Our 2018 whale watching seas apr 10 2018, 0 comments. In addition to the resident whales, thousands of transient whales pass through these waters as part of their migration route. With over 25 years leading sea kayaking and whale watching tours, sea kayak adventures offers incredible orca kayaking tours in. Paul spong founded orcalab, a small land based whale research station nestled against the evergreen forest of hanson island in the waters of the inside passage of northern vancouver island in british columbia, canada. Being that vancouver is the best place to whale watch in canada, you will find a variety of ways to do so.
Vancouver s largest and most experienced whale watching company. Vancouvers largest and most experienced whale watching company. We had a absolutely fabulous time saw at least 5 humpbacks and 2 killer whales and went so close to a seal. Every trip is led by a certified marine naturalist whose knowledge and passion for vancouver island s marine wildlife is unequaled in the industry, and every vessel in our fleet is equipped with hydrophones to bring the underwater experience to light. Primarily because were seeing more marine mammal feeding killer whales than ever. And orca dreams camp is located right in the center of the action.
Rare white orca whale seen swimming in bc photos killer whales are known to frequent canadian waters, but an extra rare orca made a special appearance recently and people were in awe. Spring and summer are the best times to whale watch in canada on both the east and west coast. Biggs killer whales marinemammal feeding this season continues to be a record one for us in a number of ways. Last tour of the season and we saw both orcas and a humpback whale. In this file photo taken tuesday, july 24, 2018, provided by the center for whale research, a baby orca whale is being pushed by her mother after. In our opinion the broughton archipelago with its abundant wildlife and hundreds of islands to explore is one of the finest locations to kayak anywhere on earth. Youll see orca whales, migrating humpback whales and much more. As the northern resident killer whales travel down the coast to feed on salmon, you will be right there at wildcoasts orca camp.
As most whales are migratory, they visit rich waters for feeding. Consistent whale sightings are likely to make this the best season on record, but in a different way than previous seasons. Weve been offering guided sea kayaking tours around vancouver island for the past two decades. Offshore killer whales will not be the target off whale watching tours as. It was the beginning of the season and we were the only other boat with them, so they were not disturbed.
To report whales please go to the orca network sightings report page, or email orca network. During this period thousands of whales migrate through these waters. Frequently asked questions about whale watching in bc orca spirit. We left the harbour on the 28th into some wind and waves, but it was all worth it to see all the wildlife we found that day. Then watch, awestruck, as these spectacular cetaceans display their intelligence and grace.
Whale watching season april 1 to october 31 vancouver whale watch provides passengers with the adventure of a lifetime through excellent customer service, first class vessels, the highest possible safety standards and added value from an onthewater education of. If you have never seen whales before, the waters near vancouver are one of the best places in the world for this activity. This means orcas are at the top of the food chain and nothing is preying upon them. Boats usually head to the southern gulf and san juan islands. I joined quite a few whale watching tours in british columbia. This is the best place in the world to see orcas, the mr. Although we can never guarantee with 100% certainty that orcas will be the whale species we see on any given. British columbia is one of the worlds most famous places for whale watching and the city of vancouver is the perfect place to start your whale watching tour during the summer months, whether you take a trip from downtown or a scenic suburb near vancouver international airport. We hope this website will be a good inspiration for a great trip. Watching killer whales in vancouver is easiest from may to october. British columbia is home to dozens of whale species, 23 to be exact, according to the vancouver aquarium. Orca watching in vancouver different types of whale watching tours in vancouver. Enjoy a scenic 35 minute float plane ride from vancouver s coal harbour to downtown victoria, then start your southern resident killer whale watching adventure with us. It can be very close to the beach during high tide.
While it is possible to see whales at any time of the year, there is a peak season from may through october. Wild whales vancouver 2020 all you need to know before. Were fortunate that this place is home to orca dreams. Most encounters with offshore orcas are either more than 20 miles of the west coast of vancouver island or up near the queen charlotte islands. The whaleplanner september a whale watching infographic. Whale watching british columbia vancouver islands watching.
