Big Animal Encounters

Big Animal Encounters Whales, Bears and Diving. Exploring British Columbia's rugged coastline for 30 years! With locations in Campbell River, Comox and Courtenay!

Jump on board one of our covered, heated boats, or hold on tight for a wild ride aboard one of our high speed zodiacs. Our experienced crew will take you on an adventure in search of the big animals of British Columbia!

04/11/2025

Pacific white-sided dolphins are fascinating creatures and are found throughout British Columbia waters.

These species are known for their playful and acrobatic displays, often leaping out of the water, spinning, and even doing backflips.
They are highly social animals and can be found in groups ranging from 10 to 100 individuals. Sometimes, even larger aggregations are observed, especially when food is abundant in the area. They are incredibly fast swimmers, capable of reaching speeds up to 56 km/h (35 mph). They love riding the bow waves of boats and ships, showcasing their speed and agility.

Year-Round Presence: Unlike some dolphin species, Pacific white-sided dolphins are found in BC waters year-round. They thrive in these temperate coastal waters, where they feed on fish and squid, often hunting in coordinated groups.

🐳 📷

04/04/2025

The BC coast is home to one of the largest populations of bald eagles in North America, with thousands of these majestic birds residing in the region, especially along the southern coast and in the temperate rainforests.
Incredible Fishers: Bald eagles along the BC coast are excellent fishers. They often hunt for fish like salmon, using their powerful talons to swoop down and catch prey. They can carry fish that weigh as much as their own body weight!
Year-Round Residents: While some bald eagles migrate, many on the BC coast are year-round residents. They tend to be more concentrated during the winter months when food is abundant, especially in areas where salmon runs occur.
Impressive Nesting: Bald eagles build massive nests, sometimes weighing over a ton! These nests are often located in tall trees near water, and they can be reused and added to year after year. Some of the largest nests have been recorded at over 3 meters (10 feet) in diameter.
Important Role in Ecosystem: Bald eagles play a key role in the BC coastal ecosystem by acting as scavengers. They help keep the environment clean by feeding on carrion and leftover fish, which supports the health of marine and forest ecosystems.

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Ready to cast your line and reel in some unforgettable memories? Our fishing charters in Campbell River and Comox are yo...
03/31/2025

Ready to cast your line and reel in some unforgettable memories? Our fishing charters in Campbell River and Comox are your ticket to an epic day on the water! Whether you’re bonding with family or enjoying some fun with friends, our knowledgeable guides will make sure you have an absolute blast! Target salmon, lingcod, and more with the best in the biz! Let’s make some waves together and explore BC’s stunning waters!

Ready to cast your line and reel in some unforgettable memories? Our fishing charters in Campbell River and Comox are yo...
03/31/2025

Ready to cast your line and reel in some unforgettable memories? Our fishing charters in Campbell River and Comox are your ticket to an epic day on the water! Whether you’re bonding with family or enjoying some fun with friends, our knowledgeable guides will make sure you have an absolute blast! Target salmon, lingcod, and more with the best in the biz! Let’s make some waves together and explore BC’s stunning waters!

https://biganimalencounters.com/book-now/

03/29/2025

🌊🐟 Don't Miss Out on the Final Herring Spawn Boat Tours of 2025! 🐟🌊

This Sunday is your last chance to experience one of nature's most incredible events — the herring spawn! Join us for a guided boat tour with Big Animal Encounters and get an up-close view of this awe-inspiring phenomenon.

✨ What to Expect:

Breathtaking wildlife encounters and local marine life
Expert guides sharing fascinating insights
📅 Date: This Sunday
⏰ Time: 8:30-12:30
🚤 Location: Big Animal Encounters in Comox

Don't wait — book your spot today
Experience Comox Valley

👉 DM us or visit our website to reserve your spot!

Join us to discover what beautiful Vancouver Island has to offer! Since 1994, we’ve been sharing our small piece of paradise with guests from around the world.

Spring has sprung, and so has our family and friends sale! Book three seats on our unforgettable 4 or 7 hour whale and w...
03/29/2025

Spring has sprung, and so has our family and friends sale! Book three seats on our unforgettable 4 or 7 hour whale and wildlife tours, and your fourth seat’s on us! Cruise on our cozy, fully-equipped vessels like the impressive Pacific Seeker, and immerse yourself in the wild splendour of the Salish Sea. Don’t forget to enter promo code '4spring' at checkout. Let’s create lasting memories and experience the wonders of nature together! Valid for trips between May 17 - June 27.

