Vancouver whale-watching tours offer breathtaking scenery and wildlife viewing just minutes from a major urban centre.
Upon leaving the dock, passengers are surrounded by incredible coastal settings and have the opportunity to see Orcas (killer whales), grey whales, humpback whales, minke whales, and other marine life like porpoises, dolphins and seabirds.
On a Vancouver whale-watching tour, it's possible to see Orcas breaching, spyhopping and hunting. Use onboard charts to identify individual whales, and listen through hydrophones to hear whales communicating underwater.
Whale-watching tours depart from downtown Vancouver and from nearby Steveston, located at the mouth of the Fraser River in Richmond, with whales generally seen in the waters of the Georgia Strait, Gulf Islands or San Juan Islands.
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, passengers can take the trip again for free.
Vancouver Whale-Watching Tours
Whale-watching trips 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.
Whale-watching vessels vary in size from 12-passenger zodiac-style inflatables to large, custom-built boats that can take 50 or more passengers. Onboard naturalists help educate and identify whales and other marine life during the trip.
Popular Whale-Watching Spots
Whale-watching boats depart daily from Granville Island, one of Vancouver's most popular attractions. Take in the view of beaches and skyscrapers along False Creek and English Bay before heading into Georgia Strait.
Looking for the ultimate day trip? Depart from downtown Vancouver on Prince of Whales' flagship vessel for a day of whale watching and end with an afternoon trip Victoria's famous Butchart Gardens. The vessel will depart from The Butchart Gardens private dock and arrive back in Vancouver in time for dinner.
Vancouver Whale Watch and Steveston Seabreeze Adventures offer guided whale-watching trips departing from Steveston. Choose from a high-speed inflatable or deluxe, custom-built vessels with raised viewing platforms and both covered and outdoor seating areas. Vancouver Whale Watch offers direct shuttle bus service to Steveston from several downtown Vancouver locations.
Don’t have time for a full day on the water? Vancouver Whale Watch and Steveston Seabreeze Adventures 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.
Whales at the Vancouver Aquarium
No time for whale watching by boat? Visit the Vancouver Aquarium to get up close and personal with white beluga whales. See the whale show as part of the admission; for an extra cost, the aquarium offers hands-on experiences: touch and feed the whales or participate in a whale-training session.
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 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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