One of Campbell River’s can’t miss experiences is wildlife watching. Visitors flock from all over to see black bears and grizzly bears in their natural habitats. Nearby rivers, forests, and coastal ecosystems are prime bear habitats, providing sanctuary to raise young and rich food sources of fish and wild berries. Local operators and researchers are so knowledgeable about bear behaviour and viewing that they were involved in a For the Bears campaign in 2024 with other Island-based organizations and non-profits.
To see bears, you can join a bear viewing tour that departs from Campbell River, safe in the knowledge that our operators put respectful encounters and safety at the heart of their operations.
When To See Bears in and Around Campbell River
The best time of the year to see bears in and around Campbell River is late summer into fall. At this time of the year, bears have come out of hibernation and moved down from higher ground as they eat their way through berries and toward salmon-bearing rivers. Black bears may be seen as early as the spring, although frequency and numbers increase as the weather warms. Grizzly bear tours specifically take place between August and October.
Where To See Bears in and Around Campbell River
It’s not uncommon to see black bears in Campbell River’s city limits—around our river systems, on our trails, and in our green spaces. For that reason, it’s vital to inform yourself of how to be bear-aware before heading out for a hike, bike or walk. Additionally, make sure to always pack out what you pack in to ensure bears don’t become habituated (a concern for both their safety and ours). Bears should never be approached. You can learn how to navigate accidental bear encounters respectfully and safely from the For the Bears campaign.
Grizzly bears are not usually found on Vancouver Island, although the odd one has been spotted over the years having swum over from the mainland. Instead, Grizzly bears are usually found in spectacular inlets like Bute Inlet and Toba Inlet. Campbell River is the launch point for adventures into these incredible, biodiverse locations in the Great Bear Rainforest.
How Can You See Bears in Campbell River and the Great Bear Rainforest?
When you visit Campbell River, the best way to see bears is by taking a tour with a professional operator. Local experts will take you to the best spots while keeping aligned with respectful safety measures. They also provide exciting educational elements around bear biology, behaviour, and habitat, and share stories and location-based insights from across our region about the wider ecosystem and different communities. Trips fill up quickly, so it’s recommended to book in advance.
Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours takes guests deep into the heart of Homalco territory and Indigenous storytelling. Their tours start in April with a Spring Bears & Whales option to see black bears (mɛxaɬ) wandering along the shorelines. Their Great Bears of Bute trips run from August to October, along with the Deluxe Grizzlies & Culture Tour, and a (new in 2024) full-day tour with sister nation, Klahoose First Nation into Toba Inlet called the Toba Bear & Wildlife Tour. Find yourself surrounded by spectacular waterfalls and towering mountains as you navigate these traditional waters and don’t be surprised if you see marine mammals like whales and dolphins on your way to see the bears.
Big Animal Encounters also leaves from Campbell River for their unforgettable Grizzly bear expedition into Bute Inlet, as does Campbell River Whale Watching’s Bute Inlet Grizzly Bear Tour who partner with Homalco First Nation guides once you’ve arrived on land.
Start planning your bear viewing adventure from Campbell River by visiting our Wildlife Tours page to see a list of local tour operators.
