Johnstone strait is a waterway that lies between the mainland of bc and the east coast of northern vancouver island. During this period thousands of whales migrate through these waters. Prince of whales adventures bcs best whale watching. Onboard our ship each day, guests will become involved, if they wish, in the sighting and identification of the humpback whales that are being studied. Mackay whale watching in bc vancouver island canada.
Both sides of vancouver island afford primo opportunities. This was taken 42016 on a whale watching tour with wild whales vancouver in bc, canada. Some even come in the winter months for an uncrowded adventure. This ensures the highest sightings of killer whales on vancouver island every year.
For those visiting vancouver island outside of the summer whale watching season, minke whales, the smallest of the north pacific baleen whales, can be spotted yearround. Maximum weight for our largest flotation suit which must be worn on zodiac tours is 280 lbs 127 kg. Our mission we aspire to be the best whale watching company in the area by. For a large part of the year this applies to the killer whale, but tour companies only operate during the late spring to early fall time period. Killer whales orcas, gray whales, humpback whales and minke whales ply the waves and perform their watery rituals. Ocean ecoventures offers daily whale watching tours departing from cowichan bay, only 45 minute south of nanaimo. Fly from vancouvers harbour right to the whale watching boat in victoria and have a whale watching adventure of a lifetime. We here at seasmoke whale watching hope that you, your friends and family are well despite the challenging circumstances we all currently face. Located in the heart of the southern resident killer whales and biggs killer whales travel areas, cowichan bay offers a relaxed experience away from the hustle and bustle. In the fall pacific humpbacks are readying for their winter migration to hawaii. Day tours and safari camps like orca dreams run throughout the spring, summer and autumn months.
Watch for orca whales and other marine wildlife on a halfday whale watching tour in vancouver. Watch orcas, gray, andor humpback whales in their natural habitat on this highspeed whalewatching safari along the british columbia shoreline. Killer whales are best observed from mid july through the first week of september. Halfday whale watching adventure from vancouver provided. Halfday whale watching adventure from vancouver provided by. Tour operators, both on the mainland and the island, have specialized on orcas another highlight is the migration of the gray whales past the western part of the island.
It sounds like you had incredible encounters with both killer whales and humpback whales and with other local marine wildlife. Whale watching in british columbia mainly boils down to whale watching on vancouver island, even if you can also book tours directly from vancouver. Members of the public are encouraged to download the whalereport app and. Ocean ecoventures is the most centrallylocated whale watching company on vancouver island. Greys and humpbacks are off the island and of course the islands robson bight is a protected area where orcas do their famous rub. We hope you enjoy the rest of your stay in victoria. British columbia and particularly vancouver island is a brilliant location to. Ocean ecoventures offers daily whale watching tours departing from cowichan bay, only 45 minute south of nanaimo we offer year round whale watching and marine eco tours. Experience unparalleled whale watching cruises on british columbias central and north coast and take part in research and meet biologists that are studying these magnificent cetaceans. We work with remote passages marine excursions to offer our guests the chance to experience the ultimate whale watching adventure in british columbia. Vancouver, british columbia is one of the best places in the world to see whales between march and october, when thousands of the majestic mammals migrate through the waters surrounding the canadian west coast city. Through the internet, we found several companies offering whalewatching tours, with several types of vessels. If seeing orcas is a priority, please keep these dates in mind when you book your tour with us. Halfday whale watching adventure from vancouver provided by prince of whales whale watching.
What a great first experience on this bc, british columbia whale watching adventure. Our crew bc whale tours victoria whale watching tours. Youll see orca whales, migrating humpback whales and much more. Minke whales have a similar aesthetic to humpback whales, but are are just. The main target species from vancouver victoria are orcas and humpback whales, and neither are relieably present in early spring. Vancouver if you have never seen whales before, the waters near vancouver are one of the best places in the world for this activity. The majestic orca has long been the proud symbol of our incredible city. Prince of whales is focused on sharing the beautiful and breathtaking coastal waters of british columbia, its vibrant wildlife, and its rich history.
Unlike openair speed boats, this heated whale watching boat has indoor and outdoor viewing decks so youll enjoy a comfortable trip in any weather. Furthermore, if you wait until september maybe there will be deals as tourist season will be over. In the early 1970s, researchers developed a system of. Southern british columbia is one of the premier areas in the world for whale watching. We are happy to hear you enjoyed your time on the water with us. 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.
