Coastal Rainforest Safaris - Whale Watching and Wildife Viewing Tours
Join us for an unforgettable journey exploring the wildlife-abundant waters, islands, and shores of northern Vancouver Island and the adjacent Great Bear Rainforest on Canada’s rugged West Coast. Our tours are deeply rooted in the rich cultural heritage of the Kwakwaka’wakw people. More than just wildlife sightings, we offer a profound exploration of the land, sea, and enduring indigenous traditions that have thrived here since time immemorial.
Departing from Port Hardy on northern Vancouver Island, our tours are conducted aboard our custom-made rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs), designed to navigate the rugged and untamed coastal waters in comfort. Each excursion offers a deep dive into the natural habitats of British Columbia’s varied wildlife and stunning landscapes.
Every adventure presents opportunities to witness majestic humpback whales, playful sea otters, vast colonies of Steller sea lions, perhaps even the rare sight of an elusive coastal wolf, among other wildlife. These waters are not just a habitat for a variety of species; they are a vibrant tableau reflecting the rich traditions of the local First Nations.
At Coastal Rainforest Safaris, authenticity is more than a philosophy—it’s the foundation of everything we do. We take pride in assembling a team that has deep roots in the territories we visit, offering our guests authentic insights into the local history and culture. Our dedication to genuine experiences ensures that each tour is not only enjoyable but also profoundly enriching.
Departs daily at 10:00 am
From June 1 to October 1
5 ½ to 6 Hour Tour
Two night packages
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Sea Otter and Whale Watching
Grizzly Bears of the Wild
Two nights at the Kwa’lilas Hotel
Departs at 7:30 am
9 to 10 Hour Tour
Scheduled Saturday departures in June and July
Private charters available throughout June, July on request
Port Hardy Whale Watching and Sea Otter Viewing Tours
We are located in Port Hardy at the north end of Vancouver Island.
We are incredibly grateful for all of our friends and allies, both locally and from around the world, who supported us throughout this season. Sharing our traditional territories and the abundant wildlife that calls it home has been an honor. This year, we had the privilege of connecting with people from all walks of life, building lasting bonds while showcasing the beauty and significance of our land and waters. It was also a year of growth, as we focused on building capacity through training and empowering our local Indigenous community members. As we look back on this successful season, we reflect on the many memorable moments and look forward to continuing this journey together. Here are a few pictures that capture the spirit and adventure of this remarkable year and past years!
Humpback whales are a spectacular sight along the northern coast of Vancouver Island, where they are often seen feeding and breaching in the nutrient-rich waters. These majestic giants migrate to the region during the summer and fall months, drawn by the abundance of small fish and krill. Known for their acrobatic displays and distinctive tail flukes, humpbacks play a vital role in the marine ecosystem. Their presence in these waters is a testament to the rich biodiversity of the area, offering visitors an unforgettable glimpse into the lives of one of the ocean’s most charismatic creatures. #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #safetrueeducational #gonorthisland #explorebc #indigenousbc
Our beautiful scenery on the North Island is a testament to the deep connection and stewardship of the local First Nations. Each landscape tells a story, and our tours offer a unique opportunity to experience these landscapes through our paradigm. #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #safetrueeducational #explorebc #explorecanada 📸 @westcoastlife
Living and working in rainforesty territory! The biodiversity of our area is beautiful that deserves our love and attention! If we look after the land and waters; the land and waters will look after us. #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #safetrueeducational #rainforests #biodiversity
It’s going to be humpback city pretty soon; there’s already been amazing sightings! Looking forward to hosting you all this season. #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #safetrueeducational #gonorthisland #explorebc #explorecanada #humpbackwhales #humpbackwhale 📸 @taylormichaelburk
Sea wolves on northern Vancouver Island are a fascinating and unique population of coastal wolves that have adapted to a marine-based lifestyle. Unlike their inland counterparts, these sea wolves rely heavily on the ocean for their diet, feeding on a variety of marine species such as fish, seals, and even shellfish.
These wolves have a marine diet, with up to 90% of their food coming from the ocean. They hunt salmon, forage for barnacles, and scavenge on washed-up marine mammals. Sea wolves are also excellent swimmers, capable of traveling between islands and across coastal waters in search of food, and they have been observed swimming up to 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) in a single trip.
Their behavior is unique compared to inland wolves, as they exhibit coastal foraging and a more solitary hunting style. They are less likely to form large packs and often hunt alone or in small groups. Genetic studies have shown that sea wolves are genetically distinct from other wolf populations, having adapted specifically to their coastal environment over thousands of years.
Sea wolves hold a special place in the culture and stories of Indigenous communities on Vancouver Island. They are often featured in legends and are considered guardians of the coastal ecosystem. Protecting sea wolves is crucial not only for their survival but also for the health of the coastal ecosystems they inhabit. Efforts to conserve their habitat and prey species are vital to maintaining the delicate balance of these environments.
