Canada · CAMPBELL RIVER TOURS

Campbell River Tours: 15 That Use a Whole Day Well

29 tours  ·  from $129

Short on days and long on options. These 15 campbell river tours are the ones worth a slot, each with its price, its duration and the thing to know before you commit.

Vancouver Island Half-Day Whale Watching Tour - Telegraph Cove - Searching the waters around Johnstone Strait
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Vancouver Island Half-Day Whale Watching Tour – Telegraph Cove

1.Vancouver Island Half-Day Whale Watching Tour – Telegraph Cove

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 333 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $153Our pick

From Telegraph Cove Marina, spend about three hours searching Johnstone Strait and nearby waters for orcas, humpbacks, dolphins, sea otters, seals, and eagles. Guides such as James, Valerie, Abbie, Andy, and Rebecca have helped make past trips both informative and personal. Hot drinks, wildlife photos, family materials, and a whale sighting guarantee are included.

“Very well organized Very friendly and knowledgeable staff Beautiful location Pack a small lunch and blankets for your tour.”

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Vancouver Island Zodiac Whale Watching Adventure - Telegraph Cove - Searching for orcas, humpbacks, and smaller wildlife
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Vancouver Island Zodiac Whale Watching Adventure – Telegraph Cove

2.Vancouver Island Zodiac Whale Watching Adventure – Telegraph Cove

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 281 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $169

From Telegraph Cove, you’ll spend about three hours aboard an open-air Zodiac with a guide and skipper, looking for orcas, humpback whales, seals, sea lions, dolphins, otters, and eagles. Scotty is one guide praised for lively commentary. The small group keeps the outing personal, but the boat is exposed to wind and spray.

“Scottie prima reisleider, heel veel walvissen, dolfijnen en bruinvissen gezien. Ook de prachtige omgeving is alleen al de moeite waard”

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Campbell River: Whale & Wildlife Discovery Cruise - What the four-hour route is like
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Campbell River: Whale & Wildlife Discovery Cruise

3.Campbell River: Whale & Wildlife Discovery Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 143 reviews · 4 hours · from $175

Spend four hours exploring Discovery Passage, the Salish Sea, or Johnstone Strait with an English-speaking guide such as Laura, Tyler, or Jarek. Choose a covered boat with indoor seating or a zodiac-style vessel with a flotation suit. Look for humpbacks, orcas, dolphins, bears, sea lions, and eagles, with hydrophones for whale sounds.

“the weather was rainy and cold - couldn’t see through windows to spot anything for most of the trip, as they were covered with rain from the outside and steam inside. I was disappointed - only saw sea lions, seals and eagles. It was my bucket list trip to see whales and we didn’t see any.”

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Zodiac Boat Whale and Wildlife 4-Hour Tour from Campbell River - Four hours of searching for whales and wildlife
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Zodiac Boat Whale and Wildlife 4-Hour Tour from Campbell River

4.Zodiac Boat Whale and Wildlife 4-Hour Tour from Campbell River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 142 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $180

Set out from Campbell River in a small zodiac capped at 12 people. Your guide searches for whales, sea lions, grizzly bears, and other wildlife while you ride through the island scenery. Zoe has been praised for keeping a respectful distance from whales. Morning and afternoon departures are available, with a snack and floater suit included.

“Das Erleben der Wale in ihrer natürlichen Umgebung war sehr beeindruckend! Ebenso die Fahrt durch die Insellandschaft!”

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Campbell River: 4 Hour Whale & Wildlife Zodiac Boat Tour - Searching for whales, orcas, and dolphins
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Campbell River: 4 Hour Whale & Wildlife Zodiac Boat Tour

5.Campbell River: 4 Hour Whale & Wildlife Zodiac Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 133 reviews · 4 hours · from $216

Set out from Campbell River with an English-speaking naturalist or biologist guide such as Gibson, Nova, Andreus, or Benji. You’ll cruise the Discovery Passage and Northern Gulf Islands in a Zodiac, use a hydrophone to listen for whales, watch for orcas, humpbacks, dolphins, bears, and sea lions, then finish with ocean rapids at Devils Hole and Aaron Rapids.

“Gibson was so great at leading us and sharing so much information about the local area. Felt super safe with him and his expertise of the water and the conditions. Found us plenty of humpbacks to admire! Highly recommend!!!”

