Whale Watching

Whale watching from Campbell River runs roughly from April to October. Humpback whales arrive in spring and feed here through the summer and into fall. Bigg's (transient) orcas hunt seals and sea lions through the channels in every season. For the best chance of seeing both, go between July and September.

Mornings are often calmer on the water. Tours run in most weather, so ask your operator what happens if it turns rough.

Humpbacks and orcas are the headline, and some operators also report gray and minke whales. Most trips also pass sea lions, harbour seals, porpoises and bald eagles, plus the fast water of the tidal rapids in the Discovery Islands.

Wildlife is wild, so no tour can promise a sighting. Ask each operator how they plan the route on the day.

Tours leave from the harbour in town and from Quadra Island. Trips usually run four to seven hours, on either open zodiacs or covered boats.

• Campbell River Whale Watching & Adventure Tours uses a covered vessel with an open viewing deck.
• Eagle Eye Adventures runs 4-hour and 6-hour wildlife and whale trips.
• Big Animal Encounters has 4-hour zodiac tours and 7-hour covered-boat tours into the Discovery Islands and Desolation Sound.
• Wild Waterways Adventures is Indigenous-owned and runs small-group zodiac tours from Quadra Island and Campbell River.
• Discovery West Adventures runs a heated landing craft with a washroom on board, on 4-hour and 6-hour trips.

Zodiacs are faster and closer to the water. Covered boats are warmer and better if you're bringing kids or older relatives.

Canada's Marine Mammal Regulations require boats to stay at least 100 m from whales, and at least 200 m from killer whales in Pacific waters. Good operators follow these rules and keep their engines quiet near the animals.

If you're out in your own boat or kayak, the same distances apply to you.

It's cold on the water even in August. Bring a warm layer, a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. Binoculars help, and a camera with a zoom lens is better than a phone. Book ahead in July and August, and check each operator's age limits and cancellation policy.