Biggs killer whales move north up the east side of vancouver island in what i call the. Start the morning in comfort with spectacular views of georgia strait from the luxurious heated inner cabin featuring floor to ceiling windows. This customizable roundtrip adventure will take you from downtown vancouver to victoria aboard a custombuilt catamaran, embarking on a 4hour, fullyguided whale watching and marine wildlife viewing tour part 1. There are many options for transportation to our office and departure point. Members of the public are encouraged to download the whalereport app and. Telegraph cove on vancouver island, the orca capital of the world. Jessicas love of wildlife, and breathtaking vancouver island, brought her to the bc whale tours team in 2017. This is your chance to sea kayak with killer orca whales or watch them from our boat, the. We are located on granville island, 510 minutes from most downtown hotels. Explore the wonderful wildlife of the west coast in perfect comfort with discover vancouver islands winter whale watching adventure based out of ucluelet, british columbia. Big horns intro 2 by audionautix is licensed under a creative co.
Sustainable whale watching in nanaimo, vancouver island, bc. We used the following companies while staying on vancouver island eagle wing fishermans wharf, victoria, remote passages and the whale centre tofino. Visitors with the right plans and a dash of luck can see several whale species, including orca, humpback, grey, and minke whales. Whale watching tours from vancouver island tourism victoria. You can spot various kinds of whales, like humpback whales, orcas, grey whales, and minke whales. Exploring the bay near victoria, on a zodiac boat and witnessing three humpback whales, with their flukes. Up and down the coast of british columbia, from victoria to port hardy on vancouver island, from vancouver to the bc gulf islands, and up to haida gwaii queen charlotte islands. Whale watching campbell river vancouver island british columbia. There are zodiac, cabin cruiser and floatplane whale watching tours. Explore the water of the salish sea and strait of georgia with an experienced guide who tells you interesting facts about sea life as you search for killer whales, humpback whales, seals, sea lions, and sea birds. Please note the photographs simon pidcock on this website were taken with a telephoto lens and have been cropped. We offer world class tours in the gulf islands with a focus on marine. Ocean ecoventures offers daily whale watching tours departing from cowichan bay, only 45 minute south of nanaimo. Victoria whale watching adventure harbour air seaplanes.
In just over an hours drive you can hop on a killer whale watching tour at campbell river. Ucluelet winter whale watching discover vancouver island. Small personal tour groups, never more than 12 passengers on our boats. Vancouver island is worldrenowned for its whale watching, and at the heart of the action is the city of victoria. Each spring, some 20,000 gray whales travel passed the western shore of vancouver island, british columbia, en route to their summer feeding grounds in the bering sea and chukchi sea. Vancouver island, british columbia whale watching tours are one of the top attended attractions by tourists on vancouver island. We left the harbour on the 28th into some wind and waves, but it was all worth it to see all the wildlife we found that day. Humpback whales the world over are known for their epic migrations, complex songs, and the acrobatic jumps that earn them their name. Eagle eye adventures is the most reliable whale watching tours company in canada. The salish sea waterways surrounding southern vancouver island are home to nearly 200 species of marine mammals and birds. Board one of our four vessels at vancouvers unique and historic granville island.
North vancouver island whale watching traveling islanders. Additional highlights on this tour include seals, sea lions, seabirds, and the spectacular vistas of southern vancouver island and the olympic mountains. Hop aboard one of our adventurous open boston whalers or a comfortable, heated. Full day whale watching and wildlife tours vancouver island.
She later studied criminal justice at camosun college. Whalewatching vancouver island vancouver island forum. The whale was found already deceased on a secluded beach north of kyuquot, a remote first nation community on the northwest coast of vancouver island. This is the best place in the world to see orcas, the mr. Were planning a visit to victoria and see there are numerous companies there. The marine life in the waters of bc is abundant and diverse, but there is no greater creature than the mighty whale. One of the most spectacular ways to experience the beauty and diversity of vancouver island is on a tofino road trip along the pacific rim highway. These can be kayaking, highspeed zodiac trips, cruises, or even seaplanes. Vancouver island whale watching tour with stunning shots of orcas and humpback whales. My vancouver island road trip vancouver island, canada. Chances are youve travelled a long way or youre about to and you want nothing more than to fulfill your dream of seeing whales. May until october is the prime time to see the southern pod of resident orcas feeding on salmon in the gulf. Oean ecoventures is a small family run whale watching and marine eco tour company located in cowichan bay on vancouver island. Open vessels and covered cabin cruisers boat to choose from.
