Our Tour Boats
χawgəs (Howgus)
Meaning grizzly bear in the Homalco language
ƛoχʷay (Klohoy)
Meaning salmon in the Homalco language
The Homalco First Nation people have been navigating these waters since time immemorial, and we know the best ways to get around. That’s why we’ve custom-designed our 34’ (10m) tour boats to offer the most comfortable, family-friendly whale-watching experience possible.
New for 2024 – Introduction of two originally designed hybrid electric/diesel wildlife viewing vessels – the Poho (Raven) and Qwanes (Whale). These state-of-the-art boats reduce noise impact on wildlife, reduce carbon footprint and provide a superior and safe guest experience.
When you book one of Homalco’s Wilderness Tours, you get two seats for the price of one. One “comfort seat” inside the covered, heated cabin and one “adventure seat” on the outer deck. You get to choose how you want to view your tour.
In addition, our boats offer:*
- Motorcoach quality bucket seats with armrests, cup holders and USB charging stations
- Landing craft design with a front deck that lowers for areas without docks
- Extra-large windows in the cabin — the largest of any tour boats in Campbell River — allow for unprecedented wildlife and nature viewing
- Easy-access toilet inside the cabin
- Twin Yamaha 300HP outboard motors
- State-of-the-art navigation and electronics for guest safety
*Please note: vessel type is not guaranteed. We reserve the right to substitute boats due to servicing or availability as necessary.
Tour Boat Comparison Chart
| Features | Other Companies | Our Tour Boats |
|---|---|---|
| 100% Indigenous owned | No | Yes |
| Custom designed landing craft style | Mostly Not | Yes |
| Brand new in 2021 | No | Yes |
| Two seats for every passenger | No | Yes |
| Adventure seats and comfort seats on every tour! | Mostly Not | Yes |
| Can wear your own clothes, no bulky suits needed | Many Not | Yes |
| Heated cabin | Some | Yes |
| Washrooms | Some | Yes |
| Can easily make shore landings | Mostly Not | Yes |
| Hydrophone equipped | Some | Yes |
| Beautiful with authentic First Nations art decor | No | Yes |
| Handy amenities such as USB charging ports and drink holders built in | Some | Yes |
| Extra Large windows in cabin for optimal viewing | No | Yes |
| State of the art navigation system | Some | Yes |
Artwork on both tour boats were designed by Homalco First Nation artists:
Marselis Carmichael (youth)
ihos and grizzly bear on χawgəs (Howgus)
Sherman Pallen
raven/sun and moon/salmon on ƛoχʷay (Klohoy)
