Grizzly Bear Expedition to Toba Inlet from Campbell River

Explore the wild beauty of Toba Inlet alongside the Klahoose First Nation, whose guides share generations of knowledge and cultural connection as you observe grizzly bears in one of British Columbia’s most remote coastal ecosystems.

Set out on an unforgettable adventure through the fjords of Toba Inlet. Your journey begins with a scenic 2-3 hour boat journey through the waterways of Desolation Sound, where cascading waterfalls and dramatic coastal scenery hint at the wild beauty to come.

Step ashore for land-based grizzly bear viewing guided by members of the Klahoose First Nation, who share their deep connection to this land through stories, traditions, and generations of knowledge. Witness grizzly bears in their natural habitat, from powerful male grizzlies to the occasional sow with cubs.

At 8-9 hours, this is the longest grizzly bear tour into Toba Inlet, designed to immerse you fully in both the marine and terrestrial wonders of the region. Experience breathtaking wildlife encounters, unparalleled fjord scenery, and the cultural insights that make this journey truly unique.

Minimum age: 10 years old

Departures:

August 26 - October 15

*Daily departures at 9:30 AM from August 26 to September 30, and at 9:00 AM from October 1 to 15.

Additional departures at 7:00 AM on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

What's included:

• Travel aboard a well-maintained 12-passenger vessel with an onboard bathroom.
• Scenic boat ride through Toba Inlet, with extra time allocated to view marine wildlife.
• Certified Naturalist guide and Captain providing engaging nature interpretation.
• Klahoose First Nation Bear Guide sharing cultural knowledge during land-based viewing.
• 3 hours on land in Toba Inlet, observing grizzly bears on raised, covered platforms as they hunt and feed on spawning salmon.
• Opportunities for photography and wildlife observation - cameras and binoculars welcome (tripods not recommended).
• Homemade zero-waste lunch, including fresh wraps, baked goods, and beverages (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, water).
• Snack and water provided: a homemade granola bar and a reusable water bottle.

What to bring:

• Camera & Telephoto Lens - Capture wildlife from a safe distance; bring a protective case.
• Binoculars – We have a few pairs on board to share, but feel free to bring your own for a closer look at the wildlife.
• Warm Clothing in Layers – It can be chilly! Consider a T-shirt, a warm layer (like fleece or a thin puffy jacket), and a rain jacket.
• Beanie & Gloves – Keep warm and comfortable.
• Sun Protection – Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
• Water in a Reusable Bottle – Fill up at our office station, or grab a reusable water bottle on board if you forget yours!
• Snacks or Extra Food – Feel free to bring any additional snacks you’d like.
• A Smile and a Sense of Adventure!

Check-in details:

Please arrive 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time for check-in.

All of our Grizzly Bear tours have an inclusive $25 conservation fee which goes towards the Salmon Enhancement Fund for the Homalco First Nations

FAQ´S

1. What is your booking and cancellation policy?

Full payment is required at the time of booking. Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 7 Days notice of cancellation up to 4 people (14 day notice required for groups larger than 4 people). Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.  All trips are subject to fees and taxes.

Grizzly Bear tours have an additional $25 conservation fee which goes towards the Salmon Enhancement Fund for the Homalco First Nations

2. How much does the grizzly bear tour cost?

Our Grizzly Bear Tour pricing is divided into three seasonal periods - Early Season, Primary Season, and Late Season - reflecting changes in bear activity and visitor demand throughout the salmon run.

In the early season, the salmon run is just beginning and bears are often more spread out as they feed on shellfish and vegetation while waiting for increased fish activity. This period is offered at a discounted rate.

The primary season aligns with peak salmon runs, when bears gather along the rivers and wildlife viewing is typically most consistent.

During the late season, visitor numbers decrease heading into October, while bear sightings remain excellent. Reduced rates apply during this quieter time of year.

All rates are listed when selecting your date

Early Season (August 20 – August 31) - Low Rate

Primary Season (September 1 – September 30) - High Rate

Late Season (October 1 – October 15) - Low Rate

3. Do tours run in all types of weather?

Our tours go ahead regardless of the weather, but safety is always our top priority. In the event of extreme weather or high winds, tours may be canceled at the discretion of our qualified crew. If this happens, we’ll reach out to you directly.

If we’re unable to proceed with your scheduled tour due to weather, you will be contacted and given a full refund.

4. What is the minimum age for this tour?

The minimum age for any grizzly bear tour is 10 years old.

5. How likely is it that we will see bears? Is there a guarantee?

While we can never guarantee wildlife sightings, we’re proud of our high success rate - especially during our peak grizzly bear viewing season. It's very rare that we don’t see a bear. For a better idea of what to expect, you can check out our sightings reports from previous years.

In 2024, we saw grizzly bears on 83% of our Toba Inlet Tours. Additionally we saw Orcas on 47% and Humpback Whales on 96% of our Toba Inlet Grizzly Bear Tours.

6. What is overflow seating?

Our 8:30 am grizzly bear tour departure usually uses a vessel with 30 seats - 24 covered and 6 on the open-air sundeck. Once the covered seats are full, we may open up the final 6 overflow seats, which are not guaranteed indoor seating and are located outside. These seats are offered so more guests can join this popular tour. In case of rain, we can provide full-body flotation suits to help keep you warm and dry.

7. What is the difference between the Bute Inlet and the Toba Inlet grizzly bear tour?

Both Bute and Toba Inlets follow a similar structure: a scenic three-hour boat ride each way through the Discovery Islands, paired with three hours of land-based bear viewing along salmon rivers with Indigenous guides. The difference lies in place and perspective.

Bute Inlet, home to the Homalco First Nation, features turquoise waters, tidal rapids, and is often known for sightings of mothers with cubs along the Orford River.

Toba Inlet, within Klahoose First Nation territory, is defined by glacier-carved fjords, rushing waterfalls, and lush rainforest along the Klite River, where larger males are frequently observed.

If time and budget allow, visiting both inlets offers the most complete experience of the grizzlies and cultures that define this remarkable region.