Available languages
9 hours
Mobile ticket
Depart from our Campbell River Marine Adventure Centre aboard our comfortable, heated, covered vessels for a scenic 2 hour boat trip into Bute Inlet.
Your arrival at the dock in Orford Bay begins a 3 hour land-based experience led by members of the Homalco First Nations. Local Indigenous guides will transport you by bus to a variety of raised wildlife viewing platforms and prime ground viewing locations to look for the magnificent grizzly bear, elk, bald eagles, and more. The grizzly bears converge on the Orford River valley between August and October every year to feast on the spawning salmon in preparation for the long winter hibernation.
During our trip to and from Bute Inlet you may also see killer whales, humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, black bears, seals and sea lions, and a variety of colourful sea birds – all in an unspoiled natural environment.
Lunch is served in Orford Bay with an unobstructed view of the estuary and its spectacular mainland mountain surroundings.
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Conservation Fees
Bottled water
Snacks
Lunch
Fuel surcharge
Coffee and/or Tea
Gratuities
Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park
keeping our eyes open for whales and other marine mammals in the area
Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park
After a scenic boat ride we'll arrive at the Orford River in Bute Inlet where you will be met by members of the Homalco First Nations. You will have an opportunity to view Grizzly Bears as they descend on the river to feast on salmon.
77 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
JorgeBucio,
Sep 5, 2023
- Viator
The tour was amazing, we saw about 7 bears and some of them very close to us. It exceeded my expectations.
John M,
Sep 29, 2022
- Viator
Jason was a great skipper and tour guide on the boat always looking for whales. He was also a good bear guide. Stewart and Tony know their bears. I think Stewart even speaks bear. Learned some First People's history and bear behaviors. Felt safe at all times. Tony and Stewart had good jokes. A great day!
Brian H,
Sep 12, 2022
- Viator
We saw at least ten bears plus 2 separate cubs. Most we had to use binoculars to see, but one walked up river in front of us only 20 yards away! We also saw a mother fishing and catching a salmon for her and her cub about 50 yards away. She had to leave the fish though because her cub got caught in the current and she had to go get it.:) Truly a spectacular experience! Our two guides gave us much Homalco culture information and knew where and how to find the bears. The boat ride out to the inlet was just as tremendous too!
Operated by Big Animal Encounters