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Telegraph Cove: Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos - Ocean Magic II, built for speed and viewing
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Telegraph Cove: Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos

6.Telegraph Cove: Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 130 reviews · 3 hours · from $149Best value

Spend three hours on Ocean Magic II, a fast semi-covered cruiser from Telegraph Cove, searching Johnstone Strait for orcas, humpbacks, porpoises, sea lions, and seabirds. Three naturalists provide live commentary while the crew takes free wildlife and family photos. Bring warm layers, sunglasses, and a camera.

“So exciting! Our guide was fantastic - we saw lots of whales and had a very informative guide. I highly recommend taking this tour if you are visiting Telegraph Cove. An experience of a life time!”

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Campbell River: Bute Inlet Grizzly-Watching Tour & Boat Ride - Leaving Campbell River by covered speedboat
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Campbell River: Bute Inlet Grizzly-Watching Tour & Boat Ride

7.Campbell River: Bute Inlet Grizzly-Watching Tour & Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 112 reviews · 8 to 10 hours (approx.) · from $572

Set out from Campbell River for a 2.5-hour boat ride into Bute Inlet and the Orford River. Local Indigenous guides Michael and James lead bear viewing, while the crew serves lunch, snacks, drinks, and hot chocolate. Look for grizzlies hunting salmon, plus whales, dolphins, sea lions, seals, and eagles along the route.

“Incredible experience! The tour accommodates 30 people, but it doesn’t feel too crowded. We got to see whales on the way out and sea lions and dolphins on the way back. We stopped at a few viewing spots and saw 5 bears in total, including a mother and cub, which sticked around for quite some time. The hosts were fantastic and getting some indigenous background and having indigenous guides was incredible!”

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Telegraph Cove: 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour in a Zodiac Boat - Searching for orcas, humpbacks, and smaller creatures
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Telegraph Cove: 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour in a Zodiac Boat

8.Telegraph Cove: 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour in a Zodiac Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 109 reviews · 3 hours · from $165

Join Prince of Whales for three hours on a 12-seat Zodiac from Telegraph Cove. You’ll suit up in a warm cruiser suit, then search for orcas, humpback whales, dolphins, sea lions, otters, and bald eagles with skippers such as Scottie, Connor, and James. The ride is fast, exposed, and thrilling, with a whale-sighting guarantee if luck does not cooperate.

“Enough whales! But from BIG distance, not allowed to come closer?! Maybe watch them on tv once more”

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Salish Sea Whale Watching Tour in Campbell River - Searching for orcas and humpback whales
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Salish Sea Whale Watching Tour in Campbell River

9.Salish Sea Whale Watching Tour in Campbell River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 90 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $204

From Campbell River’s Coast Marina, you’ll spend about four hours searching the Salish Sea for orcas, humpbacks, dolphins, porpoises, sea lions, otters, bald eagles, and marine birds. Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours provides cabin seating, an outside deck, and possible beach landings, while guides explain local First Nations history and culture.

“The crew was good. Safety was on the top of the list. The tour guide was great she was knowledgeable and a pleasant person. She made our fun. We saw three killer whales and learned about tribal culture. Worth the drive from Victoria to take this tour.”

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Covered Boat Whale Watching 4-Hour Tour from Campbell River - Passing Cape Mudge Lighthouse on Quadra Island
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Covered Boat Whale Watching 4-Hour Tour from Campbell River

10.Covered Boat Whale Watching 4-Hour Tour from Campbell River

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 77 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $265

Join Campbell River Whale Watching & Adventure Tours for a four-hour whale-watching cruise in a covered boat carrying no more than 12 people. You’ll receive snacks and bottled water while exploring coastal waters near Vancouver Island. If the route heads south, you’ll pass Cape Mudge Lighthouse on Quadra Island. The tour runs in English and returns to the marina.

“During our trip in Cana we booked this whale watching via viator . After this experience we checked the creditcard account and then we became aware that he price was in English pounds and not in Canadian dollars !!! Booking via viator was 25% higher then booking direct by the organisation.”

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Covered Boat Whale Watching 6-Hour Tour from Campbell River - A small boat group makes a real difference
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Covered Boat Whale Watching 6-Hour Tour from Campbell River

11.Covered Boat Whale Watching 6-Hour Tour from Campbell River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 66 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $270

You’ll cruise from Campbell River in a covered boat with a naturalist guide, watching for whales, sea lions, eagles, and other coastal wildlife. The six-hour trip includes floater suits, lunch ashore, hot drinks, bottled water, snacks, and room for no more than 12 people. If conditions allow a southern route, you’ll pass Cape Mudge Lighthouse on Quadra Island.

