In fact we can even come to vancouver and pick you up there, or just about anywhere on vancouver island. Our company utilizes stateoftheart, custom designed, locally built vessels that are leading in the industry for safety. The marine life in the waters of bc is abundant and diverse, but there is no greater creature than the mighty whale. Its whale watching season visit victoria media hub. But for young children and for those who would rather not be cold and wet, not such a good day. One year of whale watching in just one infographic.
In this season, all major cruise companies begin to offer boat trips to see the migr. After our unsuccessful search for whale sharks in belize a few months ago, we were thrilled to be invited by tourism victoria to go on a whale watching tour with prince of whales. Go during the peak season of julyaugust for the best chance of spotting humpback and fin whales. Our whale watching tour season here begins in april, and finishes in october. If thats the case, then only orcas killer whales can be seen out of victoria. For transient killer whales this is the main ecotype of killer whales that our guests encounter, the permissible distance for members of the pacific whale watching association is 200 meters.
Majestic mammals and marine wildlife abound in the waters surrounding victoria, including the orca, or killer whale, and gray, humpback, and minke whales. Combine 2 popular local attractions into one and go on a whale watching safari from vancouver to victoria. This family owned and operated company is sure to deliver a world class marine wildlife viewing experience. Whale watching is one of the things you really have to do during your travel in canada. We have more orca, more humpbacks and more wildlife available nearby than any other location on vancouver island and our dedicated, responsible whale watchers are all members of the pacific whale. Make sure you find the right area and season for best chances to spot these kings of the oceans. When is the best time to whale watch in victoria bc. Victoria bc whale watching is just one of the options on vancouver island, and if you find yourself on the mainland, virtually anywhere along the coast can make a prime viewing base.
Eagle wing whale watching in victoria british columbia canada at fishermans wharf. Youll see orca whales, migrating humpback whales and much more. Jun 15, 2018 humpback whale numbers have increased substantially since hunting was banned in the late 1970s, with more than 30,000 expected to travel up the australian coast from the antarctic through to october. The rugged beauty of the west coast is something that should be experienced with victorias boutique whale watching company. Hang in there, the flowers will be out in bloom soon enough. From may to early october, whales migrate from antarctica along the victorian coastline to the north, to warmer waters near queensland. Hop on a oneway whale watching cruise from vancouver. The best whale watching place anywhere on the planet these are the words of captain ian roberts, who has led these unforgettable trips for the last 5 years. Whale watching in bc british columbia travel and adventure.
The whales have been spotted out the front of roro cafe just near the searoad ferries terminal and the research director from the dolphin research institute confirmed they are the first whales spotted in the bay. Birds of a feather whalewatching departures can be from victorias inner harbour, from sidney, metchosin, sooke, salt spring island, or anywhere we can trailer the boat. As most whales are migratory, they visit rich waters for feeding. Whale watching is unquestionably one of the most exciting experiences the pacific northwest has to offer and victoria is an ideal place to do it. Voyage into the open waters of the northern pacific on a 3. Victoria, bc is the best place on earth to view whales. The season also seems to be extended so you have a really good chance of seeing them this winter, peters says. Up and down the coast of british columbia, from victoria to port hardy on vancouver island, from vancouver to the bc gulf islands, and up to haida gwaii queen charlotte islands. Here are four criteria for choosing the best whale watching tour for you. 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. Humpback whale numbers have increased substantially since hunting was banned in the late 1970s, with more than 30,000 expected to travel up the australian coast from the antarctic through to october.
There are three orca pods totaling over 80 whales in victoria s waters alone. Victoria has more boats departing for whale watching than any place on vancouver island and most companies guarantee whale sightings. Choose your victoria whale watching adventure just a short cruise from downtown victoria, an ocean wilderness awaits. Aug, 20 combine hiking with whale watching in one of the best locations in the country to watch whales from the shore.
The most important city of the island is victoria in the south. As the only boat service that operates from downtown vancouver, this is the most convenient, scenic and enjoyable way to get from downtown vancouver to your victoria destination. The majestic orca has long been the proud symbol of our incredible city. Victoria zodiac boat whale watching tour provided by. While the pods may be out there 247, you have a better chance of your boat actually finding orcas if you go out later in the day. Prince of whales adventures bcs best whale watching.
If reserving on line please use the promotion code emp1. Whale watching tours from vancouver island tourism victoria. Here is a good guide to help you make a decision about the whale watching season in victoria. Excellent trip on the smaller open boatteenage boys loved the speed and excitement of the journey almost as much as seeing four killer whales and a humpbackgreat trip with a knowledgeable skipper who was dete. As such, visitors to the province capital will find it easy to add a whale watching experience to the itinerary, at least during the. A reallife encounter with whales is an unforgettable experience, and with more than 30 species roaming the waters off its 202,000km of coastline, canada is prime territory for chasing whale tail. Being february in canada i knew it would be cold but didnt expect the trip to be.
Frequently asked questions about whale watching in bc. Oct 22, 2010 eagle wing whale watching in victoria british columbia canada at fishermans wharf. Embark on a whalewatching excursion onboard a small zodiac boat that allows. A quick guide to our whale watching season on south vancouver island. Whaletrips british columbia whale watching in british. That results in a huge number of tour operators, actually so many of them by now that the whales are sometimes bothered by the many boats.
