Nature and Wildlife Tours in BC

While on a trip to rural Taiwan, I was deeply humbled and left in awe of my own insignificance in the face of nature’s greatness. That feeling was something I sought to retain on my return home to BC. Fortunately, we are surrounded by such natural majesty, which soon fuelled the desire to discover more of the province’s rich natural life. Here are five nature and wildlife tours in British Columbia that will leave you with that feeling of reverence, respect, and awe for our natural world.

Go on an Indigenous-Guided Whale Watching Tour with Sidney Whale Watching

A 5-minute drive from the Swartz Bay ferry terminal, Sidney Whale Watching boasts a 95% rate of whale sightings throughout the year. The 3-hour boat ride wades through the waters of the Salish Sea through the Gulf Island Archipelago. But the tour isn’t limited to whales, there’s a chance you’ll encounter a few more animals such as seals, river otters, and  porpoises. Recommended by Indigenous Tourism BC, Sidney Whale Watching is family-owned and operated and has been running for over 20 years. They follow responsible whale watching guidelines set by the Pacific Whale Association.

Learn how to fish with Haida Style Expeditions

Haida Style Expeditions, based in Haida Gwaii, offers a mix of fishing and cultural tours. Guests receive hands-on experience and instruction in bottom fishing techniques, with catches varying by season. Lingcod, halibut, rockfish, and various salmon are common. The tour partners with a licensed seafood processor to provide insulated fish boxes and ensure your catch is flash-frozen upon delivery. All boats are built to withstand west coast weather conditions, ensuring a comfortable and leisurely experience, and are certified by Transport Canada. 

For those seeking a more cultural adventure, Haida Style offers tours including wildlife viewing, sightseeing, and story-telling. After a boat ride, guests disembark for a traditional feast featuring local salmon and a visit to an ancient village in Anthony Island,  a UNESCO World heritage Site. Guests may also have the opportunity to bathe in the springs of G̱andll K’in Gwaay.yaay.

See the great grizzlies up close with Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours

Another Indigenous operator located in Campbell River, Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours offer a blend of wildlife observation and cultural education. Known as the “people of fast-running waters,” the Homalco people have been stewards of their traditional territory of the Bute Inlet. Known for their award-winning bear tours, you can opt for a full day guided tour to see black and grizzly bears in their habitat. On one of these tours, you will be led through an uninhabited Homalco village to learn about their peoples’ ways of life, followed by a convenient boat ride (heated boat with indoor and outdoor seating and toilet facilities)  to Orford Bay and a picnic surrounded by mountain views, then on to the search for grizzlies, elk and eagles. Homalco Tours incorporates their ancestral knowledge, stories and marine expertise into each experience while ensuring  that their wildlife and cultural tours have minimal impact by aligning their operations with sustainable development goals.

Take a guided hike with Long Beach Nature Tours

Located in Tofino and Ucluelet, Long Beach Nature Tours offers a variety of eco-friendly adventures. They have guided hikes and bike tours ranging from half to full day. Their guided day tours include transport, a gourmet picnic lunch and a knowledgeable guide who can share insights into the local flora and fauna. You can go on an easy hike for two hours on the Wild Pacific Trail–featuring majestic views of the rugged coastline, and rainforest. For a moderate hike, your guide can take you to a 4-hour hike through the Pacific Rim Coast’s sandy beaches and forest trails. Those looking for a more challenging route can join a 10-hour day hike on the Cobalt Lake Trail.  You can opt to turn this  into a multi-day hike where you can spend the night in an alpine hut on the summit of 5040 Peak.

Go bird watching with Mountain Bluebird Tours

The Southern Okanagan region is a great location for birding with over 250 different bird species, including six federally endangered species. Bird enthusiasts can enjoy sightings year-round. The summer months offer views of the common nighthawk, black-chinned hummingbird, and flammulated owl among many others.

Mountain Bluebird Tours, based in Penticton in South Okanagan, is led by Eric Newton, a local field biologist passionate about birds and ecology. Eric offers tours in both English and French, tailored for individuals and small groups. Whether you’re aiming to see as many species as possible or have a specific list in mind, participants of all levels—from beginners to photographers—will be guided through diverse habitats such as grasslands, wetlands, cliffs and canyons, and subalpine forests to maximize bird-watching opportunities.