Whale Watching in Campbell River
Private boat tours through Discovery Passage to look for humpback whales, orcas, sea lions and bald eagles, with a local guide who knows where they feed.
Book a Whale TourWhale watching in Campbell River means private 4-hour boat tours through Discovery Passage from Coast Marina, at $540 CAD per boat for up to 2 guests. Humpback whales are seen most from April to November, and Bigg's orcas live here year-round. Sea lions, seals and bald eagles are seen on almost every trip.
Why Campbell River is good for whale watching
Campbell River sits where the Strait of Georgia narrows into Discovery Passage. Strong tides push baitfish and krill into the channel, which brings the humpbacks, and the sea lion haul-outs bring the orcas. The whales are often only minutes from the marina, so you spend the tour watching wildlife instead of running out to open water.
Our tours are private and on small boats. Your guide reads the tide, listens to the radio and goes where the animals are that day. That could be Seymour Narrows, the shoreline of Quadra Island, or the bird colonies out toward Mitlenatch Island.
Whale season near Campbell River
| Wildlife | Best time |
|---|---|
| Humpback whales | Most sightings April to November |
| Bigg's (transient) orcas | Year-round |
| Resident orcas | Mostly July to September |
| Steller sea lions & harbour seals | Year-round, most in fall and winter |
| Pacific white-sided dolphins & porpoises | Spring to fall |
| Bald eagles | Year-round, most in fall |
Sightings change with the season and the tide, and nobody can guarantee them.
Respectful viewing
We follow Canada's Marine Mammal Regulations. Boats keep at least 100 m from most whales and further from orcas. When a whale chooses to come closer, we stop the engine and let it pass.
The small open boat means you get clear views from all sides and can hear a humpback breathe. Bring binoculars and a zoom lens.
Choose your whale watching tour
Whale watching FAQs
When is whale watching season in Campbell River?
Humpback whales are seen most from April to November. Bigg's (transient) orcas live here all year, so you can see them in any month. Resident orcas are seen most in July to September, mainly to the north in Johnstone Strait. For the best odds of whales plus calm water, go from May to October.
Will I definitely see whales?
Nobody can promise it, because whales are wild animals. Humpbacks are seen on most summer and fall trips. Orcas are less predictable. You will almost always see sea lions, seals and bald eagles. Your guide follows the radio and local reports to find whales that day.
How much does a whale watching tour cost?
Our 4-hour private wildlife tours cost $540 CAD per boat for up to 2 guests on a 17' Boston Whaler. For up to 4 guests with a heated cabin and washroom, the 8-hour Wildlife & Fishing Combo on our 27' Conquest is $1,680 CAD per boat.
Is it a private tour or a shared boat?
Every tour is private. Your group has the boat and guide to yourselves, so you can stay with the whales, go to the sea lions, or stop for photos whenever you like.
Where do whale watching tours leave from?
Coast Marina, 1003 Island Hwy, Slip A7, Campbell River, BC V9W 2C2. Free parking is at the south end of Tyee Plaza.
How close do you get to the whales?
We follow Canada's Marine Mammal Regulations. Boats stay at least 100 m from most whales and further from orcas, up to 400 m in southern BC waters. Whales often come closer on their own, and then we stop and let them pass. Bring binoculars and a zoom lens.
Can I fish and whale watch on the same trip?
Yes. The 8-hour Wildlife & Fishing Combo ($1,680 CAD, up to 4 guests) mixes salmon fishing and wildlife viewing. If whales show up, we stop fishing to watch them.
What should I bring whale watching?
Warm layers and a rain jacket, because it is colder on the water than in town. Also bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a camera with zoom, and binoculars if you have them. Wear flat shoes with good grip.
Book a Private Whale Watching Tour
Leaves Coast Marina, Campbell River
