Whale Watching Tours

Vancouver Island offers some of the best whale watching opportunities in British Columbia. Our Campbell River whale watching tours cruise deep into the narrow channels and inlets of the Discovery Island Archipelago and Desolation Sound in search of the biggest and most exciting marine wildlife. Escape reality and be surrounded by mountains, tidal rapids, and wildlife on an adventure tour of a lifetime!

Wildlife we see in Campbell River

  • Humpback whales
  • Bigg’s (transient) killer whales
  • Pacific white-sided dolphins
  • Steller sea lions
  • California sea lions
  • Bald eagles
  • Harbor seals
  • Porpoises (Harbour & Dall’s)
  • Black bears
  • Grizzly bears
  • Colourful sea birds

Pick your favourite Campbell River Whale Watching tour

humpback whale spyhopping beside zodiac. campbell river whale watching vancouver island

Zodiac Tour

See why Campbell River is quickly becoming known as a whale watching hotspot on Vancouver Island! This is our most popular family-friendly tour, and takes place on our fun and stable zodiacs. Cruise throughout the Salish Sea and Desolation Sound in search of the biggest and most exciting marine mammals that call this region home. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop for breaks at interesting and historical sites in this beautiful area. 

What’s included:

campbell river whale watching vancouver island killer whale

Covered Vessel Tour

 Cruise deep into the current-swept channels and inlets of the Discovery Islands Archipelago. This tour takes place aboard our covered vessels which have a comfortable indoor seating area and spacious outdoor viewing deck. This tour covers a vast area where we often encounter humpback whales, killer whales, bears, sea lions, seals, dolphins, and a range of colourful sea birds. Join us for this incredible once-in-a-lifetime tour!

What’s included:

Welcome Aboard Big Animal Encounters

Based in Campbell River on beautiful Vancouver Island. We’re a passionate and professional team of wildlife enthusiasts – and we can’t wait to welcome you aboard for the whale watching tour of a lifetime!

Click below to learn more about us and meet our crew.

Would you rather have your own private boat tour?

You’re the admiral we explore Desolation Sound under the towering scenic mountains and current-swept bays. Hire a vessel and crew for the day, and bring your friends and family along for a Campbell River whale watching tour they will not soon forget! Zodiacs and covered vessels available.

Custom and personalized private boat tours for:

  • Photographers
  • Families 
  • Birthday parties
  • Corporate events
  • And more!
Big Animal Encounters

A Whale-y Good Photo

On a recent 4 Hour Whale & Wildlife Tour, we had two zodiacs on the water watching humpback whales near Campbell River, BC. In Sutil