Whale Watching in Vancouver 2025

If you have never seen whales before, the waters near Vancouver are one of the best places in the world for this activity. The season runs from March to October. During this period thousands of whales migrate through these waters.

Places to watch whales in Vancouver

A whale-watching trip is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can choose from various tours around the Gulf and San Juan islands. These can be kayaking, high-speed zodiac trips, cruises, or even seaplanes. You can spot various kinds of whales, like humpback whales, orcas, grey whales, and minke whales. There are also resident pods of orcas as well that number around 100 whales.

The period from May to October is a prime time to see the southern resident orcas in the Strait of Georgia and the Gulf Islands. They come to these places to feed on migrating salmon. Late summer is the best time to watch northern resident orcas in the Johnstone Strait. On these trips you'll definitely see some more wildlife as well, including different sea birds, sea lions, otters, and dolphins.

Whale-Watching tours in Vancouver

Large Zodiac Tours and Small Zodiac Tours

The 3 to 5-hour whale-watching tours go through the Gulf Islands and the Strait of Georgia to find orcas (killer whales) and humpback whales. Additionally, you may see other marine wildlife, such as porpoises, sea lions, bald eagles, and more. Visitors can choose between the Explorathor II & Express (open/semi-covered zodiac style vessels, with a semi-covered seating area in the rear) and the Strider & Lightship (12-passenger open zodiac style vessels).

The Explorathor II & Express tickets are priced at $179 for adults, $159 for students (with a valid ID), $159 for seniors (ages 60+), and $105 for children. The Strider & Lightship are available at $189 for all passengers, including adults, students, seniors, and children (ages under 8).

Half-Day Whale Watching

Exploring the Salish Sea, the Strait of Georgia, and Howe Sound, you will have the opportunity to meet orcas and humpback whales from the perfect viewing platform. The tour features a free photo package and hot drinks. A 3- to 5-hour trip departs from Downtown Vancouver (Granville Island) aboard one of our Salish Sea class catamarans. An adult ticket costs CA$199, a youth ticket (ages 13-17) is CA$159, a child ticket (ages 2-12) is CA$119, and infants ages (0-1) do not require admission.

Victoria Whale Watching Adventure

The Victoria Whale Watching Adventure tour is a spectacular flight from Vancouver, passing the Strait of Georgia and the Gulf Islands before landing in downtown Victoria. A 3-hour whale-watching gave a chance to see orcas, humpback whales, and other marine wildlife. More than 200 species of marine mammals and birds inhabit the Salish Sea waterways surrounding southern Vancouver Island. A full-day tour includes two 35-minute flights and is available daily from April 1 to November 6. The price for adults starts at $701, and the price for children is $401.

Ultimate Marine Adventure & Whale Watching Tour

A 3-hour ultimate whale and marine wildlife watching tour of the Salish Sea allows you to sit back and relax aboard a deluxe coastal explorer, the Salish Shadow, and enjoy the view of the killer whales, humpbacks, and other wildlife. An adult ticket (ages 18+) costs CA$148, a youth ticket (ages 13-17) is CA$118, and a children ticket (ages 6-12) costs CA$99. Please note that Salish Shadow is not suitable for kids under 6 or individuals with serious back, neck, or knee issues. Whale Watching Tour is available from April 1 to Dec 31.

Other Tours

For a more suitable option, you can take the Kayaking with Orcas Tour, the Whale Watching Telegraph Cove Tour, or the Vancouver Whale Watching Safari.