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.
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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