Where to go this Spring, Part 1
We are slowly unfurling from another long winter, eager to connect with loved ones and immerse ourselves in new experiences. Alongside us, the trees are budding, wildlife is stirring, whales are migrating, and the abundance of spring in British Columbia awaits.
Looking for a sustainable wilderness getaway? We’ve got you covered with this guide to sustainable travel destinations in BC. The WTA represents an incredible myriad of wilderness resorts, guest ranches, and wildlife viewing operators across the province. Whether you’re seeking ultimate relaxation or an immersive adventure, journey into the heart of BC’s wilderness this spring with these unique offerings.
BLUEWATER ADVENTURES
Bluewater Adventures
Breathe in the salty ocean air and meander slowly through rugged coastal landscapes from the comfort of a live aboard expedition yacht. Bluewater Adventures has been leading multi-day wilderness and wildlife tours along coastal British Columbia and Southeast Alaska for more than 45 years. Whether you venture to the sea in search of leisure or education, each adventure is infused with deep knowledge and respect for coastal environments, wildlife, and local First Nations communities.
Sail aboard the SV Island Solitude yacht with a small group of like-minded guests and explore remote stretches of the coast. Adventures are flexible to the interests of the group, but they typically include a mixture of wildlife viewing, shore excursions, cultural site visits, exploring intertidal zones, and learning about the history and ecology of the coast.
Lean into a 5-day experiential learning journey where the sights and sounds of the ocean will serve as your classroom. Bluewater Adventures’ Spring School Programs are designed for youth to engage with coastal environments, learn about sailing, observe marine wildlife, and build meaningful connections with peers.
SPIRIT OF THE WEST ADVENTURES
Spirit of the West Adventures
Dip your paddle into the salty Pacific and kayak the realm of whales. Spirit of the West Adventures offers responsible and sustainable sea kayak tours, remote wilderness camping and glamping, and wildlife viewing in a variety of secluded locations in and around Vancouver Island. Your time on the water will be infused with the enthusiasm of a professional crew who live and work to share the wonder of BC’s abundant marine environments.
Master the balance of recreation and relaxation with a 4-5 day Basecamp Tour off the North East coast of Vancouver Island. You will paddle yourself out to a cozy and remote glamping tent situated where nutrient-dense waters often attract salmon, orcas, eagles, and humpbacks.
Experience the rugged landscapes of coastal BC with a self-supported 4-8 day Expedition Tour. Each day brings a new slice of nature to embrace as you paddle your way around majestic bluffs, lush temperate rainforests, and sandy beaches.
ECHO VALLEY RANCH AND SPA
Echo Valley Ranch & Spa
Echo Valley is an intimate, high-end ranch and spa located in BC’s beautiful interior.
Stay in the massive, log-built ranch house or one of the charming guest cabins that rest beneath the towering Marble Mountains.
A thoughtfully designed Thai spa uses the land and its natural elements to provoke a connection with nature’s restorative qualities. Before winding down here, you can hike through endless river canyons, mountain bike through the diverse terrain of four geographic regions, and horseback ride to your heart’s desire.
Echo Valley caters to all — old and young, families and couples, relaxation or adventure. Visit Echo Valley this spring for a reset among beautiful souls, peaceful surroundings, friendly animals, and wide-open spaces.
CAMPBELL RIVER WHALE WATCHING
Campbell River Whale Watching
Embrace the breezy west coast wind on your cheeks while you witness BC’s wildlife unfurl from a long winter slumber. Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours is a certified Carbon Neutral eco-tour company offering marine and land-based experiences. Explore the islands surrounding Campbell River as a passionate team of mariners and naturalists provide education and ethical best practices for experiencing local environments.
Venture deep into remote passages in search of wildlife and wilderness vistas on a Whale Watching Tour or a Bear and Waterfall Tour. Experience the abundance of spring on the coast as you scan the landscape for foraging Grizzlies, breaching Humpbacks, energetic Pacific White-Sided Dolphins, sea lions, birds, and other stirrings of marine life.
After tickling your senses out at sea, quench your thirst with a local Tasting Tour. Unwind as you sample locally grown products and indulge in some of the finest breweries, wineries and distilleries that Comox Valley has to offer.
KNIGHT INLET LODGE
Knight Inlet Lodge
This Indigenous Owned wilderness lodge is one of Canada’s premier Grizzly Bear viewing destinations. You will be traveling responsibly when you visit Knight Inlet Lodge. They have been a provincial leader in pacific salmon and grizzly bear conservation, and environmental stewardship since their foundation in the 1990’s.
Bear viewing tours are done via boat, allowing you to experience these special creatures in their most natural, at-ease state, without disturbing them. Springtime is perfect for watching cubs and their mothers feeding and venturing in their natural surroundings.
Although they are well known for their bear viewing, Knight Inlet Lodge offers various wildlife viewing experiences with seasonal whale watching tours leaving every day from their iconic floating lodge.
EAGLE WING TOURS
Eagle Wing Tours
Gather the family for a day of fun and float through expansive marine landscapes in search of wildlife this Spring. Wander down the colourful docks of Fisherman’s Wharf in Victoria BC and you’ll meet the fleet of Eagle Wing Tours, a local company offering whale and wildlife viewing experiences. Situated perfectly at the corridor of the biologically rich Salish Sea, Eagle Wing Tours operates with utmost respect and responsibility for the local ecosystem.
Adventures await year-round with vessels casting off daily — Winter Tours are available December 1st to April 30th, with Summer Tours happening May 1st to November 30th. Enjoy an enriching and educational experience as you observe a diverse range of marine birds, seals, sea lions, otters, playful porpoises, and majestic whales. Every trip brings the possibility of experiencing whales moving effortlessly through the big blue expanse, with summer dates offering guaranteed sightings. Eagle Wing Tours seeks to awaken the ocean stewards in all of us.
AT THE WATER’S EDGE ADVENTURES
At The Water's Edge Adventures
If you’re seeking a way to experience the West Coast’s abundant wildlife, try traversing via kayak through the Johnstone Strait, Blackfish Sound, and the Broughton Archipelago with At The Water’s Edge Adventures.
Choose from their 3-Day, 5-Day, 7-Day, or Fully Customized Multi-Day Kayaking Tours — each trip is unique and in nomadic form. All trips take off from their base camp in Telegraph Cove. Feel the light ocean breeze as you glide between islands, breaking to view humpback, minke, and killer whales that share the rugged waterways. Witness bald eagles soaring above or perched on towering cedars, and watch black bears forage for snacks along the remote shorelines.
Their Family Kayaking Tour is carefully designed with nature interpretations and plenty of breaks for those who want to give their children a holistic approach to learning about the coastal wilderness.
KINGFISHER WILDERNESS ADVENTURES
Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures
Weave through the maze of British Columbia islands while soaking in First Nations culture and extraordinary wildlife encounters with orcas, humpbacks, bears, and eagles from the comfort of a kayak with Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures.
Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures offers guided multi-day kayaking trips for beginner and experienced kayakers alike. They are based in Port McNeill and run tours throughout Northern Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii, and the Great Bear Rainforest.
Experience some of the best of BC’s West Coast while staying in ocean-side tents — waking to the sound of humpbacks swimming past. Spend your days kayaking with whales, viewing grizzly bears, or taking in the culture and wild beauty of Haida Gwaii.
Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures prides themselves on their small group tours — with a maximum of ten guests in their base camp tours and eight guests in their explorer tours. Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures operates by their five guiding principles of doing what is right for: the environment, the wildlife, local communities, their staff, and their guests.
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