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British Columbia Dolphin & whale watching

Our most recommended British Columbia Dolphin & whale watching

Telegraph Cove: 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour in a Zodiac Boat

1. Telegraph Cove: 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour in a Zodiac Boat

After meeting your skipper at the dock, get suited up in a cozy cruiser suit, ensuring your comfort and safety for the duration of the trip. This 3-hour whale-watching tour boasts sightings of just about everything there is to see, from wolves roaming nearby islands to groups of predatory transient orcas and breaching humpback calves. Your ride on one of the zipping Zodiac-style boats will be nearly as exciting as seeing the whales.  Each of the boats seats 12, and there are great views from every seat. Once out of the former fishing village of Telegraph Cove, you’ll have the opportunity to see a variety of species of sea life, including orcas, humpback whales, grey whales, minke whales, porpoises, dolphins, sea lions, elephant seals, otters, and bald eagles. Every tour is guided by a Transport Canada-approved skipper, who will provide information and commentary on all of the wildlife you see. If you don’t see a whale on your trip, you’ll be entitled to a free tour until you have a successful sighting.

From Victoria: Whale Watching 3-Hour Trip on Covered Boat

2. From Victoria: Whale Watching 3-Hour Trip on Covered Boat

Join certified marine naturalists on a cruise from Victoria to spot whales, including both transient and resident orcas, humpbacks, minke, and gray whales. Benefit from hotel pickup and drop-off and relax with guaranteed whale sightings and a conservation fee included in the tour price. After meeting at the pier, begin your carbon-neutral tour led by certified marine naturalists who will share their knowledge and passion for Vancouver Island’s marine wildlife with you. Whilst on the boat, enjoy complimentary coffee and tea, onboard bathrooms, and indoor and outdoor viewing areas.  You may also encounter Dall’s and harbor porpoises, harbor and elephant seals, otters, and marine birds such as cormorants and bald eagles.  Make the best of peak whale watching season in Victoria which runs from April through October. In the event of an unlucky tour, you will be invited to join again for a complimentary second whale-watching tour to bring your dreams of seeing these magnificent animals to life.

Victoria: 3-Hour Zodiac Whale-Watching Tour

3. Victoria: 3-Hour Zodiac Whale-Watching Tour

Experience the awe and inspiration of seeing whales in their natural environment on this unique whale-watching excursion from Victoria. Cruise along in an open zodiac boat on the Salish Sea, and get the chance to spot orcas, humpback, minke, and gray whales, as well as porpoises and seals. After being collected from your downtown accommodation in a comfortable shuttle bus, you will venture down to the harbor where you will meet with your boat. After meeting your guides for the day, you will then depart from Victoria, setting off on your 3-hour whale-watching tour. Between April and October, you will have a greater than 95% success rate of spotting whales, including both transient and resident orcas, humpback, minke, and gray whales. Other wildlife you may encounter include Dall’s and harbor porpoises, harbor and elephant seals, and otters and marine birds such as cormorants and bald eagles. The zodiac vessels used on your tour are definitely recommended for the wild-at-heart. You can let the wind blow in your hair and be exposed to the true west-coast elements in an open-style, 12-passenger vessel. At the conclusion of your exhilarating tour, you will be returned back to the harbor, at which point you will be driven back to your accommodation in downtown Victoria.

Victoria: Whale Watching Cruise by Covered Boat

4. Victoria: Whale Watching Cruise by Covered Boat

Experience the majesty of the Salish Sea and its wildlife, from whales surfacing in unison to bald eagles soaring overhead. Cut through the Strait of Juan de Fuca’s currents in search of orcas and humpback whales, and listen to our marine mammal experts bring the animals’ stories to life. Climb aboard the new Salish Sea catamaran-style boat, custom-designed for whale watching. Push through the waves with ease as you search for whales and other marine species. Stop at different points of interest within the protected waters of the Haro Strait and Strait of Juan de Fuca, where your captain will position the boat parallel to the animals for great photo opportunities. Learn more about the wildlife from up to 3 top marine naturalists. Enjoy the heated indoor cabin and 2 open air sundecks that are ideal for photography, or immerse yourself in this experience while we take free high-resolution photos of the wildlife, the landscape. and your loved ones.

