The Vancouver Island region has one of the world's most diverse ecosystems and some of the best wildlife viewing in the entire province.
Popular wildlife activities on Vancouver Island are whale watching and bear viewing , but there are many other excellent wildlife viewing opportunites.
Unique wildlife experiences on Vancouver Island might include a trip to watch the grizzly bears of Knight Inlet, viewing Roosevelt elk (found only on Vancouver Island), checking out one of many bird watching areas or seeking the Vancouver Island marmot, an incredibly rare mammal.
Marine wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy the prolific marine life in Barkley Sound and Pacific Rim National Park Reserve ; snorkel with salmon and seals; watch sea otters play in kelp beds or spot wildlife from the deck of a working coastal freighter as it plies the waters of remote West Coast inlets.
Learn about the new Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre in Sidney, Vancouver Island:
Abundant Wildlife in Provincial Parks
Strathcona Provincial Park Strathcona Provincial Park through commercial operations, including Mount Washington Alpine Resort and a large outdoor activity centre. The nearest communities are Courtenay , Campbell River and Comox. Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park is via Port Alberni , Port Renfrew or Lake Cowichan; check with local Visitor Centres for current road conditions.
Gold Muchalat Provincial Park
Juan de Fuca Provincial Park Juan de Fuca Provincial Park , but the most famous feature is the stunning tide pools and brightly coloured marine life of Botanical Beach.
Salmon Viewing There are hundreds of rivers and streams supporting salmon runs on Vancouver Island. Although salmon can often be viewed in their native streams, the best place to view salmon and other wildlife is at hatcheries and spawning channels.
Big Qualicum Hatchery View all five species of Pacific salmon at this hatchery in Qualicum Beach .Nitnat River Hatchery Canada’s largest salmon hatchery is located near Nitnat Lake, 70km/43.5mi from Port Alberni. Puntledge Hatchery Self-guided or guided tours, plus underwater salmon viewing are available at this hatchery near Courtenay. Robertson Creek Hatchery Located in Port Alberni, this hatchery supplies many of the impressively large Chinook salmon that Alberni Inlet is famous for.
Marine Wildlife Viewing – Sea Otters, Seals and Sea Lions Vancouver Island has many excellent areas to view marine life. Marine life can be seen from almost anywhere along the coast, but consider a guided tour for the most rewarding experience.
Telegraph Cove, Port McNeill and Alert Bay
The towns of Telegraph Cove , Port McNeill and Alert Bay are departure points for wildlife and whale watching tours. The surrounding waters support large populations of orca whales, Dall's and harbour porpoises, Pacific white-sided dolphins, harbour seals and Steller sea lions. In the summer months, black bears are often seen along Highway 19 between Port McNeill and Port Hardy .Pacific Rim/Barkley Sound From Port Alberni , take a day trip on a working freighter and view the impressive scenery and ocean life in Barkely Sound. View marine life in the Bamfield Marine Center; in Ucluelet walk the Wild Pacific Trail or board a wildlife nature cruise of the Broken Group Islands. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve offers spectacular scenery and a wide range of birds and wildlife.
Nootka Sound and Remote West Coast Inlets For a unique west coast wildlife experience take a trip on a small coastal freighter. From Gold River the MV Uchuck III takes passengers on day trips to Friendly Cove and Tahsis Inlet, and multi-day excursions to locations in Nootka Sound, Zeballos Inlet, Esperanza Inlet and Kyuquot Sound.
Expect to see a wide variety of wildlife including seals, sea lions, sea otters, whales, porpoises, dolphins, eagles, and fish. Some trips feature historical interpreters and guides.
Snorkel With Salmon
In Campbell River , take a guided drift tour of the Campbell River and view coho, chum, steelhead and massive Chinook salmon as they navigate the shallow pools and slow-moving water.
Guided marine wildlife tours are also available on small, zodiac-style inflatable boats.
Nanaimo , and snorkel with the 250 resident harbor seals. These playful and inquisitive seals will often approach swimmers, so have a camera ready.bear watching and bear safety, whale watching and bird watching in the Vancouver Island region.
For more information on practical points and safety and wildlife viewing tips visit the BC wildlife page.