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. Looking for the best whale watching on vancouver island. Coinciding with our last tours of the season, the sea lions return to nearby haulouts with their new pups. See whales and other marine wildlife on a whalewatching tour in vancouver. You can choose from various tours around the gulf and san juan islands. Whale watching holidays orca watching canadian affair. Thousands of whales migrate through the vancouver coastal waters every year from march to october. 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. Gray whale migration passes vancouver island vancouver.
Why victoria has the best whale watching on vancouver island. Whale watching in vancouver, canada the ultimate guide. Download scientific diagram examples of humpback whales interacting with. Whale watching in vancouver in winter march vancouver forum. It had long been a dream of mine to see majestic killer whales in the wild. 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. Where on vancouver island is the best place to go whale watching orcas in the summer. Halfday whale watching adventure from vancouver 2020. See whales and other marine wildlife on a whale watching tour in vancouver. With all that coastline, there are plenty of places to go whale watching in ca nada. Whale classification breeding patterns of whales whale migration join us british columbia. Killer whales are welldocumented and loved, but they are still an enigma, giving us more questions than answers. Explore the beauty that is british columbia on this halfday whale watching excursion from vancouver. Aug 01, 2017 endangered whales are dying in canadian waters.
Gray whale off vancouver island, british columbia, canada. Enjoy a scenic 35 minute float plane ride from vancouver s coal harbour to downtown victoria, then start your southern resident killer whale watching adventure with us. My favourite are the belugas in northern canada theyre so cute. Vancouver island whale watch killer whales vancouver. Join your professional naturalist and board a first class, modern vessel for a 3 to 5hour expedition, starting in the picturesque, historic fishing village of steveston and traveling through the. Report error editorial standards and policies why you can trust ctv news. Humpback whale calls detected in tropical ocean basin between. Whale watching in vancouver steveston seabreeze adventures. Step aboard the flagship vessel ocean magic in downtown vancouver for the adventure of a lifetime. Scientists appeal to boaters as endangered whales health worsens. Our crew bc whale tours victoria whale watching tours. Tour operators, both on the mainland and the island, have specialized on orcas.
A pair of humpback whales feeding outside of victorias harbour. On vancouver island, youll find reputable whale watching providers to bring you close to the action while respecting the boundaries of these magnificent animals. About torstar journalistic standards atkinson principles glossary trust project. Aug, 20 thirtythree whale species call canadas waters homeand depending on where you are, chances are a short boat trip will bring you into close contact with these mostly gentle giants. Because the season is slowing down, there are less boats on the ocean. Pacific rim whale and bear watching holiday canadian affair.
Lawerence dead whales atlantic canada endangered whales dead whale. This oneway adventure begins with a 4hour journey 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 part 1. Our mission we aspire to be the best whale watching company in the area by. Book your tickets online for vancouver whale watch, richmond. Download our printable guide to help with identification. And it has orcas, gray whales and humpbacks along with rainforests full of bears and cougars. There is no seagoing experience quite like watching, closeup, a sleek whale weighing thousands of pounds frolic like a child in its natural habitat.
Jane mclean is an ontariobased travel writer who has covered canada for more than 10 years. Nothe fraser river is the main salmon producing watercourse in the province and the various orca pods gravitate there late in summer often forming whats called a superpodthis past august we saw them countless times feeding on hordes of returning pink salmonits a sight most people in the city wontcant believe in because its only a 15 minute fast boat ride away from downtown. Whale watching at the san juan islands from victoria bc on vancouver island canada. What you need to know about whale watching in british columbia. Killer whales orcas, gray whales, humpback whales and minke whales ply the waves and perform their watery rituals. Gray whale eschrichtius robustus habitat utilization and prey species off vancouver island, b. The best season to go whale watching in canada varies per species. Examples of humpback whales interacting with mammaleating killer. There are zodiac, cabin cruiser and floatplane whale.
When is the best time of year to go whale watching in. Are there any whale watching tours on during this time. Gray whale estrichtius robustus gray whales are usually found in shallow, coastal waters of the north pacific. The west coast and east coast of canada both provide great whale watch options. Prince of whales whale watching vancouver all you need to. Both sides of vancouver island afford primo opportunities. From common whale spotting sites to what to pack ahead of your seafaring trip, follow our guide to answer everything you want to know about whale watching in canada. Relax on your whale watching trip as we transport you through the fraser river, strait of georgia and gulf islands in search of some of the many species found along our coast. Wild whales vancouver currently has two vessels in our fleet, and two more coming in june 2019. So it adds an extra dimension to the whale watching trip. Whale watching vancouver vancouver forum tripadvisor.