These coastal wolves of northern Vancouver Island are a testament to the incredible adaptability and resilience of wildlife in the face of changing environments. 📸 @taylormichaelburk. #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #safetrueeducational #seawolf #seawolves #gonorthisland #explorebc #explorecanada
Today, we at Coastal Rainforest Safaris had the profound experience of visiting a sacred place, Hiła’s, that has belonged to the Nuwiti since the beginning of time. Nuwiti is comprised of three nations, the T̕łat̕ła̱sikwa̱la, Na̱ḵa̱mga̱lisa̱la, and the Yut̕łinux̱w. This land, rich with cultural and spiritual significance, was tragically taken away and repurposed by local governments. Being on the water there, we felt the weight of history and the injustices that have been inflicted upon these people.
Today marks a significant turning point. We are committing to the process of decolonization, supporting the nation’s rightful claim to their ancestral lands and waters. This is more than just a political act; it is a deeply emotional and spiritual journey towards healing and reconciliation.
By supporting these efforts, we acknowledge the importance of their traditions, their connection to the land, and their right to steward it as they have done for millennia. It is a step towards justice, a recognition of their sovereignty, and an affirmation of their enduring presence. This day symbolizes hope and a renewed commitment to building a future where these nations can thrive, reconnect, and heal on their own terms.
Black bears on Northern Vancouver Island are an integral part of the region’s ecosystem. These bears thrive in the island’s diverse habitats, including coastal rainforests, alpine meadows, and dense woodlands. They primarily feed on berries, plants, and fish, particularly during the salmon runs. Human interactions are common due to increasing tourism and development, leading to initiatives focused on bear conservation and management. Local authorities emphasize the importance of bear awareness and safety to prevent conflicts. Despite these challenges, the black bear population remains robust, contributing to the island’s biodiversity and attracting wildlife enthusiasts from around the world. The Kwakwakawakw territories have vast wildlife and beautiful nature! #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #explorebc #explorecanada #gonorthisland #getnorth #gonorth
During our first trip of the season yesterday we encountered humpback whale Nippy who is a regular in our area along with a brand new calf. We reported this siting to @mersociety and here is what they had to say:
Another new baby!
Nippy’s little one was bouncing / breaching north of Port Hardy on June 1st.
When Andrew Jones of Coastal Rainforest Safaris messaged us that they were seeing a new calf, we suspected it might be Nippy (BCX1262). She has returned to that feeding area with such predictability and typically stays there for much of the summer / fall.
Humpbacks generally return to very specific areas where they know how to get fat fast.
Andrew’s photos confirmed - Nippy has a new baby! This is her 5th known calf. Her breeding ground is not known.
We are sharing these baby announcements to increase understanding and care about why there are Humpbacks off our coast. They are here to feed, to grow, to play, to care for babies, and to learn. Humpback calves only spend about 1 year with their mothers.
Their movements can be very unpredictable and very unexpected. They can suddenly surface after a long dive, be resting or nursing just below the surface, or suddenly become acrobatic. They are often not moving in a straight line but rather often stay in one area and move in the same sort of seemingly random patterns as you in your home. 🙂
As stated in our previous baby post: May knowing about far-travelled, hungry whale mothers and their thirsty, naïve calves motivate greater care for the whales. Boater vigilance is needed year-round to do the right thing to reduce noise and the risk of collision. See www.SeeABlowGoSlow.org.
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#ForTheWhales
#SeeABlowGoSlow
#BabyOnBoard
#boatereducation
@coastalrainforestsafaris
Sea lions and sacred Mountain, priceless! We are getting very close and looking forward to hosting you all for 2024! Give us a call and book your experience:) #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #sealions
The northern tip of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, is a remote and rugged area known for its rich natural diversity. It features dense rainforests, steep mountains, and rocky coastlines, supporting a wide range of wildlife, including marine life like whales and sea otters, and land mammals such as black bears and cougars. The region’s old-growth temperate rainforests are especially significant, consisting of towering trees like Douglas firs and western red cedars. This area is also culturally important to the Indigenous Kwakwaka’wakw people, who have a long-standing connection with the land, evident in their traditions and conservation practices. #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #gonorthisland #explorebc #explorecanada #explorevancouverisland
Getting anxious to see how many new pups there are this year in the territory. Sea otters typically give birth once a year, although this can vary depending on environmental conditions and the health of the otter. Each pregnancy results in the birth of usually one pup, and occasionally twins. The reproductive cycle for sea otters includes a gestation period of about six months, but they can delay implantation of the embryo, extending the gestation period up to a year in some cases. #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #safetrueeducational #seaotterpup #seaotter #gonorthisland #explorebc #explorecanada #wildlifeplanet