Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours

2012-01-02T18:56:00.000-08:00

Absolutely nature at it finest !

This and more is in store this coming 2012 season !

JOIN US.

Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours

Hurricane Jack Adventures

2011-12-30T09:19:00.000-08:00

2011 was a spectacular Summer !

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Join us for a Spectacular 2012 Season !

Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure tours

Campbell River Grizzly bear Tours

Hurricane Jack Adventures

2011-12-19T09:40:00.000-08:00

More memories from the summer of 2011

Join us for a great adventure in 2012

Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours
Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours
Hurricane Jack Adventures

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us to you !

2011-12-03T14:28:00.000-08:00

Just Looking back again at Bute Inlet Grizzly Bear Watching !

Book now for 2012 Whale Watching, Wild Life, Ocean Rapid and Grizzxly Bear Tours !
Don't be disappointed by leaving it to the last moment.

Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours
Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours
Hurricane Jack Adventures

2011-11-27T08:24:00.000-08:00

Another look back at a wonderful Summer 2011.

Photo thanks to Jill and Frank Wassink

Come and join us for 2012

Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours
Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours
Hurricane Jack Adventures.

2011-11-17T12:38:00.000-08:00

Summer album additions !

Come and join us in 2012 !

Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours
Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours
Hurricane Jack Adventures

2011-11-10T13:52:00.000-08:00

Looking back at a memorable day !

Remember to join us in 2012 so you can experience your own memorable moments.

Campbell River whale Watching and Adventure Tours

Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours

Hurricane Jack Adventures

2011-11-04T10:24:00.000-07:00

More photos of this past season ! WOW !

Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours

Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours

Hurricane Jack Adventures

2011-11-01T23:48:00.000-07:00

Wonderful spyhop photo experience !

We love getting photos from our guests, to remind us of the fabulous experiences we have had this year. Here is one just recently sent from the Leffring family. Orca spyhop!!

Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours
Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours
Hurricane Jack Adventures

2011-10-29T07:48:00.000-07:00

A wonderful day of memories with Aaron sent in by Jill and Frank Wassink .

Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours
Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours
Hurricane Jack Adventures

2011-10-25T11:31:00.000-07:00

Some more Grizzly Bear Tour memories.

Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours
Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours
Hurricane Jack Adventures

2011-10-19T23:56:00.000-07:00

We have a photo album full of this season's memories !

Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours
Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours
Hurricane Jack Adventures

2011-10-12T12:11:00.000-07:00

STILL GREAT GRIZZLY BEAR VIEWING SEASON !

Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours
Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours
Hurricane Jack Adventures

2011-10-07T10:09:00.000-07:00

EVEN A BEAR HAS TO HAVE BALANCE !
Here are some great photos showing the curiosity side of nature.

Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours
Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours
Hurricane Jack Adventures

2011-10-02T11:59:00.000-07:00

More Wonderful Photos from a great day on the Water !

Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours
Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours
Hurricane Jack Adventures

2011-10-01T13:43:00.000-07:00

Enjoy a day of Grizzly Bear Viewing with us !

River levels are high...but still seeing lots of bears - Mother and a cub have been sighted as well - pictures to follow. Just an amazing place to visit up at the Orford River.

Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours
Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours
Hurricane Jack Adventures

2011-09-29T00:38:00.000-07:00

OUR DAYS JUST GET BETTER AND BETTER !

Everyday seems to get better than the last one. We live in an amazing place on the planet and the following pictures are better than any more words I could write to describe it all.

Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours
Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours
Hurricane Jack Adventures

2011-09-24T00:47:00.000-07:00

WE LIVE IN AN OCEAN HEAVEN ON EARTH

FIN WHALE...2nd Largest 'living' Mammal in the WORLD we (personally) have not seen one in this area before, but apparently they have come through before. Here are a mix of pictures from a great day on the water.

Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours
Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours
Hurricane Jack Adventures

TWO GREAT PICTURES OF THE FIN WHALE

2011-09-21T13:24:00.000-07:00

BEARS BEARS AND MORE BEARS !

A beautiful fall day up at the Orford River - more bears showing up everyday, and feed off of all the pink and chum salmon in the river!! The colours are so dynamic.

Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours
Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours
Hurricane Jack Adventures

2011-09-15T17:51:00.000-07:00

ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE !

A very fall day here in Campbell River (covered boat day :))- but weather does not impeed wildlife. The day was spent with the A30's off of Cracroft Island - and that group of 500+ dolphins are still feeding off of Windy Point (Johnstone Strait). We even had a humpback whale feeding within the mob of dolphins. WOW!!! Sun is now shining...looking forward to the adventure and mother nature's grandeur tomorrow.

Jen

Campbell River Whale watching and Adventure Tours
Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours
Hurricdane Jack Adventures

2011-09-14T11:50:00.000-07:00

IT'S STILL WILD AND WONDERFUL ON THE WATER !

JOIN US TODAY !

Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours
Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours
Hurricane Jack Adventures

2011-09-12T14:46:00.000-07:00

HERE ARE SOME ASTONISHING PHOTOS FROM A TRIP LAST WEEK !

The "It's a once in a lifetime experience Everyday" trip caught on film by Hurricane Jack.

Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours
Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours
Hurricane Jack Adventures

2011-09-12T13:02:00.000-07:00

SEPTEMBER IS AN INCREDIBLE MONTH

Join us for A Wildlife trip you will never forget. We encourage you to bring your cameras and take home memories that will last forever. Enjoy a " ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE ..EVERY TIME"

Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours
Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours
Hurricane Jack Adventures

2011-08-29T14:19:00.000-07:00

A picture is worth a thousand words. So here are thousands and thousands of words.
All from:
Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours
Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours
Hurricane Jack Adventures

2011-08-22T13:23:00.000-07:00

WHAT A TERRIC DAY !
Yesterday - we could not have asked for a better day. Orca west bound in Kelsey Bay and two humpback whales. One just south of Kelsey and a playful adolescent heading into Mayne Passage (lots of tail and pectoral fin slaps). And of course the beautiful sunshine and amazing guests!! We are off the dock - heading back to Johnstone Strait, reports of Orca East Bound at Naka Creek!! AWESOME...
Jen
Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours
Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours
Hurricane Jack Adventures

2011-08-12T12:23:00.000-07:00

THE DAYS JUST GET BETTER !
Jack went North - Aaron and Jen decided to go south. And yes, found both groups of Orca. We then travelled to Bute Inlet and found two black bears foraging on the mussels/seaweed/barnacles. Stomachs growling, we headed to Big Bay for lunch, but not before we hit the tidal currents at Jimmy Judd Island to view the Eagle Show (feeding off of the Hake). A calm sunny day in paradise, could ask for a better day!

And then, the day just gets better. Aaron and Jen headed out again at 4pm and were privileged to view one of the transient Orca groups from earlier in the day. This group was foraging around Breten Islands (Heriot Bay, Quadra Island) - and yet another group was heading out of Hoskyns Channel as well (about 15 Orca in total..awe inspiring). The day was then topped off by a group of about 15 dolphins, feed/playing outside of Surge Narrows (b/w Reed and Quadra Isl). What are we going to see today!

Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours
Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours
Hurricane Jack Adventures

2011-08-11T13:47:00.000-07:00

Jen,

Whales, Dolphins, Bears, Great Lunch (minus the carrot cake), Seals, Eagles,Tidal Rapids and a Ride Home that surpassed anything Disney has to offer...we truly felt that you went above and beyond to make the day special...despite the fact you wouldn't take credit for the dolphins or the gorgeous weather! Even though we live in the Comox Valley we never tire of proving that Vancouver Island is Paradise! Our Swiss friends will be taking home some phenomenal memories and Britt (my 22 year old daughter) stated emphatically it was the highlight of her summer. Thank you again for the awesome day.
Dawn Lawrie (Dreyer)

Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours
Campbell River Grizzly Tours
Hurricane Jack Adventures

2011-08-07T09:51:00.000-07:00

WHALES AND MORE WHALES !

