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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38 Whale Watching in Vancouver Island
11 - 20 of 38 Results
11
1000 Wharf St
Victoria, British Columbia
V8W 1T4
Websitehttp://www.greatpacificadventures.com
Toll-free877-733-6722
Phone250-386-2277
Since 1996 Great Pacific Adventures has operated whale watching & marine wildlife tours from Victoria's Inner Harbour & we're passionate about what we do. Our team of university educated Marine Naturalists enlighten visitors on the many inhabitants of our marine community and the importance of environmental sustainability. Choose your adventure from a zodiac or a 14 m (45 ft) ocean cruiser offering indoor/outdoor seating.
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12
606 Campbell St
Tofino, British Columbia
V0R 2Z0
Websitehttp://www.jamies.com
Toll-free800-667-9913
Phone250-725-3919
In operation since 1982, Jamie's Whaling Station & Adventure Centres have all the activities you're looking for. Whale Watching on our 65 ft cruisers or high speed zodiacs. We also offer bear watching & sea lion tours. All guaranteed sightings! Hot Springs Cove, Sea to Sky hot springs, kayaking, Meares Island hiking, sunset & harbour cruises, scenic flights & more. Check out the West Coast's first whale watching company & check into some fun. Gift shops & lots of free parking (including motorhome/RV parking) at either of our Tofino or Ucluelet locations. Complimentary dog kennels too. Book your next adventure today.
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13
1721 Cowichan Bay Rd
Cowichan Bay, British Columbia
V0R 1N0
Websitehttp://www.OceanEcoVentures.com
Toll-free866-748-5333
Phone250-748-3800
Are you ready for awe-inspiring whale watching memories from Vancouver Island? Ocean EcoVentures' high quality whale watching excursions depart daily from the seaside village of Cowichan Bay. Our whale watching tours focus on the southern resident orca whales, humpback whales, grey whales & minke whales. You will also encounter sea lions, bald eagles, harbour seals, Dall's & harbour porpoise, as well as a myriad of marine birds on your whale watching eco tour. Ocean EcoVentures is committed to providing you with an intimate & informative whale watching experience. Small tour groups - a maximum of 12 passengers on each tour. Whales are our passion!
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14
368 Main St
Tofino, British Columbia
V0R 2Z0
Websitehttp://www.oceanoutfitters.bc.ca
Toll-free877-906-2326
Phone250-725-2866
Join Ocean Outfitters for adventures in Clayoquot Sound, including guaranteed whale watching, bear watching, coastal hot springs tours, sea to sky tours, Meares Island walks &Lone Cone hikes. Exclusive offerings of customized private charters. Heated, covered cabin vessels or a large zodiac, all with washrooms. While waiting for your tour to commence, have an organic coffee drink from our in-house espresso bar & browse our gift shop & sister boutique Covet for unique handcrafted items & urban apparel. Open year-round.
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15
146 Kingston St Marina Level
Victoria, British Columbia
V8V 1V4
Websitehttp://www.orcaspirit.com
Toll-free888-672-6722
Phone250-383-8411
World-class whale watching & marine wildlife tours. The clear, nutrient rich waters of Juan de Fuca & Haro Strait support an amazingly rich & diverse animal ecosystem & have been rated as one of the best places to view killer whales in the wild. On-board biologists with extensive knowledge of both local waters & marine habitat make this an educational experience you'll never forget. Complimentary shuttle service from all downtown locations & free vehicle parking. Victoria's only liquor licensed whale watching vessels. Reservations are highly recommended. Ask about our "Whale Guarantee".
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16
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.
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17
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.
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18
51 Wharf Street
Tofino, British Columbia
V0R 2Z0
Websitehttp://www.remotepassages.com
Toll-free800-666-9833
Phone250-725-3330
We are committed to preserving the ecological value & timeless wonder of Clayoquot Sound. We strive to help visitors appreciate the coastal environment through fun, educational outings. Our programs emphasize the many connections between forest & ocean ecosystems.
Whether whale watching, bear watching, dipping into Hot Springs Cove or sea kayaking to a rainforest trail, people of all ages have enjoyed our excursions since 1986.
We launch out of Tofino, on the west coast of Vancouver Island, just minutes from Long Beach & Pacific Rim National Park. Tofino is part of Clayoquot Sound, a temperate rainforest area of beaches & fjord inlets.
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19
Websitehttp://www.seasmokewhalewatching.com
Toll-free800-668-6722
Phone250-974-5225
An Eco-tour with the viewing of orcas, humpback & minke whales, numerous other marine mammals & seabirds while touring through the protected waters of Johnstone Strait & the Broughton Archipelago.
Departures are from: Alert Bay on Cormorant Island & the Alder Bay Resort on Vancouver Island. Our 4-5 hr "Sail with the Whales" tour offers exceptional service & value to individuals, families & small groups and includes fresh baked muffins & Devonshire Tea.
If you are looking for a unique and Eco-friendly experience, join us, our carbon footprint is very small. There is no other whale-watching tour like it on the BC coast!
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20
2537 Beacon Ave
Sidney, British Columbia
V8L 1Y3
Websitehttp://www.sidneywhalewatching.com
Toll-free888-656-7599
Phone250-656-7599
Breaching, spyhopping, bow riding, tail slapping - if these terms aren't familiar, you probably haven't been on a whale watching tour.
Sidney Whale Watching, located in the Cannery Building at the foot of Beacon Avenue, offers 3 to 3 1/2 hour tours starting right from Sidney's waterfront! We are the closest company to the whale foraging grounds which means less travel time & more whale time! Learning about the traditional territory along the way & viewing all the other animals that call this place home is a one of a kind experience.
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