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Campbell River located on the eastern coast of Vancouver island, in British Columbia, is renowned for it’s spectacular marine wildlife. The river is considered one of the best places for whale watching in Canada.
With its pristine Waters and diverse ecosystem, Campbell River attracts a wide variety of whales and other marine life throughout the year, meaning there are a few whale watching tours in Campbell River to choose from. It’s also a great place to hop on a grizzly bear tour, if you have the time.
Whether you’re someone who has a fascination with wildlife, or simply looking for a unique and memorable experience, a whale watching tour in Campbell River is a must do activity while in Vancouver.
In this article we’ll explore some of the best whale watching tours in Campbell River and what makes them stand out, to help you choose the ultimate whale watching experience.
The Best Campbell River Whale Watching Tour
This tour is my pick for the best whale watching cruise in Campbell River because it gives you a decent amount of time on the water and also includes lunch (and snacks). I personally think if you are only visiting once, you may as well spend a bit more on the longer tour.
This will give you more chances to spot whales and other wildlife. I also like that you have a chance to hear the whales underwater via the hydrophone. Its not guaranteed but if you’re lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time, it’d be worth it.
Best Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours
Kayaking & Whale Watching Tour
This Campbell River whale watching tour is a good choice for those who want a mix of viewing and doing. Half the day is spent spotting different types of whales on a cruise down the river.
The other half lets you hop into a kayak and explore some of the remote parts of the river. Kayaks are not just for exploring the nature of the area, but the route is planned to give you a chance to spot wildlife too.
This tour is best if you like water sports and whales, but are limited on time and don’t want to choose one over the other. As this tour is completed in 8-9 hours, its perfect if you’re short on time.
Whale and Wildlife Watching Cruise
On this tour you will be watching out for whales and sea lions mostly, although there are other animals that may catch your eye on the way. This may include bears, eagles, and dolphins.
The cruise takes you down the Campbell river to explore Discovery Passage, the Johnstone Strait and the Salish Sea with a naturalist guide.
It offers different types of boats, including one with sun protection, which would be a great choice for families. The other choice is more for adults who want to feel the breeze, and has more outdoor space.
This tour is one of the cheaper options on this list, but has a lot of good reviews. You can expect the trip to last 3-4 hours, at time of writing.
Affordable Whale Watching Cruise
Another 3-4 hour tour, this is the second of the cheaper whale watching tour options. Like the above, the focus here is on whale sightings, but you may also have some luck spotting orcas, sea lions, eagles and bears.
Cruising through the Discovery Islands onto the Salish Sea, you’ll want to keep your camera out as the experienced guides scout for wildlife. The area is home to many first nations people so you will be able to hear about their local stories and knowledge on the cruise.
While these two budget tours seem quite similar, you may prefer one or the other depending on the type of boats offered. Take a look at the tour description and pictures to choose which one will best meet your needs.
6 Hour Whale Watching Tour
With a bump up in price, this 6 hour tour has more time spent out on the water and with a simple lunch also included. As with all of the Campbell River whale watching tours, you’ll be keeping an eye out for whales such as humpbacks, but also sea lions, orcas and dolphins.
The tour will explore some remote areas also to give you a chance to sight more wildlife, and if lucky, you may even spot a grizzly bear on the cruise. Bear spotting is most likely in Spring or Fall.
The boat in this tour is partially covered, so is a good choice if you want you want a mix of indoor and outdoor cruising.
Whale Watching Tour for 6 Hours #2
The other great option for a longer trip is this one, which spends 6 hours searching for mostly aquatic, but also land and flying wildlife before providing lunch.
On this tour you’ll have a chance to spot humpback and killer whales, dolphins, bears and sea lions. You also may potentially get to hear the songs of the whales through the ship’s underwater hydrophones, but this cannot be guaranteed.
Much like my advice with the two shorter tours, the boat used may help you decide which tour to pick. In this tour you have the choice of an open or covered boat.
When is the Best Time to Whale Watch in Campbell River?
The best time to see whales in Campbell river is from July to September because during the summer months the whales migrate to the Campbell River area to eat. Summer is also a great time to visit the Campbell River because the temperature is more agreeable then the other months of the year.
It’s important to note though, despite this being the peak season for seeing whales such as humpback whales, orcas and Minke whales, whale sightings depend on more than just the season. Your success in seeing a whale may also vary depending on other factors such as what the weather is like and the ocean conditions.
Additionally, in other months of the year you may have different opportunities to see other types of whales and wildlife, such as grey whales and pacific white-sided dolphins which can also be a fun experience.
What to Look For in a Whale Watching Tour
Tour Highlights and Expectations
Choosing the right Campbell River whale watching tour is important because it ensures that your experience matches your expectations and what you want to see. Different tours offer different highlights, such as the chance to see specific species of whales, unique natural scenery, or even additional activities like kayaking or fishing.
By carefully selecting a tour that aligns with your interests, you’ll have a more enjoyable and memorable experience. It’s also important to choose a tour operator that prioritises responsible and sustainable whale-watching practises, as this ensures the safety and well-being of the animals and their habitat.
By doing your research and choosing carefully, you can have the best possible whale watching experience that meets your expectations and contributes to the preservation of these magnificent creatures
Prices
The price of a whale watching tour can vary widely depending on the operator, the type of boat, and the level of service provided. Well it may be tempting to choose the cheapest option, it’s important keep in mind that the quality of the tour and whether or not it will fit your expectations is more important.
It’s worth doing your research and paying a little more for a reputable Campbell River tour operator that prioritises responsible and sustainable whale-watching practises.
Season & Weather
The best time for whale watching in Campbell river is from mid July to September. During this time you have the best chance of seeing the most common types of whales in the area, including humpback whales, orcas, and Minke whales.
This is because they migrate to the area during the summer months to feed on the large food supply in the waters around Campbell River. It’s important to keep this in mind when planning your visit as you’ll have a better chance of seeing these magnificent creatures during the peak whale watching season.
However, it’s always best to check with your tour operator or local tourism office for the latest information on whale sightings and seasonal patterns, as weather and other factors can also impact the timing and frequency of whale sightings.
Customer Reviews
Reading customer reviews before booking a whale watching tour can help you make an informed decision and avoid potential disappointment or safety issues during the tour. They may also help you see how likely you are to see a whale during the trip.
Responsible Whale Watching Tips
Here are a list of tips to help you responsibly watch whales without interfering with their natural lives and environment.
- Keep a safe distance. Give the whales space to move around, and avoid any potential harm you may accidentally impose if the boat gets too close. If you see your tour operator manoeuvring dangerously close, say something.
- Don’t chase or harass the whales. Avoid sudden movements, loud noises, or any other activity that may disturb or scare the whales. If the animal shows signs of stress or discomfort, support the choice to move away slowly and quietly. If you’re on a boat that you’re in control of, if you see a whale nearby turn off the engine and let the whale approach you. This will reduce the noise and disturbance and allow for a more natural and counter that is safer for the whale.
- Follow the code of conduct set out by the tour company. Many whale watching tours follow a code of conduct that outlines the best practises for interacting with marine mammals. Make sure to listen to and follow these guidelines during your tour.
- Use binoculars or zoom lenses. This will help you get good views of the whales from a safe distance.
- Avoid feeding the animals. Don’t offer food or attempt to feed the whales, as this can disrupt their natural feeding patterns. It can also make them begin to be dependant on humans for food.
- Support conservation efforts. Consider donating to organisations that support marine conservation and education programs. This will help protect the whales and the habitats for future generations to enjoy.