6 Best Orca & Whale Watching Tours in Vancouver

Envision this scene: untamed killer whales swimming freely in the northern Pacific waters with snow-topped mountains distant. It’s one of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever viewed. If you wish to see these majestic animals yourself, I extremely advise taking a whale observing tour in Vancouver. Even if you only have one day in Vancouver, it’s worth investing a few hours in this activity.

There are multiple types of tours and whale observation trips in Vancouver available, so deciding which one to join isn`t always straightforward. You also need to take into account when is the prime time to see whales around Vancouver and the surrounding region. Not to worry because I`ll cover all of this and more in this guide.

Below, you’ll find the 6 best killer whale excursions in Vancouver and Vancouver Island, as well as information about whale season and what to bring along for the tour.

Guide to whale watching in Vancouver

The initial step you should take is decide what kind of orca tour in Vancouver most appeals to you. There are whale watching excursions departing from Vancouver City and from Vancouver Island, which is the prime destination for whale-watching in British Columbia. However, don’t worry about it too much. Excursions departing from Vancouver City are more extended but take you to Vancouver Island’s waters anyway!

To help in decision making, this guide outlines the six top whale watching tours in Vancouver so the perfect fit can be identified. Continuing reading to learn more about whale season in Vancouver and tips to make the trip unforgettable.

• Top Vancouver whale-watching tour options
• When does whale season occur in Vancouver?
• What kinds of whales can be seen in Vancouver?
• Essential items to carry on a Vancouver whale-viewing tour
• Our Experience Taking an Orca Watching Cruise in Vancouver

1. Prince of Whales, the orca tour in Vancouver that we took

First and foremost, I recommend the excursion we undertook, operated by Prince of Whales, one of the major tour operators in the region. This is the perfect whale tour in Vancouver for those already staying in the city seeking an outing departing directly from the port.

You’ll embark from Granville Island and ride in a comfortable, eco-certified catamaran while you search for wild orcas. You may even see other forms of whales, such as minke, grey, and humpback whales in Vancouver. The boat has indoor and outdoor viewing zones, and if you don’t spot any whales on your primary trip, you can repeat the tour free of charge

Additionally, the tour lasts 5 hours, allowing you to spend a half-day whale watching in Vancouver and then use the rest of your time exploring the city. Or select the sunset option for spectacular golden hour views.

• Departs from: Granville Island in Vancouver
• Duration: 5 hours
• Price from: $149
• Highlights: Whale-watching tour departing from Vancouver City; photo package; sunset option.

2. Whale-watching tour in Vancouver Island with seaplane flight from Vancouver City

This particular tour is one of the most novel whale trips in Vancouver. You’ll initiate in Vancouver City, then take a seaplane voyage to Victoria. During the flight, you’ll be able to view the gorgeous scenery of the Gulf Islands. Upon landing in Victoria, you’ll board the watercraft for some whale watching along Vancouver Island.

This presentation offers an opportunity to view humpback and killer whales in Vancouver`s faraway coastal waters, as well as other wildlife and birds like bald eagles. After the boat tour, free time is available in Victoria. As the funding city of British Columbia, Victoria is full of historic design, gorgeous parks, and a bustling maritime atmosphere, so you`ll encounter something that arouses your interest.

This full-day excursion incorporates hotel pick-up from your lodging in Vancouver, making it one of the more comprehensive options on our list.

• Departs from: Vancouver
• Duration: 9 hours
• Price from: $570
• Highlights: Flight by floatplane to Victoria; whale-watching excursion off Vancouver Island; free time to explore the town of Victoria.

3. Small group whale safari, another great Vancouver whale-watching tour

For a unique experience, take into account this small group tour from Victoria. It accommodates only 12 individuals, so you`ll have room to move around the vessel and obtain views from the indoor and outdoor platforms. The luxurious boat has an indoor heated cabin, so if you become too chilled on the viewing deck, you can warm up inside.

You will be accompanied by expert marine biologists who will share intriguing facts about the local wildlife and coastal ecosystem. Learn about the whale migration around Vancouver Island and keep an eye out for orcas and humpbacks. This Vancouver whale-watching expedition also offers the chance to spot seals, sea lions, and dozens of species of seabirds.

In addition to being one of the most inexpensive Vancouver whale-watchingexpeditions, this tour includes complimentary hot drinks while exploring the Salish Sea.

• Departs from: Victoria on Vancouver Island
• Duration: 3 hours
• Price from: $115
• Highlights: Tour going by boat near Vancouver Island to see whales.