Vancouver, BC: Whale Watching Tour

5. Vancouver, BC: Whale Watching Tour

Experience the awe and inspiration of seeing whales in their natural environment on this unique whale-watching excursion from Vancouver. Get the chance to spot orcas, humpback, minke, and gray whales, as well as porpoises and seals. Depart from Granville Island in downtown Vancouver on a high-speed, custom-built, luxury catamaran that takes you on a fully-guided whale watching and marine wildlife tour. As you set out from Vancouver, choose whether you want to stay inside the heated cabin or head outside and pick from 3 different viewing areas on 2 levels that are perfect for photography. Marvel at the beauty of the Strait of Georgia on this outdoor adventure. As you sail, learn about the history of the area and the local marine wildlife from your knowledgeable crew. Immerse yourself completely in this incredible experience while we take free high-resolution photos of the wildlife, yourself, and your loved ones! It is the quintessential whale-watching experience for every adventurer. Select the half-day cruise, or opt for the sunset option to watch the sun go down over the water.

Campbell River: Whale & Wildlife Discovery Cruise

6. Campbell River: Whale & Wildlife Discovery Cruise

Spend a day on the water and discover local wildlife on this Campbell River cruise. Visit the Salish Sea, Discovery Passage, and Johnstone Strait. With an abundance of wildlife in the area, you are likely to encounter many animals both on land and at sea. Choose from two vessel options for your cruise. A covered vessel with indoor seating offers a good option for families. Alternatively, a zodiac-style vessel offers a good option for those who like being outdoors and want to feel the wind through their hair. Hop aboard your chosen vessel, then sit back and relax. Keep an eye out for humpback whales, killer whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, bears, Steller sea lions, and more. Learn from an on-board naturalist and listen to the sounds of whales through hydrophones. While it might not be possible to guarantee you’ll see all of these animals on your tour, this tour offers a great opportunity to see everything that is possible.

Vancouver Island: Grizzly Bears of Bute Inlet in Orford Bay

7. Vancouver Island: Grizzly Bears of Bute Inlet in Orford Bay

χawgəs, the Grizzly Bear, knows that around mid-August the annual salmon run begins in Orford Bay on the edge of the Great Bear Rainforest. Bears journey long distances to Algard Creek and the Orford River to feast on the spawning salmon and their eggs. It’s part of a quest to fatten up before a long winter hibernation. In doing so, they continue a cycle that has taken place for millennia on the traditional territory of the Homalco First Nation people. Be our guest as we enter their world. Your full-day adventure begins in Campbell River and through the Salish Sea, learning about the lands of the First Peoples as you enter one of British Columbia’s greatest fjords - Bute Inlet. As an abundantly rich area for wildlife, there are opportunities to view marine animals while discovering the breathtaking scenery of Homalco territory. Your arrival in Orford Bay begins a 3-hour land experience. Indigenous guides transport you by bus to a variety of raised wildlife viewing platforms and prime ground viewing locations to look for the magnificent χawgəs (grizzly bear). Along the way, guides share knowledge about the bears, salmon, Homalco people and their ties to the land. Lunch is served at the dock in Orford Bay with an unobstructed view of the estuary and its spectacular mountain surroundings. The Bear Viewing Season: The Orford River and Algard Creek water channels provide salmon spawning grounds with different viewing locations that we use depending on where the bears are active. The following information offers what to expect in a "typical" year (note that climate change is having a significant impact on weather and bear behaviour, and this is our best interpretation in constantly changing conditions). - August has the hottest, most pleasant days and grizzlies are moving from up high into the area. Until early September bears are mostly foraging for grasses, berries and shellfish as they wait for the salmon to begin moving from the mouth of Orford Bay and up the rivers to spawn - From September and onward bears are hunting for salmon in the rivers - September typically has the highest number of bears, and is also the busiest time for visitor volume. The weather begins to change into our annual period of rain typical for BC's Coastal Temperate Rainforest - October offers intimate, quiet and yet spectacular fall bear viewing in spite of shorter days and more variable weather. Our experienced Indigenous guides know the area very well and will help identify wildlife through various bear viewing towers from which you can view the bears comfortably. Please keep in mind that these are wild animals and we cannot guarantee the number of bears to be seen. By travelling with us a portion of your trip price goes to supporting bear conservation, salmon restoration, Homalco language and cultural rejuvenation, plus employment and career options for the Homalco people. I:mote (it is good/thank you).

