Vancouver Whale Watching
Every summer some eighty orca whales visit the waters south of Vancouver. Travel out in search of these fascinating creatures and catch a glimpse of humpbacks, as well as sea lions and bald eagles.
Area
British Columbia
Type
Wildlife & Nature
Grade
Standard
Who
Adults
Teens
Difficulty
Leisurely
Duration
Half Day
Departing from the small fishing village of Stevenson, approximately forty minutes from downtown Vancouver, this whale watching tour travels through the Gulf and San Juan Islands. Chances of seeing Orca whales in the summer are high, and you'll also likely encounter humpback whales, sealions and seals. Rarely you might see Minke whales. The trip is taken on a comfortable, covered, high-speed boat, with wash room. Expect the experience to last between four and six hours inclusive of transfers from Vancouver.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationFairmont Pacific Rim
With unobstructed views of the harbor and mountains beyond, the Fairmont Pacific Rim offers a prime location for exploring this vibrant and cosmopolitan city, with a stunning rooftop pool and terrace to unwind and enjoy the view from.
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View AccommodationLong Beach Lodge
A relaxed family friendly lodge perched on a stunning surf beach at Cox Bay, just 10 minutes South of Tofino. Long Beach Lodge offers a fantastic base for beachcombing, whale and bear watching, surfing and exploring the Pacific Rim National Park
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View AccommodationNimmo Bay Resort
From the peaks of the BC coastal mountains to the Pacific Ocean below, the intimate Nimmo Bay offers an all-encompassing world class wilderness adventure. Choose from heli-ventures, marine adventures or a combination of the two.
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View AccommodationFairmont Waterfront Vancouver
Conveniently located just a stone's throw from Vancouver's beautiful harbor with its walkways, restaurants and bars, the Fairmont Waterfront offers a contemporary style and superb facilities making it the ideal base for your Vancouver stay.
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View AccommodationEcho Valley Ranch & Spa
Echo Valley Ranch offers a fusion of guest ranch, adventure lodge and luxury wellness retreat in the heart of Canada's "cowboy country". Usually adult only, during July and August they also welcome families looking for a comfortable ranch experience.
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View AccommodationClayoquot Wilderness Lodge
Part of the Baillie Lodges collection, Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge is set in a breathtaking location in the heart of the forest, within a stone's throw of spectacular wildlife viewing, superb walking and a host of unforgettable outdoor experiences.
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View AccommodationRosewood Hotel Georgia
Lovingly restored, the elegant Rosewood Hotel Georgia offers an oasis of calm and relaxation in the heart of Vancouver. This luxurious hotel offers a fusion of old world glamour and modern amenities including a fabulous pool and terrace.
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View AccommodationL'Hermitage Vancouver
Located at the corner of Richards Street and Robson Street in the heart of downtown Vancouver, the contemporary and welcoming L'Hermitage offers just 60 rooms and suites, many with kitchens, just a stone's throw from everything the city has to offer.
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View AccommodationWickaninnish Inn
Balanced on rocks at one end of stunning Chesterman beach in the heart of the Pacific Rim National Park, the Wickaninnish Inn offers one of the most dramatic outlooks across the Pacific Ocean, breathtaking in the summer sunshine or in winter storms.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceDay 2 - Farewell Harbor Lodge
Today will be a wildlife viewing day to remember as you head out by boat to on your first full day bear viewing adventure to one of the main grizzly viewing estuaries.
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View ExperienceDay 3 - Farewell Harbor Lodge
Today you'll be back on the water for another bear viewing safari or you can opt for an extenstive exploration of the Johnstone Strait in search of whales.
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View ExperienceFirst Nations Canoe with T'ashii Paddle
Canoe in traditional cedar canoes to Meares Island and learn about First Nations history, knowledge and stories with Tsimka, the co-owner of the school and a Tla-o-qui-aht woman who grew up in her traditional territory, Tofino.
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View ExperienceWhale Watching in Tofino
This tour takes you through the pristine waters of Clayoquot Sound to view beautiful scenery and wildlife. Depending on the time of year, you could encounter gray whales, humpback whales, sea lions, sea birds and resident bald eagles.
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View ExperienceDay 4 - Farewell Harbor Lodge
Today you'll choose to enjoy your last day at Farewell Harbor either on a guided rainforest hike, a marine excursion or take a short kayak around Farewell Harbor, and soak in this secluded and spectacular island in the Great Bear Rainforest.
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View ExperienceWhite Water Rafting in Whistler
Choose from three fantastic white water rafting tours within easy striking reach of Whistler. From bouncy family friendly paddles on Green River through to challenging Grade 4 adventures on the Elaho and Squamish Rivers, there's something for everyone!
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View ExperienceVallea Lumina Experience
Enjoy a magical night time experience in the forests surrounding Whistler. Join an evening excursion in search of a hidden valley that’s filled with unexpected enchantment.
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View ExperienceWhistler Bear Viewing Tour
Whistler has a population of around 50 black bears who have adapted to the alpine environment. This 3-hour tour takes you out to visit the areas most frequented by them with short walks to main feeding sites, day beds and rub trees. Travel by 4x4 vehicle
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View ExperienceCoastal Bear Watch from Tofino
Travel by Zodiac along the calm and tranquil waters of Clayoquot Sound in search of coastal black bears who wander down to the water's edge to forage for food. Viewing from the water ensures an up close encounter with these fascinating creatures.
Call us on 858 345 1751 to start planning