About Coastal Rainforest Safaris

Coastal Rainforest Safaris started offering wildlife viewing boat tour in the summer of 2020. The company is owned and operated by Mike Willie and Andrew Jones. Both have separately run successful wilderness tourism companies on northern Vancouver Island for over five and twenty years, respectively. Their individual companies both have tours recognized as “Canadian Signature Experiences” by Destination Canada. The partnership between Mike and Andrew at Coastal Rainforest Safaris combines their strengths in customer service, wildlife viewing and cultural interpretation, along with their love of welcoming visitors from around the world to show them all that this incredible region has to offer.

Coastal Rainforest Safaris is proud to be a member of Indigenous Tourism BCIndigenous Tourism Association of Canada, and the North Island Marine Mammal Stewardship Association.

Mike Willie

Owner/Lead Guide

Mike Willie - Coastal Rainforest Safaris

Mike is a member of the Musgamakw Dzawada‘enuxw First Nations, part of the Kwakwaka’wakw people who reside in the Northern Vancouver Island region and adjacent mainland. As a leader in his community, Mike has immense knowledge of the history, culture, and environment of this unique region.

In addition to Coastal Rainforest Safaris, Mike is also the owner and founder of Sea Wolf Adventures, which welcomes travellers in the Broughton Archipelago and surrounding areas for grizzly bear viewing day trips, sightseeing, water taxi services, and First Nations’ guided cultural tours.

Andrew Jones

Owner/Lead Guide

Andrew Jones - Coastal Rainforest Safaris

Andrew has had extensive experience in B.C.’s tourism industry since 1998, when his passion for people, adventure, and nature prompted him to launch his kayaking adventure tour business, Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures.  In 2012, Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures’ Kayak with Whales – Base Camp tour was recognized as a Canadian Signature Experience by the Canadian Tourism Commission.

In addition to his 20 years of experience working in the North Island tour industry, Andrew also holds a vast personal knowledge of its history, wildlife, and culture. Andrew has more than three decades of experience working in sales, operations management, customer service, and developing staff at every level of business.

Gabriel Charlie

Lead Guide

Thomas Wamiss

Lead Guide

Andrew (AJ) Jennings

Lead Guide

Tyler Zapp

Naturalist

Mayumi Willie

Naturalist

Port Hardy Whale Watching and Sea Otter Viewing Tours

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

Whales and landscapes! It’s getting to be about that time where you should be thinking about booking your experiences on the north Island. Check out our website to find different options on how you can get out on the water with us! #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #safetrueeducational #gonorthisland #wildlifeplanet #indigenousbc #explorebc ...

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The Humpback we call Celly spotted in the territory this past season. Humpback whales have made leaps towards reestablishing their presence in our traditional areas. The connection to these gentle giants have been made for millennia and we are grateful to keep this going! #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #safetrueeducational #humpbackwhale 🐋 #gonorthisland #indigenousbc #indigenoustourism ...

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Photography Tours in the Great Bear Rainforest

The Great Bear Rainforest is a paradise for photography enthusiasts. This remote, lush region offers opportunities to capture stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and cultural stories. With its ancient cedars, mist-shrouded fjords, and glassy waters, every frame tells a story of untouched wilderness. Photography tours often focus on intimate encounters with humpback whales, orcas, grizzly bears, and coastal wolves, providing visitors with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to document these moments.

On a boat-based tour, the interplay of light and water often creates breathtaking compositions as humpbacks breach against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains or glide through calm seas. The silence and serenity of the rainforest amplify the beauty, enabling photographers to connect deeply with the environment.

These experiences aren’t just about capturing images—they’re about fostering a profound appreciation for this unique ecosystem. For many, these tours are transformative, as they combine the thrill of wildlife encounters with a growing understanding of the importance of conservation and stewardship of these precious lands and waters.

With skilled guides, such as those at Sea Wolf Adventures and Coastal Rainforest Safaris, guests not only leave with unforgettable photographs but also with a deeper connection to the natural and cultural heritage of the Great Bear Rainforest. #seawolfadventures #coastalrainforestsafaris #gonorthisland #explorebc #explorecanada #indigenousbc #goindigenous
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It’s as simple as this: The overall impression is one of peace and tranquility, capturing a moment of serenity in the otter’s natural habitat! #seaotter #cuteness #otter #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #gonorthisland #vancouverisland #vancouverislandwildlife #indigenousbc #explorebc #explorecanada ...

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The orca, known as max̱’inux̱w in the Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw language, holds a profound place in the culture and traditions of the Kwakwaka’wakw people of the Pacific Northwest. Revered as protectors of the ocean and messengers between realms, orcas are seen as kin to humans, embodying power, unity, and family bonds. Their graceful movements through the waters of the Great Bear Rainforest are a reminder of the interconnectedness between people, land, and sea. For the Kwakwaka’wakw, orcas are not just creatures of the ocean—they are ancestors and teachers, inspiring stories, songs, and art that continue to celebrate their significance. #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #safetrueeducational #gonorth #gonorthisland #explorebc #indigenousbc #goindigenous #orca ...

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Bald eagles are significant to the Kwakwaka’wakw people, symbolizing strength, leadership, and connection to the spiritual world. These majestic birds, with their striking white heads and powerful presence, are common in the Great Bear Rainforest. They are often depicted in Kwakwaka’wakw art and stories, embodying wisdom and respect for the natural world. Bald eagles play an essential role in the ecosystem, hunting fish and scavenging, and are viewed as vital to the balance of life in the territory. #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #gonorthisland #vancouverislandlife ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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