An exhilarating experience that’s much more than whales.

Whale watching in British Columbia is about as good as it gets, but it’s the jaw-dropping scenery and teeming aquatic and bird life you see along the way that sets this place apart from most whale-watching destinations.

The raw and rugged beauty of Canada’s wild West Coast offers some of the most awe-inspiring scenery and whale watching on the planet, all within an hour or two of your hotel.

From May to October tours depart from Vancouver and Victoria, as well as British Columbia’s more remote destinations. Explore the beautiful coastlines of Tofino, Ucluelet and Johnstone Strait, meeting humpbacks, gray whales and orcas along the way. When not spellbound by the fascinating spectacle of whales breaching, spouting and spy-hopping, you’ll enjoy watching for other wildlife including sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals, bald eagles and playful dolphins.

Whatever your age or traveling style, there’s a whale-watching experience for you in B.C. Sign up for a part- or full-day tour on a luxury catamaran, get a little wet and wild on a high-speed zodiac or take your time on a leisurely kayak tour. You can even join a research vessel or book a berth on a historic sailboat for a week-long adventure.

Destinations in British Columbia that whale watchers will love

Destination

Feel the reinvigorating power of the great outdoors on Vancouver Island, a vast swathe of nature on the doorstep of metropolitan cities.
Destination

Surrounded by water, British Columbia’s capital is famous for its marine life and harbor, but there are also excellent museums and heritage buildings to explore.
Destination

Located on a bay on Vancouver Island’s west coast, this resort town offers forest hikes, surfing beaches and whale-watching tours.
Destination

These two idyllic islands in the archipelago outside Vancouver promise relaxing walks, charming towns and a warm rural atmosphere.
Destination

Experience the slower pace of island life at this pastoral getaway in the southern Gulf Islands, where pretty farmsteads and forests define the serene landscape.
Destination

Nestled between Vancouver and mainland British Columbia find charming communities and beautiful scenery spread across more than 200 islands.
Destination

Take a ferry to one of British Columbia’s oldest cities and enjoy its cosmopolitan mix of a college town, a waterfront resort and an old mining boomtown.
Destination

This thriving Pacific Northwest city offers an alluring mix of cosmopolitan culture, an excellent restaurant scene and craft beer bars as well as wonderful natural scenery.