4. Zodiac boat tour, an exciting killer whale tour in Vancouver

This activity is an excellent pick for people visiting Victoria, B.C. It involves seeing some of the finest Vancouverwhale observing in a zodiac boat, a small and nimble vessel that allows getting closer to the whales without compromising safety. As the boat travels into the Salish Sea, keep watch for whales, sea lions, and dolphins in the Vancouver waters.

The sailing boat can transport a maximum of 12 passengers providing a more intimate experience with the indigenous wildlife. You’ll even receive hydrophones enabling you to hear whale calls beneath the water`s surface. Plus, this excursion guarantees sightings so you`re assured glimpses of some of the finest whale watching off Vancouver Island`s coastline.

• Departs from: Victoria on Vancouver Island
• Duration: 3 hours
• Price from: $134
• Highlights: Whale watching excursion off Vancouver Island in a zodiac; hydrophones to listen to whale calls.

5. Kayaking with orcas, a full-day whale-watching tour in Vancouver Island

If you’re desiring a more intimate encounter to see orcas in Vancouver, then consider this kayaking expedition. You’ll join a knowledgeable naturalist and kayaking guide on a one-of-a-kind adventure in the coastal waters off Vancouver Island.

After a few hours paddling kayaks, the excursion continues with a boat ride to more distant waters in a covered vessel. Relax your muscles while keeping your eyes open for seabirds, dolphins, sea lions, and killer whales native to Vancouver. Your kayaking equipment, lunch, and drinks are covered in the tour fee.

• Departs from: Campbell River, Vancouver Island
• Duration: 9 hours
• Price from: $360
• Highlights: Kayaking outing; whale-watching boat tour off Vancouver Island; lunch included.

6. Telegraph Cove tour, a less crowded orca tour in Vancouver

Finally, this tour is an excellent choice if you want to spot whales in Vancouver without large crowds. The excursion leaves from Telegraph Cove on the northeastern end of Vancouver Island. From there, the group will set sail through the cove and Johnstone Strait.

The vessel for this tour has been specially designed for whale sightings in Vancouver. It contains a covered area and a viewing deck on the upper level, providing different perspectives. A live guide will point out any cetaceans seen, and sightings are guaranteed. You should also watch out for seabirds and other marine life.

Free coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are available onboard, and the tour includes a photo package so you can bring this magnificent experience home to your loved ones.

• Originates from: Telegraph Cove, Vancouver Island
• Duration: 3 hours
• Price from: $136
• Notable aspects: Whale-watching tour off Vancouver Island; photo package.

Vancouver whale watching price comparison

To help you choose the Vancouver whale-watching tour that is best suited for your needs, here is a chart allowing comparison of key factors like price, duration and highlights for each excursion. You can also see where each tour departs from, whether Vancouver City or Vancouver Island.

The shorter trips are the most affordable Vancouver whale-watching excursions. If you want to save money, I recommend booking one of those trips.

Of course, it’s also worth investing in a full day tour to see wild whales in their natural habitat! The right choice is dependent on your departure point, your budget, and your schedule .

When is whale season in Vancouver?

Period of the year when whales are sighted in Vancouver takes place in the spring and summer months. This is the prime timeframe annually to catch glimpses of whales in Vancouver, so plan accordingly. You should be able to spot resident whales as well as migrating pods passing through the Pacific Northwest waters.

Obviously, even if you travel amid Vancouver’s whale-watching season, there is no guarantee of observing cetaceans. The wild whales here live freely and move around independently, so we can’t always foresee their movements. Though, the tour operators here have been in business for years, so they have a strong idea of where to see whales. Plus, most companies will let you retake the tour at no cost if you don’t have any luck initially.

Best time to see orcas in Vancouver

The best period to view or observe orcas in Vancouver is between May and October when spawning river salmon attract resident killer whales to the area. While transient orcas tend to consume smaller mammals, it is not uncommon to see these marine mammals in their natural habitat as well. As the fall season begins, these whales commence migrating south in search of warmer climates and to find mates.

Best time to see humpback whales in Vancouver

On the off chance that you need to observe humpback whales in Vancouver, plan your visit somewhere in the range of April and November. While the Pacific Northwest coast has seen an expansion in humpback whales as of late, the best time to observe these whales in Vancouver is somewhere in the range of the late spring and early fall.

Where to see wild whales in Vancouver

Seeing wild whales near Vancouver is achievable with preparation. The coastal waters surrounding Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and the San Juan Islands offer prime whale-watching. An convenient option to access this region involves taking a guided tour from Victoria, British Columbia`s capital on Vancouver Island, and traveling along the Georgia Strait.