The most commonly spotted whale in this area is the grey whale, but occasional humpbacks and orcas make an appearance, too. Ocean ecoventures is the most centrally located whale watching company on vancouver island with the highest sighting of orcas and humpback whales every year. This page is about the giant species inhabiting british columbias waters. Whale watching around vancouver island in british columbia is an exceptional experience that will leave you awestruck after watching whales that weigh thousands of pounds frolic in their natural habitat. Orca dreams is situated in the center of the whale watching activity.
What you need to know about whale watching in british columbia. Whether its a surfacing pod of orcas, a sea lion feasting on salmon, or the blow of a humpback whale, wildlife constantly makes its presence felt here. Killer whale watching in vancouver orca whales in canada. Meanwhile in australia, every year, thousands of humpbacks travel from antarctica to. Sometimes you can see a whale in false creek or english bay. All three of their vessels are zodiac style one open and two semicovered, customdesigned for marine wildlife viewing, and all are equipped with hydrophones to listen to the whales. Whale watching tour from granville island in vancouver we set off with what we thought was plenty of time to get form west vancouver to wild whales but we had to notify them that we were running late due to traffic. The killer whale or orca orcinus orca is a toothed whale belonging to the oceanic dolphin family, of which it is the largest member. Whale watching holidays killer whale watching vancouver. Jan 12, 2011 orca whale watch at vancouver island in september 2009. Canadas west coast is know for its large population of orcas. Come for the afternoon, or stay a few nights at one of our partner hotels.
You can choose from various tours around the gulf and san juan islands. You can spot various kinds of whales, like humpback whales, orcas, grey whales, and minke whales. With over 25 years leading sea kayaking and whale watching tours, sea kayak adventures offers incredible orca kayaking tours in british columbia. Whale watching victoria with orca spirit whale adventures. Many varieties of whales pass through the waters of vancouver s west coast including humpbacks, orcas, grey whales and minke whales. We focus on the most interesting whales to watch, the best countries to meet them and the perfect time to go there. Kayak with orcas in the johnstone strait, the best place in the world to observe killer whales as they feed on salmon off northern vancouver island. Whale watching is one of the things you really have to do during your travel in canada.
Back killer whales humpback whales steller sea lions harbour seals bald eagles dalls porpoise harbour porpoise california sea lion. Should we just plan to do it there or head up to sidney or some other spot. Highest killer whale sightings in british columbia. 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.
The iconic black and white vancouver orca is one of the most popular and sought after sightings on a vancouver whale watching tour. Orca killer whale orca whales discover vancouver island. Were planning a visit to victoria and see there are numerous companies there. Orca kayaking tour vancouver island sea kayak adventures. The ride out to find the whales was quite rough, but they did tell us it would be. Westin bayshore hotel, 1601 bayshore drive, vancouver pricing in usd and may vary based on actual travel dates best available rates based on 7day minimum advance purchase. Wild whales 2020 eggbeater creative vancouver whale watching. The purpose of orca networks whale sighting network and education project is to encourage observation and increase awareness and knowledge about the southern resident community of orcas j, k and l pods, and foster a stewardship ethic to motivate a diverse audience to take action to protect and. Thats why were proud to be bcs first whale watching company to watch healthy growing populations of whales, exclusively. Orca encounter whale watching in vancouver, canada. Our whale watching tour focuses on magnificent orcas killer whales and majestic humpback whales, and other marine wildlife such as porpoises, sea lions. Small personal tour groups, never more than 12 passengers on our boats. Whale watching tours from vancouver island tourism victoria.
Apr 10, 2018 our 2018 whale watching season has begun. Wild whales vancouver 2020 all you need to know before you. This area is considered the best place to watch whales on vancouver island. Whale classification breeding patterns of whales whale migration join us british columbia. Spawning salmons at the rivers during this time attracts whales to this area. Our two boats found 2 playful humpbacks in the strait of georgia playing in the waves and then got word of a pod of orca that was found just south of them so they headed over to see those animals as well. A whale watching trip is a once in a lifetime experience.
