What types of whales will you see? Many varieties of whales pass through the waters of Vancouver’s west coast including humpbacks, orcas, grey whales and minke 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.
When can you see humpback whales in Vancouver?
Three hours in length, April through October are the ideal whale watching months. In this peak season, we boast a greater than 95% success rate of spotting whales, including both transient & resident orcas, humpback, Minke, & gray whales!
Where can I see humpback whales in BC?
The protected waters of Johnstone Strait and the Broughton Archipelago are home to around 200 whales each summer. Most of these are orcas, but humpback whales can also be seen here. One of the most memorable ways to encounter these gentle giants is on a kayaking tour.
Is whale watching better from Victoria or Vancouver?
If you aren’t coming to Victoria for anything else then go out of Vancouver. It`s definitely not a waste to come to Victoria. I would strongly encourage you to choose Victoria as your whale watching base as you will have much more choice in the number of companies.
What is the best time of day to see whales in Vancouver?
But first, we stress that there’s no “best” time of day to go whale watching. Whales are out and about doing their thing day and night, so whether you go out in the morning, afternoon or evening you’ll always have a great chance of seeing whales and other marine wildlife.
Is whale watching worth it in Vancouver?
Vancouver is one of the best locations in the world for whale watching. Thousands of whales migrate through the nearby waters and several pods of orcas live here year-round.
Where is the best whale watching in BC?
Hands down, the best place on that coast to view whales and all kinds of wildlife is the Northern Vancouver Island area, specifically Telegraph Cove, Johnstone Strait and the Broughton Archipelago. Here’s why: The area is the summer home of over 280 Northern Resident orcas— also known as ‘killer whales’.
Can you see whales from land in Vancouver?
The Whale Trail is comprised of over 100 land-based whale watching sites which span the coasts of California through British Columbia. There are 35 Whale Trail sites overall in British Columbia, with 12 of those located on Vancouver Island.
Is it rare to see a humpback whale?
Humpbacks can be found in every ocean. They constantly migrate between tropical areas for mating and arctic regions for feeding. Humpbacks are at home in every ocean and migrate near the coasts with the seasons.
Where is the best place to see a humpback whale?
The following are the world’s best places to watch humpback whales in their natural habitat.
- Saguenay – St. Lawrence Marine Park, Québec.
- Baja California Sur, Mexico.
- Bahia De Banderas, Mexico.
- Pacific Coast, Colombia.
- Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa.
- Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand.
- Disko Bay, Greenland.
- Maui, Hawaii.
Can you see orcas in Vancouver?
The best time of year to see orcas in Vancouver is between May and October when spawning river salmon attract the whales. That said, while resident killer whales feed mostly on salmon, transient orcas eat small mammals, so it’s not uncommon to see transient killer whales, too.
Which town is most famous for whale watching?
Top Whale-Watching Destinations
- Santa Barbara, California.
- Monterey Bay, California.
- Kodiak Island, Alaska.
- San Juan Islands, Washington.
- Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
- Virginia Beach.
- Long Island, New York.
- Cape May, New Jersey.
Which province is best for whale watching in Canada?
province of Newfoundland and Labrador
The province of Newfoundland and Labrador is home to Canada’s most easterly point with the Rock (a popular nickname for the island of Newfoundland) surrounded entirely by the North Atlantic. This is one of the best regions in the world for whale watching. Around 22 whale species have been spotted here.
How do I see whales in Vancouver?
OUR TOURS. Join our Professional Wildlife Guides for a 3 to 5 hour whale watching tour, starting in the picturesque West Coast fishing village of historic Steveston and traveling through the spectacular Gulf and San Juan Islands. Our extensive whale spotting network, has given us a 95% sighting success rate.
How much does it cost to go whale watching in Vancouver?
$155
Rates
| Adults | $155 |
|---|---|
| Seniors (ages 65+) /Students (with valid ID or ISIC card) | $130 |
| Children (ages 3 – 12) | $95 |
| Zodiac (ages 9+) | $170 |
| Private Whale-Watching Tour | CALL FOR RATES & AVAILABILITY |
What time of day are humpbacks most active?
Whales are less active at night because there is too much noise in the water due to ships. During mating season, humpback whales are most active throughout the day and mostly in the afternoon hours. So, if you want to see a whale in Hawaii, it’s best to visit them during the afternoon or early evening hours.
Where is the best place to whale watch in Canada?
Over in the eastern part of Canada, Newfoundland is one of the most popular whale-watching spots. It’s also home to the largest population of humpback whales in Canada, and the world. From May to September, you can also see orcas, minkes, sperm whales, and mighty blue whales in the Atlantic waters.
How likely are you to see a whale while whale watching?
It is estimated that less than 1% of people living on planet Earth will see a whale in their lifetime. Therefore, any time you see a whale, even one whale, you are truly privileged. To see many whales at one time, as we often do, is a sight VERY few people will ever get a chance to see.
What is the best month to go whale watching?
Summer Whale Watching (June, July, August):
The Summer months are the best months to witness the world’s largest animal…the BLUE WHALE!
Can you whale Watch in Vancouver in winter?
It’s easy to see that here on the coast, there really is a place for winter and whale watching to go hand-in-hand. Book a whale watching tour to cheer on the whales from the ocean, or partake in a favourite local pastime – you’ll be surprised at just how amazing the west coast of Vancouver Island is in the winter.
Is whale watching better in Tofino or Victoria?
From Victoria you are more likely to see Orcas as the resident southern pod is usually in or around nearby Islands. From Tofino you are more likely to see Grey Whales as there is a small population of juvenile Grey Whales sometimes adults as well.