Northern British Columbia Whale Watching

Humpback whale, Tourism BC/Tom Ryan photo

Whale watching in Northern BC takes place in the waters off Prince Rupert and Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands.

From May to October, BC's north coast becomes an ocean highway for Orcas and humpback, grey and minke whales migrating north to the Bering Sea or south to Mexico.

Join a whale-watching tour and spend a couple of hours or days on the water looking for grey whales feeding on kelp beds, enormous humpbacks breaching, or distinct black-and-white Orcas surfacing.

Whale-watching season stretches from May to October. Grey whales can be seen as early as late March and Orcas can be seen from May onwards, while humpback sightings are common from July right into the fall months. It's not only whales that can be viewed; also look for marine life such as sea lions, seals and porpoises, all of which are commonly seen year-round.

Whale-Watching Tours

The types of whale-watching excursions vary as much as the wildlife - trips range from a couple of hours to full day or multi-day tours. Relax in a large catamaran vessel with indoor seats and outdoor viewing decks, opt for the thrill of a zodiac boat to get to close to the water, or spend a week on the water on a sailboat with comfortable amenities and onboard naturalists.

Experienced paddler? Kayaking is another way to go whale watching, and sightseeing is all the more vivid when viewed from such a small, silent vessel. Rent kayaks on Haida Gwaii or in Prince Rupert.

Popular Whale-Watching Spots

The salmon-rich waters along the coast near Prince Rupert and surrounding the 140 islands of Haida Gwaii are perfect feeding grounds for whales.

A handful of whale-watching operators are based out of Prince Rupert. Cruise the waters onboard a 72ft/22m catamaran with large indoor and outdoor viewing areas, or learn about the history of local First Nations and their connection to whales with an Aboriginal-owned company. Zip along the water on a zodiac boat and get up-close encounters with marine life, or dock at a floating ocean lodge for lunch as part of a multi-day whale watching tour.

A few operators also offer whale-watching tours near Haida Gwaii. Bring a camera and join a humpback whale photography trip on an open-air zodiac boat to spend days capturing pictures of breaching whales, and nights aboard a floating lodge. Or take in fascinating Haida culture with a visit to Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site to see totem poles, relax in natural hot springs and more.

Practical Points

Peak season for whale watching is between May and November.
Most whale watching operators require advance reservations.
Dress in warm layers as boat decks can be breezy.
Seasickness 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.

Show Less

Hide Map

Hide Street View

Main Address

Activity/Branch/Terminal

Visitor Centres

1 - 6 of 6 Results

1. Adventure Cruises by Maple Leaf Adventures - Victoria

#209-1110 Government St.
Victoria, British Columbia
V8W 1Y2

Rated "Trip of a Lifetime" by Frommer's (2000-2011) & a "Best Adventure Travel Company on Earth" by National Geographic Adventure (2009). Take a multi-day adventure cruise on the 28 m (92 ft) schooner Maple Leaf to really experience BC's wildlife, landscape & culture. Cruise islands & fjords, explore ancient rainforests. A-list naturalists & guides lead you to intimate bear, whale & seabird viewing & First Nations sites. Frequent shore trips, gourmet cuisine, friendly crew & accommodations. Queen Charlotte Islands, Great Bear Rainforest, Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands. By a leader in sustainable tourism, these trips are for people who enjoy the path less travelled. Visit us for information.

View Details

2. Bluewater Adventures - Bella Bella

We offer multi-day cruises through Haida Gwaii's (Queen Charlotte Islands) Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, Northern Vancouver Island, Great Bear Rainforest, North Coast/Khutzeymateen and SE Alaska. Our 68' vessels provide the perfect base from which to tour remote coastlines. On these first rate 'learning journeys', we expect to see whales, birds, bears, rich intertidal zones and a great number of birds. With our Native Guides, we visit ancient villages with totem poles and hope to catch a glimpse of the Spirit Bear! Our professional crew, including an on-board Naturalist, will take you to places few have ever been. All aboard!

View Details

3. Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures - Sea Kayaking Tours - Port McNeill

1790A Campbell Way
Port McNeill, British Columbia
V0N 2R0

Guided sea kayaking tours of northern Vancouver Island, The Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands). Day trips, base camp & expedition-style tours ranging from 1 to 15 days. Join us at our Orca Waters Base Camp for the best in wildlife viewing or an expedition to Gwaii Haanas National Park for the ultimate in wilderness adventures. Family specific departures are available. All tours are fully inclusive & no experience is needed for most tours.

View Details

4. Ocean Adventures Charter Co. Ltd. - North Vancouver

404-1144 Strathaven Dr
North Vancouver, British Columbia
V7H 2Z6

Join us to experience unparallelled wildlife viewing, whale watching, & awe-inspiring First Nations culture, amidst BC's most spectacular landscapes. Our small group sizes mean our guests enjoy the most intimate experiences with nature & our photographers the best opportunities... our guests are never just part of a crowd. With our small groups (maximum 6 guests per trip), our fully certified professional guides can better ensure the safety of the group while having the least impact on the lands we visit & the wildlife we view. Join our Scheduled Trips or design your own Custom (Private) Charter.

View Details

5. Prince Rupert Adventure Tours - Prince Rupert

C2-215 Cow Bay Rd
Prince Rupert, British Columbia
V8J 1A2

Experience one of the greatest wildlife shows on Earth. Come aboard & let Prince Rupert Adventure Tours show you some of the most stunning & magnificent displays of wildlife that Northern British Columbia has to offer. Enjoy grizzly bear viewing in the famous Khutzeymateen "Valley of the Grizzly". See these legendary giants in their natural environment. Watch humpback whales flashing their unique tails as they dive to feed. Watch orca whales as they follow the migrating salmon. Along the way, you'll encounter stellar sea lions, harbours seals, eagles, blue herons & more. It is truly an unforgettable adventure experience of a lifetime.

View Details

6. Sea Kayaking by Ecosummer Expeditions - Clearwater

257 Glen Rd
Clearwater, British Columbia
V0E 1N0

Like you, we have a huge passion for travel and adventure! We specialize in guided sea kayaking expeditions, hiking and backpacking trips, canoeing and coastal cruises in British Columbia. All our hand-picked adventures are run by seasoned guides with in-depth knowledge and experience, leading you into a world of tranquility and simplicity to encounter resident wildlife and diverse areas rich in history and culture. With a 30+ year history and thousands of happy clients around the world, Ecosummer Expeditions is THE choice for your adventure and travel needs.

View Details

1 - 6 of 6 Results

Get More Information

Account Log In

Share your tip for a BC trip

Manage my blog account