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Call of the Wild
Orca beaching in Haro Strait
Orcas (killer whales) frolic in the waves. Thousands of massive grey whales parade past the shores of Tofino and Ucluelet. Black bears amble along a shoreline turning over rocks in search of crab. Bald eagles soar overhead while the remarkable phenomenon of spawning salmon fills rivers with dazzling colour. Roosevelt elk, cougars, marmots, porpoises, Minke whales, humpback whales, sea lions, seals, and then there are the birds: well over 200 species are spotted here. The opportunities to see wildlife in the Vancouver Island region are outstanding.
WHALE AND MARINE WILDLIFE VIEWING
Marine wildlife viewing tours are exhilarating activities. Not only do these tours provide almost guaranteed sightings of a variety of marine creatures, but they are also an excellent way to get out on the water and enjoy the scenery. Orcas (killer whales) and grey whales are the focus of most tours, although you
Steller Sea Lion, Vancouver Islandare also very likely to see a number of birds and other marine mammals, such as otters, sea lions, Dall’s porpoises, and Pacific white-sided dolphins.
While many tours are available year-round, orcas are predominantly seen in southern Vancouver Island (Victoria, Sidney, Sooke) waters from April through October. From the northern communities (Campbell River, Telegraph Cove, Alert Bay, Port McNeill, and Port Hardy), orcas are most readily seen from July through mid-October.
On the west coast of Vancouver Island, approximately 22,000 grey whales travel along the coastline between February and October on an annual migration route to their summer feeding grounds. Many of these massive whales return year after year and stay all season in Barkley Sound and in the open waters off Tofino. Grey whale watching tours are available from March through late October. Humpback whales, sea otters, and other marine species are also often sighted on these exciting tours. The annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival in March celebrates the return of the whales with a variety of activities, entertainment, and whale watching for the whole family.
Most marine tours are boat tours, and vessels range from open Zodiacs to luxurious yachts. In the early spring, grey whales can be spotted from the coastline in the Ucluelet/Long Beach area. Occasionally, orcas can be seen from the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail or East Sooke Park or even from the decks of BC Ferries.
Bear Viewing
Of the six sub-species of black bears, Ursus americanus vancouveri is found only on Vancouver Island. These bears can run two times faster than humans and weigh up to 275 kilograms. At low elevations in coastal areas, black bears emerge from their dens in late February or early March and, because of the climate, some do not hibernate at all. Black bears can be seen in their natural habitat in two main areas within the Vancouver Island region: the north (Comox Valley, Campbell River, Telegraph Cove, Sayward, and Port Hardy) and the west coast (Tofino, Ucluelet, Port Alberni). Bear-watching season runs from April through October and tour options include boats, floatplanes, and on foot. In Port Alberni, the Victoria Quay boardwalk is the perfect vantage point to see bears safely across the harbour from June to October.
Grizzly Bear Watching in the Great Bear Rainforest
Grizzly bears are not found on Vancouver Island, but day and multi-day boat and floatplane tours to the Great Bear Rainforest wilderness refuge, as well Smith Inlet, Knight Inlet, and other locations on the mainland coast are available from northern Vancouver Island communities.
Salmon Viewing > From October through December, you can see salmon, the region’s most famous fish, spawning in many of the rivers on Vancouver Island. For a close-up salmon experience, take a salmon-viewing rafting or snorkelling tour in Campbell River from July through October. Year-round, see salmon and learn about their life cycle at numerous hatcheries.
Bird Watching> The Vancouver Island region is one of the world’s best birding destinations and draws bird watchers from around the globe.
Storm the Golden Eagle, Pacific Northwest Raptors Visitors Centre in DuncanMore than 200 species can be seen here depending on the season, and a number of operators and birding clubs offer guided tours. Opportunities to see bald eagles are excellent during salmon-spawning season in the fall and early winter when hundreds of these large raptors feast on the dying salmon. The Brandt Wildlife Festival in March/April in Parksville and the Shorebird Festival in May in Tofino are annual highlights for birdwatchers.
