Campbell River Whale Watching Zodiac tour, led by Zoe Hasenfratz. Photo by Robin Pears
CAMPBELL RIVER – Wei Wai Kum First Nation has acquired a majority interest in Campbell River Adventure Tours Group which includes Campbell River Whale Watching and Wildcoast Adventures.
Current owners Stephen Gabrysh and Tyler Bruce remain on as partners, continuing their leadership roles in daily operations while Wei Wai Kum First Nation assumes majority ownership.
For the Wei Wai Kum First Nation, this acquisition is a major step in a broader economic sovereignty strategy.
“This partnership is about more than business; it is about the stewardship of our waters and the future of our people,” says Chief Chris Roberts of the Wei Wai Kum First Nation. “Stephen and Tyler have built an incredible operation that has always operated with a deep respect for this territory. By bringing these companies under Wei Wai Kum ownership, we are expanding our presence in the marine sector, creating career pathways for our youth, and ensuring that our history and culture will be shared authentically with the world.”
The acquisition gives Campbell River Whale Watching and Wildcoast Adventures the ability to develop an immersive, culturally grounded guest experience. The integration of authentic Wei Wai Kum history and storytelling into future tours meets the growing global demand for meaningful indigenous tourism experiences.
“We are incredibly proud to partner with the Wei Wai Kum First Nation,” says Gabrysh. “This evolution allows us to deepen the connection our guests have with this land. It ensures that the business remains locally rooted, stable, and committed to success for generations to come.”
This transaction solidifies Campbell River’s reputation as a global destination for Indigenous marine tourism and signals a market shift toward regenerative tourism – where commercial success is tied directly to ecosystem health and community prosperity.
Business Examiner