03/28/2025

Welcome to our weekly post, where we feature a different animal every week that we routinely spot on our tours. This week it's one of our favourites the Humpback Whale. Humpback whales in British Columbia migrate annually between their feeding grounds in the cold, nutrient-rich waters off the coast and their breeding grounds in tropical or subtropical waters. During the summer months, they primarily feed on krill and small fish, using bubble-net feeding techniques to trap their prey.
Humpback whale populations in BC have been recovering steadily after being severely impacted by whaling in the 20th century. These giants can grow up to 16 meters (52 feet) long and weigh around 36,000 kilograms (79,000 pounds).

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03/26/2025

Welcome to Canada! We are looking forward to kicking the 2025 tour season on May 17. Are you in?

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Just a few seats left on our Herring tours beginning this week and running through the end of the month. Join us aboard ...
03/10/2025

Just a few seats left on our Herring tours beginning this week and running through the end of the month. Join us aboard our covered, heated vessel ATA-Tude as we explore the unique influx of marine life that gather around Hornby Island each year for just a few weeks. We counted 45 Bald Eagles on Norris rocks yesterday!! 🤯

Another amazing weekend on the water in   and
03/10/2025

Another amazing weekend on the water in and

Ready to embark on an extraordinary journey? We’re hiring passionate individuals to join our wildlife tourism team! If y...
02/20/2025

Ready to embark on an extraordinary journey? We’re hiring passionate individuals to join our wildlife tourism team! If you love nature and want to create unforgettable experiences for our guests, this is your chance! Enjoy the thrill of whale watching, encounter majestic grizzly bears, and connect with incredible marine life aboard our state-of-the-art vessels. Be part of our mission for conservation and adventure! Explore your future with us today!

Email us at: [email protected]

Family day celebrations remind us of the deep bonds we share, just like the playful interactions among orca families! Th...
02/17/2025

Family day celebrations remind us of the deep bonds we share, just like the playful interactions among orca families! These majestic creatures thrive in the embrace of our oceans, where joy and connection flourish. Watching them frolic together is a beautiful reminder to cherish moments with our loved ones. Let’s celebrate together, nature lovers! Dive into an unforgettable experience with us—explore the breathtaking sights of orcas and more, while discovering the wonders of wildlife around Campbell River and Comox!

Looking for the perfect way to sweep your special someone off their feet this summer? How about a breathtaking whale wat...
02/14/2025

Looking for the perfect way to sweep your special someone off their feet this summer? How about a breathtaking whale watching adventure? Climb aboard for unforgettable views and comfort! From the thrill of spotting humpback whales to the awe of seals basking in the sun, this tour is a connection to nature like no other. Plus, book now to snag a $20 gift card for our gift shop! Create unforgettable memories together! .

Use discount code "Valentine2025" on checkout. Sale ends February 28, 2025 and applies to all 2025 whale watching bookings. One gift certificate per booking.

In 2022 we hosted a Dutch film crew for a few days of filming in the beautiful waters around Campbell River. Although we...
02/08/2025

In 2022 we hosted a Dutch film crew for a few days of filming in the beautiful waters around Campbell River. Although we can't quite understand everything that is being said, we're pretty sure they were excited. Destination Campbell River Destination British Columbia Experience Comox Valley

Klaas van Kruistum bewijst dat hij (bijna) alles kan! Hij gaat 'onmogelijke' uitdagingen aan, oefent de meest moeilijke beroepen uit en daagt mensen die toppers zijn in hun beroep uit om het tegen hem op te nemen.

02/07/2025

Get ready to dive into adventure! Whether you're whale watching or spotting bears, there’s no shortage of amazing animals waiting for you on Vancouver Island! Our tours take you through breathtaking landscapes, where outdoor exploration meets unforgettable wildlife encounters. Picture yourself surrounded by humpback whales or grizzly bears feasting on salmon in stunning Desolation Sound! Let’s explore nature together and create memories that last a lifetime!

Address

129-1340 Island Highway
Campbell River, BC
V9W8C9

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 6:30pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 6:30pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 6:30pm
Thursday 7:30am - 6:30pm
Friday 7:30am - 6:30pm
Saturday 7:30am - 6:30pm
Sunday 9:30am - 5:30pm

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