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.
This tour was well paced and a great introduction to South Africa, especially for travelers who enjoy exploring the world and finding the unexpected. One of the biggest surprises was the food. The cuisine was so unique and, as our guide advised us, plentiful. Paired with excellent South African wine, you are completely spoiled. Don’t hesitate to try new things such as Bobotie or ostrich.
All of the areas we visited were beautiful. I particularly loved Hermanus with its charming vibe and a spectacular whale watch, and I will dream of Tsitsikamma for a long time. Gazing into tide pools and spotting a beautiful octopus was incredible. Of course, a big part of Africa is the wildlife and this tour gives you plenty of exposure to many of the animals you hope to see. The elephants at Addo felt like something out of a movie. Cape Town is also fascinating. I had no idea the Cape of Good Hope was so vast. The beauty cannot be surpassed. We were lucky enough to have a perfect view at the top of Table Mountain, as well. The people are incredibly kind and friendly wherever you go and it we enjoyed experiencing the mixture of cultures.
The accommodations on this tour vary, but we enjoyed them all. The guesthouse in De Rust was so special as the hosts cooked incredible meals for us each night and treated us like special friends.
All in all, the time in South Africa was something I will never forget. The people, the scenery, the animals, the food…all of it was so much more than what I expected.
Unlike the dense Amazon rainforest, the Pantanal is more open and flat, making wildlife easier to spot. Over 650 bird species, including hyacinth macaws, Toco Toucans, Greater Rhea, jabiru storks.
Jaguars (we saw Three!) We also saw Capybaras, giant river otters, caimans, tapirs, Coati, Howler and Capuchin Monkeys, Azara’s agouti, tamandua, Crab eating fox to name a few!
A terrific experience of seeing wonderful animals close up in their natural environments and enjoying the hospitality of so many people so proud to show their countries to best advantage.
