Packages
Overview
At Coastal Rainforest Safaris, we offer two exceptional safari camp packages, each designed to immerse you in the untamed beauty of northern Vancouver Island. Our packages are available from early June to late September, ensuring you can experience the wonders of this region during the prime season.
Four-day, Three-Night Safari Camp Package (Sundays to Sundays):
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our four-night package. This immersive experience is centered around boat-based wildlife viewing, granting you the incredible opportunity to encounter a plethora of marine life, including majestic whales, charismatic sea otters, playful sea lions, and a captivating array of sea birds. Our knowledgable guides may also lead you on short hikes and land explorations, providing you with unique insights into the coastal ecosystem and indigenous culture. In the evenings, enjoy short presentations on various aspects of the coastal environment, culture, and history, deepening your understanding of this remarkable area.
Five-Day, Four-Night Safari Camp Package (Wednesdays to Saturdays):
For those seeking an extended expedition, our five-day package is the ultimate choice. This adventure provides additional time for wildlife viewing. While sharing many similarities with our four-day package, the extra day allows us to venture further afield in search of even more diverse wildlife encounters. Perhaps we’ll set course for a remote bird nesting island, where thousands of puffins and murres can be viewed, or we might explore the shoreline during low tide, keeping a vigilant eye out for bears. There’s even the possibility of an early morning excursion to patiently await the appearance of coastal wolves. The added day offers endless possibilities for exploration and wildlife appreciation.
Note: Please be aware that a moderate level of fitness and mobility is required to fully enjoy our tours. While our main focus is boat-based wildlife viewing, we also include short hikes and land explorations to offer a comprehensive experience of this incredible region. If you have any concerns about your physical abilities or specific activities, please contact us, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.
Inclusions
Accommodation
Our wilderness safari camp offers a unique and immersive accommodation experience. Stay in spacious canvas-walled tents that blend harmoniously with the surrounding natural beauty. Each tent is thoughtfully furnished with comfortable bedding, rustic decor, and a private adjoining bathroom. Fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the wilderness while still enjoying the comforts of modern amenities.
Meals
Indulge in a culinary journey inspired by the local flavors of British Columbia. Our talented chefs craft exquisite dishes using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. You’ll savor a variety of delectable meals, each a delightful surprise for your taste buds. In the evening, unwind with a selection of British Columbian wines, spirits, and craft beer, perfectly paired with your dinner.
Daily Wildlife Viewing Boat Tours
Embark on thrilling daily wildlife viewing boat tours, guided by our knowledgeable naturalists. Cruise through pristine waters, keeping your camera ready to capture breathtaking moments. Witness the region’s diverse wildlife, including majestic eagles, playful seals, and possibly even magnificent orcas. These excursions offer an intimate encounter with the untamed wilderness.
Evening Wildlife and Cultural Presentations
Embark on thrilling daily wildlife viewing boat tours, guided by our knowledgeable naturalists. Cruise through pristine waters, keeping your camera ready to capture breathtaking moments. Witness the region’s diverse wildlife, including majestic eagles, playful seals, and possibly even magnificent orcas. These excursions offer an intimate encounter with the untamed wilderness.
Wildlife Viewing Platform
Your wildlife experience doesn’t end when you disembark from our boats; it continues right within our camp. Positioned on a scenic point at our camp, our wildlife viewing platform enhances your opportunities to witness an abundance of wildlife. We provide binoculars to ensure you don’t miss a single moment of the captivating activities of the local wildlife. It’s a front-row seat to nature’s spectacle, right from the comfort of our wilderness retreat.
Sauna
Rejuvenate your body and soul in our wood-fired sauna. After a day of adventure and exploration, unwind in the soothing warmth of the sauna. Let the heat relax your muscles and cleanse your spirit, all while surrounded by the tranquility of the wilderness.
Yoga
Nurture your well-being with daily yoga sessions in our natural yoga studio, set amidst the serene wilderness. Our experienced instructors will guide you through invigorating and calming yoga practices, allowing you to connect with nature and find your inner balance.
Kayaking
Paddle the pristine waters surrounding our safari camp in our stable double kayaks. Suitable for beginner kayakers, our short guided kayak tours offer unforgettable adventures. Feel the exhilaration of being at one with the water and the wilderness.
Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
Experience an early morning or evening adventure by stand-up paddleboard. Glide over the water’s surface and soak in the sights and sounds of the wilderness. Our guides ensure that even beginners can enjoy this peaceful and invigorating activity.
Hiking
We may include short hikes and land explorations to offer a comprehensive experience of this incredible area. From leisurely beach walks to more challenging rainforest hikes, our guided experiences immerse you in lush temperate rainforest, ancient trees, and secluded beaches.
Sample Itinerary
Please note that each day’s activities and visited areas may vary due to wildlife sightings, currents, tides, and weather conditions. While our expert guides are well-versed in the region and its wildlife, the unpredictability of nature means we cannot guarantee specific wildlife encounters, but we do promise an unforgettable experience.
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
- Noon: Check-in at our Port Hardy office, where you’ll meet our dedicated crew and receive a brief safety orientation.
- 1:00 pm: Departure from Port Hardy. We embark on a leisurely journey, taking our time to explore the islands and waterways between Port Hardy and Hope Island. This region teems with diverse wildlife, including majestic humpback whales, playful sea otters, spirited sea lions, and captivating sea birds.
- Late afternoon: Arrive at our wilderness campsite, where our friendly camp staff will be on hand to welcome you and help you settle into your cozy tent. Afterward, gather in our communal lounge to savor appetizers and sips of local British Columbian wines and craft beers before indulging in a sumptuous seafood dinner prepared by our skilled chef.
- Fall asleep to the soothing sounds of waves caressing the shore.
- Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Wildlife Expedition
- Begin your day with a hearty breakfast and enjoy French-pressed coffee at our ocean-side dining table.
- After breakfast, set off for a thrilling day of wildlife exploration. Navigate the wildlife-rich waters, islands, and shores off northern Vancouver Island in search of captivating creatures. Keep your eyes peeled for enchanting sea otters, majestic humpback whales, playful orcas, swift Dall’s porpoises, Pacific white-sided dolphins, commanding Steller sea lions, majestic bald eagles, and a vibrant array of sea birds.
- Return to camp in the late afternoon to relax and unwind.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 3: A Day of Discovery
- Today brings a sense of adventure with an open itinerary. Enjoy another delicious breakfast before departing for a day of exploration.
- Depending on weather conditions, tides, potential wildlife sightings, and the group’s preferences, your knowledgeable guides may lead you on another enthralling day of whale watching, a focus on sea bird encounters, shoreline black bear searches, or even an elusive coastal wolf pursuit. The possibilities are endless, with opportunities to visit the expansive sandy beaches of Burnette Bay, the picturesque landscapes of Roller Bay, or a combination of these activities.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 4: Extended Wildlfie Viewing (5 day itineray only)
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 4 or 5: Farewell and Return
- Today brings a sense of adventure with an open itinerary. Enjoy another delicious breakfast before departing for a day of exploration.
- Depending on weather conditions, tides, potential wildlife sightings, and the group’s preferences, your knowledgeable guides may lead you on another enthralling day of whale watching, a focus on sea bird encounters, shoreline black bear searches, or even an elusive coastal wolf pursuit. The possibilities are endless, with opportunities to visit the expansive sandy beaches of Burnette Bay, the picturesque landscapes of Roller Bay, or a combination of these activities.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Dates and Rates
Four-day, Three-Night Safari Camp Package (Sundays to Wednesdays):
Price: $3950 CAD plus 5% GST per person based on double occupancy
June 2 to June 5, 2024
June 9 to June 12, 2024
June 16 to June 19, 2024
June 23 to June 26, 2024
June 30 to July 3, 2024
July 7 to July 10, 2024
July 14 to July 17, 2024
July 21 to July 24, 2024
July 28 to July 31, 2024
August 4 to August 7, 2024
August 11 to August 14, 2024
August 18 to August 21, 2024
August 25 to August 28, 2024
September 1 to September 4, 2024
September 8 to September 11, 2024
September 15 to September 18, 2024
September 22 to September 25, 2024
Five-Day, Four-Night Safari Camp Package (Wednesdays to Sundays):
Price: $4950 CAD plus 5% GST per person based on double occupancy
June 5 to June 9, 2024
June 12 to June 16, 2024
June 19 to June 23, 2024
June 26 to June 30, 2024
July 3 to July 7, 2024
July 10 to July 14, 2024
July 17 to July 21, 2024
July 24 to July 28, 2024
July 31 to August 4, 2024
August 7 to August 11, 2024
August 14 to August 18, 2024
August 21 to August 25, 2024
August 28 to September 1, 2024
September 4 to September 8, 2024
September 11 to September 15, 2024
September 18 to September 22, 2024
September 25 to September 29, 2024
Port Hardy Whale Watching and Sea Otter Viewing Tours
We are located in Port Hardy at the north end of Vancouver Island.
