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Discovery Passage, British Columbia

Discovery Passage, British Columbia: Our most recommended tours and activities

Campbell River: Discovery Passage Wildlife Zodiac Boat Tour

1. Campbell River: Discovery Passage Wildlife Zodiac Boat Tour

Journey through the islands of the Discovery Passage, making your way between Vancouver Island and the mainland, on this wildlife boat tour. See different sea and land animals like bears, whales, dolphins, or seals while hearing about the region's history and nature from your guide. Board your boat at the marina and set off into the Strait of Georgia, towards the Northern Gulf Islands, going between the islands of Quadra and Vancouver. Continue north until the passage widens into the Johnstone Strait. Enjoy live commentary on the wildlife and history of the region. On your way have the chance to encounter, orcas, minke whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, porpoises, sea lions, seals, black bears, cinnamon bears, and grizzly bears. Use the hydrophone to listen to the whales as you float along the water. Cap off your boat tour with a thrilling ocean rapids experience, including “Devils Hole” and the “Aaron Rapids,” also known as “The Drain,” before returning to Campbell River.

Vancouver Island: Full-Day Grizzly Bear Tour at Toba Inlet

2. Vancouver Island: Full-Day Grizzly Bear Tour at Toba Inlet

Cruise along Discovery Passage to the magnificent Toba Inlet and admire the breathtaking panoramic views surrounding you. Disembark the boat and spend 3 hours spotting grizzly bears along the Campbell River, accompanied by the Klahoose First Nation. Marvel at up-close views of bears frolicking and feeding in the river, along with an array of other wildlife both on land and in the water. Learn interesting facts about the environment from a certified naturalist and captain. Hear the stories and legacy of the Klahoose Nation and their connection to the land from your local guide as you explore the wilderness. Stop to admire the famous waterfalls of the spectacular Toba Inlet.

Campbell River: 6-Hour Whale Watching Boat Tour

3. Campbell River: 6-Hour Whale Watching Boat Tour

Discover an abundance of wildlife in the waters of the Salish Sea, Discovery Passage, and Johnstone Strait. Encounter Humpback Whales, Killer Whales, Pacific White-Sided Dolphins, Bears, Steller Sea Lions, and so much more, on a 6-hour Whale Watching Tour, onboard either a Zodiac or Covered vessel with onboard washrooms. Begin at the Floathouse with a brief explanation of the wildlife you may encounter, a map of the general area of travel, and safety information. Travel to see a variety of wildlife in a well maintained, 12 passenger vessel. Enjoy a nature interpretation by your certified Naturalist Guide and Captain. Eat an onshore lunch of freshly made wraps, snacks of homemade baked goods and granola bars, and beverages such as coffee, hot chocolate, tea, and water. Don't forget to bring your camera and binoculars (tripods not recommended). Take in the calm and beautiful scenery while traveling through the narrow passages between the Discovery Islands and into Johnstone Strait, rather than into the open Pacific Ocean. Hear the vocalizations of Orca or Humpback Whales through the onboard Hydrophones (underwater microphones) if those opportunities arise (Orca and Humpback Whales do not communicate all day).

Campbell River: Whale Watching and Wildlife Viewing Day Tour

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

On this full day adventure, we explore the waters of the Salish Sea, Discovery Passage, and Johnstone Strait. This tour gives us the luxury of time and is designed for those individuals who want to see as much as they can in one single day. With a focus on finding Orca, the extended day means that we can spend quality time with all of the wildlife, like Humpback Whales, Pacific White-Sided Dolphins, Bears, Sea Lions, and much more that our spectacular area has to offer. You have two options for your adventure: Our covered vessel with indoor seating and space outside for viewing. This boat is great for families and suitable for all ages. Our zodiac style vessel for those who like being outdoors and want to feel the west coast wind through their hair

Campbell River: Whale Watching Cruise with Lunch

5. Campbell River: Whale Watching Cruise with Lunch

Enjoy a scenic Campbell River Whale Watching cruise through Discovery Passage! Board the vessel at Brown’s Bay Marin, just 19km north of downtown Campbell River, and begin your whale watching adventure. Your boat tour from takes place on a 30' Aluminum boat with a covered and heated cabin. You can also choose to sit outside if you prefer to have the wind in your hair! You'll travel with an experienced and knowledgeable captain, that is fortunate enough to be a part of a whale watching community in Campbell River, so they know where to look to increase your whale-spotting chances. You'll have a chance to spot humpbacks, dolphins, and orcas in their natural environment. During our 6 hour Campbell River Whale Watching Tour, we'll venture out further and explore some of the more pristine and remote areas of the coast. In the spring and fall, it's possible to see black bears and grizzlies scavenging on the beach. During your tour we will make a stop to go to shore, where you will enjoy homemade sandwiches on fresh buns, and snacks. Sip on coffee, hot chocolate, and tea. Return to your starting point at the end of your tour.

Vancouver Island: Coastal Adventure from Brown's Bay

6. Vancouver Island: Coastal Adventure from Brown's Bay

Discover magnificent natural scenery and wildlife on this guided tour by boat. Your coastal adventure will begin at the marina, just 19km north of Campbell River. From there, your captain will decide whether to head North through the spectacular Seymour Narrows and Okisollo Channel, or south around Quadra Island. Spot friendly harbour seals, shy harbour porpoises, and the mighty Bald Eagle from the comfort of the boat. If you're lucky, you will be greeted by larger creatures, such as humpbacks, orcas and pacific white-sided dolphins! The tour runs for approximately 3 hours, and will return back to the dock at Brown's Bay Marina. The Narrows Floating Restaurant is a great place to finish off your afternoon, for anyone who wants to sit and enjoy a bite to eat and a refreshing drink!

Other Sightseeing Options in Discovery Passage, British Columbia

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What people are saying about Discovery Passage, British Columbia

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 16 reviews

I really enjoyed the tour. A good 9 hours and our two very friendly guides reported in great detail about the grizzly bears. Overall we were very lucky to see 4 bears and well hidden 2 very young bears. On the way we could see a whale cow with calf and sea lions. Our guide Jim was very attentive there too and gave us time to observe everything in peace. Lunch is more of a snack, but perfectly adequate. Conclusion: Cheap is definitely different, but if you compare performance and costs objectively, it's definitely okay and the experience itself is just indescribable; an unforgettable event. I'm very happy to have experienced it, would definitely do it again and highly recommend it!!

Unfortunately we did not see the bears because of the heat but the guide was very well prepared and really tried, even extending the visit time, to give us the opportunity to see them. But both on the outward and return journeys we saw whales that gave us great emotions with their jumps out of the water. A snack and lunch is given, it would be correct to have a vegan or at least vegetarian option. I would add that the company has a very nice CO2 offsetting program, which is much appreciated.