On the Water
4 hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 96% of travelers
96% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$191
per adult
Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours
Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours
Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours
5
Cultural ToursBoat ToursSightseeing ToursNature & Wildlife ToursDay Trips
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About
Homalco First Nation have been the stewards of their traditional territory of Bute Inlet for generations and the cultural and historical significance of this area spans thousands of years. Our guided tours take guests through the Salish Sea to Bute Inlet and along the Orford River, where grizzly bear populations thrive during the salmon run. We also offer marine wildlife and cultural tours all of which are interwoven with knowledge from our traditional way of life. Our commitment to guests is to share our traditional lands, the share stories of our people and to create a sense of connection with our indigenous culture. We welcome you join us and learn about the land, wildlife and people while becomming immersed in the beauty of this spectacular land. ʔiymot kʷunome (It is good to see you).
Campbell River, British Columbia, Canada
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Improve this listingTours and Tickets by Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours
Half-day Tours
5 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travelers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$253
per adult
Day Trips
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$310
per adult
Day Trips
8–9 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 96% of travelers
96% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$429
per adult
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
565 reviews
Excellent
544
Very good
8
Average
4
Poor
1
Terrible
8
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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Fiona W
8 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
We had the most amazing experience on the Homalco Great Bears of Bute Tour. It ranked as one of the top wildlife viewing trips of our lives. We saw 9 different grizzlies, some at very close quarters feeding on salmon, 13 bald eagles, numerous hump backed whales and a pod of 4 orcas. Our captain, Guy, made the boat trip informative and fun and the our bear guides, Calvin and Wilson, provided the most exceptional viewing opportunities for our group. We loved hearing the traditional stories which provided a connection with the indigenous culture of the area.
We would highly recommend this fantastic trip.
We would highly recommend this fantastic trip.
Written September 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
?imot (Thank you) for your recommendation! We’re thrilled to hear that our Great Bears of Bute Tour ranked among your top wildlife experiences. It sounds like you had an incredible day spotting so many amazing animals, from grizzlies to orcas! We're glad Guy, Kalvin and Wilson made your trip both informative and fun.
Written September 30, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Elaine B
1 contribution
Jun 2021
Loved this trip...the guides Janet and Kelsey were a wealth of info and stories. The boat driver Dave was excellent also and kept an eye out to inform us where the whales etc were. This was a trip thought out for a while before embarking and we were sure delighted . Lunch and snack and beverages provided and special lunch for dietary persons. WE will definitely be booking again in the near future. We were originally booked for 1/2 day tour but with the Covid restrictions etc was set back and contacted to go on full day by Shirley. So glad we did this.
Written June 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so happy you had such a wonderful day exploring Bute Inlet and Orford Bay with Janet, Kelsie, and boat driver Dave. Thank you for joining us for our full day program! We look forward to welcoming you back, Elaine. I:mote - it is good.
Written June 29, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ugo
1 contribution
Oct 2022 • Friends
From the welcoming in CR to the one in Orford Bay, the quality and attention from our hosts, the details and knowledge they have of the history and environment, everything was really well done, felt like we were welcome and Ron and Cathy, Jannette and Kevin were so resourceful and knowledgeable!
Helped that we had a gorgeous October, made it for an even more amazing experience.
Went with my partner and a friend visiting from outside the country. We were all charmed and falling in love with that area of BC and the history of the Homalco Nation.
Will come back, again and again!!
Helped that we had a gorgeous October, made it for an even more amazing experience.
Went with my partner and a friend visiting from outside the country. We were all charmed and falling in love with that area of BC and the history of the Homalco Nation.
Will come back, again and again!!
Written October 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review! It is great to hear you had such a lovely day and we certainly look forward to welcoming you back in the future. i:mote (it is good)
Written November 16, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kevin C
17 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
This trip started out as another bear viewing trip and became so much more after meeting Kalvin and Gloria our hosts from Holmalco. Seeing bears in the wild was great, but listening to Kalvin and Gloria share their language and their way of life made this trip far more than just a wildlife viewing advantage. Their passion and knowledge of their heritage along with their willingness to share made me look deep into myself and gave me a desire to be a better more humble person. Lim'limpt
Written September 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, thank you for this heart warming read. Happy that you took something priceless back with you, and thank you so much for joining us on this adventure! i:mote (thank you)
Written September 25, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Barbara D
Greater Sydney, Australia6 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Our experience went beyond our expectations. Ron, Cassie, Tony and Ian ensured that not only did we see grizzlies, up very close but we learnt something of the Homalco Nation, we saw humpbacks, sea lions and rode the mighty Arron Rapids.
Thank you for giving us a very memorable day, with magnificent photos to remind us of your hospitality and keep our friends in awe.
Thank you for giving us a very memorable day, with magnificent photos to remind us of your hospitality and keep our friends in awe.
Written October 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, thank you for taking the time to write this sweet review, i loved reading this! Sounds like you had an exciting adventure! Hope to see you again soon! i:mote (thank you)
Written October 8, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
EKC L
2 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
We were so glad to have made this tour. It was wonderful to be able to watch the bears, the eagles, the whales, the seals and all sorts of birds close up in their own natural habitats. It was just awesome! It was also great to hear first hand stories from our Guides (and body guards) of the people and histories of the First Nation around the areas. One of the highlights was a short stay at the Churchhouse bay where our Skipper, who was borne there, told us about the place, the people, the changes, the residential school, and the on going restoration and reconciliation. What a wonderful trip. Eight hours went by so quickly! Thank you very much, Homalco. Hope to see you again!