The A23's (resident Orcas) are currently east bound at Naka Creek!!

Jen

Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours
Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours
Hurricane Jack Adventures

2011-08-06T11:29:00.000-07:00

WORLDS ONLY 5 OCEAN RAPIDS TOUR !

A beautiful day on the water - Wednesday - an Ocean Rapids Tour with the Barker Family, was so much fun...guess who took the hood off of Al's suit. It was hilarious - just watch the video on our You Tube channel. You can also access it from our Facebook page. Another terrific adventure. A great day for local ocean traffic as well.

Jen

Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours
Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours
Hurricane Jack Advenutures

2011-08-04T19:52:00.000-07:00

A GOOD DAY ON THE WATER
Yesterday - we had both Transient and Resident in Johnstone Strait, only a mile away from each other. Quite rare - the A23's/24's travelling west up the Vancouver Island shoreline near Eve River, and the T002's close behind them on the mainland shoreline.

Jen

Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours
Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours
Hurricane Jack Advenutures

2011-08-01T15:02:00.000-07:00

ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE !
Yesterday was a long but great day! Mix sun/cloud calm ocean - lots of wildlife. We had the A23's East Bound from Camp Point and they continued into Nodales Channel. 30 pacific white sided dolphins in Disovery Passage, and 70+ Eagles feeding on the Hake, in the tidal currents at Jimmy Judd. On our afternoon tour, we had to idle out of the marina and there was T20 and T21 (Transient Orca) heading north - we made it in just before the rain, and now we are heading out in the sunshine this morning! Transient Orca already reported at Naka Creek in Johnstone Stait, so that is where we are heading.

Jen
Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours
Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours
Hurricane Jack Adventures

2011-07-28T13:16:00.000-07:00

YES ! SUMMER IS HERE .
So...let's start with yesterday :) We managed to catch up to the A23/24's in Johnstone Strait at Camp Point - their second favourite rubbing area. It is always nice to have them this side of Kelsey Bay; and to top it off we got to see the T002's on the way home. Lots of black bear still in Bute Inlet especially, the other day we saw at least 6 bears foraging on the shore line. And SUMMER Is HERE!!!
And today, we bounced our way up (gently) Discovery Passage and Johnstone Strait, when a funny thing happened. Bathroom break (coffee drinkers :)) at Camp Point, and heard a PAN PAN (distress/non urgent) call on Ch. 16 about Orca in Sunderland Channel, just around the corner.
Well this pleasure boater who called in made a tad of a mistake - in terms of how they called it in, and got a little bit of a talking to by Comox Coast Guard, but he led us to the Orca. And we got to view them in Calm Waters - fun was had by all, and we even got to view a 'high tide' black bear in Philiips arm.

JEN

CAMPBELL RIVER WHALE WATCHING AND ADVENTURE TOURS
CAMPBELL RIVER GRIZZLY BEAR TOURS
HURRICANE JACK ADVENTURES

2011-07-23T09:52:00.000-07:00

EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME !

Driving up Johnstone Strait, to view the resident Orca - calm seas and sunshine. Reports were that all the current Resident Orca, A12, A36's, A24's and A23's were West infront of Cracroft Point. A long way, but we were on our way but...the report of the A23's and 24's was not confirmed and we found them East of Eve River in Johnstone Strait, lazily making their way to the East! A great viewing - we had a great lunch and made our way through Sunderland Channel - only to find a group of 3 transient Orca heading into Welbourne Passage and then....a black bear in Chancellor Channel - and a beautiful boat ride home... an experience of a life time for all!

CAMPBELL RIVER WHALE WATCHING AND ADVENTURE TOURS
CAMPBELL RIVER GRIZZLY BEAR TOURS
HURRICANE JACK ADVENTURES

2011-07-20T23:47:00.000-07:00

WHAT AN AMAZING DAY !

A few days of sun - and everyone is smiling. We had a group of Transient Orca today frolicking, and I mean frolicking in Seymour Narrows for the majority of the day. Breaching, tail slaps, spy hops, amazing vocals...and we think some 'loving' was in the air. One of the most amazing experiences to see, for all the guides and guests on the water.
And..a large group of pacific white sided dolphins at Hall Point (Nodales) and black bears on Sonora Island and Bute Inlet. Weather held till the end of the day - and we are again, looking forward to what beholds us tomorrow.

Jen
Hurricane Jack Adventures
Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours
Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours

2011-07-19T22:22:00.000-07:00

Hello Jack

What a great Ocean Rapids trip everyone had yesterday! Our guide, Erin, was awesome! You can't believe how great it was that our Spanish students could experience this and even better that we had Erin's experience and know how to allow us the opportunity to see black bear, dolphins, harbour seals, sea lions and more.

A trip of a live time for most of them!
Thanks so much, Holly

Hurricane Jack Adventures
Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours
Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours

2011-07-18T20:44:00.000-07:00

Saw the northern Residents today - in Johnstone Strait just east of Eve River - the A23's were sleepily making their way east. The seas were calm - sun was shinnig, a truely perfect day. About 250 pacific where also foraging for herring in Discovery Passage. Can't wait for tomorrow!

Hurricane Jack Adventures
Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventures
Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours

2011-06-19T22:32:00.000-07:00

June 18th, 2011
The morning began with expectations high but the show that we got was beyond everyone's dream !
The Orca had not been seen in the morning so we headed north of Campbell River to the mainland inlets. A beautiful Cinnamon Bear on Sonora Island was waiting for us as we approached Thurston Bay Marine Park. Everyone was excited to see that off to the right another larger Black Bear (male) was keeping an eye on his spring mating partner.

Once we reached the mainland and started down the channel of calm, glass-like waters on the Inlet, it seemed as though we were floating on a carpet of air.
At the end of the Inlet found Grizzly Bears foraging on the new grass shoots near the river estuary. We saw 5 Grizzlies in total but this young fellow pictured here, stole the show. He walked slowly out of the tree cover and proceeded to sit and forage in the long grass. After about 10 minutes he walked forward to the log, stretched out and fell asleep ! Hard to believe but we just left him there, sound asleep at 2 in the afternoon.

Wonderful day, great people !
Cheers
Hurricane Jack

Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours
Hurricane Jack Adventures
Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours

2011-06-12T20:05:00.000-07:00

June 11th, 2001
Another wonderful day on the water with nature lovers !
      Pick up at Lund B.C. with a group from the Malapina Naturalist Society. With high expectation we headed north to Twin Islands in Desolation Sound where with help from Martin we found 5 Tranisent Orca heading northeast toward King Horn Island. T20 can be seen very clearly with his cut out nick on the backside of his dorsal. Along with 4 of his accomplices, they made the first few hours of our trip most enjoyable.
     After many attempts to depart from the great show the Orca were putting on, we headed into Bute Inlet where we found this very large Black Bear sleeping on the edge of a rock bluff. (see pic) A few mile down the channel we found another Black bear gazing at himself in the still waters of the the beautiful Bute Inlet.

    The surprise of the day had to be another group of 4 Transients that we found entering Arron Rapids against the flood tide. (see pic) These 4 small fins made their way 3/4 the way through when a Harbour Seal swam through the rapids and was quickly made into lunch by the hungry group of Orca.