Popular birding locations include: Clover Point in Victoria, Somenos Marsh Wildlife Refuge in Duncan, Pacific Northwest Raptors Visitors Centre in Duncan, Buttertubs Marsh in Nanaimo, Englishman River Estuary in Parksville, Courtenay Estuary and the Lazo Marsh, Goose Spit in the Comox Valley, and Tofino Wildlife Management Area in Tofino.
Tourism Campbell River & Region
So full of outdoor recreational adventures that the hardest decision you’ll have to make is what activity to enjoy next. World-renowned fishing, whale watching, kayaking, rafting, diving, caving, golfing, skiing, …- challenge yourself a little or a lot. Campbell River & Region has an irresistible lure to visitors from around the world in search of outdoor experiences, tranquil beauty, spectacular scenery, and traditional First Nations culture. Discover Your True Nature! Call for your free Visitor Guide today!
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Campbell River & Region
North Central Island
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Tourism Cowichan
Whether it’s adrenaline or unwinding you crave, you’ll find it in Cowichan. We’ve got a breathtaking array of activities that are sure to please: world-class ocean and river kayaking, the best flyfishing anywhere, hiking in ancient rainforests, rail trails with historic trestles, championship year-round golf or cruising our spectacular coastline – just to name a few.
Cowichan is a short, scenic drive just north of Victoria or just south of Nanaimo.
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Duncan
Cowichan Region
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Tsa-Kwa-Luten Lodge
A nature based, oceanfront property offering privacy and seclusion within an 1100 acre forest on the southern tip of Quadra Island, just a 10 minute ferry from downtown Campbell River. Tsa-Kwa-Luten's ocean front location offers spectacular views of historic Discovery Passage and the upper reaches of the Beaufort mountain range from all main lodge or beachfront cottage accommodation. West Coast seafood cuisine abounds in the casual yet elegant atmosphere of the seaside dining room.
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Quadra Island
North Central Island
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Stubbs Island Whale Watching
We invite you to join us for an exciting sea adventure from Telegraph Cove, the Whale Watching Capital of British Columbia! You'll love our island, the magnificent mammals, rare bird species you'll see, and the friendly people you'll meet. Depending on the time of year, you may see Minke Whales, Harbour Porpoises, Dall's porpoise, Humpback Whales, Bears, Steller sea lions, various birds, Pacific white-sided dolphins, and of course our famous Orca (killer whales).
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Telegraph Cove
North Island
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Vancouver Island North Tourism
All compasses point north, and so do growing numbers of outdoor adventurers as they head for the open spaces of Vancouver Island North. Largely undiscovered yet just a day’s travel from Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle. View black and grizzly bears. Watch orca and humpback whales. Kayak on a day trip, excursion or base camp adventure. Fish some of the richest waters around Vancouver Island. Take a day hike or a multi-day backcountry adventure on the North Coast Trail in Cape Scott Provincial Park.
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Vancouver Island North
North Island
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Coast Mountain Expeditions
Experience the wild coast, salt wind and island time on a kayak journey in BC’s outer Discovery Islands. Our well-organized trips include skills & safety instruction, quality equipment, expert guides, kayak lodge accommodation, and garden-fresh homemade meals. Enjoy friendly local knowledge on affordable wilderness adventures in a spectacular natural environment! Since 1987.
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Quadra Island
North Central Island
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Discovery Islands Lodge
Discover friendly accommodation and kayak adventures at our oceanfront B&B Inn close to Quadra Island lakes, forest trails and BC’s best kayaking! Guided marine park daytrips, kayak camping, skills instruction, local knowledge, kayak and canoe rentals. We offer affordable, comfortable, and memorable experiences in BC’s amazing natural environment. Since 1987.
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Quadra Island
North Central Island
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Quatse Salmon Stewardship Centre
Leap in to The Salmon Centre! Explore, play and learn in our unique interpretive gallery featuring all things salmon! Tour our working salmon hatchery and talk to knowledgeable staff about this amazing, iconic creature! A visit to The Salmon Centre is a fun and educational experience for all ages!
