Whale Watching
Sightseers whale watching (Canadian Tourism Commission photo)
In 2010, Travel + Leisure magazine named Vancouver Island one of North America’s Best Whale Watching Spots.
Go on a Vancouver Island whale-watching tour to see Orcas (killer whales), Pacific grey whales, humpback whales and lots of other marine wildlife.
This is an ideal place for whale watching: an estimated 85 Orcas live in the the waters around southern Vancouver Island and the southern Gulf Islands, while the northeast coast is home to about 250 Orcas, as well as minke and humpback whales. Some 20,000 Pacific grey whales make their annual migration along Vancouver Island’s west coast – there’s even a whale festival to celebrate their journey.
Check out popular Vancouver Island whale-watching tours in Tofino, Ucluelet, Telegraph Cove, Alert Bay, Port McNeill and Campbell River, Victoria, the southern Gulf Islands and even Vancouver.
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When To Go Whale Watching
Whale watching season varies depending on species. In the Gulf Islands, sightings are most common between May and November when great numbers of salmon, a staple food, are spawning nearby. Between mid-March and mid-April, witness the migration of Pacific grey whales along Vancouver Island’s west coast as they travel from Mexico to the Bering Sea. The months between February and October offer grey whale viewing in Clayoquot and Barkley sounds, while mid-June to October is the best time to spot Orcas in the Johnstone Strait and Broughton Archipelago.
Whale-Watching Tours
A variety of whale-watching tours are available to suit any itinerary. Spend an afternoon on the water on a three- to five-hour tour, combine a morning of whale watching with a trip to Hot Springs Cove (near Tofino) or take a week to whale watch on a luxurious sailboat with comfortable amenities and onboard naturalists.
Whale-watching operators often offer multiple boat options – speed along the water in an open-air Zodiac or catamaran or relax inside a heated cabin on a yacht or cruiser. View whales breaching or eagles soaring from elevated platforms, listen to fascinating facts from guides through an onboard sound system or even eavesdrop on whales using a hydrophone. Experienced paddler? Some operators lead kayak tours, often with beach camping and up-close encounters with marine life.
Popular Whale Watching Spots
Take in cold water surfing culture, in addition to sightings of Pacific grey whales, Orcas and humpback whales, with tours in Tofino and Ucluelet. At the Wickaninnish Centre in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, peer through telescopes to look for migrating whales or watch for whales from the shoreline Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet. Celebrate the annual migration of the Pacific grey whale at the Pacific Rim Whale Festival (March), with family activities, lectures and whale viewing.
Visit the waters of north Vancouver Island for prime whale-watching tours from Telegraph Cove, Port McNeill and Alert Bay. Look for Orcas, minke whales and humpback whales. Many Orcas frequent the waters of the Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve in Johnstone Strait to take advantage of its "rubbing stones" – these are the only Orcas known to rub their bodies on smooth pebbles beaches. Combine a whale-watching tour with a visit to the Whale Interpretive Centre in Telegraph Cove or explore local Aboriginal culture at the U’mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay.
Travel sheltered inland waters on Campbell River whale-watching tours, where, unlike open-water whale-watching trips, guided tours often travel only meters from the shorelines. See bears foraging, eagles fishing, and marine life such as seals, porpoises and the occasional humpback whale.
The southern Gulf Islands lie in close proximity to the feeding grounds of three pods of southern resident Orcas. Head to the Gulf Islands on a Vancouver whale-watching tour or from various locations on south Vancouver Island, including tours from Sidney and tours from Victoria. Ferries run between islands, as well as to the mainland, with whale sightings often announced on board.
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.
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37 Whale Watching in Vancouver Island
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1
3 1371 Island Hwy
Campbell River, British Columbia
V9W 5T5
Websitehttp://www.aboriginaljourneys.com
Toll-free888-455-8101
Phone250-850-1101
Family owned business offering Whale Watching, Wildlife & Adventure Tours & Grizzly bear viewing. Our Grizzly Bear Journey is on Aboriginal lands with viewing platforms at Orford River, in Bute Inlet. Explore with us the beautiful water ways of the Discovery Islands. Possibly view Killer Whales (Orca), Humpback Whales, Dolphins, Sea Lions, Seals, Black bears, Eagles & so much more!
In operation since 2000 & is one of Campbell River's most experienced tour operators with over 30 years experience on these waters. Transport Canada certified. Guaranteed sightings; see website for details.
Rated by TripAdvisor as the number 1 attraction in Campbell River.
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2
Discovery Harbour Marina
Campbell River, British Columbia
V9H 1P7
Websitehttp://www.adventurequestcanada.com
Toll-free855-659-2327
Phone250-202-4921
Your Quest for Adventure begins here! Our adventures take you into the heart of the Orca Realm of Johnstone Strait & the Great Bear Rainforest. Cruise in style & comfort aboard our 8.2 m (27 ft) Aluminum cabin cruiser as we search for whales, bears, bald eagles, dolphins, sea lions, seals & sea birds. We are the only company in town offering daytrips featuring recreational kayaks with a 'seaview' window in the bottom of the boat. It is just like having your own private aquarium. Our Transport Canada certified boat & captains cater to small groups and families. Come for a personalized adventure!