    We headed for a coffee / hot chocolate break at Big Bay while the Orca continued to circumnavigate Stuart Island. Later on the way back to Lund and a few stops for playful Dalls Porpoise, we heard from our other Zodiac which had come out later in the day, that the Orca went through the Arron Rapids once again, this time snacking on a Harbour Porpise!
A great day for all, especially those of us high on the food chain !

Cheers

Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching
Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours

Jack Springer
General Manager

2011-06-10T09:23:00.000-07:00

June 9th, 2011
The wildlife continues it's cycle this spring and the mainland river estuaries are now popular spots for Grizzly Bears to forage on the tender young grasses. Pictures here is a Grizzly sow and her 2nd year cub lounge the afternoon away in a coastal Inlet. On the way into the Inlet we found this young yearling Black Bear foraging for small rock crabs at low tide on Sonora Island. After a short coffee and hot chocolate break at Stuart Island we headed home through Hole in the Wall and Okissolo passages. During the journey home we had a lucky find, a small Grey Whale heading south towards Brown's Bay, foraging in the shallows of small creeks along the way. Great day and great company.
Cheers
Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching
Campbell River Whale Watching

2011-06-05T14:01:00.000-07:00

June 4th, 2011
Summer like weather and the Orca, Black Bears and Dolphin provided the entertainment.
We headed south from Campbell River and found the Transient Orca in Sutil Channel heading south. With lots of breeching and vocalization, the Orca put on a great show for everyone. By time we left the Orca and heading toward our coffee break at Stuart Island, the tide was beginning to rise quickly but we were still able to find 3 Black Bears feeding along the shore in to Butte Inlet.
On the way home, the Pacific White Sided Dolphins topped off the day as they pursued small herring in Discovery Passage.
Lots of wildlife and great company.

Cheers
Aaron Webber

Campbell River Whale Watching
Hurricane Jack Adventures
Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours

2011-04-25T14:03:00.000-07:00

Easter Wildlife Tour -
Campbell River Whale Watching On Saturday morning we headed out to Desolation Sound in bright sunshine. With some help from local fisherman and weekend prawners we were able to find the Orca as they made their way east from King Horn Island. These Transient Orca were spread out in small groups of 2 or 3, from West Rodonda to Mink and Otter Islands. The total number seemed to be 10 or more, including 3 large males and at least 1 new calf.

The day was incredibly warm for April and after the orca grouped up and headed into Waddington Channel, we headed for Refuse Cove for coffee and snacks. We headed home through Lewis Channel and Hole in the Wall and Okissolo, finding some very tired looking Sea Lions hauled out at North Bluffs in DiscoveryPassage. Fabulous day in April ! If you wish to see some action video, check out our You Tube link for "Desolation Orca"
Cheers
Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching
Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours

2011-04-22T12:38:00.000-07:00

The beautiful weather provided a wonderful backdrop for 3 families as weheaded out Thursday morning in search of Wildlife. While the children werehoping for Rabbits (Easter on Sunday) we were able to find Sea lions, avery cooperative Black Bear and lots of Bald Eagles.
We also had another opportunity to try out our "Go Pro" video camera withsome success. Check out the You Tube / Facebook link from our website.

Happy Easter
Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching
Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours

2011-04-09T10:49:00.000-07:00

April 7th, 2011
Campbell River Whale Watching first tour of the year!

In bright sunshine and with 6 energetic guests, we headed out on our first tour of the year. With reports of Orca the previous day we were optimistic that they may still be around. Sea Lions dominated our tour and they seem to be feeding or resting in every back-eddy as we traveled up Discovery Passage. The Island of Jimmy Judd near Stuart Island, had the largest number, close to 40 large Stellar Sea Lions resting in the sunshine. (picture) (also check our Face book site for video of these big boys) .

After a short stop at Stuart Island Community dock for coffee & hot chocolate (picture), we headed out to Thurston Bay in the hope of finding Black Bear feeding on the beach at low tide. Unfortunately we didn't see any Bears on this tour in fact I was very surprised that Spring has been somewhat delayed in the Sonora Island area. (compared to Campbell River) The grassy areas in the river estuaries were still brown in colour, showing no signs of new growth, not even skunk cabbage! What we need is a few more days of back to back warm weather to give everything a kick start.

Looking forward to a great spring season and the warmer weather to come.

Cheers

Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours
Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours

2011-03-23T12:04:00.000-07:00

As part of our review of last year, we are sharing pictures sent to us by many of our guests. Laurie B. has sent us some photos of the tour with Campbell River Whale Watching in July, 2010. A quick shutter finger caught this Orca during a breach in Nodales Passage near Sonora Island. The picture of the Black Bear on the rocks was taken in Bute Inlet I believe. There are lots of mussels that are exposed at low tide and they make a nice morning snack for the bears. The picture of the Zodiac moored to the dock - On the warm and calm July afternoon we took advantage of this remote dock for our lunch break on East Thurlow Island.
Thank you very much for sharing the pictures with us Laurie.
Memories are forever !
Cheers
Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching
Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours

2011-03-20T13:04:00.000-07:00

Photos courtesy of Jeannette Savard. A complete "hat trick" on her Grizzly tour September 10th, 2010. Transient Orca off the east end of Quadra Island,Sea Lions feeding near Stuart Island and a good number of grizzly Bears including a pair of yearling cub at our Orford River Grizzly Bear viewing platforms.

Thank you for sharing the memories Jeannete.
Cheers
Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching
Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours

2011-03-11T10:57:00.000-08:00

Some great Orca photographs from our guests "Hans and Helen" taken on a

typical day Whale Watching out of Campbell River with Campbell River Whale
Watching. Thanks to Hans & Helen taking the time to send these along.

Enjoy !
Hurricane Jack

Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours
Toll Free: 1-877-909-2667
Local: 1-250-287-2667

http://www.campbellriverwhalewatching.com/
http://www.campbellrivergrizzlybeartours.com/
http://www.hurricanejackadventures.com/

2011-03-05T13:12:00.000-08:00

Orca, Bears, tame deer and great company !

Filip and family from the Netherlands sents us some pictures of his adventure with us in July of 2010.

Hi Jack, Although it’s already some time ago, and we are already back to our jobs/school for some weeks now, I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for a memorable day. Looking back it’s safe to say that the whale watching tour is one of the highlights of our holiday in Canada! " Pictures of the group on the Whale Watching adventure getting ready for departure. Everyone is pumped for a great day ! Orca suddenly coming a little too close (A Clan) and a picture of the kids enjoying the tame deer at our Port Neville lunch stop.

Can't wait to get back on the water !

Cheers

Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching
Campbell River Grizzly Bear Tours

2010-10-04T01:25:00.001-07:00

October 3rd, 2010

Good evening from the Float House
Discovery Harbour Marina

And what a day is was !

Our Grizzly tours has been wonderful this year but today ..... had to be one of those that will stay in our memories for a long time.

The pictures only begin to show the Grizzly show at the Orford today, the sleeping boar, 30 feet from our viewing tour, the snorkeling for salmon Grizzly and many, many others as well. The weather was wonderful as well, the lunch on the dock in Orford Bay and then ..., 35+ Orca in Discovery Passage on the way home. I have attached a picture of A38 (of the A30's) and G38 (of the G17's) but we also had the A12's, A36's, and I11's. These Orca have been south of Campbell River for the past 3 days. Why ? We are not sure but Northern Resident Orca often feed south of us in the winter and early spring but this was a new one for most of us.

A fabulous day for all who happened to be on the water or at the Orford today.

Cheers

Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching

2010-09-14T09:54:00.000-07:00

September 13th, 2010

Good evening from the Float House
Discovery Harbour Marina

It was just a "Orca Love in" today !
Transient Orca numbering 25+ came together to socilaize and frolic in the calm water and sun shine about 2 miles south of Mitlenatch Island this morning. We have had transient Orca (mammal eating) in and around the Campbell River area for over a week now and today they all showed up together to enjoy the return of the good weather.