Jun 04, 2019 5 best places to go whale watching in canada this summer. Here are three reasons why you should go whale watching in november. But one in two humpbacks have scars from runins with fishing gear or boats. While in vancouver, dont miss the chance to take a whalewatching tour and spot killer whales, porpoises, seals, eagles and other wildlife amid the stunning scenery of canadas southwest coast. They undergo one of the longest annual migrations of any mammal, travelling up to 8000km per year from breeding lagoons in baja, mexico to feeding grounds in the bering and chukchi seas. In alaska you can meet orcas, gray whales and humpbacks. Jessicas love of wildlife, and breathtaking vancouver island, brought her to the bc whale tours team in 2017. A whale watching trip is a once in a lifetime experience. 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. The ride can get a little bumpy if we encounter waves or the wakes from large boats. The bonus of leaving from steveston seabreeze or vancouver whale watch is that you depart from the historic village of steveston in the fraser river estuary, home to canada s largest fishing fleet, and home to many marine birds and wildlife and a different ecosystem. Here are some of the best places to watch whales in canadafrom sea to sea to sea. Have a bathroom onboard, are equipped with the latest in marine safety, navigation, and communication equipment.
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. 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. The great whales marine mammal institute oregon state university. Surrounded by three oceans, its no wonder that canada is an amazing destination for whale watchers. We offer year round whale watching and marine eco tours. Whale watching from victoria to vancouver prince of. Orca whale watching vancouver island canada youtube. Known as the place to go for the best whale watching in british columbia, vancouver island offers amazing opportunities to witness wild marine life. The 10 most breathtaking places to go whale watching in canada. On the west coast, tofino is a quaint town with an embedded orcawatching culture. Whale watching victoria trip and return via seaplane this 11hour whale watching expedition combines two of the most popular activities in vancouver whale watching and seaplane adventures. Hello, my hubby to be and i will be spending our honeymoon in canada and will be in vancouver from 5th to 10th of march.
Big horns intro 2 by audionautix is licensed under a creative co. 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. In the waters northeast of vancouver island, whale researcher jackie. How to go whale watching from vancouver explore bc.
Whale watching in british columbia tour guide canada. During whale watching season, theres nothing like seeing the fluke of a humpback whale disappearing into the atlantic ocean or sailing alongside a pod of orcas in the pacific. Were going to be traveling around the island for two weeks so were not dependent on any specific location. In true comfort and style, the crew is excited to explore the local waters in search of the majestic wildlife that floods the local waters here in the summer months. The tail of a humpback whale in the atlantic ocean off the coast of newfoundland. Luckily, if you are staying in vancouver there are plenty of options to get here. Best place to go whale watching in british columbia. Prince of whales whale watching vancouver 2020 all you. 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. Amy watkins is a vancouver based travel and lifestyle journalist who loves canada s west coast. If you could recommend the best whale watching tour company located on vancouver island, what would it be.
I joined quite a few whale watching tours in british columbia. The whaleplanner september a whale watching infographic. Victoria is located on the southern tip of vancouver island, located 112 kilometers across the georgia strait from the city of vancouver. The rest of the day is yours to discover the oceanside city of vancouver. The main whale watching destinations are in british columbia on the west coast and in newfoundland, quebec, new brunswick, and nova scotia on the east coast. May 29, 2016 whale watching at the san juan islands from victoria bc on vancouver island canada.
Most of them have been in the foodrich waters around vancouver island. Wild whales 2020 eggbeater creative vancouver whale watching. British columbia is one of the worlds most famous places for whale watching and the city of vancouver is the perfect place to start your whale watching tour during the summer months, whether you take a trip from downtown or a scenic suburb near. Frequently asked questions about whale watching in bc. For over 45 years killer whales have been studied off the coast of british columbia and washington and the whale watching ecotourism industry is growing. Apr 01, 2020 a killer whale one of the whales you can spot when you go whale watching in vancouver, canada vancouver. Vancouver s largest and most experienced whale watching company. Whale watching pictures beautiful photos, photo gallery.
Our knowledgeable drivers will give you a guided tour of vancouver and richmond as we take you to our destination, the charming historical fishing village of steveston, locally known as the gateway to the whales. Ocean ecoventures offers daily whale watching tours departing from cowichan bay, only 45 minute south of nanaimo. And within this, chances to see them, camera in one hand, binoculars in the other, are almost limitless. More than 30 species of whale live off canada s shores. Most whales spend the canadian winter in warm southern waters. Whale watching is mostly a recreational activity cf.
This is the best place in the world to see orcas, the mr. These can be kayaking, highspeed zodiac trips, cruises, or even seaplanes. Discover magnificent orcas killer whales, majestic humpback whales, bow riding porpoises, sea lions, seals, bald eagles and more. A study prepared for international fund for animal welfare in 2009 estimated that million people went whale watching globally in 2008. The greatest variety is observed between midjuly and october. The prime whale watching season in british columbia is between april and late october. Whale watching in british columbia mainly boils down to whale watching on vancouver island, even if you can also book tours directly from vancouver. Some even come in the winter months for an uncrowded adventure. All four of these vessels have been custom built for whale watching and are exceptional for wildlife viewing. Of the 23 species of whales, dolphins, porpoises, and sea turtles in bc waters. Many whale species use these northern waterways as their feeding grounds, including humpback, orca, gray, and minke whales.