We’re hitting the road for the Outdoor Adventure Show @outdooradv in Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary! Come say hi at the Coastal Rainforest Safaris booth and join Andrew Jones in the Best of Canada Theatre for a wildlife-packed talk featuring Vancouver Island North and our new multi-day September Wildlife Spectacular tours.
Toronto (Feb 20–22)
🎤 Theatre: Fri 4:30 + Sat 12:45
Vancouver (Feb 28–Mar 1)
🎤 Theatre: Sat 4:30 + Sun 12:45
Calgary (Mar 21–22)
🎤 Theatre: Sat 2:15
#WildlifeTravel #AdventureTravel #WhaleWatching #VisitPortHardy #GoNorthIsland #IndigenousBC #VancouverIsland #BritishColumbia #ExploreCanada
What if your whale watching trip helped fund the science that protects whales?
On July 11 and 12, 2026, @coastalrainforestsafaris and @baycetology are teaming up for a rare offshore expedition out of Port Hardy. We will be searching remote waters for elusive species such as sperm whales, beaked whales, pelagic killer whales, and more. Best of all, your participation directly supports Bay Cetology’s conservation research in real time.
This is an expedition-style weekend with long days and variable sea conditions, making it a great fit for adventurous wildlife lovers.
Details and booking are available on our website (link in bio).
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#whaleresearch #whalewatching #visitporthardy #gonorthisland #indigenousbc
We are proud to share that our skipper and guide, @thomaswamiss , has been named a finalist for the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) Indigenous Tourism Awards in the Outstanding Staff Person category.
Thomas brings professionalism, calm leadership on the water, and a deep commitment to sharing culture and place with every guest. If you have travelled with him, you already know how much care he puts into every trip.
We have a great team at Coastal Rainforest Safaris, and the recognition Thomas has received in being named a finalist for this award speaks volumes about him and the culture our whole team brings to every trip. While this nomination is for Thomas, it also reflects the care and professionalism all our skippers, guides, and support staff deliver every day.
Congratulations, Thomas. We are honoured to have you on the CRS team.
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#IndigenousTourism #ITAC #IndigenousTourismAwards #DestinationIndigenous #TheOriginalOriginal #GoNorthIsland #VisitPortHardy
Photo-ID in action 📸🐋
Back in July, we encountered two humpback whales on an offshore trip that did not match any local photo-ID records. We later learned from @mersociety that neither whale appears in global databases either.
When we submit fluke photos from our tours, MERS can match unique markings and build sighting histories over time. That long-term data helps us better understand feeding areas, site fidelity, population estimates, and migration routes, plus so much more.
These two will soon receive temporary ID numbers from MERS, which is the first step in turning a brief encounter into long-term knowledge.
#humpbackwhale #photoID #citizenscience #WhaleWatching #visitporthardy #GoNorthIsland #indigenousbc #vancouverisland
Shearwaters are a common sight on our birding-focused tours all season, but later in the summer and into the fall they often show up on our Sea Otter and Whale Watching tours too.
We may spot Sooty and Short-tailed Shearwaters in the hundreds, and sometimes the thousands, as they move close inshore to feed.
#Birding #BCBirdTrail #Seabirds #BirdingBC #VisitPortHardy #GoNorthIsland #VancouverIsland #IndigenousBC
Rainy days still deliver. 🌧️🐋
Photos from this past August 16. A wet morning turned into a remarkable wildlife day: Northern Resident orcas, sea otters, sea lions, and humpback whales.
We can’t guarantee rain or wildlife, but we always do our best to show guests the wild beauty of our coast.
Thanks to everyone who braved the weather with us.