Some incredible vocals and breaching displays from both the males and females but what was really evident was the way in which they love personal contact. They rolled, pushed, tail wagged and spy-hopped their way slowly westward, last seen just south of Quadra Island.

The weather looks like it is going to hold for the rest of this week and I'm sure the Orca will still be close.

Hope to see you out there.

Cheers

Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching

2010-09-13T09:31:00.000-07:00

September 12, 2010

Good evening from the Float House Office
Discovery Harbour Marina

The Grizzly Bears tours are heating up and it will just get better and better !

Our morning tour began by spending the first hour with Mom and her 2 new cubs as they spent a restful morning near the spawning channel at the Orford River (Bute Inlet). We later moved to the 5th viewing platform where we watched as 2 other Grizzlies stolled by searching for fish below. The sow and 2 cubs from earlier appeared as our viewing time came to a close when everything went into high gear quickly!
That old saying "Never get between a Sow and her cubs" became very clear to one of the younger Grizzlies as she found herself in the wrong spot at the wrong time!
It was all over in a few hectic minutes and thankfully things were worked out without any physical contact. A lot of posturing by both sow Grizzlies and a lot of howling by the cubs for a few frantic minutes but everything worked out. Still pictures just don't do it justice.

Hope you get a chance to take in the Grizzlies at the Orford River this fall.

Cheers

Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching

2010-09-07T21:30:00.001-07:00

September 7th, 2010

Good evening from the Float House
Discovery Harbour Marina

While the Orca have been absolutely fantastic this past week, our Grizzly Tours are in full swing and I wanted to give everyone an idea of what really happens on our Grizzly Tours.
We travel to the Orford River In Bute Inlet by covered and heated vessels. Once on the ground, we travel by van about 4 km up the river where we watch the Grizzlies catch and feed on the spawning salmon from the safety of raised platforms along the river bank.
Pictured below is an effort to show you the picture takers (our guests) and the pictures they take from the towers. The bears travel up and down the river depending on the tides and the time of day. On this day, Sept 5th, we saw 8 separate Grizzlies while on this one tower as well as 4 more while traveling in and out in the van, one Sow with 2 cubs.
The Salmon are just arriving in the Orford River and by the end of the week the number of Grizzlies should double. We expect to see a lot of cubs this year as last fall the salmon numbers were high and that gave the pregnant females a healthy boast for their winter hibernation.

If Grizzly viewing is on your bucket list or you just want to see these amazing creatures in their natural habitat, this is a good time of the year to do it.
Hope to see you out there.

Cheers

Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching

2010-08-30T22:33:00.000-07:00

August 31th, 2010

Good morning from the Flaot House
Discovery Harbour Marina

Yesterday will go down in the memory of the many who were on the water north of Campbell River ! The day began quickly with a 2 groups of Resident orca (fish eating) called the C6's and C10's (pictured) heading south at Race Point. (10 minutes out of the marina)

Once in Nodales Passage, the real story unfolded as wave after wave of Orca arrived. A12's, A36's, all the A4's and A5's as well as some "I" Clan members that we were not able to get an "ID" on. This on a day that we were headed into the Orford River on our first Grizzly Tour!

The Grizzlies were good but we do need more water in the river in order for the fish to enter and this rain that we have today may be just what we need. Only 3 good (close) Grizzlies today. Pictured is a large male foraging amongst the shoreline wood jam for remnants of early spawned salmon and a young male strolling along the road while we took a washroom break.

While most of the day was spent with the Grizzlies, the 50+ Orca in Nodales stole the show !!

Hope you find time to get out and enjoy the water.

Cheers

Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching

2010-08-28T09:22:00.001-07:00

August 28th, 2010

Good morning from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina

As we approach the end of the summer we are experiencing some of the best Whale Watching of the season. Lots of fish and lots of happy Orca in the Strait. Pictured is A37 as he makes his way east in Johnstone Strait near "Beautiful Bay" yesterday. His younger brother and adopted matriarch, A12 have spend a good part of their summer together in the waters just north of Campbell River this summer.

As the kids get ready to head back to school, commercial sockeye fishing finally ends and the number of recreational fishing boats drops off, September is a quiet place to enjoy the Orca ! Get ready for a warm and sunny fall !

Hope to see you out there.

Cheers

Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching

2010-08-26T08:35:00.001-07:00

August 25th, 2010

Good morning from the Float House
Discovery Harbour Marina

While the story of the fabulous fishing on the B.C. coast has made the news this summer, the underlying story of the numerous and happy Orca in Johnstone Strait has gone unheard. What a season it has been!

The past 2 weeks of warm weather and little wind has made for some of the best Whale Watching experiences in the past 10 years. With multiple pods of "A" and "I" Clans in the Strait combined with "Transient Orca " sightings almost on a daily basis, has made everyday on the water an incredible adventure.

Pictured is "A12" along side her adopted boys A37 and A46. Quite a touching story is unfolding with this small group of Orca. A story that is too long for this Blog but needs to be shared at some point.

If you haven't been able to find the time to get out on the water this summer it is not too late. The fish keep flowing in from the west and the Orca will be here right through September.

Cheers

Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching

2010-08-22T21:53:00.001-07:00

August 22, 2010

Good evening from the Float House
Discovery Harbour Marina

Another interesting day on the water today !

A group from Paris wanted to see Bears today and we headed out early before it warmed up. We ran into a doe and her "very late" twins in the Browns Bay area and then we found this large Black Bear just north of Eagles Cove.

Traveling into Bute Inlet early in the morning was wonderful ! A few of the deciduous trees are beginning to turn already and the scenery was fabulous as usual. We found this young Grizzly foraging along the shore near the Orford River estuary. Very friendly and not really concerned about visitors to the inlet.
No pictures from me but our guests got some great shots of a group of about 8 or so Dalls Porpoise racing back and forth in Cordero Channel, west of Dent Island.
Our other boat was up with the Orca today and what a show they had ! Over 50 Orca in the Strait at the moment and the fish just keep coming ! What a year !

A great day all around. If you are looking for some excitment on the water you know where to find us.

Cheers

Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching

2010-08-21T01:35:00.001-07:00

August 20th, 2010

Good evening from the Float House
Discovery Harbour Marina

Today was another fabulous day on the water. A little cooler but the Orca made up for any changes in the weather.
We caught up with the A36's and A12 at Ripple Point by 9:30 am and followed them for some time before heading off to the mainland where we found a Sow and small cub feeding on the rock crabs at low tide in Chanceller Channel.
After a great lunch at Blind Channel we headed south in Cordero and found the remaining A12 group, (A34 and her family) resting in Nodales Passage. (pic included)
While we had about a dozen Orca in this area today however there are about another 40+ a little farther west in Johnstone Strait !

We are off tomorrow at 8:00 am to find the others. Hope to see you out there !

Cheers

Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching

2010-08-14T14:00:00.000-07:00

August 13th, 2010

Good evening from the Float House
Discovery Harbour Marina
Today the wind died offf and the Whale Watching hit a new high.
We headed out about 8:00 am and by 9:30 we found the A23's just west of Kesey Bay. With calm water and the Orca to ourselves for over an hour, we were entertained with spy hops, tail flaps and all round play as the A23 family headed west toward Robson Bight. Pictured is A60 with his characteristic mark on the back on his dorsal fin where he was struck by a motor (boat) in 2004.