Orca spirit authentic whale watching tours from victoria. Whale watching in vancouver steveston seabreeze adventures. Whale watching in british columbia tour guide canada. Orcas are able to travel more than 100 miles in a day, dive to 900feet deep and can. The orcas usually approach the bay to rub against the pebbled beach in shallow water close to the shoreline, in as little as 1. There are few sights more thrilling than whales in their natural environment, and the waters off the coast of british columbia are rich with marine life. Every trip is led by a certified marine naturalist whose knowledge and passion for vancouver islands marine wildlife is unequaled in the industry, and every vessel in our fleet is equipped with hydrophones to bring the underwater experience to light. Meet whale watching tour 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure at. Orcas are the most widely distributed of all marine mammals and can be found in all the worlds oceans. On this kayaking tour you will launch your kayak into the waters of johnstone strait each day in prime killer whale territory. How to go whale watching from vancouver explore bc. Orcas, or killer whales, are the largest of the dolphin family and are the apex predator of the ocean. When is the best time of year to go whale watching in. I love wildlife videography and photography and was keen to join a whale watching tour on my second visit to vancouver this may.
Orca dreams is situated on compton island a half hour boat trip from telegraph cove, on north vancouver island. After all, our oceans are the largest ecosystems on the planet. Southern vancouver island is the best place to see whales in the wild. Many varieties of whales pass through the waters of vancouvers west coast including humpbacks, orcas, grey whales and minke whales. The marine life in the waters of bc is abundant and diverse, but there is no greater creature than the mighty whale. May until october is the prime time to see the southern pod of resident orcas feeding on salmon in the gulf islands and the strait of georgia near. With we try to inspire and give you the best information about whale watching. We have been avidly watching whale reports and sightings over the winter counting down the days until april 1st. Where on vancouver island is the best place to go whale watching orcas in the summer. The rarity of local sightings make for an exciting show if one is lucky.
If you are on the north end of the island from julyseptember, orcas, or killer whales, are often. The vancouver whale watch company does a very good job of finding whales. The prime whale watching season in british columbia is between april and late october. Telegraph cove, at the northern tip of the island, is often described as the orca capital of the world. Our location wild whales vancouver is situated on granville island, a 510 minute taxi ride from most downtown hotels. See whales and other marine wildlife on a whale watching tour in vancouver. During this peak season we boast a greater than 95% chance of spotting whales in victoria, particularly resident orcas, humpback whales, and transient orcas. These small baleen whales can be seen around the globe, but are often more elusive in the vancouver island area. For more information on killer whales and some of the longterm research projects monitoring marine mammals in southern bc, please visit the following sites.
Join your professional naturalist and board a first class, modern vessel for a 3 to 5hour expedition, starting in the picturesque, historic fishing village of steveston and traveling through the. Discover magnificent orcas killer whales, majestic humpback whales, bow riding porpoises, sea lions, seals, bald eagles and more. Our mission we aspire to be the best whale watching company in the area by. San juan island whale watching season update the best. Other locations are granville island and richmonds steveston village. Whale watching season april 1 to october 31 vancouver whale watch provides passengers with the adventure of a lifetime through excellent customer service, first class vessels, the highest possible safety standards and added value from an onthewater education of the west coast ecosystem. The majestic orca has long been the proud symbol of our incredible city. Vancouver whale watch was the first whale watching company to operate from the vancouver area, in their 21st year of operation in 2019. Orca rubbing beach vancouver island best time to visit. Vancouver, british columbia is one of the best places to go whale watching. During this peak season our sighting success rate is at 9598% for viewing resident orca pods near victoria. While in vancouver, dont miss the chance to take a whalewatching tour and spot killer whales, porpoises, seals, eagles and other wildlife amid the stunning scenery of canadas southwest coast. Killer whales orcas, gray whales, humpback whales and minke whales ply the waves and perform their watery rituals.
