An Island Welcome Fun Things to Do... Island Places About Us
Subscribe To This Site
Vancouver Island Whale Watching ...the ultimate discovery adventure!
Going Vancouver Island whale watching is one of the most exciting discovery tours you could ever take…no-one can predict what you may see, but you’re in the right place to see it!
If whale watching is something you have always wanted to do, Vancouver Island whale watching is the best there is. Watching these magnificent creatures with the spectacular view behind them is a tour offered in many places on the island and is a memory that will remain with you for a lifetime. Orcas, also called Killer Whales, nearly surround the island. You can almost pick your own spot, or several, for great views of these fascinating animals. Start with this video...
The short (1.08 min.) video below shows two pods of Killer Whales (Orcas) close to the coastline of Vancouver Island. They are the “Ruffles” and “J” pod groups and appear relatively close to the tour boat…check out what you might discover!!...sound up to hear the passengers oooh and aaah….
Where to See the Vancouver Island Whales
If you want to see several kinds of whales, April is the time to visit the west side of the island. This is when the migration of minke, gray and humpback whales is at its height. These whales can be seen as they head toward their Alaskan feeding grounds.
But if it is Orcas you want to see, any time of year is good, but the best time is from May through October. Approximately 80 Killer whales (Orcas) live year round of the southern coast of Vancouver Island near Victoria. Other animals that can be seen here include Steller Sea lions, dolphins and porpoises.
Vancouver Island whale watching here is sure to delight your whole family. One of the best places to do some good whale watching on Vancouver Island is Johnstone Strait at Telegraph Cove (North-East tip of the Island to the East of Port Hardy). Orcas come here to feed on salmon and rub themselves on the rocks in the Tsitika River estuary. No one knows why they do this, but they do. There is a reserve for the killer whales in this area where the whales are protected from harm. Several tourist boats go out from here on a regular basis and they have a resident biologist to lead the groups.
Tofino also provides excellent Vancouver Island whale watching. The summer, when it is warmer, is the best time to see whales here. Though most gray whales migrate further north for the summer, Tofino is such a good spot to feed that many stay here year round.
Similar whale watching opportunities are offered for whale watching on Vancouver Island on the west coast at Bamfield and Ucluelet. To watch the gray whale migration, be in any of the towns from mid March through mid April for a good view of them.
Charter Tours and Accommodations
Though the whales can be seen quite well from shore, nothing is more thrilling than a closer encounter on a Vancouver Island whale watching charter tour. Most of the towns along Vancouver's coast have many companies offering tours. Many have underwater microphones that broadcast the whales 'singing' over loudspeakers on the boats. Some offer tours in Kodiaks (large, and very safe, inflatable speed boats), and others, especially at Telegraph Cove, offer kayak tours and larger luxury boats with a biologist. If your stay is long enough, you can try each type of tour as each offers its own unique experience.
Below is a three minute video/slide show showing what a typical whale watching tour (small group) is like, from boarding the boat (Red Kodiak inflatable, in this case) to the return. This one is leaving from the Victoria Harbour..."interesting" music, so be careful with the sound button!
No matter where you go to see the whales, you will find comfortable places to stay for your Vancouver Island whale watching trip. You can choose a resort, hotel, campground or bed & breakfast in most of the cities. Some of the smaller places, like Telegraph Cove, are more limited but no less comfortable. You can choose the kind of place that suits your tastes, even try several different types if you are going to be viewing whales in several locations during your stay.
For Johnstone Strait, you might want to camp out while on a kayak tour or stay in a bed & breakfast in Tofino, then a resort or hotel in Victoria, which is the major base for the whale watching tour companies.
Just Imagine!
As you think about planning a Vancouver Island whale watching vacation, close your eyes a moment and imagine the sight of the whales skyhopping, saluting you with a fin, tail slapping, or even the most breathtaking sight of all – a full breach.
With that kind of image in your mind, you won't want to wait any longer than you have to for your whale watching on Vancouver Island...we know, we've seen them up close! [and YES, Vancouver Island is very "Eco-Friendly" and has very strict regulations about "not disturbing the animals in the wild"]