My mind had somehow noticed something out ahead that beckoned me to observe. While other vancouver island whale watching tours are heading for shore, our experienced captains and crew are going the extra mile or 50 to show you the gray whale feeding beaches, the eagles nests, the hidden coves and all the other delights. Killer whale orcinus orca the killer whale is, apart from humans, the most widespread mammal in the world. Well take you through the salish sea ecosystem to see whales and other marine life in. We look forward to taking you on one of our fabulous tours sometime in the near future. Another highlight is the migration of the gray whales past the western part of the island. The port of vancouver, the port of prince rupert, bc coast pilots, bc ferries, the. Whale watching vancouver vancouver forum tripadvisor. Still, it is well known in only a few areas, and one of these is the coastal waters of british columbia. All of our vessels are custom made by titan marine and hand designed by the owner of the bc whale tours, harold. The 5 best whale watching tours from vancouver 2020. During this peak season our sighting success rate is at 95. On the west coast, tofino is a quaint town with an embedded orcawatching culture. Hi, we party of 2 will be staying 3 days in vancouver ywca hotel as from 2908 until 3108.
Whale watching tours whale watching april 1 to october 31. These are all typical maneuvers you may expect to see while whale watching off the west coast of vancouver island. British columbia is home to dozens of whale species, 23 to be exact, according to the vancouver aquarium. Whale watching tours in tofino, bc they dive, spout, breach, spyhop and lobtail.
Apr 25, 2016 this was taken 42016 on a whale watching tour with wild whales vancouver in bc, canada. The most commonly spotted whale in this area is the grey whale, but occasional humpbacks and orcas make an appearance, too. Ive seen deals on the trips out of vancouver in the last two weeks. Each vessel has a private washroom and has a maximum capacity of 12 guests per trip. Each passes through the seas at slightly different times of the year but overall whale watching season is considered to run from march to october.
Our mackay whale watching office is located at 1514 broughton blvd. This 35 hour tour includes pickup from your vancouver accommodation, such as hotels, private homes, and airbnbs. Bc whale tours victoria aktuelle 2020 lohnt es sich. Tofino whale watching tours ocean outfitters, tofino bc. The whaleplanner september a whale watching infographic. Whaletrips british columbia whale watching in british. Out of vancouver means orcas and maybe sams right and there will be some 15 minutes away by fast boat.
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. Eagle wing tours gives you more than just a look at whales, they give you the longest and most comprehensive whale watching tours in the industry. Theres simply nothing better than a whale watching tour in bc with orca spirit, some prefer viewing beneath the summer sun, while others prefer cooler spring and fall viewings. Or travel with us to oxford river for some once in a lifetime grizzly bear viewing. See whales and other marine wildlife on a whale watching tour in vancouver. Well take you through the salish sea ecosystem to see whales and other marine life in their natural habitat. Whales vancouver island news, events, travel, accommodation. During whale watching season, theres nothing like seeing the fluke of a humpback whale. Whale watching in july and august vancouver island. Although wildlife is the focus of our trip, the scenery along the way is not to be forgotten. All four of these vessels have been custom built for whale watching and are exceptional for wildlife viewing. In the early 1970s, researchers developed a system of photo identifying individual whales, in order to better. Looking for the best whale watching on vancouver island. Whale watching in bc british columbia travel and adventure.
Whale watching vancouver island news, events, travel. You may notice that departure times vary slightly from what is. We respect the investment our guests make to join us and we are dedicated to making your trip the experience of a lifetime. Birds of a feather marine ecotours vancouver island 206 portsmouth drive victoria, bc v9c 1r9. Experience some of the best whale watching on vancouver island. We are on board a bc whale watching vessel which has brought us to see the killer whales of johnstone strait, british columbia, canada. Whale watching in vancouver in winter march vancouver. Wild whales vancouver is located 5 to 10 minutes from most hotels in the downtown area with easy access to granville island. Our whale watching tour focuses on magnificent orcas killer whales. Campbell river whale watching, grizzly bear, wildlife and ocean rapids adventures tours go wild. The killer whales come to this region to feed on the salmon that are returning to the fraser river to spawn. From our downtown departure locations, we offer industryleading whale watching tours in vancouver, victoria, telegraph cove, and seattle.
Many varieties of whales pass through the waters of vancouver s west coast including humpbacks, orcas, grey whales and minke whales. I have found 3 companies that operate from granville island or from richmond, but. To make a booking for a time within the next 24hrs please call for availability. The following chart is provided as a guide to help you schedule your whale watching tour to coincide with the marine wildlife you would most like to see. The whalereport alert system wildwhales bc cetacean. We offer year round whale watching and marine eco tours. When putting together the plan and itinerary for our 20 canada trip, one of the things that were on top of the priority list right from the start was whale watching.