Departing from granville island in downtown vancouver, the wild whales experience allows you to observe the diverse wildlife of the pacific coast in their natural habitat. Some even come in the winter months for an uncrowded adventure. The 5 best whale watching tours from vancouver 2020. Occasionally they are spotted while whale watching in british columbia. Orca natural history san juan safaris whale watching san. See whales and other marine wildlife on a whalewatching tour in vancouver. Steveston seabreeze adventures vancouver whale watching. And within this, chances to see them, camera in one hand, binoculars in the other, are almost limitless. In addition to orcas, see the other wildlife that we view in the victoria area. March to october is the season for orcas, minke, grey, and humpback whales. They hunt for seals, sea lions, porpoises and other whale species. Steveston seabreeze adventures offers vancouver whale watching tours from april 1st to october 31st. The crew was professional and the guide, andy, was fun and informative.
Wild whales vancouver is located 5 to 10 minutes from most hotels in the downtown area with easy access to granville island. Chance of spotting rarer species add an extra thrill to whale watching when whale watching near victoria, keep an eye out for the lesser known minke whale. Nov 03, 2018 orca encounter whale watching in vancouver, canada. Jul 16, 2018 many varieties of whales pass through the waters of vancouvers west coast including humpbacks, orcas, grey whales and minke whales. There is a chance of seeing a number of different species of whales including resident and. With their distinctive black and white patterning and huge dorsal fins, a pod of orcas powering through the waves is one of the most impressive sights in the natural world. When is the best time of year to go whale watching in vancouver. Vancouver island whale watching highest orca sightings. Killer whales dont kill people and are in fact the largest member of the dolphin family. These can be kayaking, highspeed zodiac trips, cruises, or even seaplanes. Killer whales have a diverse diet, although individual populations often specialize in particular types of prey. A breathtaking encounter with killer whales in the canadian wild. Orca whale watching vancouver island canada youtube.
Most of them have been in the foodrich waters around vancouver island. We avoid the endangered southern resident orca population, which are typically seen in the busier waters further south. Best place to go whale watching in british columbia. Whale watching vancouver island news, events, travel. British columbias whale watching vessels take people onto the ocean to spot orcas, humpback whales, grey whales, and minkes, and along the way often come across seals, sea lions, porpoises.
Our guarantee should you not see a whale orca or humpback, come again for free until you do, for life. Orca spirits three hour whale watching tours run daily from april through october. With a lot of fantastic orcajumps, it was a great experience. Every trip is different, as we follow reports of the whales location. Hop on a whale watching boat from vancouver or victoria or take a tour from more remote locations on vancouver island or up the bc coast. Every trip is led by a certified marine naturalist whose knowledge and passion for vancouver islands marine wildlife is unequaled in the industry, and every vessel. Welcome to orca camp home to killer whales and bears. Frequently asked questions about whale watching in bc. May 21, 2018 the prime whalewatching season in british columbia is between april and late october. Steveston village is a destination not to be missed and is home to a myriad of shops and restaurants for all tastes, a perfect location to begin and end your vancouver whale watching adventure. Orca whale taxonomy orca killer whales are the largest mammal in the dolphin family. Rare white orca whale seen swimming in bc photos narcity.
Recent sightings vancouver island whale watch nanaimo bc. Although wildlife is the focus of our trip, the scenery along the way is not to be forgotten. Reports of killer whales were plentiful during our offseason and we are expecting this trend to continue. Vehicle access to tofinoucluelet from vancouver includes a crossing with. Theres simply nothing better than a whale watching tour in bc with orca spirit, some prefer viewing beneath the summer sun, while others prefer cooler spring and fall viewings. Make sure you find the right area and season for best chances to spot these kings of the oceans. Both sides of vancouver island afford primo opportunities. This page is about where and when to view these magnificent marine mammals. On the west coast, tofino is a quaint town with an embedded orca watching culture.