects.
NIMMSA works tirelessly to protect marine mammals, support the local economy, and preserve the marine environment around northern Vancouver Island. From policy development to hands-on conservation efforts, their work is made possible through the support of association members and initiatives like ours.
By joining our tour, you’re not only experiencing the beauty of these waters but also contributing to vital marine conservation activities that help protect the region’s wildlife for years to come.
