While it is possible to see whales at any time of the year, there is a peak season from May through October. During this peak season we boast a greater than 95% chance of spotting whales in Victoria, particularly resident orcas, humpback whales, and transient orcas!
Where is the best place to see orcas BC?
Telegraph Cove
Telegraph Cove
What to expect: Located along Vancouver Island’s northeast coast, Telegraph Cove is one of the best places in the world to see orcas. The protected waters of Johnstone Strait and the Broughton Archipelago are home to around 200 whales each summer.
Is Victoria good for whale watching?
Majestic mammals and marine wildlife abound in the waters surrounding Victoria, including the orca, or killer whale, and gray, humpback, and minke whales. Other aquatic neighbours include sea lions, seals, porpoise and many marine birds.
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 time of day is best to see whales in Victoria BC?
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 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.
Are there orcas in Vancouver Island?
Off our coast, we are fortunate to have 3 different ecotypes and 4 isolated breeding populations of orca. Offshore Killer Whales are found off the west coast of Vancouver Island; they’re rarely seen and have never been encountered on our tours. In fact, scientists only discovered them in the 1990s!
Can you see whales on ferry to Victoria?
Ferries from Bear Cove travel through both coastal and deeper waters, providing opportunities to see a wide variety of cetaceans. Humpback whales, killer whales, and harbour porpoises are common in the area and are often seen by BC Ferries passengers.
When can you see orcas in BC?
The most important part of viewing whales in B.C. is deciding the best time to go: Orcas: June through the end of September. Peak orca numbers and sightings tend to be from mid-July until mid-September.
What is whale season in Victoria?
For Victorians, the prime whale watching season is roughly from May to October each year. While whales can be seen all along the state’s coast, you can improve your chances of getting a slice of the cetacean spectacular by visiting these locations.
What is the best time of year to visit Victoria BC?
The best times to visit Victoria and Vancouver Island are March to May and September to November. The region sees some of the country’s mildest weather and the driest summers, so while you might experience a light drizzle here and there, plan on comfortable temperatures in the spring and fall.
Where in Canada is the best place to see the whales?
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.
What is the best time to see orcas in or?
Orca whales range through the San Juan Islands the most between March and October and you can expect to see them on the vast majority of our tours during that time, although we do have sightings throughout the year. We also regularly encounter beautiful Humpback Whales (through November) and Minke whales in the area.
Where are the whales in Victoria?
Whales can be spotted out at sea all along the Great Ocean Road, past Phillip Island and on to Gippsland’s south coast, however, the best viewing opportunities are found in and around Portland, Warrnambool and Phillip Island.
When can you see orcas in Vancouver Island?
From May to October, it’s prime viewing time to see southern resident orcas feeding on migrating salmon in the Strait of Georgia and the Gulf Islands. But the late summer months are ideal for spotting northern resident orcas, which feed in the Johnstone Strait.
How far to whales stay away from BC?
100 metres
The rules for whale watching and approaching marine mammals, which are now in effect, provide a minimum approach distance of 100 metres for most whales, dolphins and porpoises to legally protect these animals from human disturbances.
Can you see orcas in Tofino?
Orcas. Sightings of Transient Orcas are common around Vancouver Island, with many resident orcas traveling in pods throughout Tofino and Clayoquot Sound in their hunt for food. Orcas typically travel together most of the time, with the possible exception of when foraging or mating.
Are there grizzly bears in Tofino?
While the black bears have kept this bear-happy territory to themselves for 10,000 years, grizzly bears occasionally swim over from the Coast Range. It’s unlikely they’ve made it as far as Tofino.
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.
What is the top predator on Vancouver Island?
Cougars
Cougars are at the top of the food chain, and fierce predators. Although they will normally avoid confrontation with humans, unfortunately, their actions are often unpredictable. There is also little understanding of what might trigger an attack. Children and pets are most likely to be the victim of a cougar attack.
Are there grizzly on Vancouver Island?
Grizzly bears do not live year round on Vancouver Island however you can go on one of the bear watching trips to view the mainland Grizzlies. There are almost 14000 Grizzly Bears in British Columbia and many coastal Grizzlies feed along the shorelines for shellfish as well as during salmon season.