Written October 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
8 hours sure does go by fast! We are glad you enjoyed your day with our team. Thank you for your review! i:mote (it is good)
Written November 16, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tish
Gloucestershire, UK408 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
We took the Toba Inlet trip recently. The weather was in our favour and we had a good journey across with beautiful scenery and some wildlife sightings. We stopped by a waterfall to have a packed lunch of sandwiches, a cookie and tea/coffee. When we reached our landing spot, we were met by two Klahoose First Nations guides who took us to the viewing platforms by a salmon river a few km inland. We were lucky to see six grizzlies in all, both in the salmon river and in the woods when travelling between the viewing platforms. However, another tour company group arrived at the same time as us and visited the same platforms but in a different order. They saw no bears. We were lucky. There was a lot of logging going on there - I know some posters have questioned whether there are fewer bears on the Toba tour because of this. I know that wildlife viewing is obviously unpredictable, but I would have been disappointed had I been in that group. We had a great journey back with some humpback whale sightings and our captain was late arriving back in port because he was keen to make sure we had the best experience possible.
Written September 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We’re thrilled you had the opportunity to see six grizzlies in their natural habitat. Wildlife viewing can be unpredictable, and we’re so glad luck was on your side that day! We hope to welcome you back for more unforgettable wildlife adventures in the future.
Written September 19, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
robin_wildlife
Victoria, Canada3 contributions
Oct 2022 • Solo
The ‘Great Bears of Bute’ trip is an absolute MUST do. I had a fantastic time seeing bears and learning about the culture and history of the place. Located in the lands of the χʷɛmaɬku First Nation and under their stewardship, this place is a jewel. You realize that conservation, protection of our resources, and giving back to nature were values deeply entrenched in First Nations culture for millennia; long before the concepts of climate change and carbon neutrality were bandied about.
The boat ride out to, and back from, Campbell River was comfortable. Our captain and guide were brilliant, as were our tour guide and driver. The bears were the highlight of the trip. Our group saw 11 in total, including 2 sows with a cub each. We all came back to Campbell river with more than their money’s worth.
Highly recommended and a must, must do!
The boat ride out to, and back from, Campbell River was comfortable. Our captain and guide were brilliant, as were our tour guide and driver. The bears were the highlight of the trip. Our group saw 11 in total, including 2 sows with a cub each. We all came back to Campbell river with more than their money’s worth.
Highly recommended and a must, must do!
Written October 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks, Robin, for your glowing review! We are happy to hear you had a great day learning, viewing, and being a part of something special. i:mote (it is good)
Written November 16, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
gufa83
Italy726 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
We decided to try the daily bear hunting experience starting from Campdell River and we were enthusiastic about it. It's true the amount is high but it's definitely money well spent, it's a life experience!
In addition to tall bears we also saw whales and orcas... what a magnificent gift!
The first part of the tour takes place by boat and then by bus into the forest to look for grizzlies! TOP
In addition to tall bears we also saw whales and orcas... what a magnificent gift!
The first part of the tour takes place by boat and then by bus into the forest to look for grizzlies! TOP
Written October 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grazie per la tua gentile recensione Siamo così felici che ti sia divertito durante il nostro tour. Ci piace sentire il divertimento e l'eccitazione che provano i nostri ospiti mentre sono in uno dei nostri tour. Speriamo di vedervi presto.
i:mote (grazie)
Written October 19, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Harrison L
6 contributions
Aug 2024 • Solo
Truly one of the most incredible experiences you could have. The boat journey alone to Orford Bay through Bute Inlet is breathtaking.
We were lucky enough to watch a grizzly cross two rivers until she was chasing salmon just 10-20 yards away. Eventually she caught one and our group was able to watch the bear enjoy lunch. We were about 30 feet away. Unforgettable.
Our guides Kalvin and Wilson were amazing and gave us the perfect opportunity to closely see these bears in their natural habitat. They had great knowledge of the animals, the land, and the amazing history of this place.
Lastly, our boat captain, Captain Ron was wonderful. He had many great stories about the countless islands in and around Bute Inlet. He is also an excellent whale spotter. On our journey to and from Orford Bay we saw a total of 7 humpback whales. 2 of them even jumped fully out of the water several times.
Support this great indigenous led outfitter. You won’t regret it.
We were lucky enough to watch a grizzly cross two rivers until she was chasing salmon just 10-20 yards away. Eventually she caught one and our group was able to watch the bear enjoy lunch. We were about 30 feet away. Unforgettable.
Our guides Kalvin and Wilson were amazing and gave us the perfect opportunity to closely see these bears in their natural habitat. They had great knowledge of the animals, the land, and the amazing history of this place.
Lastly, our boat captain, Captain Ron was wonderful. He had many great stories about the countless islands in and around Bute Inlet. He is also an excellent whale spotter. On our journey to and from Orford Bay we saw a total of 7 humpback whales. 2 of them even jumped fully out of the water several times.
Support this great indigenous led outfitter. You won’t regret it.
Written August 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Harrison,
Thank you for your kind words, we're glad to hear our team made sure it was an unforgettable experience!
Written August 27, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Absolutely first rate! This was my second trip into Bute Inlet to the Homalco lands. Our tour guides were excellent.We saw 26 bears on our trip. At one time there were three sows, with their respective cubs together at the same place. Simply amazing.
Written September 18, 2018
So glad you had another great tour and thank you so much for your feedback. Did you get any good pictures? If so, we'd love to see them either posted here or on our Facebook page at @HomalcoWildlifeTours. Hope to see you again soon!
Written September 21, 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.