Observe these fascinating marine mammals in their natural habitat as. The marine life in the waters of bc is abundant and diverse, but there is no greater creature than the mighty whale. Book a whale watching holiday in canada with canadian affair for the chance. The chances of seeing a whale are around 95 percent.
This is the best place in the world to see orcas, the mr. Whale watching in july and august vancouver island, british. See whales and other marine wildlife on a whalewatching tour in vancouver. Uk 0203 424 6332 download brochure send an enquiry request a.
Whale watching tours from vancouver island tourism victoria. Whale watching boat tours coasts of british columbia. To find out more about the whale watching tours we offer on vancouver island, click here. She later studied criminal justice at camosun college. Whale watching holidays orca watching canadian affair. Vancouver whale watch was the first whale watching company to operate from the vancouver area, in their 21st year of operation in 2019. Find useful information, the address and the phone number of the local business you are looking for. Whale watching british columbia vancouver islands watching.
In regards to our 2020 summer season, we are in a holding pattern and will simply have to wait and see how things unfold. Every trip is different, as we follow reports of the whales location. Wild whales vancouver currently has two vessels in our fleet, and two more coming in june 2019. Daily tours, from early july to october, depart at 10. Whale watching opportunities in march around vancouver island are very limited. Frequently asked questions about whale watching in bc. Experience bcs most sustainable whale watching on an unforgettable day at sea aboard our open zodiacstyle boat or our semicovered vessel. The shores around vancouver also prove a practical. On the 30th or 31st we would like to do a whale watching excurison. We saw many humpbacks, dolphins, eagles, and seals and learned a lot from david about ocean depths, creature habits, and even a little canadian history from the area. Also, you should watch sites like groupon or livingsocial for whale watching deals. For some of the best whale watching in bc, head on the whale watch plus tour.
In 2010 she came back to vancouver island to complete high school. A trained naturalist will explain the local ecosystem. Oct 15, 2015 with our large number of vessels, locations in both victoria and vancouver, and almost 50 staff in peak season, prince of whales is now the largest whale watching and ecoadventure company in. Whale classification breeding patterns of whales whale migration join us british columbia. I was on my way out of the inner harbour when i glanced out to sea. Or maybe some farther down georgia strait where they are more often. On any given day between april and october, you can witness up to 89 orca whales frolicking in the southern vancouver island waterways. Vehicle access to tofinoucluelet from vancouver includes a crossing with bc ferries, or arrive more quickly on a seaplane.
When is the best time of year to go whale watching in. Watch orcas, gray, andor humpback whales in their natural habitat on this highspeed whale watching safari along the british columbia shoreline. Jessicas love of wildlife, and breathtaking vancouver island, brought her to the bc whale tours team in 2017. After some searching for the elusive whales, during which we were entertained by seals, eagles, amazing scenery, fishing camps and other boats, we finally came up on a pod of humpbacks. There is no seagoing experience quite like watching, closeup, a sleek whale weighing thousands of pounds frolic like a child in its natural habitat.
Experience bc s most sustainable whale watching on an unforgettable day at sea aboard our open zodiacstyle boat or our semicovered vessel. Telegraph cove on vancouver island, the orca capital of the world. Have a bathroom onboard, are equipped with the latest in marine safety, navigation, and communication equipment. Tour operators, both on the mainland and the island, have specialized on orcas. Our whale watching tour focuses on magnificent orcas killer whales, majestic humpback whales, and other marine wildlife such as porpoises, sea lions, seals and bald eagles. With our large number of vessels, locations in both victoria and vancouver, and almost 50 staff in peak season, prince of whales is now the largest whale watching and ecoadventure company in. How to go whale watching from vancouver explore bc.
The main target species from vancouvervictoria are orcas and humpback whales, and neither are relieably present in early spring. Our location wild whales vancouver is situated on granville island, a 510 minute taxi ride from most downtown hotels. Whale watching season april 1 to october 31 vancouver whale watch provides passengers with the adventure of a lifetime through excellent customer service, first class vessels, the highest possible safety standards and added value from an onthewater education of the west coast ecosystem. Humpback whales the world over are known for their epic migrations, complex songs, and the acrobatic jumps that earn them their name. All three of their vessels are zodiac style one open and two semicovered, customdesigned for marine wildlife viewing, and all are equipped with hydrophones to listen to the whales.
302 238 425 398 809 1491 207 524 1476 723 714 900 981 1300 194 921 801 1492 1420 701 1215 2 316 1396 313 268 537 783 602 337 387 1032 1119 1079 939 1464 1395 637 343 248 1095 173 680 1233 99 293 356 950