If you’re unable to visit Victoria in person, there are several excellent options for watching whales from Vancouver City, including the experience we had, however the travel time will be somewhat longer to reach the prime viewing spot.

Whales in Vancouver City

Even if you only have a day in the city of Vancouver, you can still experience the magic of viewing orcas on a whale watching tour of the Vancouver area. We took this excursion, and I strongly suggest it. The outing departs from Granville Island and travels into the Georgia Strait and Howe Sound. It’s operated by one of the premier tour agencies in the locale, so you`ll have the best odds of seeing wild orcas and other marine mammals.

Whale watching Victoria B.C., Vancouver Island

Victoria, B.C. is the premier destination for whale tours in Vancouver. Most excursions departing from here sail along Victoria’s Inner Harbor, passing through the Georgia Strait toward the Gulf Islands.

There are several excursions to consider, but I favor this zodiac boat experience and this 3-hour whale safari. If you are in Vancouver City with limited time and a strong interest in whale-watching in Victoria, British Columbia, you can book this package that combines the seaplane from Vancouver City to Victoria with the whale-watching experience.

Whale watching in Telegraph Cove, Vancouver Island

Some of the best opportunities to observe whales in Vancouver Island occur in Telegraph Cove. This former fishing village provides easy access to the Johnstone Strait, where wild orcas spend the summer months. Telegraph Cove is also near the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve, a protected area for killer whales in Vancouver. In addition to killer whales, you’ll likely see humpbacks, grey and minke whales, dolphins, and other wildlife such as seals, otters, and bald eagles.

The top whale expedition departing from Telegraph Cove is this half-day excursion.

Whale watching in Campbell River, Vancouver Island

Campbell River is a city on the eastern coast of Vancouver Island located near prime whale watching areas. It sits close to the Discovery Passage, a superb location for viewing whales off Vancouver Island. It’s also not far from the Johnstone Strait, allowing tours from Campbell River to potentially see orcas, humpback whales, and dolphins in their natural habitat.

Campbell River is also the top place to witness whales in Vancouver by kayak, so if you want to try this thrilling experience, explore this tour.

What kind of whales can you see in Vancouver?

Depending on which Vancouver whale tour you participate in (and when you participate in it), you may see different types of cetaceans. Below, you can learn more about the different species of whales in Vancouver, as well as how to tell one type from another.

Orcas in Vancouver

Killer whales, or orcas, are one of the commonly viewedcetaceans in Vancouver. They’re very social groups, frequently traveling together, so you may see several of them during your visit. Plus, each social order has a particular vocalization they use to interact, so if you have hydrophones, you can listen to them.

During our orca tour in Vancouver, we learned considerable details about these magnificent creatures. For example, killer whales aren`t in fact whales, but they belong to the dolphin family. We also discovered that the waters of Vancouver are home to resident orcas, which mostly feed on salmon, and transient orcas, which consume small mammals. These cetaceans can weigh up to five tons and swim over 60 miles daily!

Humpback whales in Vancouver

During your touring excursion, you may also view humpback whales in Vancouver. As these whales spend more time submerged than orcas, spotting them is trickier to predict. Witnessing one in the frigid northern waters is quite the experience given their impressive size!

Here’s a recommendation: listen closely for their loud breathing as they rise above the water’s surface to breathe, and keep watch for their magnificent tail slaps.

Grey whales

Throughout Vancouver`s whale season, you may potentially observe grey whales. Somewhere between February and April, around 20,000 grey whales migrate along Vancouver Island`s western coastline, and a couple hundred stay in the waters near the shore.

Grey whales are a type of baleen whale, and the simplest way to identify them is by their white scars, which are left there by parasites.

Minke whales

When whale watching off Vancouver Island, you may also see minke whales. They tend to be quite shy and do not spend nearly as much time at the water’s surface as orcas, so spotting one can be challenging. You can identify a minke whale by its dorsal fin, which looks similar to that of a female orca but is smaller and further back on the body.

Dolphins in Vancouver

In addition to whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins numbering 50 to 100 sometimes swim in schools near the northeastern coast of Vancouver Island, especially around the Johnstone Strait.

These animals are lively and energetic, and you can often see them jumping between the waves. They’re also very social, so you’ll probably see them swimming alongside whales.

