Wildlife tours, also known as Eco-tours, allow people to experience the wilderness in a safe, planned way. These tours in British Columbia offer a wide range of activities because of the different ecosystems. It ranges from the semi-deserts, alpine tundra, Pacific Ocean, and the Rockies; which is home to different plants and animals. All tours are done in a respectful manner to both the animals and landscape where visitors are only allowed to bring home pictures from their trip, nothing else.http://www.bcadventure.com/adventure/wildview/index.html

There are many animals to see all through out British Columbia. Whale watching is one of the most popular. They are available all along the west coast since the this is a regular migrating route for the many types of whales. Part of what makes these tour so popular is not only the whales but views of the Pacific Ocean, coast line, and other marine animals.http://www.eaglewingtours.com/016_WhalesandWild/index.html

Bear and salmon watching have been increasingly popular but are still done at a distance for safety. Binoculars are a must with these tours and young children are usually not allowed. These tours involve hiking through a forest to rivers and creeks where the salmon are. Another more popular alternative is to take a small jet boat down a river to known feeding spots for bears. Even if a bear isn't spotted right away there are many other animals including birds, mountain goats, mountain caribou, mule deer, moose, otters, beavers, pine martens, chipmunks, and squirrels. Special polar bear tours done through helicopters are avaliable.http://www.ecotours-bc.com/content/blogcategory/13/30/

Bird watching can be done with or without a guide. It can be done just about anywhere with a good pair of binoculars. The Mount Revelstoke National Park and Reifel Bird Sanctuary at the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve are considered hot spots when it comes to bird watching. Hot lines are even available for rare bird alerts. For the Vancouver area it is (604) 737-3074 and for Victoria it is (250) 592-3381.http://www.birding.com/wheretobird/britishcolumbia.asp

While it is rare to actually see a wild wolf since they are only found in small numbers. However, they are known to answer a human wolf call, which makes it a true wilderness experience. The timber wolf lives in the open tundra and forests of British Columbia. These wolf howling tours are unique and interactive since you may be asked to give your best wolf call to see if any respond back. These experiences can't be guaranteed but are more often experienced during camping tours.http://www.bceh.com/wildlife/wolf.htm

Eagle Wing Whale Watching Tours: Located at Fisherman's wharf is located at 12 Erie Street, Pier #2, Vancouver Island. This is one of the top rated whale watching tours in British Columbia offering a whale sighting guarantee from May 15-Oct 31. Marine life usually seen include orca, humpback, gray whales, seals, sea lions, porpoise, dolphins, and various marine birds. Prices for a 3.5 hour tour vary from $59-155 Canadian, depending on age, season, and boat. Their number is 1-800-708-9488.http://www.eaglewingtours.com/index.html

TLA-OOK Cultural Adventures: Located in Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Price varies from $44-$140 Canadian, with tours available year round. Their phone number is 1-877-942-2663. They offer coastal walks, paddle tours in a traditional dugout canoe, and forest walks into Meares Island. Wildlife typically seen are harbor seals, river otters, bald eagles, great blue herons, osprey, king fishers, as well as many types of migrating birds. Bear watching and salmon BBQ's are also available when in season from May to October.http://www.tlaook.com/tlaook-homeset.html

Pyna-tee-ah Fishing Adventures & Ecotours: Located in Williams Lake offers many types of tour packages which also include rooms. They have individual tours for bear, bird, fishing, and alpine mule trekking. Prices vary depending on activity and length of stay. Their toll free number is 1-866-299-9100.http://www.ecotours-bc.com/

Aboriginal Journeys: Located in Campbell River, British Columbia they offer grizzly bear, marine wildlife and whale watching. Their number is 1-888-455-8101. Rates range from $89-340 Canadian plus tax depending on age and type of tour. A traditional Native style salmon barbecue can be includes for groups of 12 or more for an additional $30 per person.http://www.aboriginaljourneys.com/