Sea Wolf Adventures
Sea Wolf Adventures
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Cultural ToursHistorical & Heritage ToursBoat ToursNature & Wildlife Tours
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About
Sea Wolf Adventures connects travellers to destinations in the Broughton Archipelago and the Great Bear Rainforest for grizzly bear viewing, wilderness and wildlife experiences, and First Nations cultural tours. Your guides are well trained in tradition and wildlife guiding. They will give you a deeper experience into First Nations culture and heritage of the Kwakwaka'wakw Nation. Safe. True. Education -- a truly unforgettable wildlife experience. Our vessels are brand new, state of the art, and very seaworthy.
Port McNeill, British Columbia, Canada
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Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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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
424 reviews
Excellent
405
Very good
11
Average
3
Poor
3
Terrible
2
westerwanderer
Victoria, Canada14 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
We had an amazing time with Sea Wolf and especially Sherry, our guide. She was fabulous all day, providing us with interesting information, wonderful storytelling of her people’s territories and relationships with the coast, and of course, the wildlife. We saw a grizzly, orca, humpbacks, dolphins, porpoises, you name it! We took a trip with TideRip and Prince of Whales in Telegraph Cove and I have to say, there is no comparison. These other tours simply pale in comparison and are not worth the time or money relative to this tour. If anyone wants to experience a full wildlife and cultural excursion, this is your tour and Sherry is your guide/captain!
Written September 11, 2020
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.
Rmp P
Zurich, Switzerland281 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
As a returning guest from 2018, I had really high expectations for the tour, which I remember as really unforgettable. Back then, we went out with Mike and his wife, experienced great, informative hours and were lucky enough to see various wildlife. You can stil find the review in my profile. Today was different. Our guides Al and Harry were very friendly and warm, but "only" responded to the occasional questions of the eight guests in our group. So we drove to a different place (?) in the same bay than in 2018, got on a bus (didn't exist then either as far as I remember), walked through the rainforest on paths that definitely didn't come from bears, briefly (2min) saw a grizzly, and then sat down for 1.5h at another place by the river. At this place there were two groups and about 20 people, it was not quiet ... and no bears came. On the way back we saw humpback whales which was great.
I swing between 3* and 4* here. What I find a pity: Last time there was so much information about the culture of the 1st Nations, tracks were searched for in the forest and explained, one had the feeling of really being on bear tracks and didn't see a soul the whole day or tried to avoid the other company that travels the spot.
This time; not a word about history and culture on the way there, no track reading but off-road school bus driving on land, 2 hours together with 20 people from two providers sitting on one spot, done. I know that you can't influence the wildlife sightings, and I don't complain about that. For 500 CAD per person, however, I would like to have an immersive experience every time, as I did in 2018. This time I had the feeling of being "passed through" ... thats it. Nevertheless: Harry was extremely friendly and the tour is still an adventure. Too bad it wasn't as perfect as 2018 with Mike (the owner) himself.
I swing between 3* and 4* here. What I find a pity: Last time there was so much information about the culture of the 1st Nations, tracks were searched for in the forest and explained, one had the feeling of really being on bear tracks and didn't see a soul the whole day or tried to avoid the other company that travels the spot.
This time; not a word about history and culture on the way there, no track reading but off-road school bus driving on land, 2 hours together with 20 people from two providers sitting on one spot, done. I know that you can't influence the wildlife sightings, and I don't complain about that. For 500 CAD per person, however, I would like to have an immersive experience every time, as I did in 2018. This time I had the feeling of being "passed through" ... thats it. Nevertheless: Harry was extremely friendly and the tour is still an adventure. Too bad it wasn't as perfect as 2018 with Mike (the owner) himself.
Written October 5, 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.
Anne and Ron
4 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
We are a Dutch couple, doing a tour of South Western Canada, and part of this was visiting Vancouver Island. The last thing we did before returning to the mainland of Canada was the grizzly bear spotting with Sea Wolf Adventures.