Whale watching pictures selection of pictures for whale watching in bc, british columbia in canada taken from whale watching boats all the way down to kayaking with killer whales. The hawaiian islands humpback whale national marine sanctuary is the only sanctuary in the united states devoted to one species. When is the best season for whale watching in canada. Jan 12, 2011 orca whale watch at vancouver island in september 2009. Whale watching british columbia vancouver islands watching. A reallife encounter with whales is an unforgettable experience, and with more than 30 species roaming the waters off its 202,000km of coastline, canada is prime territory for chasing whale tail. In terms of whale watching canada, weve seen humpback whales in both quebec and in newfoundland but had never been to the westcoast to see orcas.
Continue reading to find out when the different species inhabit canadian waters. Canada is one of the best countries in the world to see whales. Harbour air will fly you from downtown vancouver to downtown victoria in just 35 minutes. Jim darling goes to the sanctuary every year to study the song of the humpback whale. Vancouver whale watch provides passengers with the adventure of a lifetime through excellent customer. In steveston village, just south of the bustling city of vancouver, you will plunge right into a whale watching journey.
All around us theyll be vocalizing, hundreds of sea lions growling all through the day and night. During mating season, the males will sing organized and complex songs with distinct melodies and themes that can be heard over twenty miles away. The best time for whale watching in canada might vary depending on the destination, but typically it runs from may to october. She later studied criminal justice at camosun college. Whale watching vancouver island news, events, travel. Vancouver island in bc has many orca whale watching options and the east coast has whale watching in the gulf of st.
Our location wild whales vancouver is situated on granville island, a 510 minute taxi ride from most downtown hotels. Youll see orca whales, migrating humpback whales and much more. Ethical and sustainable whale watching departing from nanaimo, british columbia, canada. Raising more questions than it can answer, the film is a truly compelling exploration of our relationship with animals. We offer world class tours in the gulf islands with a focus on marine conservation and sustainability in the salish sea. Another highlight is the migration of the gray whales past the western part of the island. This page is about the giant species inhabiting british columbias waters. Southern british columbia is one of the premier areas in the world for whale watching. You can spot various kinds of whales, like humpback whales, orcas, grey whales, and minke whales. Were planning a visit to victoria and see there are numerous companies there. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not. Schedulerates vancouver island whale watch nanaimo bc. Usually, the summer months are the best in terms of weather and sea conditions to embark on an epic wildlife adventure.
Come for the afternoon, or stay a few nights at one of our partner hotels. Chances are youve travelled a long way or youre about to and you want nothing more than to fulfill your dream of seeing whales. 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. Canada asks iran to delay download of flight 752 black boxes due to covid19.
Its not all just kangaroos and koalas in australia, but also a great place to meet humpback whales along the east coast. Whaletrips british columbia whale watching in british. 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. Should we just plan to do it there or head up to sidney or some other spot. Start your whale watching adventure with a journey on one of our new shuttle buses. Many varieties of whales pass through the waters of vancouvers west coast including humpbacks, orcas, grey whales and minke whales. From common whale spotting sites to what to pack ahead of your seafaring trip, follow our guide to answer everything you want to know about whale watching in ca. Get up close and personal with camera hogs like the humpback, known for launching its 36tonne body up and out of the water for playful breaching. Towers, tourism vancouver, tourism bc and all the whale watch operators that.
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. Why you should go whale watching in november sustainable. The whale charts the communitys struggle to deal with luna, since whales who are separated from their pods rarely survive in the wild. Vancouver whale watch was the first whale watching company to operate from the vancouver area, in their 21st year of operation in 2019. Whale watching attractions vancouver island british. This bustling metropolis may be western canadas largest city, but it retains a pedestrianfriendly charm and embraces a love of nature. Here are some of the best places to watch whales in canada from sea to sea to sea.
On any given day between april and october, you can witness up to 89 orca whales frolicking in the southern vancouver island waterways. Join our mailing list and receive periodic uptodate tour. Weather conditions in this area can be extremely variable. This oneway adventure will take you from downtown victoria to butchart cove aboard a custombuilt catamaran embarking on a 3hour, fullyguided whale watching and marine wildlife viewing tour part 1. Whale watching in bc british columbia travel and adventure. Its also the only place where humpbacks reproduce in this country.
Vancouver island is worldrenowned for its whale watching, and at the heart of the action is the city of victoria. Whale watching tours whale watching tours vancouver island, british columbia, canada. Prince of whales whale watching vancouver all you need. Characterization of behavior of humpback whales in hawaiian waters. With a lot of fantastic orcajumps, it was a great experience. Thirtythree whale species call canada s waters homeand depending on where you are, chances are a short boat trip will bring you into close contact with these mostly gentle giants. Whale watching is the practice of observing whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.