Telegraph Cove Whale Watching

It gets cold out on the water (trust us!), so we recommend windbreaker jackets, sweaters, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. It’s also a good idea to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a tight-fitting hat, a camera to capture some memorable moments and, above all, your sense of adventure!

Need to cancel or reschedule – no problem! Just contact us at least 48 hours prior to your adventure’s departure to reschedule or to cancel (and receive a full refund), no questions asked. Restrictions apply:

• For independent travel bookings of 9 passengers or less: 48 hours before scheduled departure, partial or whole cancellations made within 48 hours before departure will be charged 100% of the tour price. Tour amendments cannot be completed within a 48-hour window. There will be no refunds for cancellations within the cancellation period.
• For groups of 10-19: 14 days before scheduled departure, partial or whole cancellations made within 14 days before departure will be charged 100% of the tour price based on the reserved number of passengers, or the final number in attendance, whichever is greater. Tour amendments cannot be guaranteed within a 14-day window.
• For Groups 20+: 21 days before scheduled departure; partial or whole cancellations made within 21 days before departure will be charged 100% of the tour price. Tour amendments cannot be guaranteed within the 21-day window.
• For wholesale, travel trade, and 3rd party bookings, the cancellation and amendment policy can differ. Please refer to your booking contract for details.
• Bookings made with a Gift Certificate are solely refundable onto the original Gift Certificate itself. Gift Certificates are nonrefundable or redeemable for cash.
• If booking the Cove Combo package,  note that your booking will not be refundable within 30 days of your booking.
• Discounted or promotional bookings are final sale.

When can’t you see whales is the better question! Killer whales are very active in the area, especially Northern Resident killer whales, as they move to this area to feed on the abundant salmon of the Johnstone Strait. Humpbacks also often frequent these waters! A great creature, unlikely to see anywhere else, are White Sided Pacific Dolphins that often travel through the Broughton Archipelago in pods larger than 100 individuals!

Situated at the north end of Vancouver Island, Telegraph Cove is a community of about 20 residents. The small BC town is located approximately 210 kilometers (130 mi) northwest of Campbell River. It is a former fishing and cannery village that has become a launch point for eco-tourism. Getting to Telegraph Cove is relatively simple, and can be accessed by air, land, or sea. 

Yes! The road is paved. The drive from Nanaimo to Telegraph Cove is shorter, about 4 hrs and 350 km. Whichever route you choose, make sure you bring lots of snacks and water to keep you hydrated. If heading north, once you pass Campbell River, there is only one stop for gas/fuel before Telegraph Cove in Seyward, about 75 km from Campbell River and 150km left to go. There is also fuel in the small town of Port McNeill which is a 20-minute drive from Telegraph Cove. Unfortunately, there is no fuel in Telegraph Cove itself. Getting to Telegraph Cove is relatively simple, and can be accessed by air, land, or sea.