This is organized by so-called First Nation people of Canada (in Holland we would call them Indians). The logistics of the trip were very well organized (including a continental breakfast and a simple, but very tasty lunch).
It took a boat ride of about an hour and a half from Port McNeil to the grizzly bear area, during which we saw many humpback whales and a few killer whales.
To hear the story of the the First Nations people, and how their people have been (mis) treated in the past was fascinating to hear and very, very moving. It added a big additional aspect to this already very spectacular trip.
After having heard this story, we began the grizzly spotting part of the trip. We walked through a dense rain forest for about 20 minutes (following our guide, a First Nations guy who always walks bare foot). We already saw grizzly poop and a place where a grizzly had apparently spent the night very recently (so the suspense was building...), until we got to the river. We then waited for close to an hour before the first grizzly arrived. We all hid behind a huge log and saw from up close how the grizzly went about his business (mainly trying to catch salmon, and then eating it). A second grizzly soon followed, and this one approached us to about 5 meters from us: very exciting, and because of the professional organization, it never felt scary.
All in all, this was one of the most exciting things we have ever experienced and I highly, highly recommend it to anyone who is visiting Vancouver Island! Do this excursion, and do it with this organization. You will not be disappointed!!
This is organized by so-called First Nation people of Canada (in Holland we would call them Indians). The logistics of the trip were very well organized (including a continental breakfast and a simple, but very tasty lunch).
It took a boat ride of about an hour and a half from Port McNeil to the grizzly bear area, during which we saw many humpback whales and a few killer whales.
To hear the story of the the First Nations people, and how their people have been (mis) treated in the past was fascinating to hear and very, very moving. It added a big additional aspect to this already very spectacular trip.
After having heard this story, we began the grizzly spotting part of the trip. We walked through a dense rain forest for about 20 minutes (following our guide, a First Nations guy who always walks bare foot). We already saw grizzly poop and a place where a grizzly had apparently spent the night very recently (so the suspense was building...), until we got to the river. We then waited for close to an hour before the first grizzly arrived. We all hid behind a huge log and saw from up close how the grizzly went about his business (mainly trying to catch salmon, and then eating it). A second grizzly soon followed, and this one approached us to about 5 meters from us: very exciting, and because of the professional organization, it never felt scary.
All in all, this was one of the most exciting things we have ever experienced and I highly, highly recommend it to anyone who is visiting Vancouver Island! Do this excursion, and do it with this organization. You will not be disappointed!!
Written September 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.
Alaina V
3 contributions
Jul 2022 • Solo
This was the most amazing experience! It was a very special day. We started the day out with watching some orcas and humpbacks, it was fantastic! We then viewed 4 grizzly bears eating along the shoreline. On the way home we watched the dall’s porpoises play along side our boat and stopped to see at least 30 sea otters! To end the day we stopped at the cultural centre in Alert bay where we learned a lot about the indigenous history, the land and wild life. Our guides Stephen and sherry were super informative the entire time! I feel so very fortunate to have been able to enjoy a tour with Sea Wolf Adventures and I HIGHLY recommend! You will not be disappointed 🙂 Oh and the lunch/snacks were so good! We all love some good SNACKS!
Written July 5, 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.
Karen C
Vancouver, Canada27 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
My family of 5 spent a full day ( 10 hours) with Mike and Thomas of Sea wolf Adventures exploring Knight Inlet and the Broughton archipelago. We all thought it was one of the best excursions we have ever done and would highly, highly recommend!
As members of the local indigenous community, Mike and Thomas are the perfect people to show you around their ancestral lands. Having grown up in the area as well as through the oral histories of their community they were able to tell us the significance of various locales and villages ( both abandoned and thriving) in the area. They were adept at navigating the coves and fjiords and where best to spot wildlife. We saw orcas, humpbacks, grizzlies, black bears, dolphins and eagles.
Would definitely book again should we return to the area!
Thanks for a great day Seawolf Adventures.
