COVID Response
Coastal Rainforest Safaris has implemented the following health and safety measures, guided by advice provided by the Provincial government, Public Health Officer, and other government agencies.
What you can expect from us:
- While our vessel has comfortable seating for 12 passengers, we limit our scheduled tours to a maximum of eight guests.
- We sanitize bathrooms and every commonly touched surface in our office and on our vessel before and after each tour.
- We have hand sanitizer stations at the office and on the vessel.
- All staff wear masks or face-coverings when maintaining a social distance of 2 metres is not possible.
- We have installed shields at our check-in desk to protect guests and staff.
- We recommend online bookings and card payments for gratuities.
- Touch free credit card processing is available at our office
- Any staff who are feeling unwell are required to stay home.
- Any gear supplied by Coastal Rainforest Safaris is sanitized between each tour.
What we expect from you:
- If you are showing any symptoms of COVID-19 or are feeling unwell, or if you have been in contact with someone showing symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home.
- We ask you to inform us if you have:
- Have you experienced a cough, fever, or other flu-like symptoms in the last 14 days?
- Have you traveled outside of Canada (including the United States) within the last 14 days?
- Have you been in contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days?
- Have you been asked to quarantine in the last 14 days?
- You are required to wear a mask or face covering at all times on board our vessel. You can bring your own. Or we’re happy to supply one.
- Use the hand sanitizer we provide upon arrival and frequently throughout the tour.
- Remember to social-distance as much as possible from other guests and staff.
- Bring your own water in a reusable bottle as this item will not be available on board.
Port Hardy Whale Watching and Sea Otter Viewing Tours
We are located in Port Hardy at the north end of Vancouver Island.
There are a few names for wolves on Vancouver Island North amongst the Kwakwa̱ka̱`wakw people. Atła’na̱m, U’liga̱n, Xwaxwilik̓a, and in ceremonies Długwala, and Ga̱lg̱a̱m. Seeing these animals is such a profound blessing that it makes our trips special. Looking forward to the 2025 season! #crs #coastalrainforestsafaris #wolf #vancouverisland
This was such a really cool interaction last year as the orcas were in and out of the kelp forest; in T̕łat̕ła̱sikwa̱la territory. As you travel up the waterways towards the northern tip of Vancouver Island, you can’t help but notice how beautiful the environment really is. It truly is a remarkable experience just to witness all of the marine life within it. #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #orcas #gonorthisland #indigenousbc #wildlifeplanet #natgeo
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
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
Otters, whales, and wolves. Oh my!
Gift certificates are available on our website. Link in bio.
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#whalewatching #seaotter #orca #humpbackwhale #wolf #puffin #wildlife #gonorthisland #indigenousbc
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
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
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
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
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