Victoria is renowned for its wildlife viewing, especially in the waters that surround the city.
Marine wildlife thrives in the surrounding ecological reserves like Discovery Island, Race Rocks and the Sidney Spit. These marine parks offer incredible views of elephant seals, sea lions, harbour seals and seabirds by the thousands.
Victoria whale watching tours depart daily from the Inner Harbour, a short walk from most Victoria accommodations.
A harbour ferry tour in the protected waterways of Victoria’s Inner Harbour provides a chance to see marine wildlife, and Victoria’s regional and provincial parks provide prime habitat and great self-guided viewing opportunities for many animal and bird species.
Vancouver Island has many other opportunities for whale watching, bear watching and bird watching.
Wildlife in Provincial and Regional Parks
Victoria’s regional and provincial parks are well known viewing areas for salmon, eagles, otters and an especially large variety of birds.
Goldstream Provincial Park
The fall salmon run is a highlight at this wilderness park, located only 16km/10mi from Victoria. Riverside trails and viewing platforms provide views of the returning chum, coho and chinook salmon and the hundreds of bald eagles who arrive to feed. Goldstream Provincial Park is also home to black bears, deers, otters, beavers, raccoons and many birds.
Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park
These lakes feature open water and wetlands that provide prime habitat for many bird species and river otters.
Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park
Witty's has a waterfall, lagoon, beach and saltmarsh that nourish a wide variety of life, including 160 bird species and abundant wildflowers.
Galloping Goose Regional Trail and Lochside Regional Trail
Wildlife viewings are almost guaranteed along the 80km/50mi of scenic, multi-use trails linking Sidney, Victoria and Sooke.
Sea Lions and Seals in Marine Parks and Ecological Reserves
Marine parks and ecological reserves near Victoria are protected areas that have an incredible variety of marine life. Sea lions, seals, dolphins, porpoises, diving birds and eagles are some of the species commonly seen on tours in these areas.
Race Rocks Ecological Reserve
Race Rocks is a remarkable showcase for Pacific marine life. Accessible only by boat, guided marine eco-tours take visitors into this wild and unspoiled marine environment where groups of seals, sea lions and seabirds make their home.
For scuba divers, Race Rocks is one of the most challenging dive sites in Juan de Fuca Strait but the rewards beneath the surface are rich: anemones, sponges, hydroids, soft corals, urchins, sea stars, sculpin, rockfish and lingcod flourish.
Discovery Island Marine Provincial Park
Discovery Island is a popular wildlife viewing destination for kayakers and boaters. The area is only accessible by boat, and visitors will be rewarded by the prolific wildlife living here. Seals, sea lions, otters and eagles are common, and the many islets support thriving seabird nesting areas.
Sidney Spit
Many kinds of wildlife can be seen at Sidney Spit, part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.
Large numbers of shorebirds populate the island during their spring and fall migrations. Eagles and blue herons are permanent residents. The blue heron colony here is the largest in the southern Gulf Islands. The island is also home to large herds of fallow deer.
The island is well equipped for camping and boating, with many well-marked walking trails as well.
Inner Harbour Wildlife Tour
The protected waters of Victoria's Inner Harbour are an ideal place to observe marine wildlife. Glide along Victoria's bustling waterfront and watch for the resident seals at Fisherman's Wharf or marvel at the reversing tidals falls of the Gorge Waterway.
For practical points, safety and wildlife viewing tips visit the BC Wildlife Tours page.
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