As members of the local indigenous community, Mike and Thomas are the perfect people to show you around their ancestral lands. Having grown up in the area as well as through the oral histories of their community they were able to tell us the significance of various locales and villages ( both abandoned and thriving) in the area. They were adept at navigating the coves and fjiords and where best to spot wildlife. We saw orcas, humpbacks, grizzlies, black bears, dolphins and eagles.
Would definitely book again should we return to the area!
Thanks for a great day Seawolf Adventures.
Written August 10, 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.
David
14 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
The Sea Wolf Adventures ‘ Grizzly Bears of the Wild’ was just one of the most memorable and fantastic experiences of my travelling life.
The entire experience from booking, joining instructions , welcome , leaders and ‘ what we saw’ was of the highest professional quality .
AJ and Letitia went the ‘ extra mile’ to ensure both the safety and welfare of the animals and environment and the experiences of us guests
I would thoroughly recommend Sea Wolf Adventures to anyone wishing to experience wild life in Northern Vancouver Island and to better understand First Nation culture and history
The entire experience from booking, joining instructions , welcome , leaders and ‘ what we saw’ was of the highest professional quality .
AJ and Letitia went the ‘ extra mile’ to ensure both the safety and welfare of the animals and environment and the experiences of us guests
I would thoroughly recommend Sea Wolf Adventures to anyone wishing to experience wild life in Northern Vancouver Island and to better understand First Nation culture and history
Written October 2, 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.
Victoria A
Sacramento, CA30 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
We had a spectacular time with guides Harry and Brennan on a powerful comfortable ocean craft for an excursion that lasted all day. There were grizzlies, and an unbelievably timed viewing of big transient mammal-eating orcas hunting a seal. A humpback whale breached and swam near our boat.
This is an indigenous-owned business and both our guides were First Nation men from the area. Harry was the captain and his vigilance and sharp eyes helped make the day such a success. Equally wonderful was young Brennan who had a wealth of information about his culture and the history of the beautiful North Vancouver Island tribes and customs. After our day of wildlife watching, we spent an amazing hour at the indigenous museum at Alert Bay, where Brennan guided us through the exhibits and made it all come alive!
This is an indigenous-owned business and both our guides were First Nation men from the area. Harry was the captain and his vigilance and sharp eyes helped make the day such a success. Equally wonderful was young Brennan who had a wealth of information about his culture and the history of the beautiful North Vancouver Island tribes and customs. After our day of wildlife watching, we spent an amazing hour at the indigenous museum at Alert Bay, where Brennan guided us through the exhibits and made it all come alive!
Written August 11, 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.
Ellie
United Kingdom1 contribution
Aug 2022 • Friends
Sherry and Gana were brilliant and made us all laugh from the get go. They were very knowledgable and you could tell how much they cared about the wildlife. The U'mista cultrual centre was so interesting and although we only had 20 mins in their due to us being distracted by a humpback fin slapping the water, it was one of the highlights and we wish we had more time there. We saw orcas, humpbacks, grizzly bears and black bears. The food provided was excellent and everyone was so attentive to our needs and I cannot fault them or the company. Shout out to Stephen who was also a brilliant guide on our second trip with sea wolf. Such beautiful people! We had the best day and we recommend this trip to anyone who visits, you won't be disappointed.
Written August 30, 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.
Keith Dickson
Edmonton, Canada26 contributions
Aug 2020 • Solo
Have now been out with Sea Wolf for two trips and each was incredibly memorable and unique.
The scenery of Knight Inlet or the islands and fjords around the coast of BC is spectacular and not easily accessible so this is a great way to see it while supporting a fantastic local business.
Our guide Mike did an incredible job getting everyone on the boat a chance to see what they were looking for. On top of that he is an incredible person to meet and talk to about his vast knowledge of nature, the indigenous people of the coast, and local history.