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#Orcas #SeaOtters #HumpbackWhales #SeaLions #WhaleWatching #VisitPortHardy #GoNorthIsland #IndigenousBC #TheInfiniteCoast
As we close out the year, we have been looking back at some of the rare encounters we had with species beyond our regularly seen sea otters, humpback whales, and sea lions.
Sperm whale (photos 1 and 2): A first for our entire staff. We detected clicks on our hydrophone and later spotted the unmistakable sideways blow of a sperm whale. It was approximately 18 metres long, about twice the length of our boat. While rare, these huge whales are a possibility on our Pelagic Birding tours and our new multi-day September Wildlife Spectacular trip.
Northern Resident super pod (photos 3 and 4): In August, several of our Sea Otter and Whale Watching tours found a super pod of Northern Resident orcas made up of matrilines from clans A, G, and R, with lots of activity and mixing. This super pod was in the remote waters northwest of Port Hardy, and we were the only boat out there with them each day.
Horned puffins (photo 5 and 6): We regularly see hundreds, sometimes thousands, of Tufted Puffins on our Puffin and Seabird tours, but this year we were especially fortunate to see Horned Puffins on every trip. There are estimated to be fewer than 50 breeding pairs in all of British Columbia.
Wolf pups (photos 7 and 8): We had several coastal wolf sightings on our day trips and select multi-day tours. One familiar pack had four pups this year.
King Eider (photo 9): A male King Eider in full breeding plumage is an exceptionally rare sight in British Columbia. Remarkably, this bird was seen on many of our July trips just minutes from the dock. King Eiders are normally found in the High Arctic.
Fin whale (photo 10): The second-largest whale in the world, and typically farther from shore. We were lucky to see two on one Pelagic Birding trip. In this photo you can even spot parasitic copepods on the whale’s flank that can reach 30 cm in length.
Thank you to everyone who joined us this past year. We are already looking forward to what next year brings.
#WhaleWatching #WildlifePhotography #Orcas #RareBird #SpermWhale #FinWhale #visitporthardy #GoNorthIsland #indigenousbc
Sperm whale photos by Andrew Jennings
Joining a tour with Coastal Rainforest Safaris is more than just going whale watching. It is connection, respect, and stories shared in the places many of our guides and staff come from.
Here is what Indigenous tourism means to our CRS team, and why it matters.
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#IndigenousTourism #VisitPortHardy #GoNorthIsland #VancouverIsland #ExploreBC #TheInfiniteCoast #ResponsibleTourism #indigenousbc #WhaleWatching #SeaOtters
While wildlife is the main draw of our tours, we also find simple beauty on our routes between sightings. When wind, waves, and tide line up, ocean swells peak and break over a submerged rock in T̓łat̕ła̱sikwa̱la First Nation territory.
📷 Photo: @davehutchisonimages
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#OceanSwell #Waves #CoastalWaters #OceanVibes #Seascape #VisitPortHardy #GoNorthIsland #VancouverIsland #ExploreBC #IndigenousBC
A calm-water moment from T̓łat̕ła̱sikwa̱la First Nation territory. Two sea otters drifting alongside a kelp bed, calm and curious, and completely at home out here.
📷 Photos: @davehutchisonimages
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#seaotters #visitporthardy #gonorthisland #vancouverisland #explorebc #indigenousbc #TheInfiniteCoast
A September highlight: seeing the A62 matriline of Northern Resident killer whales passing by Hardy Bay at the end of one of our trips. It is always a privilege to watch these magnificent animals travelling together and surfacing in rhythm. Moments like this are a powerful reminder of how special these waters are.
📷 Photos: @davehutchisonimages
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#Orcas #KillerWhales #NRKW #NorthernResidents #WhaleWatching #VisitPortHardy #GoNorthIsland #VancouverIsland #ExploreBC #IndigenousBC #TheInfiniteCoast
Turn the sound on and count the tail lobs… 🔊
Filmed this summer in T̕łat̕ła̱sikwa̱la territory, where this humpback spent minutes tail-lobbing while we floated at a respectful distance.
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#WhaleWatching #humpbackwhale #taillobbing #WildlifePhotography #visitporthardy #GoNorthIsland #VancouverIsland #ExploreBC #indigenousbc #theinfinitecoast