About the Toba Bears & Wilderness Tour

TOUR AT A GLANCE

  • For a once-in-a-lifetime, authentic Indigenous wilderness experience searching for grizzly bears
  • On this tour, you’ll have the opportunity to see grizzly bears in the wild as they forage for food and hunt for salmon during the annual salmon run
  • Available August to October
  • Full-day (9-hour) guided tour
  • Depart from Campbell River in the morning
  • Heated boat with indoor and outdoor seating and toilet facilities
  • Guided by Klahoose Coastal Adventures, experienced Indigenous guides
  • Lunch, snacks and beverages included
  • Appropriate for ages 10 and up
  • By taking this tour, you’re supporting an Indigenous-owned and operated social enterprise dedicated to community and environmental stewardship.

Join us in Campbell River before crossing the Salish Sea, one of the world’s best whale-watching spots. You’ll soon reach Toba Inlet, an area densely populated by grizzly bears, where you’ll encounter brilliant waterfalls and a wide variety of flora and fauna. 

The first of its kind, the TOBA BEARS AND WILDERNESS TOUR is a collaborative partnership between the Homalco and Klahoose First Nations. Join your Klahoose guides as they take you to their home Territory in the magical Toba Inlet, where their Big Houses once stood. Hear stories and learn all about the vibrancy of the living Klahoose culture.

The toq qaymɩxʷ (Klahoose) peoples have lived here on the central west coast of British Columbia since time immemorial.  We invite you to see the beauty of Toba Inlet through our eyes, and share in our traditions and stories, which have been handed down through generations.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The following information offers what to expect in a TYPICAL year (note that climate change significantly impacts weather and bear behaviour, which is our best interpretation in constantly changing conditions).

  • The month of  August has the hottest, most pleasant days, and grizzlies are moving from up high into the area
  • Until the end of August, bears are mostly foraging for grasses, berries and shellfish as they wait for the salmon to begin moving from the mouth of Orford Bay and up the rivers to spawn
  • From September onward, bears are hunting for salmon in the rivers
  • September typically has the highest number of bears and is the busiest time for visitor volume. The weather begins to adjust to our annual period of rain, which identifies BC’s Coastal Temperate Rainforest
  • Despite shorter days and more variable weather, October offers intimate, quiet and yet spectacular fall bear viewing.

For similar grizzly bear tours, please see THE DELUXE GRIZZLIES & CULTURE TOUR or the GREAT BEARS OF BUTE TOUR.

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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
  • 9 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: From 9:30am to 10:00am depending on seasonal time change
  • 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 :-)

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 refunds for tours cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice. Please contact us directly at 250-923-0602 to cancel.