Other wildlife you can see on a Vancouver whale-watching tour

One advantage of a Vancouver whale-watching tour is seeing not only cetaceans but also dolphins, other sea life, and seabirds. In addition, the forests of the Pacific Northwest make for a breathtaking backdrop as you scan the icy waters for whales and dolphins.

Here are some other creatures that you might spot during your Vancouver whale excursion:

Bald eagles

The majestic appearance and formidable strength of the baldeagle make it one of the most awe-inspiring birds to see in its native habitat. Believe it or not, British Columbia is home to the largest gathering of bald eagles in the world, so keep your eyes open for these impressive creatures.

During our whale viewing excursion, we saw a few bald eagles, and it was amazing seeing their 8-foot wingspan up close.

Dall’s porpoises

Pacific white-sided dolphins bear resemblance to British Columbian killer whales, however they are significantly smaller, with pale tips on their dorsal fins. These creatures favor more profound waters, yet since the Georgia Strait has an average depth of 500 feet, spotting them throughout a Vancouver Island wildlife-watching tour is possible. These dolphins are rapid, achieving speeds up to 34 mph, which is beneficial since they are prey for transient orcas.

California sea lions

The mammals known as California sea lions mainly inhabit the California coastline. However, the males can often be found around Vancouver Island from September through May prior to traveling south once more. They are recognizable by their dark brown coloring and rounded foreheads.

Harbor and elephant seals

Harbor seals are the primary prey for transient killer whales, so you’ll probably see some during your Vancouver orca tour. While these seals may appear idle when resting on the coastal rocks, they are exceptionally nimble in the water!

As for elephant seals, they’re bigger and have elongated noses that resemble the trunk of an elephant. These seals spend most of their time in the water, and they’re not nearly as widespread in western Canada as harbor seals.

Steller sea lions

The population of Steller sea lions in Vancouver, British Columbia is around 15,000, meaning you`re sure to see these semi-aquatic animals during your tour. Adult males typically weigh around 1,500 lbs. and can reach a length of 10 feet.

They possess the greatest bulk of any sea lions on the planet, but their magnitude isn`t the only feature that astonishes; the resonances they yield from the shore will leave you aghast.

What to bring on a Vancouver whale-watching tour

You’ve chosen the optimum time for whale watching ventures in Vancouver and scheduled your tour. Before embarking, ensure you have the essentials for several hours on the water. Listed here are the must-have items for a Vancouver whale sighting expedition:

• Warm layers, including a jacket or windbreaker. Temperatures are cooler on the water than land, so if you get cold easily, bring a hat, gloves, and scarf.

• Sunscreen and sunglasses to shelter yourself from the intense sun rays. Even if the weather is cold, you will still be outside!

• Your passport or photo ID, which is necessary by most Vancouver whale watch operators.

• A backpack or bag (preferably waterproof) for keeping your belongings safe.

• If accessible, a pair of binoculars to assist in spotting whales farther away.

• A camera to photograph magnificent marine mammals like dolphins, humpback whales, and killer whales in Vancouver

Orca-watching tour in Vancouver: Our review

Our initial experience taking a whale-watching tour along Vancouver Island was a memory I will always cherish. We departed Vancouver City in the late morning on a double-decker vessel. While there was sheltered lower deck, we chose to stay on the top level, where we had full 360° views of the sea.

During our boat tour in mid-May, we had the opportunity to see different types of orcas living in their natural habitat. Within a short period we noticed our initial killer whale, followed by several transient orcas including a male, a mother, and her young calf. In total we observed seven transient killer whales roaming freely, with witnessing the little orca poking its head out of the water as the highlight of the experience.

During our Vancouver whale watching trip, we also spotted humpback whales, sea lions, and bald eagles. Our guide was excellent and even mapped our route, noting where we encountered the various species. I also appreciated the boat maintaining a legal and safe distance from the whales as recommended to avoid disturbing them.

Catching glimpses of wild whales near Vancouver was literally a dream come true for me. It’s difficult to express in words the euphoric feeling of seeing these majestic giants gliding through the waves, some just a few feet from our boat. I felt a thrill every time I noticed a dorsal fin or a plume of water vapor rising to the surface!

Since we were fortunate enough to spot whales on our first tour, we didn’t need to retake it, so we could spend our second day in Vancouver exploring the city. Even if you have just one day here, a Vancouver whale-watching tour is something I highly recommend.

Whale observing in Vancouver is definitely worthwhile, and I`m certain you`ll have a memorable experience. If you`ve joined any of the excursions I mentioned previously, please share your thoughts in the comments below. I`d also be pleased to offer help if you have additional questions.

Joyful whale watching!