Whale Watching
Sightseers whale watching (Canadian Tourism Commission photo)
Take a whale-watching trip in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region and experience the thrill of seeing Orcas (killer whales) in the wild.
Orcas are the most commonly sighted whale here, but grey, humpback and minke whales are also seen. On a guided whale-watching trip, get close enough to see the signature white markings that are unique to each Orca.
Whale-watching trips from this region head out towards southen Vancouver Island to spot the resident Orcas that return to the same waters year after year. These Orcas are easily identified – and even named – with onboard ID charts. Hydrophones allow passengers to “listen in” as the whales communicate with each other with their unique vocalizations.
Read More
When to Go Whale Watching
Whale-watching season runs from April to October. Peak viewing time for Orcas is June to September, while grey whales are mostly seen in April and May. During peak viewing months most whale-watching tours enjoy a 90% success rate in sighting whales.
With more than 80 resident Orcas and numerous transient whales inhabiting local waters, whale sightings are so reliable that most companies offer “guaranteed sightings” – if whales are not spotted, return again for free.
Whale-Watching Tours
Whale-watching tours are suitable for all ages and typically last three to five hours. Tour companies share whale location information with each other, so each trip has an excellent chance of spotting whales.
Combine whale watching with a day trip to Victoria with Prince of Whales, or book a whale-watching tour with Vancouver Whale Watch, Wild Whales Vancouver or Steveston Seabreeze Adventures.
Viewing whales from zodiac-style boats offers a more intimate (and some say adventurous) experience, while larger vessels typically offer more creature comforts: covered and open-air viewing areas, heated cabins and hydrophones for listening to the whales.
Popular Whale-Watching Spots
Between April and October, whale-watching trips depart daily from Vancouver and Steveston (in Richmond) for the waters of the Georgia Strait, and around the Gulf Islands and San Juan Islands. Plan on seeing more than just whales: onboard naturalists will point out harbour seals, sea lions, porpoises and a variety of other marine wildlife.
Don’t have time for a full day on the water? Vancouver Whale Watch and Seabreeze Adventures (both located in Steveston) offer seasonal Steller and California sea lion tours. Or take a narrated, 45-minute historic nature tour on the Fraser River, gliding past old canneries and fishing boats while keeping watch for eagles, herons and other marine life.
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 windy.
- Seasickness is generally not an issue, but for some trips on open waters be prepared for some motion.
- Visit local Visitor Centres for help with trip ideas, planning and transportation.
Read Less
Show me Whale Watching close to:
or

