GREAT GRIZZLY BEARS OF BUTE

Join your Indigenous guide in Campbell River for an exciting full-day tour that begins with a 2-hour journey through the Salish Sea and lands of First Peoples into Bute Inlet. We’ll engage in respectful wildlife viewing while discovering the people, land and waters of this truly spectacular part of Canada. The abundance of marine wildlife provides many chances to observe humpback whales, sea lions, orcas (killer whales), dolphins, plus bald eagles and a variety of colourful sea birds.

Your arrival at the dock in Orford Bay begins a 3-hour land experience. Guides will transport you by bus to a variety of raised, wildlife-viewing platforms and prime ground-viewing locations to look for the magnificent χawgəs (grizzlies), elk, bald eagles and other native species. Please keep in mind that grizzlies are wild creatures that come and go as they please, and while we cannot guarantee bear sightings, seeing several bears is common.

Along the way, guides will share their knowledge about the bears, salmon, Homalco people and their ties to the land. You’ll learn about the significance of our Nation-run salmon enhancement hatchery and have a chance to visit the small gift shop. Lunch will be served on the boat in Orford Bay with an unobstructed view of the estuary and it’s spectacular mountainous surroundings. Perhaps χawgəs will make one last appearance before you return to Campbell River.

WHY CHOOSE Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours?

Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours is owned by the Homalco First Nation and the land you will visit is the traditional territory of Homalco First Peoples. We have been providing visitors with bear viewing experiences for more than 15 years. The Great Bears of Bute experience is the only tour with both a skipper and a Homalco guide onboard who provide a full, First Nation interpreted experience beginning in Campbell River.

MINIMUM age 12 years

DURATION: 7-8 hour tours

DATES: September 1 to October 20

DEPARTURE TIME: 12 noon daily. Please plan to arrive 45 minutes prior to departure time.