Wildlife Tours in Campbell River: 6 That Use a Whole Day Well

1.Campbell River: Whale & Wildlife Discovery Cruise

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

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

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

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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3.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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4.Zodiac Boat Whale and Wildlife 6-Hour Tour from Campbell River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 44 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $251

Set out from Campbell River at 9:00 am in a small open zodiac with a maximum of 12 people. Your captain, including Becca, also called Bex, may guide you toward whales, porpoises, tide pools, fishing eagles, and Cape Mudge Lighthouse. Lunch, hot drinks, and a floater suit are included.

“Our tour guide/boat captain, Becca. was very knowledgeable & interested that her passengers had a great experience We saw whales, porpoises, tide pools & had a magical experience with hundreds (?) of eagles fishing.”

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5.Campbell River: Whale Watching and Wildlife Viewing Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 23 reviews · 8 hours · from $291

Spend a full day on the Salish Sea, Discovery Passage, and Johnstone Strait with Campbell River Whale Watching. Choose a covered boat or outdoor Zodiac, then search for orcas, humpbacks, dolphins, bears, sea lions, seals, and eagles with a naturalist guide such as Becks, Jerek, or Brad. Lunch, hot drinks, washrooms, and Zodiac float suits are included.

“Our Australian guide, I think his name was Brad, was fantastic. He was so patient and knowledgeable and clearly loved the environment. We saw Orca, humpbacks, harbour seals, seal lions catching fish, mink, eagles and eaglets. We stopped at a beautiful little place where a very nice lunch was provided, along with hot and cold drinks and a highlight was a little humming bird feeding there. I would highly recommend this trip. Take a woolly hat, as although temperatures are high, the sea spray and breeze are very cold on the ears and having the hood of the float suit up stops you turning your head and also catches the…”

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6.Campbell River: Whales and Wildlife Boat Tour with Snacks

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 21 reviews · 4 hours · from $160Best value

Set out from Discovery Harbour Marina on a covered, heated 30-foot aluminum boat with an English-speaking captain. Over four hours, you’ll search Discovery Passage for whales, dolphins, bears, sea lions, seals, porpoises, and eagles. Light snacks, coffee, tea, water, juice, and an onboard bathroom are included.

“The owner of the boat was very knowledgeable about the humpback whales we saw twice. As well as the sea lions. Unfortunately we didn't see any bears or Orca whales. But that part of Northern Vancouver Island is beautiful. Thanks for a great day.”

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