Victoria is renowned for its wildlife viewing, especially in the rich marine waters that surround the city.
Victoria is famous for whale watching and wildlife tours. Tours depart daily from the inner harbour, a short walk from most Victoria accommodation.
Marine wildlife thrives in the surrounding ecological reserves like Discovery Island, Race Rocks and the Sidney Spit. These marine parks offer incredible views of elephant seals, sea lions, harbour seals and seabirds by the thousands.
Looking for wildlife a little closer to home? Try a harbour ferry tour in the protected waterways of Victoria’s Inner Harbour.
Victoria’s regional and provincial parks provide prime habitat and great viewing opportunities for many animal and bird species.
Wildlife in Provincial and Regional Parks
Victoria’s regional and provincial parks are well known viewing areas for to watch salmon, eagles, otters and especially the large variety of birds.
Goldstream Provincial Park
The fall salmon run is a highlight at this wilderness park, located only 16km/10mi from Victoria. Riverside trails and viewing platforms provide views of the returning chum, coho and chinook salmon and the hundreds of bald eagles who arrive to feed. Goldstream Provincial Park is also home to many animal species including black bear, deer, otter, beaver, raccoons and many bird species.
Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park These lakes feature open water and wetlands that provide prime habitat for many bird species and river otters.
Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park
Witty's has a waterfall, lagoon, beach and saltmarsh that nourish a wide variety of life including 160 bird species and abundant wildflowers.
Galloping Goose Regional Trail and Lockside Regional Trail
Wildlife viewings are almost guaranteed along the 80km/50mi of scenic, multi-use trails linking Sidney, Victoria and Sooke.
Sea Lions and Seals in Marine Parks and Ecological Reserves
These protected areas offer incredible varieties of marine life. Sea lions, seals, dolphins, porpoises, diving birds and eagles are some of the species commonly seen on these tours.
Race Rocks Ecological Reserve
Race Rocks is a remarkable showcase for Pacific marine life. Accessible only by boat, guided marine eco-tours take visitors into this wild and unspoiled marine environment where herds of seals, sea lions and seabirds make their home.
For scuba divers, Race Rocks is one of the most challenging dive sites in Juan de Fuca Strait but the rewards beneath the surface are rich indeed: anemones, sponges, hydroids, soft corals, urchins, sea stars, sculpin, rockfish and lingcod flourish here.
Discovery Island Marine Provincial Park
Discovery Island is a popular wildlife viewing destination for kayakers and boaters. The area is accessible only by boat but visitors will be rewarded by the prolific wildlife living here. Seals, sea lions, otters and eagles are common and the many islets support thriving seabird nesting areas.
Sidney Spit
All kinds of wildlife are on view at Sidney Spit, part of the
Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.
Large numbers of shorebirds populate the island during their spring and fall migrations. Eagles and blue herons are permanent residents. Indeed, the blue heron colony is the largest in the southern Gulf Islands. The island is also home to large herds of fallow deer.
The island is well equipped for camping and boating, with many well-marked walking trails as well.
Watch for Wildlife on a Harbour Tour
The protected waters of Victoria's Inner Harbour are an ideal place to observe marine wildlife. Glide along Victoria's bustling waterfront and watch for the resident seals at Fisherman's Wharf or marvel at the reversing tidals falls of the Gorge Waterway.
Learn more about whale watching and bird watching in Victoria.
For practical points, safety and wildlife viewing tips visit the BC wildlife page