Wildlife, especially bears, don’t run on a schedule and can be tough to find on some days, but Sea Wolf will do everything they can to get you a chance to see them. Besides the bears you get the amazing scenery, marine life including whales, a delicious breakfast and lunch and an adventure you won’t forget.
Worth every penny and I’ll be back again.
The scenery of Knight Inlet or the islands and fjords around the coast of BC is spectacular and not easily accessible so this is a great way to see it while supporting a fantastic local business.
Our guide Mike did an incredible job getting everyone on the boat a chance to see what they were looking for. On top of that he is an incredible person to meet and talk to about his vast knowledge of nature, the indigenous people of the coast, and local history.
Wildlife, especially bears, don’t run on a schedule and can be tough to find on some days, but Sea Wolf will do everything they can to get you a chance to see them. Besides the bears you get the amazing scenery, marine life including whales, a delicious breakfast and lunch and an adventure you won’t forget.
Worth every penny and I’ll be back again.
Written August 15, 2020
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.
jayson f
British Columbia, Canada25 contributions
Jul 2021
Such an incredible day. As a born and raised BC kid growing up on the South Coast, I thought I knew the area and this part of BC pretty well...but under the guidance of Sea Wolf, it was a full day of discovery. Outstanding guiding and by Capt. Cheri who clearly had her ancestors intervening to show us the beauty of the land we share together. Michael's daughter was the asst guide and she was absolutely lovely and attentive. We had lots of time to experience so many lovely places thru the day. Perfectly timed with amazing bear viewing, whales ( 3 species were in the hood...Humpies, Minkes and Orcas). This is truly a world class experience and I can guarantee you that you will never forget it. We live in SUCH an extraordinary place with so many treasures. And Sea Wolf is a treasure. Professional, relaxed, efficient, organized and incredibly good at what they do!
Written July 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.
Hello. I would really love to do this tour. What is the bear watching like in June? I can see it’s best when the salmon is spawning, but would we still see bears in June? Many thanks.
Written September 12, 2021
Hello,
Are you still planning on organizing tours this July /August for Vancouver island locals?
Thank you :-)
Written June 20, 2020
Hi, we are looking to book a tour with yourselves in July 2019 and will be staying at Alder Bay resort and campground. We will have an rv. Is there parking nearby to accommodate rv’s, or if not, what other methods of transport are available to get us from Alder Bay to Port McNeill ie buses? Thank you, Louise
Written December 16, 2018
Hi Louise,
We could just drop by on the boat as it’s on the way:) Get ahold of our office or email us for more details!
Written December 18, 2018
Is it normal to pay the remainder of the trip by giving your credit Card number and cvc code by mail or phone? Or is it possible to pay the remaining amount at the Office before entering the boat?
Written September 14, 2018
You can pay the remainder at the office on the day of the tour.
Written September 16, 2018
Hi, i have limited mobility going off and on boats as my knees don't bend as much as they should.would this be a problem getting on and off the Sea Wolf? I'm fine walking ,
Written August 8, 2018
Getting on and off boats is key and is our gauge of wether this tour is fitting for guests. There is hiking and getting on and off smaller boats involved. I’d be worried for your safety and getting injured.
Written August 8, 2018
How necessary it is to have waterproof pants and waterproof hiking boots or rubber boots? We were planning on wearing jeans and our good walking sneakers. Thank you!
Written May 7, 2018
Hi there, only if it’s raining water proof pants is necessary. You’ll be fine with jeans on a sunny day.
Written May 8, 2018
where can i have information for reserving/booking and prices for this tour
Written April 7, 2018
Hi Jasper, you can visit our website and navigate to our grizzly page. There you’ll find prices, availability, and booking information!
Written April 8, 2018
When’s the best time to see the grizzly bears?
Written February 1, 2018
I like when the bears feed on salmon and that is from August till October.
Written February 9, 2018
Do we need hiking boots or would Keens work?
Written July 23, 2017
If we walk bear trails hiking boots are preferable. Keens should suffice though:)
Written July 24, 2017
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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.