About Salish Sea Whale Watching
BC’s Coast Mountains provide a magnificent backdrop to the Discovery Islands, which is home to the Homalco, the northern-most Coast Salish people. Join us on a captivating whale-watching tour enhanced by a fascinating glimpse into the world of local First Nations.
Campbell River, British Columbia, ranks among the most sought-after whale-watching tour destinations with some of the world’s most iconic ocean mammals like Orca and Humpback whales. Our tours depart from downtown at the Coast Marina aboard a custom-designed boat. We search for different species of whales, birds, and other marine mammals. Lucky groups may even spot black bears, sea otters or rare species of whales!
WHY CHOOSE US?
Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours is 100% owned by the Xwémalhkwu (Homalco) First Nation, and the land you will visit is the traditional territory of Xwémalhkwu First Peoples. We have been providing visitors with world-class wildlife tours for over 20 years. The Whales, Wildlife and Culture tour includes a skipper and an Indigenous guide to provide a full First Nation experience right from Campbell River.
Our new custom tour boats are unique on the coast, built for comfort and safety, and allow us to access shore locations (specific tours only) without a dock.
Book an Indigenous
Eco-Adventure
Tour Details
- 4 hour tour
- Heated and covered boat with onboard toilet
- Snacks and beverages provided
- Minimum age is 2 years old (all passengers aged 2 to 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult 19+)
- Check in: 8:00 am and 1:00 pm daily
- Disclaimer: tour departures can be subject to time change and are weather dependant
- We require all guests and staff to wear face masks while inside closed spaces (tour office and boat cabin). This is for guest, staff and Homalco community safety
What to Bring
- Warm layered clothing and rain gear
- Hat (toque, beanie, or sun hat)
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Water bottle to help us in our efforts to reduce single use plastics
- Camera (tripod and monopod restricted)
- Binoculars
- Curiosity and a smile :-)
Wonderful mix of scenery, whale watching, and First Nations culture!
It was a wonderful experience from beginning to end. Seeing the whales was amazing and the boat pilot shared with us his experiences as a First Nations person growing up and how important his culture is and how important it is that he and his people are able to reclaim more and more of their culture and language. I highly recommend it.
TripAdvisor.comWHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ON TRIPADVISOR
Wonderful mix of scenery, whale watching, and First Nations culture!
It was a wonderful experience from beginning to end. Seeing the whales was amazing and the boat pilot shared with us his experiences as a First Nations person growing up and how important his culture is and how important it is that he and his people are able to reclaim more and more of their culture and language. I highly recommend it.
TripAdvisor.com
A great experience!
The staff great, the adventure exhilarating, and the experience enlightening! While lots of tours give you marine wildlife experience, the Homalco Wildlife & Culture Tours gives you that extra bit of cultural knowledge, and environmental understanding. I highly recommend this to anyone!
TripAdvisor.com
Great!
Highly recommend this tour provider. All the staff were great from the check-in to the conclusion. We booked a 4hr tour and located a pod of Orcas in no time. Shortly thereafter, the boat captain (Jerry) located 3 humpbacks in another area. Holly was extremely knowledgeable in all of the wildlife and their activities we witnessed during the tour. Kelsie provided information on the Homalco First Nation's connections to the area.
TripAdvisor.comCancellations and Conservation Fees
STRESS-FREE RESERVATIONS!
CANCELLATION POLICY:
You can cancel at any time up to 48 hours before your scheduled tour for a FULL refund. Less than 48 hours’ notice is non-refundable. Please see our Covid-19 Updates for questions about Covid-19.
SALMON, WHALE & BEAR CONSERVATION:
One of our core principles is the protection of the natural environment and Indigenous culture within our ecosystem. Salmon conservation supports the Homalco Salmon Hatchery in rebuilding wild salmon stocks. Whale conservation helps fund marine mammal research off northern Vancouver Island through the North Island Marine Mammal Stewardship Association (NIMMSA).