Main Address

Activity/Branch/Terminal

Visitor Centres
8 Whale Watching in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains
1 - 8 of 8 Results
Page:
1
1
Websitehttp://www.outforadventure.com
Toll-free866-344-5292
Phone705-488-2611
Thousands of clients & perfect safety record! Sea kayaking with killer whales on our Nomadic Orca Expedition, a 4 or 5 day sea kayak trip that winds you amongst channels & islets on a journey of discovery through the best area in the world for killer whales. This is an area featured by National Geographic & Huffington Post as the place to kayak in BC.
Desolation Sound sea kayaking expedition. Explore one of the prettiest sea kayaking destinations in British Columbia through our unique route & exploration of experiential discovery.
More Details
2
812 Wharf Street In Victoria
Victoria, British Columbia
V8W 1T3
Websitehttp://www.princeofwhales.com
Toll-free888-383-4884
Phone250-383-4884
Prince of Whales is British Columbia's largest marine adventure company & has been providing premier whale watching experiences for almost 20 years. With offices in Vancouver & Victoria, Prince of Whales is the number one choice for whale watching on the West Coast.
Guests traveling to Victoria can choose from our Zodiac Adventure tours or our Ocean Magic Cruiser tours. Join us from June through August, out of Vancouver, as we depart on our Ultimate Day Tour. Enjoy comfort and convenience, as well as spectacular views, as we travel through the Gulf Islands on route to Victoria & the Butchart Gardens.
More Details
3
12551 #1 Rd
Richmond, British Columbia
V7E 1T7
Websitehttp://www.seabreezeadventures.ca
Toll-free888-272-7203
Phone604-272-7200
Departing historic Steveston village, 'Gateway to the Orcas', join us for a cruise through the Gulf Islands in search of orcas & other whales. Along the way, be on the lookout for seals, sea lions, porpoises and aquatic birds, as well as the majestic bald eagles.
The boats are semi-enclosed with an upper viewing deck. The small group size of 23 passengers allows you freedom to move around the vessel. We are an owner-operated company and each tour is fully narrated. We have on-board washroom facilities & complimentary water & coffee are provided. Pre-ordered lunch is also available.
More Details
4
210-12240 Second Ave
Richmond, British Columbia
V7E 3L8
Websitehttp://www.vancouverwhalewatch.com
Toll-free
Phone604-274-9565
Go whale watching with Vancouver Whale Watch. This adventure tour of a lifetime starts in picturesque Steveston, travelling through the spectacular Gulf & San Juan Islands. We offer whale watching, wildlife viewing & nature tours in open or semi-covered zodiac style vessels. See Orcas (Killer Whales), Dall's porpoises, sea lions, bald eagles & seals. The only company with Zodiac style boats, we ensure a safe & stable ride for all ages. Avoid ferry hassles by taking your tour direct from Vancouver. Our shuttle will pick you up at your hotel & have you back downtown before dinner. Guaranteed sightings.
More Details
5
1806 Mast Tower Rd
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6H 4B6
Websitehttp://www.whalesvancouver.com
Toll-free
Phone604-699-2011
Wild Whales Vancouver is the only dedicated whale watching company departing from Vancouver. The Wild Whales experience allows you to observe Killer Whales and the diverse wildlife of the Pacific Coast in their natural habitat. It is an unforgettable, trip of a lifetime!
Board one of our vessels at Vancouver's historic Granville Island. Keep your cameras ready as you travel into English Bay, where views of Vancouver and the Coast Mountains are.
Every trip is different as we explore the Strait of Georgia, the Canadian Gulf Islands and the US San Juan Islands in search of whales. Sightings guaranteed!
More Details
Other businesses with Whale Watching
6
1 Burrard Landing 1055 Canada Place
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6C 0C3
Websitehttp://www.harbourair.com
Toll-free800-665-0212
Phone604-233-3505
Experience Vancouver from a new point of view with a breathtaking seaplane adventure. Enjoy a 20 min Vancouver Panorama flight featuring spectacular aerial views of the city & surrounding mountains or take part in a Fly 'N Dine tour including a seaplane flight to Horseshoe Bay, 3-course dinner & limousine back to downtown Vancouver. Whale watching & flight packages to Victoria are also available.
Harbour Air provides a reliable & convenient link to Vancouver Island, offering daily scheduled flights to Victoria, Nanaimo, Comox, the Gulf Islands, the Sunshine Coast and Whistler. Proud to be North America's first carbon neutral airline.
More Details
7
Historic Lund Hotel
Lund, British Columbia
V0N 2G0
Websitehttp://www.lundhotel.com
Toll-free877-569-3999
Phone604-414-0474
Let us 'spirit' you away for an unforgettable scenic dinner cruise into world renowned Desolation Sound aboard the fully licensed 58' passenger motor vessel, 'The Swan Spirit'. Enjoy our fabulous 'Buffet at Sea' amid comfortable booth style seating in the fully enclosed lower lounge, or enjoy the sunsets on the open upper observatory deck as we cruise amongst the islands & inlets of BC's largest & best known marine park. The buffet style meal is fabulous & the sights are unforgettable. Don't forget your camera!
More Details
8
Websitehttp://www.oceanadventures.bc.ca
Toll-free
Phone604-812-9453
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 and experience the Wild in Wilderness!
More Details