After a short run to Port Neville for lunch we headed off to find some bears along the shore but I think the heat of the day (and it was very warm) kept the bears away from the beaches for everyone. As luck my have it though, we found 2 large Humpback Whales as we neared Campbell River. (pic) With syncronized dives of over 10 minutes in length, these 2 Humpbacks quickly made their way past Campbell River and into the abyss of Georgia Strait.

Another beautiful day tomorrow. No wind to speak of, lots of wildlife and incredible scenery in what we call "our backyard".

Hope to see you out there.

Cheers

Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching

2010-08-02T23:01:00.001-07:00

August 2, 2010

Good morning from the Float House
Discovery Harbour Marina

Today we had to journey to the Robson Bight area to find the Orca. It was a coolish morning with a touch of fog but by 11:00 am things began to brighten up. We found the C6's (a family of 9) near the Penfold Island, foraging on the Chinook Salmon that seem to be plentiful in that open water. Picture - After foraging they grouped up in a resting line which was constantly bombared by Pacific White Sided Dolphin ! These Dolphin just want to play all the time when the Orca are around.
We also had 5 Humpback Whales in the area which made for some timely photographs. (I missed the breaching Humpback picture)

After lunch at Telegraph Cove we headed back and found a large Black Bear foraging on East Cracroft Island. We were entertained all the way home with Dalls Porpoise which seemed to be everywhere in Johnstone Strait.

Out for another tour tomorrow when we get to see what the Passage has to offer.
Hope your summer is going well.

Cheers

Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching

2010-07-27T22:21:00.001-07:00

July 27th, 2010

Good morning from the Float House
Discovery Harbour Marina

Some days everything falls into place and today was just that day for the 24 guests out on the Whale Watching tour with us.

We started out with a beautiful sunny day and our first Black Bear on Vancouver Island near Chatam Point. We met up with the Orca near Windy Point, just west of Kelsey Bay. The 4 family Orca groups (A36's, A11's, A8's and A12) were very happy and vocalized continuously all the way east to Camp Point. With lots of playful tail flaps and spy hops, the Orca made it clear that they were in a great mood and fishing seemed to be very good. Picture of A11, senior matraline of her family. Notice the markings on the back side of her dorsal fin. Where do these come from? No one really knows but it could be similar to the scars we get as we go through life, playing rough when we are young etc.

Lunch at historic Port Neville pictured as well. great lunches by "Comfort Zone" in Willow Point as well as coffee and hot chocolate of course! Sad to say that the post Office in Port Neville has closed down after many, many years. The good news is that Lora (Post Mistress and friend to many of us on the water) is getting married in October!

Hope your day included a walk in the sun shine today.

Cheers

Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching.

2010-07-26T06:56:00.000-07:00

Good morning from the Float House
Discovery Harbour Marina

The Orca pictured here are part of the T124's (Transient Orca) we found this morning with the great help of a Tow & Tug in Johnstone Strait. On our way up to see the A11's and A's from yesterday we had a call from the Tug that he had Orca passing him just south of Kelsey Bay. With a little luck and persistence, we found the group close to shore making their way south. Note how the Transient Orca (mammal eating) have dorsal fins that come to a point rather than curved like the Resident. While this is not always the case, it is one characteristic that sets Transients apart from Resident Orca.
A little blustery in Johnstone Strait today ! A little salt and a lot of sun shine made the Orca viewing just that much more exciting.

Cheers

Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching

2010-07-26T06:54:00.000-07:00

July 24th, 2010

Good morning from the Float House
Discovery Harbour Marina

The good weather just keeps coming and so do the Orca.
Pictured here is A73 spy hopping to have a look around in Nodales Passage. This famous youngster named "Springer" now 10 years old lost her mother at a critical time in her life (2 years old) but was nursed back to health with the cooperation of many carry souls. Today A73 is a healthy energetic Orca who travels with her aunt, A11 and family.
The A11's, A8's, A36's and A12 have spent a good part of the week cycling back and forth in Nodales this past week.

Another sunny day tomorrow.

Cheers
Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching.

2010-07-21T12:13:00.001-07:00

July 21, 2010

Good morning from the Float House - Discovery Harbour Marina

Very busy with the Orca these days so just a short note and a few pictures of yesterday.

Picture of A11 - senior matriarch of her family entering Nodales Passage yesterday about 1:00 pm along with her daugther (A56) and new calf. Notice the colour difference of the new born. Their surface is almost "buttery" as the water is shed very easily. Purpose ? Does this help to protect against infections or perhaps to reduce the drag (friction) with the water, making it easier to keep up with the family.?

Regardless, this little one is full of life and has put on 100's of miles in the last week.

The weather is good and the wildlife even better !

Hope to see you on the water or at the marina soon.

Cheers for now.

Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching

2010-07-17T01:27:00.001-07:00

July 16th, 2010

Good morning from the Float House
Discovery Harbour Marina

A little blustery on the water today. The Orca (A11's, A8's, A23's and A25's) were westing out of Nodales Passage about 8:00 am and we caught up with them at Ripple Point in a strong westerly and ebbing tide. A little salty but things went well.
We followed the Orca for about an hour and a half, got a few good pictures and then headed for the calm waters of Blind Channel for lunch.
With a falling tide all morning we decided to head down Philps Arm to see if the resident Grizzly was on the beach. We were fortunate and found him grazing in the shaded tall grasses of the estuary. (sorry no pic)
On the way home we came apon this yearling Black Bear trying to get a prize eel from beneath the rocks. (see pic) He worked on this projest with enthusiasm but came up without lunch.
Guests from around the world including Israel, Holland, Ireland and Australia, enjoyed a great day on the water and we look forward to doing it all again tomorrow.

Cheers

Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching

2010-07-13T23:41:00.000-07:00

July 14th, 2010

Good morning from the Float House
In Discovery Harbour Marina

Another fabulous day on the water in July !

We had a great group from "Routes to Learning" out for the day and what a day it was! The Orca (A36's, A11's, A8's and A12) arrived in Nodales Passage early yesterday morning. After our first Black Bear sighting along Vancouver Island, we were entertained by the 2 Big Boys of the Strait, A37 & A46 who foraged for 45 minutes between our boats at Davis Point. There appears to be enough fish for both the fisherman and the Orca these days!
After a short visit with about a dozen Pacific White Sided Dolphin, we headed in Bute Inlet where we found a Sow and this incredibly cute cub. He stole the hearts of all aboard.
The Arran Rapids were rocking yesterday and this picture shows the 5+ ft drop on the overfalls into Bute Inlet. The force of the tidal change pushed Bald Eagles to the surface and the Eagles were feeding, especially around Jimmy Judd Island.
Lots of pictures and memories of a beautiful day on the water in Campbell River.

Cheers

Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching

2010-07-11T03:07:00.001-07:00

July 11, 2010

Good morning from the Flaot House
Discovery Harbour Marina, Dock E

Yesterday was another fabulous day on the water! We had 2 boats out at 8:00 am and by 9:00 am we had Orca on our door step!
The A11's, A8's , A23's and A25's came into Nodale Passage last Friday night and stayed for the entire day Saturday!
By late afternoon on Saturday (5:30 pm) we had the whole group resting at Camp Point undecided which way to go. East or West ??
Lots of great vocals giving everyone a feeling of happy Orca in Johnstone Strait !

Only this morning will we be able to tell which way they headed.
We are off the dock at 9:00 am and will surely find them in the Strait somewhere!

Picture - A11, the senior matriline of the group. Camp Point, July 10th, 2010, 5:15 pm

Cheers

Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching

2010-07-08T23:05:00.001-07:00

July 9th, 2010

Good morning from the Float House
Discovery Harbour Marina

In celebration of a new member of the "A" Clan, A56's new calf came for a visit yesterday. I have zoomed this picture in as much as possible so you can see that unique "buttery" quality of the new born Orca. The calf travelled the 90+ miles down from the Port Hardy area without a hitch and seems to be doing very well. The entire family were very vocal and playful as they entered Nodales Channel Thursday morning. They seem to be getting enough to eat because they were heading west at Rock Bay about 3:30 pm when they turned and headed back into Nodales once again.