“Absolutely amazing in all areas!!!! Recommend it to all our family and friends! The eagles were breathtaking I. Their numbers and magnificence❤️”

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Campbell River: Salish Sea Whale Watching Adventure - Watching for humpbacks and orcas
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Campbell River: Salish Sea Whale Watching Adventure

12.Campbell River: Salish Sea Whale Watching Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 64 reviews · 4 hours · from $200

From Coast Marina in downtown Campbell River, join Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours for four hours among the Discovery Islands. Naturalist Janet and skipper Guy may lead you to humpbacks, orcas, dolphins, sea lions, bald eagles, and more. Heated covered boats, outdoor seats, snacks, drinks, and a toilet keep the trip comfortable.

“Guy (skipper) and Janet (guide) were friendly and informative! Saw humpback, orcas, sea lions, seals, and lots of birds!”

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Full Day Whale Watching Campbell River - Leaving Quathiaski Cove at 9:00 a.m.
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Full Day Whale Watching Campbell River

13.Full Day Whale Watching Campbell River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 62 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $266

Set out at 9:00 a.m. in a 12-passenger Zodiac with guides such as Reuben and Jen, searching the Discovery Islands and Desolation Sound for humpbacks, orcas, dolphins, seals, and sea lions. Lunch, snacks, hot drinks, water, and cold-weather gear are included, with a remote island picnic midway through the day.

“The guide, Reuben, was excellent. He knew all the good areas for wildlife - we saw Orca, Humpbacks, seals, sea lions, Bald Eagles - to name the main ones, and were able to spend time in each area. (He also gave us tips on how to find black bears later in the evening and we did! We saw them fishing for salmon). The Zodiac trip itself was fun and the scenery stunning. We had a beautiful spot for our picnic lunch too. It was a truly fantastic day.”

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Campbell River: Bute Inlet Grizzly-Watching Tour & Boat Ride - Leaving Campbell River by covered speedboat
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Campbell River: Bute Inlet Grizzly-Watching Tour & Boat Ride

14.Campbell River: Bute Inlet Grizzly-Watching Tour & Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 61 reviews · 9 hours · from $557

Spend 8 to 9 hours traveling from Campbell River through the Discovery Islands to Bute Inlet. Captain John, Laura, Alex, Lexie, and Homalco First Nation guides lead marine wildlife viewing, a fresh lunch, and three hours on covered platforms near grizzlies feeding on salmon.

“Echt top! Genoten van bultrugwalvissen, beren en als kers op de taart ook nog orka's kunnen zien en fotograferen. S Morgens was het koud en regende het en de lunch is in openlucht op natte banken. We zijn koud en ongezellig blijven rechtstaan. Lunch zou beter bij het bezoekerscentrum zijn waar de kachel heerlijk aan was. Verder ook enkel plat water aan boord in alu drinkbussen. Vraag is of deze steriel waren. Hier hou ik niet van. Ik ben bereid aan boord nog extra te betalen voor een blikje Sprite, Fanta of Cola. Verder alles super. UItstap was top en waar voor het geld! Een aanrader!”

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Campbell River: 6-Hour Whale Watching Boat Tour - Starting at the Floathouse
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Campbell River: 6-Hour Whale Watching Boat Tour

15.Campbell River: 6-Hour Whale Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 46 reviews · 6 hours · from $245

From Campbell River, you’ll cruise the Salish Sea, Discovery Passage, and Johnstone Strait in a Zodiac or covered 12-passenger boat. A naturalist guide such as Jack, Martin, Alex, or Steve explains the wildlife, while hydrophones may pick up whale calls. Lunch, hot drinks, snacks, and washrooms are included.

“Our guide went above and beyond to show us the wildlife the trip promised. Highly recommended.”

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New in Campbell River Tours

★ 4.7Telegraph Cove: Half-Day Kayaking TourFrom $1299 reviews
★ 5.0Port Hardy: Sea Otter and Whale WatchingFrom $27619 reviews
★ 4.6Campbell River: Kayaking and Whale Watching TourFrom $3608 reviews
★ 5.0Cape Scott: San Josef Bay Day Hike with Scenic DriveFrom $27411 reviews
★ 4.9Campbell River: Whale Watching Cruise with LunchFrom $23020 reviews
★ 4.9Campbell River: Grizzly Bear Expedition with LunchFrom $58611 reviews
★ 4.6Campbell River: 7-Hour Big Animal Encounter Boat TourFrom $24517 reviews
★ 3.8Campbell River: 6 Hour Covered Whale Watching Tour w/ LunchFrom $27511 reviews

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