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3
Whiskey Landing Marina
Ucluelet, British Columbia
V0R 3A0
Websitehttp://www.archipelagocruises.com
Toll-free
Phone250-726-8289
Treat yourself to an unforgettable West Coast adventure. Join us aboard our luxurious yacht for a relaxing whale & wildlife cruise. The Raincoast Maiden is a spacious yacht equipped with a washroom & comfortable seating inside & out. Enjoy the magical scenery of Barkley Sound with a taste of luxury & watch the area's abundant wildlife, which includes whales, bears, sea lions, seals, sea otters, eagles & sea birds. Binoculars available for guests. Our interpretive tours include a scenic cruise though the sheltered waters of the Broken Group Islands & an optional gourmet meal while at anchor. Romantic sunset cruises & private charters are also available.
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4
238 Matterson Dr
Ucluelet, British Columbia
V0R 3A0
Websitehttp://www.wildedgewhales.com
Toll-free877-363-2288
Phone250-726-3444
Explore Barkley Sound's whales, bears, sea lions & more aboard our heated, washroom equipped, 12 passenger cruiser, M.V. Blackfish. 3 hr whale & wildlife watching: encounters with grey & humpback whales, black bears, sea otters, sea lions, sea birds & visiting orca whales await you in the magical waters of Barkley Sound. 6 hr Nature History Tour: travel through Barkley Sound on our day trip to the Broken Group & Deer Group Islands. Visit the village of Bamfield, beaches, galleries & learn about the rich history of shipwrecks & pioneers. Kayak transport service within Barkley Sound. Salmon & halibut fishing charters available.
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5
Discovery Harbour Marina
Campbell River, British Columbia
V9W 2L1
Websitehttp://www.campbellriverwhalewatching.com
Toll-free877-909-2667
Phone250-287-2667
Campbell River Whale Watching & Adventure Tours invite you to experience some of the most spectacular whale watching, wildlife & grizzly bear viewing in the world. Our commitment is to offer our guests an experience of a lifetime, to explore the natural wonders of the Discovery Islands & Johnstone Strait. We pride ourselves on maintaining a high standard which guarantees our guests a safe, educational & memorable experience. Not only are our guides expert mariners, they are also certified naturalists whose love & ethical regard for marine wildlife is evident.
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6
411 Campbell St
Tofino, British Columbia
V0R 2Z0
Websitehttp://www.tofinowhalecentre.com
Toll-free888-474-2288
Phone250-725-2132
Tofino's true eco-tour adventure company! Whales, bears, birds, hot springs; open & covered vessels. Local expert guides with a dedication to the local marine environment. Come in & see our complete 12 m (40 ft) whale skeleton. A true West Coast experience. Specially designed vessels allow a quieter more intimate experience.
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7
760 Island Highway
Campbell River, British Columbia
V9W 2C3
Websitehttp://www.adventurewhalewatching.com
Toll-free866-501-6722
Phone250-287-7008
Your adventure is our passion! Discover in Comfort & cruise with us along stunning shorelines & inlets in search of orca (killer) or humpback whales & other wildlife such as black bears, pacific white-sided dolphins, Dall's porpoises, seals, sea lions & bald eagles. Has a grizzly crossed your path yet? We will take you to the mainland where you can observe these magnificent giants off our safe viewing platforms in their natural habitat, foraging & fishing for salmon in the rivers & streams. You'll be in "grizzly country" (on land) for 3 hrs, a great opportunity to take incredible pictures. Wir sprechen Deutsch.
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8
Discovery Harbour K Dock
Campbell River, British Columbia
V9W 8C9
Websitehttp://www.eagleeyeadventures.com
Toll-free877-286-0809
Phone250-286-0809
We endeavour to provide you with the utmost in comfort & safety during your time on the water, to provide the best naturalists in the industry & of course to share the best possible whale & wildlife sightings with you.
By doing so we hope to promote a deeper understanding & appreciation of the whales & their fragile marine environment. We believe that doing all we can to support the research & conservation of these endangered animals is an essential responsibility of our business.
We consider it a privilege to be able to share Campbell River's whales & abundant marine life with you.
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9
1234 Wharf St
Victoria, British Columbia
V8W 3H9
Websitehttp://www.eaglewingtours.com
Toll-free800-708-9488
Phone250-384-8008
Eagle Wing Whale Watching offers excellent value & guaranteed whale sightings. Canada's 1st Carbon Neutral & 1% for the planet, eco-friendly, marine adventure & killer (orca) whale watching company. During the tour, view a variety of diving & shore birds. Extras include on board washrooms, hydrophones & a perfect safety record. This locally owned & operated family business offers you a chance to bear witness to one of nature's most incredible & inspiring creatures, the Orca Whale, in the Salish Sea. A 'treasure chest' of diverse marine wildlife awaits you. Rated #1 whale watching tour since 2007 on TripAdvisor. Victoria's premiere choice for your west coast adventure!
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10
651 Humboldt St
Victoria, British Columbia
V8W 1A6
Websitehttp://www.5starwhales.com
Toll-free800-634-9617
Phone250-388-7223
In operation since 1986, Five Star is Victoria's longest running whale watching company. Our two purpose-built catamarans provide a smooth, exciting ride & plenty of room for everyone. Four options for viewing & photography include indoor heated seating, outdoor adventure seating, as well as a front & back deck, offering amazing unobstructed views. On-board, you will find complimentary hot chocolate & coffee, warm jackets & a washroom. Our veteran captains & enthusiastic marine naturalists have educated passengers for over 25 years. Our office is conveniently located at the Fairmont Empress Hotel, next to Miniature World in downtown Victoria. Our trips depart from Victoria's Inner Harbour.
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