When you venture away from the cosmopolitan cities of Toronto and Vancouver, you’ll find that Canada is brimming with some of the most awe-inspiring wildlife in the world. On our Canada wildlife holidays you can expect to encounter some of the world’s mightiest beasts such as the grizzly bear and black bear. A Zodiac trip out to the ocean also gives you a good chance of seeing various species of whale, including the humpback, grey whale and orca, and it’s likely you’ll spot seals and sea lions lazing on the rocks.
Hidden among mountains, forests and dramatic coastlines lie unforgettable wildlife adventures that take you closer to the action. Our Canada wildlife tours are uniquely designed to immerse you in once-in-a-lifetime experiences that let you scratch beneath the surface of Canada’s wildest landscapes. Embark on guided walking tours led by expert guides who teach you about the history, culture and wildlife of each destination in great depth.
Tofino Botanical Gardens, now known as Naa’Waya’Sum Coastal Indigenous Gardens, are spread across 12 acres of forest, gardens and coastline where you can learn about temperate rainforests and Canada’s natural world. This is a wonderful place where you’ll find a wide variety of birdlife, from hummingbirds and woodpeckers to the bald eagle. The Clayoquot Sound is one of the best places to see the black bear in its natural habitat and you’ll embark on a Zodiac tour of the bays and fjord inlet.
Whale Watching Boat Trip: One of Canada’s greatest inhabitants is the whale and there are few places as wild and wonderful as the Pacific Rim National Park to go in search of these incredible mammals. The park lies between the Pacific Coast and Vancouver Island and from the end of February to late May, grey whales begin their migration north. The best way to get up close to the various species of whale, including the humpback and orca, is on a Zodiac tour. As you head out onto the deep blue ocean, you’ll have the opportunity to see whales swimming between the waves and watch sea lions basking on the headland.
Black Bear Watching: The American black bear is indigenous to Canada, Mexico and North America, and on our Canada wildlife tours, you’ll venture into the wilderness of Clayoquot Sound, which lies on the west coast of Vancouver Island. This is the gateway to unforgettable wildlife adventures and where you can set off on a thrilling Zodiac tour of the area. Passing by sheltered bays and inlets, watch black bears roaming free and scouring the beaches for shellfish, from the safe distance of the boat. It’s a moving experience to see these strapping bears in their natural environment.
Explore the Campbell River: On the eastern side of Vancouver Island, the Campbell River is a wildlife lover’s dream and has certainly been blessed by Mother Nature. It has earned its status as a designated Heritage River of British Columbia and ‘The Salmon Capital of World’. The area surrounding the river boasts some of the country’s most beautiful scenery and our wildlife tours guide you to the best viewpoints. Along the river and streams you’ll see the likes of seals, kingfishers, eagles and bears all swooping in to catch the salmon as they leap out of the water.
Boat Tour of the Orford River: British Columbia is one of the best destinations to see grizzly bears and it’s estimated there are around 10,000 roaming the land here. With the mountain scenery framing the water, you’ll be in awe of this wildly beautiful setting which creates the backdrop to a boat tour along the river. An expert guide will steer you to a series of viewing platforms where you can watch bears in their natural habitat and feasting on the spawning salmon. Throughout this wildlife adventure you might also spy whales, dolphins, sea lions and porpoise.
Visit Quadra Island: Lying off the eastern coast of Vancouver Island, Quadra Island is a natural paradise, home to idyllic beaches and countless species of flora and fauna. You can reach the island via a ferry which takes you along the Discovery Passage. It’s not surprising the island is a popular destination for wildlife lovers owing to its pristine wilderness, friendly community and vast diversity of animals. Its lakes and coves are home to deer, harbour seals, peregrine falcons, river otters and oyster catchers, to name a few. One of the best ways to get up close and personal to the wildlife is on a sea kayaking excursion with an experienced marine observation guide.
Good experience despite the weather that forced us to miss a few highlights.
This was an amazing trip on so many levels.
I have come back feeling energised, invigorated and really sad to leave…testament to a great hol!
I was travelling on my own and apprehensive. I needn’t have been. My group were so welcoming and friendly. We got to know each other quite quickly and had such a laugh together. We are hoping to meet up again in the New Year.
The itinerary was so varied, there was never a dull moment. Ideally 14 days would be preferable as you are packing so much in.
Animals and birds- so much to see, recommend doing Schotia game drive and whale watching. Penguins at boulders beach were brilliant.
Flora-beautiful flowers, shrubs and trees and a chance to visit the botanical gardens in Cape Town.
Food-Wow…such a variety , huge portions and cheap. Recommend the ostrich, but so many other dishes to choose from( meat or veg)
Wine-fabulous and cheap. I loved the chenin blanc. I enjoyed the afternoon in Stellenbosch too.
Landscape-absolutely stunning..Tsitsikamma, Cape of Good Hope, ocean drives and more!
Activities- so varied and you have the opportunity to choose the activities you want to do at various locations.
Guide- Marco was great on every level. He was informative, professional, catered to everyone’s needs and kept us safe.
Accommodation – I particularly liked Tsitsikamma oceanette as right by the ocean. Got woken up at 5.30am by baboons jumping on the bin outside:-). Loved House Martin and the Windsor Hotel.
Cape Town-beautiful. I visited Robben Island, 2nd half of this tour was particular good as we were shown around by an ex inmate. I didn’t get the chance to go up Table Mountain as I had to leave early. There is so much to see and experience that I will definitely return.
This was my second wildlife oriented trip with Exodus and it did not disappoint. There is some long travel days but necessary to include as many wildlife opportunities as possible. The variety of landscapes from one park to the next is diverse and with the help of great guides we were able to see a wide variety of Chameleons ,Lemurs and reptiles and birds. Photography was challenging but still able to come home with a selection of nice images. Madagascar was a bucket list trip for the opportunity to see wildlife that can not be found anywhere else in the world . Ending the trip with some beach time and wildlife was perfect.