Top 5 Places to Spot Whales in BC
By Tiffany Lewis August 26, 2016
Looking for a great way to connect with British Columbia’s wild? Our coastal waters are a rich marine environment, home to Orcas, humpbacks, grey whales and minkes, as well as dolphins, porpoises, seals, sea lions, otters and more. Whale-watching tour operators know the best places to look, and they make sure interactions are enjoyable and informative, as well as safe for both humans and mammals.
Tours leave from many locations along the coast, including several spots on Vancouver Island, and with the help of our Facebook fans we’ve determined the top five places to start.
1. Victoria/Sooke
Breaching Orca near Sooke. Photo: @sookewhale via Instagram
When to go: Peak season is May through October
What to expect: Right from Victoria’s scenic Inner Harbour, board a comfortable cruiser complete with washrooms and on-board snacks. Or the more adventurous can don a floatation suit and opt for a rougher ride on a high-speed zodiac to be closer to the water. Vessels generally head to the Gulf Islands, and Washington State’s San Juan islands. An hour northwest, in Sooke, zodiac tours seek out marine life in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
2. Vancouver/Richmond
Whale watching tour from Vancouver. Photo: @TravelAtWill via Twitter
When to go: Peak season is June through September
What to expect: Tours leave from several locations around the city, including Coal Harbour near Stanley Park, Granville Island, and Steveston Village in the city of Richmond, south of Vancouver. These operators work together, along with companies based in Victoria, to locate whales near the southern Gulf and San Juan islands. Their success rate finding whales, usually Orcas and humpbacks, is typically around 90 per cent.
3. Tofino/Ucluelet
Breaching grey whale near Tofino. Photo: @marcie.callewaert via Instagram
When to go: March through October
What to expect: Explore the pristine waters of Clayoquot Sound from Tofino, or Barkley Sound from Ucluelet. This stunning coastline is home to thick rainforest and soft, sandy beaches that stretch for miles. The most commonly spotted whale in this area is the grey whale, but occasional humpbacks and Orcas make an appearance, too. The area is also popular for bear watching. Vehicle access to Tofino/Ucluelet from Vancouver includes a crossing with BC Ferries, or arrive more quickly on a seaplane.
4. Telegraph Cove
Orca pod in Johnstone Strait. Photo: © John E. Marriott/All Canada Photos
When to go: Mid-June through October
What to expect: Located along Vancouver Island’s northwest coast, Telegraph Cove is one of the best places in the world to see Orcas. The protected waters of Johnstone Strait and the Broughton Archipelago are home to around 200 whales each summer. Most of these are Orcas, but humpback whales can also be seen here. One of the most memorable ways to encounter these gentle giants is on a kayaking tour. While you’re in the area, visit Telegraph Cove’s Whale Interpretive Centre to see its impressive collection of marine mammal skeletons.
5. Prince Rupert
Baby humpback frolicking near Prince Rupert. Photo: @rockgod via Instagram
When to go: Peak season is mid-July through October
What to expect: This remote section of BC’s north coast is home to some spectacular wildlife. Giant kelp beds attract feeding grey whales, migrating salmon attract Orcas, and humpbacks are frequently seen on the surface as they dive and feed. Another popular tour out of Prince Rupert is to the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary north of the city. Access Prince Rupert via BC Ferries from Port Hardy on the north coast of Vancouver Island, or fly in. The drive from Vancouver is a long 16+ hours.
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6 Comments
Hey, that’s a very helpful article!! I was wondering wether you can recommend a Tour operator for a one way whale watching trip from Vancouver to Victoria on the 9th of September? Thanks for letting us know!
Hi Jutta. Prince of Whales offers a fantastic trip between Vancouver and Victoria, with a one-way option. Hope you have an amazing time, and glad you found the article helpful! Tiffany
All great places to see whales, but I have to say Campbell River is right up there. The waters around Campbell River have been nicknamed “humpback soup” this summer as there are so many spending the summer with us. Dolphins have been giving great shows as they move around in large pods and of course we have lots of seals, sealions and Orcas too. But as an added attraction, you can see all of the above and Grizzly Bears too – when you book a tour. Lots of great companies to pick from, so don’t pass Campbell River up!
Thank you for that great addition, Jules. Very cool about the humpbacks this summer, and we know that Campbell River is always a wonderful place to enjoy nature and wildlife.
Great list. Thanks ! Do you know where can we see orcas during winter Dec/Jan in BC? We travel from Mexico to Seattle and then maybe BC Canada and I personally would love to explore that area. Thank you.
Hi Enrique. Prime orca viewing tends to be April to November, but transient orcas can still be seen in the winter months with a pretty good success rate (about 75%). Even if you don’t see whales, the seals, sea lions, porpoises, and other marine life make for a pretty exciting trip. Whale-watching excursions leave from a lot of coastal cities, so it depends where in BC you’re planning to visit. Several companies operate out of Victoria or Vancouver. Hope that helps, and have a great visit!