Discover Your Wild Side
British Columbia is home to some of the last wild places on Earth. Wildlife photographers and enthusiasts alike flock here from around the world to view, study and document the immense diversity of species found in this beautiful part of Canada. Yet the majority of locals, especially those living in urban areas, have never seen a humpback whale breach or a grizzly bear feasting on salmon, let alone the elusive sea wolf inhabiting BC’s remote coastal areas. Granted, even though they’re located in our “backyard”, some of the best places to view these magnificent animals in their natural habitat can be difficult and expensive to get to. Enter your wildlife viewing guide with tips on how to get out into the wild and marvel at what this gorgeous province has to offer. While Mother Nature can never be guaranteed, this guide can set you up for success and help you maximize your chances of sightings.
Whales
Species: Resident orca (Northern & Southern), Brigg’s orca (transient), humpback, minke, grey, fin
When: May-October generally for all species, with prime time being July & August for orca & humpback
Where: Salish Sea, Juan de Fuca Strait, Johnstone Strait, Broughton Archipelago, Pacific Rim, Great Bear Rainforest
Seeing an orca or humpback whale breach in the wild is a humbling experience and doesn’t get old. While booking a whale watching tour from Vancouver or Victoria is easy as pie with operators such as Prince of Whales and can be done with half a day’s commitment and minimal investment, the number of boats from several whale watching companies can take away from the “wild” experience for some. Investing a bit more in immersive experiences like those offered by Spirit of the West Adventures will not only take you away from civilization and into the wild, but into what seems like a parallel universe up close and personal with these majestic gentle giants on expertly guided kayaking trips. From glamping in cozy and comfy canvas tents at base camp to expedition-style camping in different locations around the Broughton Archipelago and Johnstone Strait, this is an experience worth saving for. Sightings of northern resident orcas, humpback whales, porpoises, and/or Pacific white-sided dolphins are very common when kayaking in the realm of whales.
Grizzly Bears & Spirit Bears
When: May-October, with May & June and September & October being prime viewing times
Where: Knight Inlet, Great Bear Rainforest
Witnessing a grizzly bear fish for salmon during the annual salmon run in early fall is a true National Geographic moment and high on many people’s bucket list. But spring time also offers excellent viewing opportunities and different bear behaviours (think mating season and mama bears with tiny cubs fresh out of the den). Floating lodges accessible only by seaplane on the edge of the Great Bear Rainforest such as Knight Inlet Lodge and Great Bear Lodge offer some of the most immersive experiences, and their spring packages are often better priced (and have more availability) than popular fall dates that can sell out up to a year in advance. Packages typically include transportation to and from the lodge by seaplane, accommodation, all meals and daily outings. Viewing platforms and boat excursions into the river estuaries (depending on season) coupled with in-house naturalist presentations make for truly educational trips. Tweedsmuir Park Lodge in the spectacular Bella Coola Valley on the other hand offers unique raft floats with experienced guides down the Atnarko River during the salmon runs, where fishing bears can be seen at eye level after any bend in the river. And Spirit Bear Lodge in remote Klemtu offers not only the rare chance and only location in the world to view the Kermode (aka spirit) bear - a subspecies of the black bear with a white coat - but also a unique indigenous cultural experience.
If the bear viewing packages at these remote lodges are a bit out of budget, you may want to consider doing day trips deep into grizzly territory with companies like Tide Rip Grizzly Adventures from Telegraph Cove, Seawolf Adventures from Port McNeill or historic Alert Bay, or Prince Rupert Adventure Tours from, you got it, Prince Rupert.
Bald Eagles
When: Year-round, but November-February for concentrated numbers
Where: All over BC, Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park during winter months
While bald eagles can be seen year-round anywhere in British Columbia, including urban areas, these majestic birds congregate around the communities of Squamish and Brackendale during the winter months to feast on the area’s chum and coho salmon that run the rivers from October to early February. Hundreds and thousands of eagles flock to the area during this time as Mother Nature sets the table for them - the highest number was recorded in 1994 at 3769 birds! Raptor enthusiasts can easily view the congregation from multiple areas including Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park, but better yet - book a gentle river float with Squamish Rafting Company to make the most of your time and let the guides take you to the best spots during a scenic float down the river. For those wanting to join the feast, book a fishing trip with one of the local outfitters in October or November and catch your salmon and eat it, too (before the eagles do).
Moose & Woodland Caribou
When: Year-round
Where: Northern interior BC
Moose and the woodland caribou can be seen in Northern BC simply by doing a road trip up north - they can often be spotted on the side of the road or crossing it, so driving slowly is in everyone’s best interest. Remember, never ever get out of your car to get a closer look - they may look peaceful, but you don’t want to anger a 1000 lb moose! Zoom lenses are your best friend in this instance or simply do a slow drive-by and enjoy the moment. If you’d like to learn more about these animals and their habitat, Ecotours BC* offers unique packages that will take you out into the wild on foot, by canoe, helicopter, snowshoe or boat with very knowledgeable guides, making it a safe, educational and incredibly immersive experience for everyone.
*Ecotours BC will reopen for tours in 2024
Wolves
When: Year-round
Where: Great Bear Rainforest, northern Vancouver Island
Wolves, along with cougars, are some of the most elusive predators in BC - it’s more likely that you’ll spot their tracks than the animals themselves as they avoid humans and know you’re there long before you’ll get a chance at a glimpse. British Columbia is home to a rare subspecies known as “sea wolves” that are genetically distinct from the interior gray, or timber wolf. They roam and swim the wild coasts of the Great Bear Rainforest and northern Vancouver Island, often traversing large stretches of ocean to get from one island to the next and marine life like fish, mussels and clams make up 90% of their diet. While there is a chance of spotting these shy canines on whale watching or bear viewing tours in the Great Bear Rainforest (or backcountry hiking trips on trails like the Nootka Island Trail), ecologist and guide at Wildlife Journeys, Tim Irwin, offers multi-day expeditions from Prince Rupert specifically focused on viewing and observing the coastal wolf.
British Columbia truly is spectacular by nature. Venturing out on a safari to focus on viewing one species usually brings sightings of others, too, as their habitats mostly overlap. While chance encounters are always special and can certainly be had with some luck, signing up for guided tours or expeditions has the benefit of not just learning from experts, but also provides safety for you as well as for animals. Now it’s time to get wild! Just remember, don’t feed the wildlife.
About Anjuli
Anjuli Bhatia has spent the last 15 years specializing in Canada as a destination with emphasis on wildlife viewing experiences. She owns and operates Canada Revealed, a boutique trip planning service, specializing in authentic & immersive customized itineraries to Canada.