Vancouver whale watch provides passengers with the adventure of a lifetime through excellent customer. We offer year round whale watching and marine eco tours. May 29, 2016 whale watching at the san juan islands from victoria bc on vancouver island canada. The boats were very respectful and the animals in the mood to show off. The port of vancouver, the port of prince rupert, bc coast pilots, bc ferries, the. One of the most exciting vancouver island activities is whale watching. The port of vancouver, the port of prince rupert, bc coast pilots, bc ferries. Just when were about to give up searching, a group of humpback whales pop their heads above the water, feeding on a school of fish swimming in the turbulent coastal currents. What an amazing experience killer whale watching near vancouver island, canada.
Fly from vancouvers harbour right to the whale watching boat in victoria and have a whale watching adventure of a lifetime. Whale watching vancouver island why visit parksville. They swim among bcs gulf islands and the san juan islands of washington state. Ill be in vancouver in the first couple of weeks of april, and am really keen to see some whales. Whale watching season is very popular and tourists come from far and wide to see these magnificent creatures up close. On the west coast, tofino is a quaint town with an embedded orcawatching culture. A whale watching trip is a once in a lifetime experience. Jul 08, 2019 vancouver island plays host to many exhilarating experiences, but few compare to the thrill of seeing whales in the wild. Four days in vancouver island whale watching paradise. A reusable water bottle, you can fill up with cold water in our office before boarding, dont worry if you dont have one, we provide complimentary bottled water. Whale watching guidelines vancouver island news, events. Members of the public are encouraged to download the whalereport app. Whale watching holidays orca watching canadian affair. Whale watching tours are available from the inner harbour of victoria, sidney, tofino, campbell river, and port hardy, as well as most of the communities on the island.
Founded in 1980, stubbs island was the first company to offer tours that were specifically designed to educate guests about killer whales in the wild. British columbia is home to dozens of whale species, 23 to be exact, according to the vancouver aquarium. Within a mile or 2 of victoria harbour we stumbled across a pod of orca. Bc whale tours victoria aktuelle 2020 lohnt es sich. But we found so much other wildlife and whales on vancouver island. Vancouver whale watching tour from granville island 2020. Killer whales orcas, gray whales, humpback whales and minke whales ply the waves and perform their watery rituals.
Humpback and killer whale watching off vancouver island, british columbia in august 2015. Researchers are hoping the carcass of an entangled juvenile humpback whale that washed ashore will hold clues to its death and insight into preventing further entanglements. A 4k video in a super high quality of area28 with english comment. The majestic orca has long been the proud symbol of our incredible city.
Best whale whale watching discover vancouver island. My plan is to head towards tofino, and do a boat tour which will hopefully coincide with the grey whale migration. Luxury tented whale watching camp vancover island british. Entangled humpback whale found dead on remote vancouver island beach victoria news researchers are hoping the carcass of an entangled juvenile humpback whale that washed ashore will hold clues to its death and insight into preventing further entanglements. We love sharing vancouver islands marine ecosystem and all that inhabits it. Are there any really good spots on vancouver island just to go whale watching from land. Whale watching in april vancouver island forum tripadvisor. The marine mammal regulations specifically prohibit the disturbance of whales. On vancouver island, youll find reputable whale watching providers to bring you close to the action while respecting the boundaries of these magnificent animals. Sorry to ask another whale watching questioni cant seem to find a tour company that runs out of nanaimo or parksville. Whale watching off tofino, ucluelet, and vancouver island. Recent sightings vancouver island whale watch nanaimo bc. The whaleplanner september a whale watching infographic.
Before boarding, we ask all guests to checkin at our office. Southern vancouver island is the best place to see whales in the wild. British columbia whale watching in british columbia whaletrips. Resident whales along vancouver island are split into two separate communities. Parksville qualicum beachs central location makes it the perfect base for whale watching vancouver island. Many tours leave from victoria on vancouver island, but if you want to see whales from vancouver, you have options.
