The Sunshine Coast is prime wildlife territory. Whether you're hoping to spot grizzlies along a glacier-fed river, head out on the water to see humpback whales, or marvel at a nesting colony of seabirds, there's a guided tour here for you. Read on to learn about local operators who can safely and responsibly take you in view of our furry, finned, and feathered friends, and keep in mind that many of these tours are offered seasonally and require booking ahead of time.
It’s also worth noting that while the tours listed below are specifically focused on wildlife viewing, it’s also common to see wildlife on other tours (including multi-day paddling trips and custom boat charters) or simply while you’re out experiencing the Sunshine Coast’s beaches, parks, trails, and waterways. Whales can be spotted from beach shorelines, kingfishers and eagles can be seen flying through the air, and Douglas squirrels can be spotted in the trees. It’s all about tuning into nature and paying attention to what’s happening around you.
Guided Wildlife Tour Operators
Talaysay Tours
Based in: Provincial Parks near Sechelt
Talaysay Tours is an Indigenous-owned tour operator that offers a variety of tours highlighting the land, culture, and stories. Bird enthusiasts will be particularly interested in the Songs of Birds tour that takes place in Sargeant Bay Provincial Park. Enjoy a gentle guided walk along the trails of this marsh ecosystem and discover the land through the voices of its winged inhabitants. The tour is led by Cultural Land Ambassadors and blends ecological knowledge with Coast Salish knowledge systems, weaving together science and story. You’ll be keeping an eye out for Great Blue Herons, Black Oystercatchers, Swainson’s Thrush, and many more species of birds.
Terracentric Coastal Adventures
Based in: Lund & Powell River
Terracentric Coastal Adventures offers a variety of boat and kayak tours, but if you’re looking for wildlife, you’ll want to check out these two tours. The Mitlenatch Island Zodiac Tour allows you to explore a birder's paradise. Book the half-day tour (3.5 hours) or the full-day tour (6 hours, including lunch) from Lund to check out the island's nesting colonies of around 30,000 gulls, cormorants, and other species of seabirds. After circumnavigating the island by boat, you'll get a wind-dependent chance to disembark and explore the island by foot.
Terracentric also offers a Tales of Whales Tour that departs from Beach Gardens Resort & Marina in Powell River. These zodiac tours are three hours long and are focused on humpback whales, marine wildlife sightings, and coastal history. Whale sightings aren’t guaranteed (their motto is: “expect nothing and everything is a gift”), but whales are very active in the area and you’ll have a chance to learn more about the Salish Sea, Texada Island, and Powell River
Rugged Coast Expeditions
Based in: Powell River
Rugged Coast Expeditions offers a Wildlife & Adventure Education Tour aboard a zodiac boat. Their two-hour tour combines wildlife viewing and coastal history, and you’ll search for sea life like humpback whales, northern stellar sea lions, and transient orcas. For those after something more custom, private tours are available too. No matter how you choose to explore it, the Salish Sea always puts on a show, and the stunning backdrop of the Coast Mountains makes for a spectacular afternoon on the water.
Egmont Adventure Centre
Based in: Egmont
The bark of a sea lion is unmistakable, and you'll get the chance to listen—and look—closely on this 1.5-hour guided tour with Egmont Adventure Centre . Departing from Egmont, the Sea Lion Boat Tour allows you to watch for sea lions as they lounge on sunbaked rocks and frolic in the water from the comfort of an open-air zodiac boat. If you're short on time, this is a great way to take in the local wildlife and stunning Sunshine Coast scenery; but you might want to consider booking an overnight stay in an ocean view room at West Coast Wilderness Lodge or Villas on the Inlet for a chance to spot marine life from your balcony.
Klahoose Wilderness Resort
Based in: Desolation Sound
Every fall, the all-inclusive and Indigenous-owned Klahoose Wilderness Resort runs guided grizzly bear viewing tours. From mid-August to late October, the majestic Xawgəs—grizzly bear—can be spotted lumbering along the banks of the Klite River looking for salmon. The annual salmon run is already spectacular to witness, but even more so when you can watch these incredible giants skillfully scooping and eating their catch to bulk up before they hibernate for winter.
From Lund, you’ll take a boat ride to the resort (another great opportunity to try and spot wildlife). During your stay, you'll travel by boat to the dock at Toba Inlet, where you'll then be shuttled to elevated viewing platforms tucked into the forest—getting as close to the grizzly bears as safely possible while they forage and feast along the riverbanks. Throughout your experience, Indigenous guides share knowledge and stories, helping you to form a deeper connection and respect for the land.
Wildlife Viewing Resources & Tips
While the operators mentioned above will have their own guidelines for you, if you’re venturing out and about there are some general things you should keep in mind:
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Wildsafe BC, Leave No Trace, and AdventureSmart are great resources for making any wildlife experiences positive and conflict free. Make sure you are informed, prepared, and aware at all times while adventuring outdoors. Remember that the Sunshine Coast is home to large mammals like grizzly bears, black bears, cougars, elk, and more.
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Even your journey to the Sunshine Coast can turn into a wildlife viewing opportunity. From the deck of a BC Ferries vessel, it's not uncommon to spot seals, dolphins, or even the occasional whale, especially in shoulder seasons when marine traffic is lighter and on quieter routes like the Earls Cove to Saltery Bay or Westview to Little River route.
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BC's coastline provides opportunities to observe whales and other marine life (including everything from purple sea stars to seals) in their natural environment—both from the shore at local beaches and from the water. Be sure to bring your binoculars and follow the guidelines to enjoy watching marine animals safely and responsibly.
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If wildlife viewing is your goal, leave your pets behind—they can disturb wildlife and cause distress.
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Remember that it’s illegal to fly drones near marine wildlife without a permit. Drone rules are also in place for areas like provincial parks.
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You can also see sea creatures up close at the Tidepools Aquarium in the Gibsons Public Market. It’s a collect-and-release aquarium featuring sea life from nearby Howe Sound, and even features some touch tanks.