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Port Hardy
North Island
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Strathcona Park Lodge & Outdoor Education Centre
Let our wilderness lodge be your comfortable home base for exploring the beauty of Strathcona Provincial Park. Overlooking the shores of Upper Campbell Lake and a procession snow capped peaks, our accommodations include timber-framed chalets and cottages. Adventure options include: rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, white water paddling, backpacking, survival skills, ropes course and zipline, wildlife viewing.
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Campbell River
North Central Island
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WildPlay Element Parks, Nanaimo and West Shore Victoria
Unleash your wild! Primal fun and games are just a climb, zip, jump, and swing away at WildPlay Element Parks. Kids, teens, and adults conquer suspended wobbly bridges, hanging nets, zip lines and more surprising obstacles on the Monkido® Aerial Adventure courses. In Nanaimo, extreme thrill-seekers earn bragging rights with a 150’ Bungy Jump, and g-force King Swing - while zip lovers soar across the River Canyon! Visit
http://www.WildPlay.com for videos and Park details.
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Nanaimo and West Shore Victoria
South and Central Island
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Mothership Adventures Inc
Explore remote coastal British Columbia in luxury! Sea kayaking and cruising tours to Desolation Sound, Broughton Archipelago and the Great Bear Rainforest aboard the immaculate heritage vessel Columbia III. 3-10 day tours. Certified crew and ship. Spectacular wildlife viewing!
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Heriot Bay
North Central Island
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Grey Wolf Expeditions
Kayaking, Hiking and Wilderness Camping on Vancouver Island at it's Best! Half Day Tours, Sunset Paddles, Lessons & Orca Camp. Please ask us about our Multi Day Special. No experience necessary. Fun for everyone!
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Black Creek
North Central Island
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Long Beach Lodge Resort
Relaxed, inspirational West Coast oceanfront Resort on sandy Cox Bay beach. Iconic Great Room with oceanview dining. Beachfront Lodge rooms or self-contained 2-bedroom cottages with hot tubs. Surf Club offers on-site surf lessons & rentals. Surf Centre opening Spring 2012. Private Marine Adventures offered on comfortable, heated charter vessel.
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Tofino
Pacific Rim Region
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Jamie's Whaling Station
Celebrating our 30th Anniversary as the West Coast's Original Whale Tour Company! Whale & bear watching, Hot Springs Cove, Meares Island, kayaking, scenic flights, sunset cruises & more! Vessels suitable for all ages, gift shops & FREE parking - for RVs too! What in the WILD do you want to do?!
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Tofino & Ucluelet
Pacific Rim Region
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Rainbird Excursions
Eco-adventure day-trips. See the real Vancouver Island away from the crowds, with an expert local guide who knows the incredible places and secret ways of rainforest plants and creatures on central Vancouver Island.
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Port Alberni
Pacific Rim Region
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Water's Edge Resort at Pacific Rim
Pet friendly Water's Edge Resort on the Ucluelet harbour is ideally situated for discovering wild rugged coastal wilderness. Guest enjoy complimentary rain wear, kayaks, surf boards and bicycles as well as soaker tubs on their private patio in select cabins.
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Ucluelet
Pacific Rim Region
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Majestic Ocean Kayaking
Professionally guided kayak tours to the Broken Group Islands. Paddle through clear sparkling waters, photograph the abundant wildlife and explore the many islands with white sandy beaches and temperate rainforests. 2012 is our 20th anniversary, providing certified guides with abundant experience and local knowledge, gourmet food, quality equipment and paddle clothing.
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Ucluelet
Pacific Rim Region
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Tide Rip Grizzly Tours
Day trips to view grizzly bears in Knight Inlet. We depart early each day May 15 to September 20 via 12 passenger tour boat equipped with onboard toilet (the boat has the toilet). Along the way watch for black bears on the low tide beaches, porpoises, dolphins and bald eagles. Light breakfast and lunch included.
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Telegraph Cove
North Island
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