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.
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.
Practical info
What is the best time to visit Vancouver for whale watching?
The whale watching season in Vancouver starts from March to October, when a large number of whales migrate through the area. Visitors can see different types of whales such as northern resident orcas in Johnstone Strait from late summer, and southern resident orcas in the Strait of Georgia and the Gulf Islands from May to October. These months offer the best chance to see the whales. Show more
What types of whales can be spotted during a whale watching trip in Vancouver?
In Vancouver, different types of whales can be seen during a whale watching trip including humpback whales, orcas, grey whales, and minke whales. Visitors can also see northern and southern resident pods of orcas which come to the area to feed on migrating salmon. These whales can be seen on a whale watching trip, especially from May to October, when the chances of seeing them are higher. Show more
Are there specific areas or islands that are better for whale watching in Vancouver?
Johnstone Strait is a popular destination for watching northern resident orcas in Vancouver, while southern resident orcas can be seen in the Strait of Georgia and the Gulf Islands from May to October. The Gulf and San Juan islands offer various whale watching tours, with options like kayaking tours, high-speed zodiac trips, cruises, or even seaplanes. Visitors can choose the tour they prefer based on their needs as each offers a unique whale watching experience. Show more
What other types of marine wildlife can be seen during a whale watching trip in Vancouver?
In addition to whales in Vancouver's waters, visitors can see various types of marine wildlife such as sea birds, sea lions, otters, and dolphins during whale watching trips. The area is known for its diverse and thriving marine wildlife, so visitors on a whale watching trip get the added experience of spotting these other animals. It makes visiting this place an adventure full of surprises and wonders at sea. Show more
What are the different types of whale watching tours available in Vancouver and what is unique about each of them?
Vancouver offers various whale watching tours like kayaking tours, high-speed zodiac trips, cruises, or seaplanes that each offer a unique experience. Kayaking tours provide an up-close view of marine wildlife, while high-speed zodiac trips cover more areas in less time. Cruises and seaplanes offer onboard naturalists that provide tourists an engaging and educational experience. Visitors can choose the tour they prefer, based on their needs and budget, to enjoy this unique adventure. Show more
