About the Great Bears of Bute Tour
TOUR AT A GLANCE
- For anyone who’s dreamt of seeing majestic bears from a close yet safe distance
- On this tour, you’ll have the opportunity to see wild grizzly bears feeding on spawning salmon and many other flora and fauna
- Available mid-August through October
- Full-day (8-hour) guided tour
- Depart from Campbell River in the morning
- Heated boat with indoor and outdoor seating and toilet facilities
- Lunch, snacks and beverages included
- Appropriate for ages 10 and up
- By taking this tour, you’re supporting an Indigenous-owned and operated company
χawgəs, or grizzly bears, don’t need any calendar reminders – they know that mid-August is when the annual salmon run begins at the edge of the Great Bear Rainforest. They journey long distances to Algard Creek and the Orford River to feast on spawning salmon and their eggs.
Journey with us on this tour from Campbell River through the Salish Sea to Bute Inlet, one of British Columbia’s best whale-watching areas. Take in the breathtaking scenery of Homalco territory as you venture onto land, travelling by bus to a variety of grizzly bear viewing platforms and ground-viewing locations.
The Homalco people, also known as the “people of the fast-running waters,” have been stewards of these lands and waters since time immemorial. We invite you to walk in the footsteps of our ancestors and see the beauty of bears through our eyes.
For similar tours, please see our TOBA BEAR & WILDLIFE TOUR, THE DELUXE GRIZZLIES & CULTURE TOUR or PEOPLE WATER LAND TOUR.
Book an Indigenous
Eco-Adventure
Tour Details
- All participants must be physically capable to walk off vessels onto land, and up/down stairs. Please contact us if you have any mobility concerns
- 8 hour tour
- Lunch, snacks, and beverages are included
- Heated and covered boat with onboard toilet
- Minimum age is 10 years old (all passengers aged 10 to 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult 19+)
- Start time: Early departures are from 7:30am to 8:00am depending on seasonal time change. Later departures (limited dates) are at 10:30am.
- Disclaimer: Time and tour components subject to change based on safety considerations
What to Bring
- Durable shoes
- Warm layered clothing and rain gear
- Hat (toque, beanie, sunhat)
- Water bottle to help us in our efforts to reduce single use plastics
- Insect repellent
- Camera - tripods restricted. Monopods considered
- Binoculars
- Curiosity and a smile :-)
One of the best days of my life!
This experience made my dreams of 20 something years come true. Our hearts are full. We won’t ever forget watching those big beautiful animals catch and eat salmon, and learning about the Homalco territory. A sensory overload which brought me to tears.
TripAdvisor.comWhat People Are Saying On TripAdvisor
One of the best days of my life!
This experience made my dreams of 20 something years come true. Our hearts are full. We won’t ever forget watching those big beautiful animals catch and eat salmon, and learning about the Homalco territory. A sensory overload which brought me to tears.
TripAdvisor.com
Unique way to see big beautiful bears.
It was a great experience seeing such beautiful ocean, rainforest, and of course Grizzly Bears. The tour guides were great and proudly share their heritage with guests. You can also see how proud the younger staff are to learn more about their own culture through the job and knowledge keepers in the Homalco Band. Great experience all around!
TripAdvisor.com
Amazing bear viewing experience
Had an amazing experience on this tour. All our guides were polite, knowledgeable, and accommodating. Bear viewing was spectacular and felt respectable. Guides were very professional about safety and being respectful of the animals' space and comfort. The bears of Bute Inlet are well worth visiting.
TripAdvisor.comDeposits & Conservation Fee
YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY
The ecosystem in and around Homalco territory is unparalleled in its beauty and rich diversity – but it’s also incredibly sensitive. It’s our responsibility, as stewards of these lands and waters, to play our part in protecting the natural environment for generations to come. By joining us on a wilderness or cultural tour, you are directly contributing to the Homalco First Nation’s conservation and sustainability efforts. For more information, visit our Conservation page.
CANCELLATION POLICY
We know that plans can change. That’s why you can cancel at no charge up to 48 hours before your scheduled tour. Unfortunately, we can’t issue any refunds for cancelled tours with less than 48 hours’ notice. Please contact us directly at 250-923-0602 to cancel.