Looking forward to another summer sizzler on the water today. Departing 8:00 am !
Hope to see you on the water!

Cheers

Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching

2010-07-07T23:23:00.001-07:00

July 8th, 2010

Good morning from the Float House !
Discovery Harbour Marina

Yesterday was quite a day ! Weather excellent ! Wildlife incredible ! Guests - blown away !

The morning began warm with calm seas and a group of about 20 -25 Pacific White Sided Dolphin in Seymour Narrows heading north. Playful in the incredibly clear waters of Discovery passage, it was hard to leave this group behind but we had Orca farther up the Strait. About an hour later we found the Orca near Kelsey Bay. A group called the A36's (pic attached) and A12 were making their way west but turned about noon and headed back toward Campbell River.
Heading for lunch at Blind Channel Resort, we found 2 yearling Black Bears in Chancellor Channel. (pic) The same brother and sister that we had seen few days earlier. Back in the boat after lunch we were back into Johnstone Strait to see the same Orca near Rock Bay, still heading east and then the Pacific White Sided Dolphin again except the numbers had increased to about 30+ and they were in the mood for some aerial stunts. With the some incredibly high jumps and repeative belly flops, the Dolphins stole the show ! The Dolphins will be remembered as the highlight of the day. (this always happens as I think the Orca take life way more seriously then their cousins, the Dolphins)

Another warm day set for today and word has it that 3 more Orca groups have arrived in the Strait late yesterday!
Check : http://www.orca-live.net/

See you at the Float House.

Cheers

Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching

2010-07-03T22:50:00.000-07:00

July 3, 2010

Good morning from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina

The resident Orca have arrived !!!

We headed out yesterday morning with confidence high and we were rewarded with great news, A12 and the A36's had arrived in Johnstone Strait for the first time this year. The way up was cool but a pair of Black Bear yearling (most likely siblings) warmed our hearts as they foraged together along the mainland shore near Kelsey Bay. (pic) After a great lunch at Port Neville we ran into about 500+ Pacific White Sided Dolphin in Blackfish Sound. Much to our surprise a Humpback Whale surfaced in the middle of the Dolphins ! (pic) Lots of very small herring for all to eat and the Dolphin made a sport of it as they raced through the herring and terrific speed.
We finally caught up with the Orca a few miles further on in Blackfish Sound. A12 and the A36's were working their way slowly east. No vocals but the weather was warm and calm, creating the perfect lighting for pictures ! (pic - A12 & A37)

A super day all round for our very greatful guests.

Cheers

Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching

2010-07-03T10:28:00.001-07:00

July 3, 2010

Good morning from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina

We all may be a bit frustrated by the cooler summer so far but the Black Bears are enjoying it. It seems as though the food supply was good last fall as there are a lot of young health cubs in the area.

Picture from the mainland of BC near Campbell River.

The Resident Orca have not arrived as yet but we are hopeful it will be today !

Cheers

Hurricane Jack
Campbell river Whale Watching

2010-06-29T11:08:00.001-07:00

June 28th, 2010

Good moring from the Float House

A wild ride for the 24 teaching staff at Pinecrest Elementary School in Campbell River as they enjoyed a Ocean Rapid Tour yesterday afternoon. A great time as had by all and as luck may have it, we ran into 4 Transient Orca in Bute Inlet on the way home. With a bit of wind in the inlet we simply drifted with the playful small Orca family as they made their way north. A special experience to be sure!

Special thanks to Tina for the great pictures!

Cheers

Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching

2010-06-23T08:22:00.000-07:00

June 23. 2010

Good morning from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina

Question: How long do Grizzly Bears live?

From what I have read, they can live 20 -25 years but until recently, I have never seen a Grizzly that old in the wild. Have a look at this fellow who has recently arrived on an Island in our area. I think he may have been chased off the mainland by competing males.
What is in store for him now? If all goes well he will stay away from the populated part of the island and will live out his remaining years in peace but that is unlikely. Old bear or not, if wonders near homes on the island, the residents will feel he is a threat and his retirement days on the island will be cut short. Sad but true.

Update this morning!

I type, one large male Orca heading north at the Quadra Island lighthouse. Gotta go !

Cheers

Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching

2010-06-21T19:49:00.001-07:00

June 21, 2010

Good morning from the Float House at Discovery Harbour Marina

We found this sow and her 3 cubs just north of Campbell River at about 10:00 am this morning. If you look closely, you can see that one of the cubs has a hint of "brown" colour in his coat. Interesting as we haven't seen very many "Brown" coated Black Bears on Vancouver Island, they are mainly on Sonora or on the mainland. Perhaps..., we have one in the area.!

Great day on the water. The Bald Eagle show near Stuart Island began yesterday as the Hake finally showed up and today the show was short but we still had about 50+ Eagles feeding. The morning tides are building this week and we should have a tremendous show by the weekend.

Grizzly Bear sightings for the past 7 days on one of the Islands north of Campbell River. Pictures on tomorrows site.

Cheers

Hurricane Jack
Campbell river Whale Watching

2010-06-09T07:15:00.001-07:00

June 9th, 2010

Good morning from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina

Summer finally arrived here on the coast yesterday and what a day it was. Off the dock at 9:00 am, the water was like glass the entire 4 hours. We thought the story of the day was going to be the Pacific White Sided Dolphin as they seemed to be everywhere but then we ran into the energetic Dall Porposie near Okissolo Channel and they stole the show. What a high energy mammal they are, darting everywhere with no real objective in mind. (sorry no pictures as those guys are just too fast)

The evening was topped off with a large group of Transient Orca travelling slowly north in Discovery Passage. We counted at least 12 but there may have been more. A few pictures gave us some ID's of T18, T20 and T21 but we eventually put the camera away and drifted with them silently as they made their way through Seymour Narrows and not a boat in sight !

It is days like this that help us to remember just how lucky we are to live here on the coast.

Cheers from Campbell River

Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching

2010-06-07T07:20:00.000-07:00

Monday , June 6, 2010
Good morning from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina
We are back up and running and I have finally found some time to get to the computer. What a spring it has been !
While the weather in May and the first part of June has not been that special, the wildlife has! We have been seeing lots of Black Bear as well as Humpbacks over the past 4 or 5 weeks. Today we found a large Humpback "bubble feeding" on the slicks of pink krill that have been flushing back and forth in the large tides we have been experiencing. (pic attached) The Krill season is short in this area and we were very fortunate to get this opportunity today.
A bonus for the evening were the 2 Transient Orca that surfaced about 5 minutes before we were to enter the marina. These 2 female orca were heading north slowly, following the ebb tide at about 7:30 pm. One of them seem to have a fresh nick in the back (middle) of her dorsal fin. We could find her in our ID book and unfortunately didn't get a good picture either.
If you are north of Campbell River this morning, heads up ! They are coming your way.
Cheers
Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching

2010-05-14T08:30:00.000-07:00

May 14th 2010

Good morning from the Float House at Discovery Harbour Marina

Yesterday flet like summer and the Whales arrived on cue.

Some of the Southern Resident Orca spend the winter on the north coast and each spring we look forward to seeing them on their journey back down the Inside Passage to the Victoria area. Yesterday the K and L pods arrived in Campbell River about 12 noon about 2 weeks earlier than expected and about 1 month earlier than last year.