Once the most abundant large whale population on the coast of vancouver island, the numbers of humpbacks in bc waters sadly diminished after many years of commercial whaling. Our coastal wilderness is home to killer whales, humpback whales, sea lions, porpoises, seals, eagles, and more. The whale centre maritime museum offers a display of artifacts collected and donated by tofino locals over the past twenty five years. Ethical and sustainable whale watching departing from nanaimo, british columbia, canada. Ocean ecoventures is the most centrally located whale watching company on vancouver island with the highest sighting of orcas and humpback whales every year. Become more familiar with whales and other marine life on this whale watching tour from granville island in vancouver. We see grey whales daily and often killer whales and humpback whales.
In 2010 she came back to vancouver island to complete high school. The whalereport alert system wildwhales bc cetacean. Aug 15, 2008 whale watching on vancouver island in victoria, bc. Whale classification breeding patterns of whales whale migration join us british columbia. Whale watching on vancouver island breakaway vacations. The top tofino road trip must do stops mindful explorer. Under the fisheries act, the department of fisheries and oceans is responsible for the management and protection of marine mammals. Looking for the best whale watching on vancouver island.
See the spectacular grey whale migration past vancouver island the west coast of the island is where to catch a glimpse of the grey whales as they migrate between mexico and the bering sea, although they have occasionally been seen on the inner coastline near campbell river and vancouvers false creek. We are happy to hear you enjoyed your time on the water with us. In the fall pacific humpbacks are readying for their winter migration to hawaii. Book online or call us to reserve your whale watching tour. Tofino and cmpbell river next mount and i am wanting to do some whale. Current rates stubbs island whale watching is british columbias 1st whale watching company. There is no seagoing experience quite like watching, closeup, a sleek whale weighing thousands of pounds frolic like a child in its natural habitat. Where else does an everchanging cast of marine mammals and birds of prey vie for your attention, nearly every moment of. See whales and other marine wildlife on a whalewatching tour in vancouver. We provide whale and grizzly bear tours, and great bear rainforest tours. Well take you through the salish sea ecosystem to see whales and other marine life in their natural habitat. Killer whales attract tourists to vancouver island killer whale or also known as the orca whale often transit the waters of discovery passage between vancouver island and quadra island. Whale watching tours whale watching tours vancouver island, british columbia, canada. Youll see orca whales, migrating humpback whales and much more.
Life after death experience nde with steve gardipee, vietnam war story one of the best ndes duration. Whale watching vancouver island is a onceinalifetime exerience. Stubbs island whale watching north vancouver island website. On exhibit is an assortment of traditional native jewelry, cedar baskets, paddles, sea life, local artifacts from traditional whaling equipment to original navigation charts of the area. Whale watching attractions vancouver island british. Vancouver island whale watch, nanaimo, british columbia. Bc whale tours victoria 2020 all you need to know before.
Threehour wildlife whale watching tour for one or two from five star whale watching up to 34% off. Tofino and ucluelet are the two favourite northern gray whale watching communities on the west coast of vancouver island. British columbia and particularly vancouver island is a brilliant location to spot orcas. Whale watching around vancouver island in british columbia is an exceptional experience that will leave you awestruck after watching whales that weigh thousands of pounds frolic in their natural habitat. All week wed been hearing that theres a good chance we wouldnt see killer whales whilst on the island.
The whale centre, tofino, bc tofino whale watching, bear. From there we will provide directions for boarding your boat. Gray whale off vancouver island, british columbia, canada. Should we just plan to do it there or head up to sidney or some other spot. Prince of whales adventures bcs best whale watching. We are the most centrally located whale watching company on vancouver island with the highest sighting of orcas and humpback whales every year. The dfo has developed guidelines for whale watching in johnstone strait, where killer whales are found on a daily basis each summer. You can choose from various tours around the gulf and san juan islands. The rates for the boating outfits are a joke about a hundreds bucks a person.
