Whale Watching in BC
Orcas, humpbacks, grey whales, and more — BC's coastline is one of the world's great whale watching destinations.
British Columbia's nutrient-rich Pacific waters support an extraordinary diversity of whale species. Resident orca pods patrol the Salish Sea year-round. Thousands of grey whales migrate past Tofino each spring. Humpbacks breach in Johnstone Strait all summer long. No matter where you are on BC's coast, a life-changing whale encounter is never far away.
Top Whale Watching Operators in BC
Prince of Whales Whale Watching
Vancouver Island
Victoria's most celebrated whale watching company — zodiac and covered vessel tours to see orcas, humpbacks, minke whales, and Dall's porpoise in the Salish Sea.
- ✓Resident & transient orca pods
- ✓Humpback whale encounters
- ✓Zodiac & covered vessel options
- ✓Guaranteed sightings policy
Stubbs Island Whale Watching
Vancouver Island
The original whale watching company in Johnstone Strait — operating since 1980. Unmatched access to the world's densest concentration of orcas in summer.
- ✓Johnstone Strait orca hotspot
- ✓Northern resident orca families
- ✓Hydrophone to hear whale calls
- ✓Small group tours
Tofino Whale Watching
Vancouver Island
Watch grey whales on their annual Pacific migration from Tofino's wild west coast. Spring tours offer incredible close encounters as thousands of grey whales pass through.
- ✓Grey whale spring migration
- ✓Humpback & minke whales
- ✓Pacific Rim National Park waters
- ✓Sea otter & sea lion sightings
Vancouver Whale Watch
Metro Vancouver
Day trips from Vancouver to see orcas, humpbacks, and porpoise in the Salish Sea. Departs from historic Steveston Harbour — no ferry required.
- ✓Departs from Steveston
- ✓Orca & humpback sightings
- ✓Marine biologist on board
- ✓No ferry required from Vancouver
Orca Spirit Adventures
Vancouver Island
Premium whale watching from Victoria's Inner Harbour — expert naturalist guides, state-of-the-art vessels, and a passionate commitment to responsible wildlife viewing.
- ✓Expert naturalist guides
- ✓Responsible wildlife viewing
- ✓Inner Harbour departure
- ✓Whale ID catalogue access
Haida Gwaii Whale Watching
Haida Gwaii
Remote and extraordinary whale watching in the waters of Haida Gwaii — humpbacks, grey whales, and orcas in pristine wilderness far from the crowds.
- ✓Remote wilderness whale watching
- ✓Humpback & grey whale encounters
- ✓Haida cultural context
- ✓Gwaii Haanas waters
Stay Near the Water
Find independent motels in Victoria, Tofino, Telegraph Cove, and along BC's spectacular coastline.
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