Explore the Wildlife of Northern Vancouver Island
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Sea Otter and Whale Watching
5 ½ to 6 Hour Tour
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Whales, Otters, and Grizzly Bears
Two Day / Two Night Package
Learn More
Sea Otter and Whale Watching
5 ½ to 6 Hour Tour
Learn More
Puffins and Sea Birds
9 to 10 Hour Tour
Learn More
Explore the Wildlife of Northern Vancouver Island
.
Learn More
Sea Otter and Whale Watching
5 ½ to 6 Hour Tour
Learn More
Whales, Otters, and Grizzly Bears
Two Day / Two Night Package
Learn More
Puffins and Sea Birds
9 to 10 Hour Tour
Learn More

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.

Join us on an unforgettable journey through the wildlife-rich waters, islands, and shores off the northern edge of Vancouver Island. Our Sea Otter Viewing and Whale Watching tour is more than just a trip; it’s an immersive exploration into the essence of nature’s unmatched splendor, guided by the timeless rhythms of the sea and the gentle whispers of the cedar forests.

Departs daily at 10:00 am

Embark on an extraordinary getaway to Vancouver Island North with Coastal Rainforest Safaris, Sea Wolf Adventures, and the Kwa’lilas Hotel. Our exclusive package marries exhilarating wildlife encounters with the comfort of premier accommodations, creating a deeply enriching experience that connects you with the natural world. This unforgettable journey promises not just sights, but memories that will last a lifetime.

Two night packages

The remote islands we explore on our Puffin and Seabird tours, off the northern tip of Vancouver Island—traditionally known in Kwak̓wala as Wa̱di and Hiładi—host the highest concentration of breeding seabirds on Canada’s west coast. The surrounding waters are incredibly rich, offering ideal feeding grounds for numerous species. Due to their ecological significance, these islands have been designated as an internationally recognized Important Bird Area.

Departs at 7:30 am
9 to 10 Hour Tour

June 7, 21, July 5, 19, and August 2, 2025

This is a special exploratory tour to the water surrounding the undersea canyons off Quatsino Sound off the west coast of Vancouver Island. We search for a myriad of pelagic bird species like Pink-footed, Sooty, and Short-tailed shearwaters, Fork-tailed and Leach’s storm petrels, Parasitic, Pomarine, and Long-tailed jaegers, Northern fulmars, and Black-footed albatross. These offshore waters are also home to unique marine mammals, like Northern fur seals and Fin whales.

Departs at 7:30 am
8 to 10 Hour Tour

June 8 and 22

Port Hardy Whale Watching and Sea Otter Viewing Tours

We are located in Port Hardy at the north end of Vancouver Island.

Coastal Rainforest Safaris offers a rare opportunity to witness orcas from some of the most secluded and untouched areas on northern Vancouver Island. Far from the crowds, our tours take you deep into the heart of Kwakwaka’wakw territory, where the wild beauty of the coast comes alive.

Join us for an unforgettable journey led by Indigenous guides who share their deep connection to these waters, their stories, and the incredible marine life that call them home.

Adventure. Culture. Wilderness. This is the north like you’ve never seen it before.

#CoastalRainforestSafaris #VancouverIslandNorth #OrcaWatching #indigenousbc #ExploreBC #goindigenous
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Orca sightings are always a special treat during our tours.
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#orcas #whalewatching #orca #killerwhale #visitporthardy #gonorthisland #explorebc #indigenousbc
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We are looking forward to seeing loads of humpback whales this summer.

#humpbackwhale #whalewatching #gonorthisland #explorebc #indigenousbc #visitporthardy
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Can`t wait for another year of sea otter viewing. #seaotters #gonorthisland #indigenousbc ...

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Sea otters might look cute and cuddly, but beneath all that fluff is a non-stop eating machine.⁠

With the highest metabolisms of any marine mammal, sea otters need to eat up to 25% of their body weight every day just to stay warm. That’s like a 150 lb person eating nearly 40 lbs of food daily!⁠

In addition to their supercharged metabolism, sea otters have the densest fur in the animal kingdom - up to a million hairs per square inch. This thick fur keeps them warm in chilly waters where most marine mammals rely on blubber.⁠

One of their favourite foods are sea urchins. Not only are they a tasty snack, but by munching on urchins, sea otters help keep kelp forests healthy and thriving. ⁠

Want to see these adorable ecosystem engineers in action? Join us on our Sea Otter and Whale Watching Tour to experience the wild beauty of Vancouver Island North — sea otters, whales, eagles, and more await.⁠
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#SeaOtters #MarineMammals #WildlifeWatching #SeaUrchins #VisitPortHardy #GoNorthIsland #VancouverIsland #ExploreBC #indigenousBC
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