If you have time to spare, consider combining whale watching with a visit to the charming city of victoria on vancouver island. From the moment we checked in at the office we got great information on whales, the ecology of the salish sea and the sustainability of the marine. The return journey consists of a 35minute oneway seaplane flight from victoria to vancouver. Book a whale watching holiday in canada with canadian affair for the. Many of the whale watching tour companies also offer black bear and grizzly bear excursions. Luckily, there are a number of boat trips to areas where you can see 30ton marine mammals majestically glide through the open waters of canada. The whale centre offers safe and educational tofino hot springs tours, whale watching tours, tofino bear watching tours, bird watching tours and private tours in tofino on vancouver island. Discover amazing wildlife and whales on vancouver island. Enjoy a scenic 35 minute float plane ride from vancouvers coal harbour to downtown victoria, then start your southern resident killer whale watching adventure with us. Victoria is one of the top spots for orca killer whale watching on vancouver island but you also have a chance to spot humpback, minke and gray whales. Information on whale presence is obtained from realtime observations reported to the b.
We offer daily whale watching tours in tofino on vancouver island. Departing from granville island in downtown vancouver, the wild whales experience allows you to observe whales and the diverse wildlife of the pacific coast in their natural habitat. Whale watching from vancouver to victoria prince of. All 3 companies provided an informative and considerate wildlife experience for a small group of people as opposed to some of the larger boats where everyone scrambles for a photoshoot. Where else can you explore white shell beaches spanned by the lush rainforest of the inner coast. Tofino is a district of approximately 1,932 residents on the west coast of vancouver island in the canadian province of british columbia. Our 34 hour whale watching tours depart daily from downtown nanaimo bc, april through october. Orca dreams offers fourday allinclusive tours from our luxury island camp site in the wildlife rich area of northern vancouver island, british columbia, canada. Hop aboard and experience orcas, killer whales, gray, humpback, and minke whales up close and personal. August 2011 edited august 2011 in help advice forum.
Highest killer whale sightings in british columbia. You can get there by seaplane, ferry, or the whale watching boat itself. Then ill go to victoria and do a whale watching tour, before either heading back to vancouver or straight to seattle. This oneway adventure will take you from vancouver, bc, canada to victoria, bc, canada aboard a custombuilt highspeed catamaran, embarking on a 4hour, fullyguided whale watching and marine wildlife viewing tour. The killer whale or orca, is the largest of the dolphins, a predator, feeding on fish, seals, and sometimes whales. Sep 03, 2018 whale watching near vancouver island, canada september 3, 2018 yup, i have affiliate links on this blog and there may be some in this amazing and completely free content below. Three pods of about 80 resident orca whales live around the southern tip of vancouver island and in the gulf islands. The whales are found in the salish sea, the body of water that separates vancouver island from the mainland. Gray whale migration passes vancouver island vancouver. Whale watching vancouver island news, events, travel. Grizzly bear watching campbell river vancouver island british columbia. Go sea kayaking, salmon fish for dinner, amazing wildlife. It sounds like you had incredible encounters with both killer whales and humpback whales and with other local marine wildlife.
On any given day between april and october, you can witness up to 89 orca whales frolicking in the southern vancouver island waterways. Both sides of vancouver island afford primo opportunities. These whales are quite used to boats and will often let the whale watching boats come quite close to them. Known as the place to go for the best whale watching in british columbia, vancouver island offers amazing opportunities to witness wild marine life. Why victoria has the best whale watching on vancouver island. This is the second time i have gone whale watching this month with vancouver island whale watch and both times have been fantastic. No vocals from the whales but with a beautiful flat calm day in blackney pass. They offered a range of different tours to see wildlife and whales on vancouver island. Come for the afternoon, or stay a few nights at one of our partner hotels.
Experience killer whales, humpback whales, grey whales, orca whales from our safe touring vessels. Our two boats found 2 playful humpbacks in the strait of georgia playing in the waves and then got word of a pod of orca that was found just south of them so they headed over to. Their tours provided close up views of eagles and grizzly bears. The district is located at the western terminus of highway 4 on the tip of the esowista peninsula at the southern edge of clayoquot sound. The mindful explorer website focuses on mindfulness and lifestyle.
Orca killer whale orca whales discover vancouver island. I often have my best experiences outdoors when i hop in my car for a road trip. Whale watching in bc british columbia travel and adventure. They are a mammal, a carnivore and can live up to 80 years of age. Nearby vancouver island is home to a resident pod of nearly 100 orcas and small pods of transient orcas that travel north from baja to alaska along the coastline. Recently, we have been lucky enough to report increased sightings of majestic humpback whales in bc once more. Longer tours to ensure maximum viewing time with the whales and wildlife.