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 $367.64 CAD per adult*
*Price includes a 15% fuel surcharge, a $15 Commercial Bear Viewing Association fee and a $5 conservation fee, and is subject to 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
"Our trip was absolutely brilliant from start to finish. A warm welcome, comfortable boat and fabulous lunch.
Our guide, Brad, was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the natural world and we learnt a great deal from him. We were lucky enough to see black bears, seals, sea lions and even a grizzly. All that plus the stunningly beautiful scenery."
Natalie R, 2026 via Tripadvisor
"Brilliant trip out of Campbell River. Small boat with our excellent guide, Jessica, who was delightful and very knowledgable. Saw three brown bears and two grizzlies plus bald eagles and sea lion.
Tasty packed lunch which consisted of wraps, granola bars, dried fruit and biscuits. All of which seemed to be home made. The scenery was amazing. Well worth the money."
Kay, 2026 via Tripadvisor
"We had 5 days to spend in Campbell River and also wanted to see the waters in the area so we booked this trip. Guide and boat pilot Geoff was born and raised here and knew a lot to tell and had an answer to all questions.
We have seen quite a few inlets (fjords) and 3 black bears, a grizzly mother with 2 puppies and several waterfalls (lunch at the farthest point). On the way back also sea lions and a group of about 20 dolphins. Finally, sea lions and seals against a backdrop of mirror-smooth water, forests and snow-capped mountains."
Bart, 2026 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.