The picture attached shows the group moving quickly through Seymour Narrows just north of Campbell River. When the Orca passed the southern tip of Quadra Island they began to breech and vocalize as if they could sense their final destination, some 200 km to the south.

The Orca arrival was also a day early for us as we celebrate our Grand Opening this weekend, Saturday May 15th and Sunday the 16th. Bring the family and friends as the adjacent Mall celebrates "Pirate Days". Hot Dogs, refreshments and free Zodiac rides from 11 am to 3 pm.

The summer is closing in quickly. Come and enjoy the beauty of the Islands and coastal shoreline.

Looking forward to a great sunny weekend

Cheers

Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching

2010-02-10T09:07:00.001-08:00

February 13, 2010

Good morning from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina

A bit of interesting news. On January 23rd J pod (Southern Resident Orca) made an unexpected visit to Johnstone Strait. A recording of their calls was made and we asked John Ford from the Naniamo Research Station to confirm who it was.

Susan Berta of Orca Network Sightings that they had the "J"s in the Victoria area on Jan. 3 & 4th but then not again until J1 showed up alone at the end of Jan. For a few days they were very worried about the rest of the clan but then the rest of J's showed up Jan. 29th!

The Southern Resident Orca have used Johnstone Strait area in the past but it was primarily the "K"s and "L"s. This visit from the "J" Clan is quite unique. The "J"s often travel south to the California area that this time of the year!

Photo attached: this is one of theSouthern Resident group heading south through Seymour Narrows near Campbell River in June of 2008. Notice the "open" saddle patch marking at the base of the dorsal fin. This is characteristic of "Southern" Orca and rarely seen in Northern Orca.

Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching

2010-01-16T14:45:00.000-08:00

2010-01-16T14:32:00.000-08:00

January 16, 2010

Good morning from Discovery Harbour Marina

Yesterday was a mild and sunny day here on Vancouver Island and the Orca took this opportunity to arrived in Johnstone Strait at about 11:30 in the morning. Two Northern Resident groups spent the day foraging in and around the Robson Bight area. Picture attached shows A42 and A79 which are part of a group of about a dozen Orca called the A5's. Along with them was a larger group called the A31's which has a high percentage of females. (small fins)

We haven't seen the Northerns in Johnstone Strait since before Christmas so their arrival tells us that there is a supply of Winter Spring Salmon available in those waters.

These two groups of Orca each have their own very distinctive calls. If you are interested you can hear them thanks to Helena and Paul at www.orca-live.net.

Happy New Year

Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching

2009-12-14T17:22:00.001-08:00

December 14, 2009

Good afternoon from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina

The first real snowfall this afternoon in Campbell River!

Crossing to Quadra Island on the ferry this afternoon we saw a large group of Transient Orca heading south. Not sure of the total number but somewhere between 6 and 8 (possibly more) with 2 young calves in the group. No camera (sorry no picture) or binuculars to figure out who they were but Jared Towers, a researcher from the Port Hardy area, had a similiar group a few days ago.
Lots of playful behavior along the Quadra shore line with a bit of foraging behavior but no signs of a meal. The Orca must be enjoying the "quietness" of the waterways at this time of the year as other than the ferry, there where no boats in sight!

I hope you get to spend some quality time with family over the Christams holidays.

The best of health and happiness in the New year!

Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching

2009-12-07T08:58:00.001-08:00

December 6th, 2009

Good afternoon from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina

Beautiful day here in Campbell River but very cool next to the water!
Transient Orca seen today heading north in Discovery passage about 1:00 pm. What looked like a group of 6 animals with one small calf, grouped up together and heading north very quickly with the tide. Not sure who they were with only one mature male in the group. (no distinctive markings)

Word from Garret in the reasch vessel to the north of us, near the top of Vancouver Island. He had some Resident Orca, A36's (the 3 mature males) and A12, just north of Port Hardy heading south yesterday. What are the chances that we would see them later this week? Very slim but they may come into Johnstone Strait searching for some of those very late Chum Salmon that I hear are still heading towards their spawning rivers. The weather calls for colder temperatures and calm winds. Perfect for those wildlife enthusiasts or maybe just for some of those wonderful prawns I see coming in lately.

How all is well with the Christmas cheer. I can't believe it is getting so close already.

Cheers

Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching

2009-11-23T10:00:00.001-08:00

November 23, 2009

Good morning from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina

The November storms have been living up to their name over the past few weeks and our Float house has been a'rocking! With record setting snowfall on the mountains and lots of wind and rain, it has not been a time to be out on the water looking for wildlife. Yesterday however in a brief interlude between storms, we had a visit from a group of Transient Orca (mammal hunting). Originally heading south past Campbell River, they turned and began to forage near the mouth of the River. One large male and 3 to 4 smaller fins were seen but I was not able to ID who they were. No visual signs of a kill but they foraged for about 5 minutes and then continued south.

Over the past few weeks we have had a number of Resident Orca (fish eating) in Johnstone Strait feeding on the few remaining Chum salmon in the area. The A36's and A30"s have been the most dominant groups but we did have a "G" Clan group in for a few days.
*Thanks to Jarred from "NIMSA" who braves the wind and rain to give us details of the Orca north of Campbell River.

Hoping you are all well and starting to think about Xmas shopping!

As for us, we are admiring the sheer power of these Pacific storms and trying to stay dry!

Cheers

Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching

2009-10-26T09:49:00.001-07:00

2009-10-26T09:46:00.000-07:00

2009-10-26T09:44:00.000-07:00

2009-10-26T09:43:00.001-07:00

The Year in Review

From the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina

May 17th - 2009

With an afternoon falling tide flowing to the north, we found this beautiful brown coated Black Bear on Sonora Island around 2:30 pm. He was spending the afternoon searching for small, soft shelled rock crab under the rocks at low tide. He actually laid down in a seasonal stream to cool off in the warmth of a sunny May afternoon. This was one of about 5 to 7 bears that we continued to see throughout the summer on Sonora. The "brown coat" of this Black bear that is seen mainly on the mainland bears is quite common on this island.

We continued toward the mainland to Jimmy Judd Island where we found a group of male Stellar Sea Lions hauled out on the shore. Migrating north to met up with the salmon, these large mammals have traditional resting areas on their way. Jimmy Judd Island is one such area. They will spend 2 or 3 days resting, feeding and arguing over who has the "best" rock on which to spend the day. Stellar Sea lions can weight as much as 2500 lbs. The fellow in the picture is estimated at around 1500+ lbs.

After coffee and snacks at Stuart Island we headed home through the narrow passages between Sonora, Maurelle and Quadra Islands and picked up a few Dall Porpoises feeding in the tide near Owen Bay. Back to the marina by 5 pm and the 4 hour tour seemed to go by very quickly!

More reviews of 2009 to come!

Take care

Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching

2009-10-08T08:26:00.000-07:00

2009-10-08T08:25:00.001-07:00

October 8th, 2009

Good morning from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina

The past few days have provided some excellent Grizzly Bear viewing at the Orford River in Bute Inlet. Sunny and warm for the most part, the last 3 days have produced a consistent number of bears (7 -10) feeding at towers 4 and 5. Each bear seems to have their own technique for catching fish, some far more successful than others. The picture attached is a middle aged male who we call the "Snorkeler" as he floats in the pool, finding his prey by looking under the water. (quite effective)
Yesterday our Grizzly tour had both Grizzlies and Orca as T20 and T21 (mammal hunting) were found traveling north at Race Point , just north of Campbell River. T20 made the day for our guests as he breached clear of the water just before we departed. We left them heading into Menzies Bay looking for a morning snack. On the way back from the Orford River, traveling south around Cape Mudge we ran into T20 and T21 again, difting in the tide near the Red Can.

