A Whale Of A Time in Campbell River

You’ve come all this way to witness the wonder of whales in the wild. Why book only one tour? With an abundance of certified, knowledgeable outfitters, the hardest part of your experience is choosing your favourite. So we’ve done the hard work for you! Our solution? A fine-tuned itinerary that brings you the best views of whales by kayak, tour boat, and air! Our plan of attack packs in as much adventure as possible so you can practically guarantee: this fish story won’t be about the one that got away.

Day to Day

Home Away From Home

Need a hotel recommendation? These accommodations all offer unobstructed water-front views within walking distance of the city centre. Be sure to also take a look at your favourite B&B provider; Campbell River is home to a host of licensed vacation rentals.

Day One

“what Do You Want for Dinner?”

For this wild weekend on the water, we suggest arriving in Campbell River on Friday afternoon or evening. Take your time to get settled into your hotel of choice, then set out by foot to Shopper’s Row for a buffet of dining options.

If woodfire pizza and craft beer on-tap is your slice of heaven, check out Session Taproom + Kitchen. Among their other tasty offerings, the “Quadra Formaggio” pizza is a cheese-lover’s delight!

For authentic Japanese cuisine that won’t break the bank, Sushi Jo is always a hit with a choice of traditional tatami rooms, Sapporo draft, and hot sake.

For a casual bite or something light, make your way to The Fork and Arrow for paninis, wraps, burgers, and bowls!

Day Two

Power & Paddle

Enjoy a hearty morning meal at your hotel then set out for a full day adventure with Campbell River Whale Watching & Wildcoast Adventures.This dynamic duo has teamed up to offer you a multifaceted marine experience = whales from every angle!

An accessible adventure for any experience level, this incredible kayaking and whale watching tour will transport you into the heart of a wilderness teeming with wildlife. You will spend half the day kayaking and the other half aboard a covered boat with an open viewing deck. The combination of these two adventures maximizes wildlife encounters and provides access to areas otherwise out of reach on a single day tour. Lunch and snacks are included! Minimum age for this tour: 12 years.

Possible sightings: humpbacks whales, orca, dolphins, seals, bears, and other wildlife.

Crack Into a Seafood Feast

Once you’re back on dry land, you’ll want to swap stories of your day over a fresh plate of the fruit of the sea! An easy 20 minute stroll from the Coast Marina is Fisherman’s Wharf, the home of Crabby Bob’s Seafood. This family-owned and operated restaurant is a local staple in Campbell River. Choose your favourite dish, or pick a platter for the table!

Day Three

Sea to Sky

Another example of teamwork at its finest, Discovery Marine Safaris has partnered with 49 North Helicopters to offer you a whole new perspective on wildlife tours: an aerial view!

Your day will begin with a 3.5hr whale watching and wildlife safari in a covered boat with all of the comforts, followed by a 45 minute flight. You’ll get to see vast stretches of uninhabited terrain from the Discovery Islands to Desolation Sound, with a beautiful view of mountains, inlets, and wildlife.

Optional add-ons include: a 15 or 45 minute stop on a secluded beach (longer stop includes a gourmet snack), or a lunch stop at the Dent Island Resort.

Ocean-front Table

Wrap up your visit to Campbell River at Quay West’s waterfront restaurant. Their signature menu draws its inspiration from fresh local ingredients and classic West Coast flavours.Their food is served in a warm, welcoming atmosphere to create an authentic local experience.

Departure Day

Leaving So Soon?

On your way out of town, we highly recommend a stop at Steiner’s Bakery & Coffee Shop to fuel up on snacks for the drive. Is there a ferry in your future? Get a box of home baked goods to go!

For over 30 years, Alex Davidson and his team have been delighting Campbell River and surrounding communities with delicious chocolates, artisan bread, European specialties, and cakes. They take pride in using the freshest and highest quality ingredients, including organic where available.

Their menu also includes a delightful array of carefully prepared soups, sandwiches, and savouries. Enjoy a cup of homemade chowder or one of their gourmet sandwiches. Don’t forget a cup of organic coffee and a sweet treat!

Additional Resources

We’d love to have you stay longer! If multi-day overnight expeditions with luxury glamping accommodations are more appealing to you, be sure to check out the tried-and-tested tours from our local industry partners:

Grey Wolf Expeditions:
greywolfexpeditions.com

Spirit of the West Adventures:
kayakingtours.com

Wildcoast Adventures
kayakbritishcolumbia.com

What To Bring

Once you’ve picked your personal adventure be sure to read through the recommendations on your tour provider’s website. You’ll find a list of suggested items to pack for your day, like this sample set from Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours:

Hiking shoes with good grip
Warm layered clothing and rain gear
Sun hat or hat (toque or beanie)
Water bottle
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Camera
Binoculars
Curiosity and a smile 🙂

Valued Partners

With so many outfitters, we couldn’t possibly fit every option into this single itinerary. Please peruse this extended list of our valued partners before selecting the day tour of your choice:

50 North Adventures
50northadventures.com

Aboriginal Journeys
aboriginaljourneys.com

Adventure Quest Tours
adventurequestcanada.com

Big Animal Encounters
biganimalencounters.com

Blind Channel Resort
blindchannel.com

Discovery West Adventures
discoverywest.ca

Eagle Eye Adventures
Eagleeyeadventures.com

Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours
homalcotours.com