Choose your Vancouver Island Whale Watching Adventure
Explore the incredible marine ecosystems of the Salish Sea, Liǧʷiłdaxʷ Passage (Discovery Passage), and Johnstone Strait – renowned for their thriving wildlife and breathtaking scenery.
What makes Campbell River a truly special place for whale watching is its unique geography. The region’s narrow channels and island-dotted waters create nutrient-rich feeding grounds that attract a wide variety of marine species. Unlike open-ocean tours, our sheltered waterways provide calm seas and excellent visibility.
We offer a variety of tour lengths, with the choice of either a covered boat or an open Zodiac for each of our whale watching adventures.
Which tour length is right for me?
The main difference between our whale watching tours is time. Longer tours give us the opportunity to travel farther into remote areas, increasing your chances of seeing a wider variety of wildlife. Orca (killer whale) sightings are especially rewarding on extended trips, as these whales can cover long distances quickly. With more time on the water, you’ll also be able to spend longer periods of time with the wildlife we find along the way. Our full-day tours even include a delicious lunch on board.
If you’re short on time or prefer a shorter outing, our 4-hour tours are a fantastic option. They still offer excellent chances for sightings while fitting seamlessly into a busy travel schedule.
4 Hour Whale Watching
Starting from $226.46* CAD/Adult
With multiple departures daily, this 4 hour tour fits anyone’s schedule. For the perfect half day activity while visiting Campbell River!
*Price includes a 15% fuel surcharge and a $5 conservation fee, and is subject to 5% GST.
Full Day Whale Watching
Starting from $375.96* CAD/Adult
This tour gives us the luxury of time. With a focus on finding Orca, the extended day means that we can spend quality time with all of the wildlife that our spectacular area has to offer.
*Price includes a 15% fuel surcharge and a $5 conservation fee, and is subject to 5% GST.
Which vessel should I choose: Zodiac or Covered Boat?
Zodiac
Experience the thrill of the open sea as you feel the West Coast wind in your hair! Our Zodiacs offer an immersive adventure, bringing you closer to the water and the stunning scenery. They’re a fun and adventurous choice, and contrary to popular belief, are especially recommended for those concerned about seasickness, as the smooth ride cuts effortlessly through the water.
Each Zodiac accommodates up to 12 passengers, with seating fixed during the tour and limited space to move around.
Covered Boat
Our Covered Boats offer a comfortable and protected experience, featuring a heated cabin that keeps you warm and cozy, no matter the weather. When the boat is stopped, you’ll have access to an outdoor viewing deck, perfect for wildlife watching.
The spacious design makes it easy to move around, and each boat is equipped with an onboard washroom for your convenience. We operate 12-passenger and 30-passenger vessels for this tour, depending on demand.
What animals could I see on my whale watching tour?
Campbell River stands out as one of the world’s premier wildlife-viewing destinations, offering observations of Humpback Whales, Killer Whales, Pacific White-Sided Dolphins, Bears, Steller Sea Lions, and more.
While we can’t guarantee sightings of every species on each tour, our experienced guides take great pride in showcasing as much of the region’s natural beauty and wildlife as possible.
Check out our Sightings page, where we share the wildlife spotted in the past week along with records from previous seasons. This gives you an idea of what we’ve historically seen at the time of year you’re planning your visit.
Responsible Whale Watching is our Number One Priority
We love to see whales as much as our guests do! However, viewing these animals in a respectful manner, and maintaining a safe distance that causes as little disturbance to their environment as possible is our number one priority.
We follow a set of whale watching guidelines that has been adapted to go above and beyond Canada’s Marine Mammal Regulations.
- Reduce speed to 7 knots when a whale is within 1 km
- Maintain a distance of 200 m from killer whales, or any whale with a calf
- Maintain a distance of 100 m from all other whales
- If a Killer Whale is identified as a Southern Resident, leave the area entirely
- Maintain a parallel viewing sequence
- Limit time with one group of whales to 30–45 minutes
For a comprehensive list of our guidelines please check out our 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.
$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.