Another few days before the wet weather begins. Hope you get out and enjoy the long weekend.

Cheers

Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching

2009-10-05T09:03:00.002-07:00

2009-10-05T09:03:00.001-07:00

October 5, 2009

Good morning from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina

Yesterday had a strange twist to the day! A group of Southern Resident Orca arrived from the north! The "L" Clan from the Victoria and San Juan Island area generally spend their winters in the northern waters of British Columbia. They use Johnstone Strait and Discovery Passage as their route home in the spring, usually in late May or early June, but to see them here in October is very strange. I contacted some of the researchers in the Port Hardy area and they can't remember this ever happening.
Adding to this usual event was that the "L" Clan Orca were traveling with 2 groups of northern resident Orca, the A36's and A12's. We were unaware of this until the "A" Clan groups split off and travelled into Nodales Passage while the Southern group headed south, down Discovery Passage about 3:00 pm. We rarely see these 2 different groups in close proximity with each other. At one point we had the southern "L" Clan heading east, following the northern "A" Clan group along the Vancouver Island shore with T20 &T21(Transient Orca) heading west along West Thurlow, on the opposite shore line. Strange day indeed! (picture attached - note the "open" saddle patch, typical of the southern resident orca)

The Grizzly Bears in Bute Inlet continue to be wonderful and with this spectacular weather we have been having, the quality of light for pictures is superb. About 7 different bears yesterday although we only saw one fish caught and eaten. Hopefully not a trend!

Another beautiful week of sun shine ahead. Hope you have time to get out and enjoy it.

Cheers

Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching

2009-10-03T11:01:00.000-07:00

2009-10-03T11:00:00.001-07:00

October 3, 2009

Good morning from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina

Yesterday morning we had more Transient Orca (Mammal hunting) in the area! By 9:00 a.m. they were traveling north past Painter's Lodge and as they entered Seymour Narrows around 10:00 a.m. they turned and began their way back south. We caught up with them at Cape Mudge on Quadra Island at 12:30 p.m. and enjoyed an hour of quiet time with the T2's and T20 and T21 as they made their way south.

We had heard that there had been a group of Dolphins in the area earlier but they had made a quick exit when the Transients had turned at the Narrows. After some searching we found them in the far corner of Gowland Harbour. This group of about 12+ seemed quite agitated and were racing around in very shallow water, first in one direction and then another with no indication of feed in the area. There didn't seem to be any Orca in the Harbour but perhaps the dolphins knew something we didn't. We stayed and watched for a few minutes but nothing materialized.

The Commercial gill net fishery is over with very few fish taken, however Green Sea Bay still produced well for some of the recreational boys yesterday. Commercial Trollers are still working hard and the big boys (Seiners) hit the water on Monday. Time to get your lines wet this weekend!

The sun is shining so get outside and enjoy!

Cheers

Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching

2009-10-02T09:20:00.000-07:00

2009-10-02T09:19:00.001-07:00

October 2, 2009

Good morning from the Float House in Discovery Harbour.

Things have been pretty quiet around the marina this week. The Orca are out there but very few people around to go out and find them.
Yesterday the Grizzly Tour was a little damp but the Grizzlies made our day!
We stopped off at Cyrus Rocks in Okissolo Channel for a short tour of the Salmon farm and then off to the Orford! The Grizzlies showed up pretty much as soon as we got there. We had 4 very nice, fihing, catching and eating Grizzlies for the good part of 90 minutes and then things went quiet for awhile. The picture attached shows one of the younger females' fishing technique. She chases the fish, jumps on it with all fours and then puts her head under the water and grabs the fish! Works every time!
One of the things that I haven't mentioned before was that the Orford River is a Chum and Coho River system, however this year with the tremendous number of Pink Salmon around, they have suddenly shown up in the Orford! The grizzlies are not complaining.

A few fish taken today but with the overcast skies, the Chum just were not biting. (Chum and sun = good fishing)

Hope you're making plans for the weekend as the weather looks good!

Cheers

Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching

2009-09-28T22:21:00.000-07:00

2009-09-28T22:20:00.001-07:00

September 29, 2009

Good morning from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina

Yesterday there were no Whale Tours out of Campbell River but that didn't stop the Orca from creating excitment in the area. About 7:30 a.m. we had a report of T20 and T21 north Bound in Lewis Channel. While there were no Whale tours out our Grizzly group decided to see if they could find the whales on their way out but came up dry!
The Grizzlies, however, did not disappoint!
Between 6 -8 Grizzlies were seen today including this new male. (pic) He provided us with about 30 minutes of entertainment as he caught 3 fish, actually sitting on one in the water, pulling it out from behind his back, grabbing it by the head and eating it as he sat in the shallow waters of the Algard river.
I was not able to get any feedback from the fishing community yesterday so no results to report.

Sun shine and cool this morning and showers tonight. Looks as though another stretch of good weather is just around the corner so plan to be outside!

Cheers

Hurricane Jack
Campbell river Whale Watching

2009-09-28T09:12:00.002-07:00

2009-09-28T09:12:00.001-07:00

September 28, 2009

Good morning from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina

Yesterday morning we had Transient Orca in the kelp bed at Willow Point (T20 & T21) and about 14 other Transient Orca (T101,& 101b T2's and many others) between the south end of Quadra and Cortez Island. The mob of fun loving, spy hoping, tail flapping Orca near Cortez were the most active group. The social behavior of these mammals is usually low key but in the past week it has been "party time / love-in with lots of vocals and displays by males, both young and old. (Pic attached) With the water calm and the morning sun on the water, our guests got some amazing pictures.

The Grizzlies at the Orford River maintained their morning fishing ritual and came out for another day of "catch and eat" yesterday morning. The number of bears we are seeing each day seems to be consistent at around 8 - 10 in this lower part of the river. (about 4 km up from the estuary) Grizzly viewing is just spectacular at this time of the year! (we still see people attempting to view bears at the mouth of the river and there just aren't any, especially at high tide like it has been the few days. In fact if you are planning to go Grizzly viewing, the only quality viewing is done at the viewing stands about 4 km+ up the river)

The Chum Salmon are beginning to make their mark on the dock however we are far from the main flow. The bright days are helping this fishery and with a few nice sized Coho and late run Chinook in the mix, fishing out there is quite exciting!

Beautiful sun rise this morning with calm seas forecasted however it looks as though we'll have showers later on this afternoon and into tomorrow.

Hope you have a productive day at whatever it is you are up to!

Cheers

Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching

2009-09-27T10:55:00.000-07:00

2009-09-27T10:53:00.001-07:00

September 27th, 2009

Good morning from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina

Yesterday was clear and warm but a bit on the blustery side. The Orca from yesterday were found in Okissolo Passage heading west about noon. These 3 Transient Orca didn't stop to feed but kept a steady speed of about 4 knots, obviously with a destination in mind.

Our Grizzly tour was again fabulous with a continous procession of Grizzlies by the viewing platforms. Attached picture of a young male with his catch of the day (Chum Salmon). it was difficult to judge just how many bear we saw as some come back to this feeding area more than once over the 3 hours we are there but probably between 6 and 9 Grizzlies yesterday. On the way home from the river we were about 30 minutes behind the Transient Orca in Okissolo but the wind and wave height made it impossible to find them in Johnstone Strait.

Fishing yesterday was disappointing as most of the boats had to hide out in small bays and inlets out of the wind and very few fish were caught.

Oh, what a difference a day makes ! Today looks warm with calm seas! Early reports of Orca at the south end of Quadra ! Perhaps our Transients are back!

Hope to see you out there!

Cheers

Jack
Hurricane Jack Adventures
Campbel River Whale Watching

2009-09-26T12:02:00.000-07:00