Victoria: 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour in a Zodiac Boat

8. Victoria: 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour in a Zodiac Boat

This 3-hour whale-watching tour boasts sighting just about everything there is to see, including groups of predatory transient orcas and breaching humpback calves. Recently, a guest proposed to his girlfriend as a pod of killer whales cavorted in the background! Get suited up in a cozy cruiser suit, ensuring your comfort and safety for the duration of the trip. The tour departs from Victoria’s beautiful inner harbor. Your ride on one of the zipping Zodiac-style boats will be nearly as exciting as seeing the whales. Each of the boats seats 12, and there are great views from every seat. On the way out of the harbor, the boat passes the historic Victoria coastline. Once out of the harbor you’ll see a variety of different species of sea life, including orcas, humpback whales, grey whales, minke whales, porpoises, dolphins, sea lions, elephant seals, otters, and bald eagles. Every tour is guided by a Transport Canada-approved skipper, who will provide information and commentary on all of the wildlife you see.

Campbell River: Bute Inlet Grizzly-Watching Tour & Boat Ride

9. Campbell River: Bute Inlet Grizzly-Watching Tour & Boat Ride

Journey to the Orford River Valley aboard a high-speed vessel on a scenic boat ride. Admire the spectacular scenery on the way from Campbell River to Bute Inlet, renowned as one of the best places to observe grizzly bears in the wild. Observe this majestic species on a guided tour. Hop on a speedboat and travel among the Discovery Islands while searching for marine wildlife and whales along the way. Once you arrive at Bute Inlet, meet your Homalco First Nation guides and transfer to the van. Receive a short orientation and head over to the bear viewing platforms. From your perch in the viewing towers, situated above the salmon spawning channel, you will have an unobstructed view of grizzly bears as they roam the river banks. Make sure to have your camera ready, as the specially designed viewing platforms provide ideal photo opportunities. Stay energized and warm throughout your experience with a light snack, hot chocolate, coffee, tea, and lunch.

Telegraph Cove: Half-Day Whale Watching Tour

10. Telegraph Cove: Half-Day Whale Watching Tour

After gathering at the Telegraph Cove Resort, you will embark on your 3-hour, fully-guided whale watching and wildlife viewing adventure. In true comfort and style, your crew will be excited to take you to Johnstone Strait, in search of the majestic wildlife that floods the local waters here in the summer months. You can take advantage of the opportunity to view killer whales and humpback whales in the wild, as well as an assortment of seabirds and other species of marine wildlife. Immerse yourself completely in this incredible experience while we take free high-resolution photos of the wildlife, the landscape and your loved ones! The Ocean Magic II is a custom designed marine marvel, which combines the practicality of a semi-covered vessel with the speed and maneuverability of a Zodiac. With three naturalists on board and two different viewing elevations, this is the only purpose-built whale watching vessel of its size in the industry. Sip your coffee, feel the wind in your hair or keep cozy under cover while you explore the pacific northwest.

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What people are saying about British Columbia

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 63 reviews

The activity I booked didn't even seem to take place for a moment, because I was the only one who had registered at Orca Spirit for the said day and time. However, after a few phone calls I was able to go to Eagle View (Fisherman's Wharf) an hour later. A golden grip! Have seen a lot of humpback whales, up to less than 20 meters from the boat. Impressive!

Our guide was really friendly and attentive, and we saw four pods of whales! Which is apparently very rare. An amazing day.

We had an amazing time on whale watching tour, seen many hump backs, a pod of orcas and a ton of sea lions. A great time!

Experienced guides, after the trip they send you there pictures for free!

Great experience! Knowledgeable staff. Very enjoyable.