Whale watching in British Columbia is an extraordinary experience. Set out on a whale-watching tour to spot Orcas (killer whales), humpback whales, Pacific grey whales – all in their natural habitats.
Whale-watching opportunities abound May through October, and tours leave from major cities such as Vancouver and Victoria, along with more remote locations such as Northern BC and off the north and west coasts of Vancouver Island (named by Travel + Leisure magazine as one of North America’s Best Whale Watching Spots in 2010).
Choose from a range of whale-watching tours, such as a few hours on an open-air high-speed Zodiac; a full day spent on a comfortable cruiser with indoor seating and spacious viewing deck; or even a historic sailboat for a week-long luxury adventure.
Learn More About Whale Watching in BC’s Cities and Cities:
Victoria: Easy access to prime whale watching from the Inner Harbour, including Haro Strait, the San Juan Islands, and Race Rocks Ecological Reserve.
Vancouver: Excursions leaving from Granville Island Public Market and downtown, plus whale watching day trips connecting to Vancouver Island.
Vancouver Island: Four coastlines offering abundant whale viewing, including the Southern Gulf Islands, Tofino and Ucluelet, Campbell River, and the more remote north coast.
Northern British Columbia: Whale-watching adventures that incorporate Aboriginal culture and remote, wild scenery.
Vancouver Coast & Mountains: Whale-watching tours leave from the quaint fishing village of Steveston. Also trips to the marine-rich Gulf Islands.
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast: Wildlife tour operators and cruising companies offer expeditions to the Great Bear Rainforest that include whale watching.
Whales in British Columbia
BC’s coasts are home to several whale species, including the distinct Orca, and humpback, minke and Pacific grey whales. Orcas and grey whales can be seen earlier in the season (beginning in early May) while minke and humpback whales are usually spotted during the fall. Waters here also teem with marine animals such as harbour porpoises, Dall’s porpoises, seals and sea lions, while bald eagles and a variety of sea birds fill the air.
Popular Whale-Watching Spots
Whale watching in British Columbia takes place near both cities and remote yet accessible locations.
The isolated waters surrounding Prince Rupert and Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands are home to both spectacular whale sightings and scenery, while Victoria and Vancouver's bustling downtown cores provide access to whales just minutes from these major cities, along with shopping, museums and dining.
Head to the Gulf Islands (near Victoria) to meet resident pods of Orcas or combine whale watching with a visit to the Whale Interpretive Centre in Telegraph Cove near the lush Broughton Archipelago on Vancouver Island.
Whales and cold water surfing can both be found off the coast of Tofino and Ucluelet, or walk Steveston’s quaint waterfront before embarking on a whale-watching tour from Richmond.
Practical Points
- Peak season for whale watching is between May and October.
- Most whale watching operators require advance reservations.
- Dress in warm layers as boat decks can be breezy.
- Sea sickness is generally not an issue, but for trips on open waters be prepared for some motion.
- Visit local Visitor Centres for help with trip ideas, planning and transportation.
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