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OVERVIEW
Nestled in a sheltered inlet on the eastern coast of Vancouver Island is Telegraph Cove. This former cannery and fishing village is now a popular destination in the summer for those seeking eco-tourism and postcard perfect views.
Here you will find whale-watching and grizzly bear tours, as well as ample opportunities for kayaking fishing, hiking, and scuba diving.
Top things to do
Bear-Watching Tours
Venture up the Knight Inlet through the sheltered waters of the Broughton Archipelago in search of grizzly and black bears foraging along the shorelines.
Whale-watching tours
Situated on Vancouver Island's Northern shore, Telegraph Cove is the ideal location to start a whale-watching adventure. Look out for orcas, humpbacks and other marine life with a knowledgeable guide.
Kayak Sheltered & Secluded Inlets
The sheltered waters and secluded inlets of Telegraph Cove make for the perfect kayaking conditions. Keep an eye out for marine wildlife as you adventure through the nearby waters.
Explore the Historical Village
Built in 1912 as a one-room telegraph relay station, Telegraph Cove has expanded and transformed over the years, and remnants from it's history as a fishing cannery and sawmill village are still visible.
Explore activities
Tide Rip Grizzly Tours
Watch majestic grizzlies and black bears forage for spawning salmon in shallow channels on a thrilling all-day bear-watching tour. Venture through the Knight Inlet, the longest inlet on the west coast of North America, where coastal wildlife await.
Tour highlights
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Watch for black bears and grizzly bears roaming around the estuary hunting for crabs, mussels and small eels in tidal flats during low tide.
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In early spring, see how large male bears emerge from hibernation to participate in courtship rituals.
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Depart from Telegraph Cove in a Coast Guard-certified vessel with a knowledgeable guide.
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Enjoy complimentary breakfast and lunch on the boat and look out for porpoises, sea otters and other coastal wildlife along the way.
Available to experience between May and September
Prince of Whales - Telegraph Cove Half Day Whale Watching Covered Vessel
Search for orcas and humpback whales on this three-hour journey from Telegraph Cove, led by a certified marine naturalist. Coast through the Johnstone Strait on a comfortable, semi-covered cruiser and watch for porpoises, sea lions and more.
Tour highlights
- Revel in the ocean views as you watch for orcas, humpback whales and other marine wildlife.
- Keep your eyes peeled for eagles, sea lions and porpoises along the way, and learn all about these remarkable marine mammals from your certified marine naturalist.
- Discover the raw beauty of Telegraph Cove from your semi-covered cruiser.
When Available
- Sept 13,2022 - Oct 10, 2022 - 12:15 pm and 3:30 pm departure for 3 hours.
- Daily, from May 18, 2023 - September 30, 2024
- May 18 - May 31 - 1:30 pm and 5:00 pm departure for 3 hours.
- June 1 - August 31 - 10:00 am, 1:30 pm, and 5:00 pm departure for 3 hours.
- September 1 - September 29 - 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm departure for 3 hours.
Nearby cities
Port Hardy
Travel to the north of Vancouver Island to the active community of Port Hardy—providing lots of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors all year long, or somewhere to simply relax before boarding the ferry to travel to northern British Columbia.
Campbell River
Located on the east coast, Campbell River has been known for the past century as the Salmon Capital of the World. But there’s more to Campbell River than fishing—with lots of provincial parks, beaches, restaurants and wildlife, there’s something for everyone.
Courtenay
Drive 90 minutes from Nanaimo to the heart of beautiful farming landscapes on Vancouver Island to visit Courtenay—the urban centre of the Comox Valley. Downtown Courtenay boasts charming streets filled with art galleries, theatres, shops, artists’ studios, boutiques and gardens, and out of town there are sandy beaches, forests, mountains, parks and lakes. Plus, drive just 15 minutes to the local ski hill.
Parksville
Drive 30 minutes north from Nanaimo to visit Parksville, offering long sandy beaches, lots of water sports, and plenty of arts and crafts to suit all tastes. Known as Canada's Riviera, Parksville is the perfect destination for romantic getaways and family fun.
Nanaimo
Take the ferry from Vancouver to visit Nanaimo—the second-largest city on Vancouver Island, with plenty of outdoor activities and adventures for everyone, situated along one of the most beautiful waterfronts in Canada.
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