Whale Watching
Sightseers whale watching (Canadian Tourism Commission photo)
The waters surrounding Victoria make for excellent whale watching and wildlife viewing. In 2010, Travel + Leisure magazine named Vancouver Island one of "North America’s Best Whale Watching Spots."
Orcas (killer whales) are most frequently sighted, but humpback, minke and grey whales can also be seen, along with harbour seals, Steller and California sea lions, bald eagles, and harbour and Dall’s porpoises.
Many Victoria whale-watching tours leave right from downtown, so it's easy to combine an afternoon of whale watching with shopping or golfing. Nearby Sidney and Sooke are also popular whale-watching spots, and some tours travel to the Victoria area from Vancouver.
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When to Go Whale Watching
Though whale watching from Victoria is possible year-round, the best time for whale watching is May to November. In these months, salmon migrating through the waters around southern Vancouver Island attract Orcas, other marine animals and sea birds.
Victoria Whale-Watching Tours
Most whale-watching tours last about three hours and leave from the Inner Harbour or nearby Oak Bay, or from Sidney (30 minutes from Victoria) and Sooke (40 minutes from Victoria). Some operators offer whale-watching trips that connect Victoria to downtown Vancouver. Combine a whale-watching tour with a visit to The Butchart Gardens or look for whales from coastal hiking trails such as those in East Sooke Park.
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 spyhopping or porpoises playing 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
Whale-watching tours in the Gulf Islands run from Sidney, Victoria, and even downtown Vancouver. The picturesque southern Gulf Islands lie in close proximity to the feeding grounds of three pods of southern resident Orcas. Ferries run between islands, as well as to the mainland, with whale sightings often announced on board.
Tours leaving from Sidney often cruise the scenic Haro Strait and San Juan Islands, depending on where whales can be found that day. Watch for whales breaching, bald eagles soaring and wildlife on the shoreline.
Many trips include an up-close view of Race Rocks Ecological Reserve, a small island with a historic lighthouse and home to seals, sea lions, birds and other marine animals.
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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7 Whale Watching in Victoria
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1
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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2
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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3
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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4
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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5
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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6
1119 Wharf Street
Victoria, British Columbia
V8W 1T7
Websitehttp://www.SpringTideCharters.com
Toll-free800-470-3474
Phone250-384-4444
SpringTide's 61' Marauder IV provides the perfect platform for whale viewing & photography with 360° viewing decks & a terrific sound system to capture underwater vocalizations. Biologists provide informative lectures, while you enjoy free hot beverages, comfortable indoor/outdoor seating & spacious washroom facilities.
Charter Marauder for your private events.
Just for the thrill of it, suit-up for a Zodiac tour! Naturalist interpretations throughout your excursion covering biology & behaviour of whales, marine mammals & birds.
3 hour tours from April through October.
Day trips, including transportation &/or hotels are available from Vancouver & Seattle.
Sportfishing Charters Available on 42' Sportfish Yacht.
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Other businesses with Whale Watching
7
209-1110 Government St.
Victoria, British Columbia
V8W 1Y2
Websitehttp://www.MapleLeafAdventures.com
Toll-free888-599-5323
Phone250-386-7245
Rated "Trip of a Lifetime" by Frommer's (2000-2012) & 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.
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