Whale Watching on Vancouver Island
Whale Watching on the Island
One of the things Vancouver Island is known for is the abundance of orca’s, humpbacks and grey whales which you can spot all over the island. If you are interested in Whale watching tours, here is a bit more detailed information on where to go whale watching on the island, what to expect and which animals can be spotted when.
Obviously, these are wild animals and behave differently everyday. However most tour companies have studied this behavior over time and have locked in some patterns which are best to spot these animals. There is never a guarantee that you will see all the species on a singular trip. But it is worth checking out and making the best choice depending on the animals you want to see and the time of year that you will be traveling.
When I was living on Vancouver Island, I went on two whale watching trips. I went with the tour company “Prince of Whales” and I was very pleased with their service, their personnel, the way they respected the animals in their environment as well as their hospitality afterwards. And I highly recommend checking them out when you visit the island. They have locations all over the island which makes it super easy to plan around your needs.
Where can you find the whales?
Telegraph Cove
This place is absolutely beautiful to go to in the summer. You can rent kayaks and really feel like you are one with the animals. During the winter most activities are shut down and not much is open nor are there many animals.
Victoria & Sydney
If you are traveling during off season (winter) or during the summer season your best chance to spot orcas and other whale species would be to go to Victoria. I went on a tour in December and I spotted 3 different whales (orcas, humpbacks & a grey whale). The tour was very pleasant, and took us out the furthest from land to go spot some animals.
Campbell River
Another great spot to watch whales is Campbell River. The tours are always available and will guarantee you stunning views during your trip and you will have a lot of chances to spot wildlife including whales, dolphins and occasionally a bear will be watching from land. It is best to go whale watching in Campbell River between May and September. Most activities shut down in the winter.
Tofino & Ucuelet
Tofino and Ucuelet are known spots for surfing, storm watching and hot springs. But often when you are out on the water, a bit further out, you have the option of spotting a whale as well. When I went on a boat tour to the hot springs, we spotted some grey whales which was a beautiful sight.
Which whales can you find?
Northern Resident Orca (Killer) Whales
Where: Campbell River + Telegraph Cove
How many: About 260 residents in the Northern area
When: March - November
Southern Resident Orca (Killer) Whales
Where: Victoria + Sydney
How many: About 80 residents in the Southern area
When: March - November
Transient (Biggs) Orca (Killer) Whales
Where: West Coast (Tofino/Ucuelet) + Victoria
How many: About 260
When: May - September (less frequent)
Humpback Whales
Where: Telegraph Cove + Pacific Rim
How many: About 380
When: May - September
Pacific Gray Whales
Where: Tofino & Ucuelet
How many: About 200 resident + 20 000 transient
When: March - November
A trip to Vancouver Island
If you plan on visiting Vancouver Island, a whale watching tour is a must in my opinion. However, there is so much more to the island than just the animals. I wrote a whole blog post on my favorite places and things to do other than whale watching, which you can check out here.
Looking for accomodation on your trip? Use my airbnb code to get $40 of your first stay.