Avoid the crowds and travel straight to the whales. Where and how to see whales in victoria this winter. Whale watching is a popular activity for residents and visitors to victoria, canada. Located in the heart of victorias beautiful inner harbour, prince of whales is the largest yearround whale watching and ecoadventure company in victoria, british columbia. From the capital of vancouver island victoria, the best whale watching tours of canada departure.
Whale watching season 2015, victoria bc springtide tours. 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. Prince of whales is focused on sharing the beautiful and breathtaking coastal waters of british columbia, its vibrant wildlife, and its rich history. Depending on which species of whale you want to see, and what type of experience you would like, the answer can be different. As victorias longest running family owned and operated whale watching company and first catamaran company, we have built up victoria as a world class destination for whale watching. Through the internet, we found several companies offering whalewatching tours, with several types of vessels. In charming british victoria, maybe go whale watching or marvel at worldfamous butchart gardens. By then all the operators have been out since morning and have figured out where the pods are clustering that day. The romans called it orca, meaning demon from hell.
The best whale watching on the planet victoria, bc, canada. Victoria, bc is the best place on earth to view whales in the wild. Its common name, recognized by many people, is killer whale originally called whale killer by spanish whalers. Orca spirit adventures victoria 2020 all you need to know. Being february in canada i knew it would be cold but didnt expect the trip to be sunny and flat. Frequently asked questions bc whale tours victoria whale. There is no seagoing experience quite like watching, closeup, a sleek whale weighing thousands of pounds frolic like a child in its natural habitat.
We hope you enjoy the rest of your stay in victoria. Theres something to be said about the peace and quiet of a tourist town in the offseason, and the beauty of victoria from the water on a crisp winters day is unrivaled. Catamaran excursions launch from victorias inner harbour. In victoria, there are numerous companies that offer whale watching tours.
See whales and other marine wildlife on a whalewatching tour in vancouver. Tour operators, both on the mainland and the island, have specialized on orcas another highlight is the migration of the gray whales past the western part of the island. The waters around the canadian vancouver island are the worlds pivotal region for meeting orcas. Four days in vancouver island whale watching paradise.
Canada s atlantic coast from the atlantic provinces, follow in the footsteps of the regions maritime heritage to venture out into the north atlantic or the gulf of st. This is an amazing company definitely the one to choose very environmentally conscious and puts back into research etc. Bc whale tours is the only company to offer guests a complimentary return tour with. Enjoy two favorite victoria tours in a single day with this greatvalue combo package. We did a similar trip from vancouver last summer and spotted a small pod of orca whales, so we had high hopes of repeating the incredible experience. Boats from victoria and vancouver, bc, will help you seek not just the killer whales but also minkes, humpbacks, pacific whitesided dolphins, and stellers sea lions. Other aquatic neighbours include sea lions, seals, porpoise and many marine birds.
Whether you choose a naturalistled, marine ecologythemed boat cruise, a tour that combines whale watching with a trip to butchart gardens, or a seaplane tour that drops you off at a ship for whale watching, youre sure to remember your experience. When putting together the plan and itinerary for our 20 canada trip, one of the things that were on top of the priority list right from the start was whale watching. Surrounded by killer whales in victoria, british columbia. Located in the heart of victorias beautiful inner harbour, prince of whales is the largest yearround whale watching and ecoadventure company in victoria, british. From our downtown departure locations, we offer industryleading whale watching tours in vancouver, victoria, telegraph cove, and seattle.
This adventure will take you from downtown victoria to the butchart gardens. Leave the crowds behind on our custom made vessels specifically designed for comfort, speed and safety that carry only 12 privileged guests at a time. The regulations regarding viewing distance from whales is different depending on the type of whale. This page is about where and when to view these magnificent marine mammals. Frequently asked questions bc whale tours victoria. British columbia whale watching in british columbia whaletrips. With its large number of vessels, locations in both victoria and vancouver, and almost 50 staff in peak season, prince of whales is the largest whale watching company in british columbia.
From the commencement of our tour you will see the snow crowned olympic mountains virtually soar from the sea bed. Get up close and personal with camera hogs like the humpback, known for launching its 36tonne body up and out of the water for playful breaching. Victoria whale watching tours sea king adventures inc. I assume youre hoping to go whale watching out of victoria. If winter whale watching doesnt quite sound like your thing, the summer season is just a few months away. Travelers to victoria have a number of whale watching tour options that offer the chance to view whales in their natural habitat. Call or click to make a reservation now and mention you are staying at the empress hotel to get a special rate. About bc whale tours leave the crowds behind on our custom made vessels specifically designed for comfort, speed and safety that carry only 12 guests at a time. Meanwhile on vancouver island, canada, the people of tofino and ucluelet. As we move into mid september we see fewer resident killer whales however with the abundant sea lion population that moves into the area, we see more transients as sea lions are a favorite food source for his subspecies of orca. Around mid to late fall, the whales start their 5000mile journey south to baja california. We went on this tour in october and saw a number of humpback whales and large numbers of two types of sea. Killer whale watching in vancouver orca whales in canada. And a globus canadian rockies tour through western canada also includes unique experiences and encounters youll never forgetlike a special breakfast at the squamish lilwat cultural centre in whistler or a special riverside bbq ws.
Catamaran excursions launch from victoria s inner harbour. Bc whale tours victoria aktuelle 2020 lohnt es sich. April to october join our comfortable 61 ft covered. Leave the crowds behind on our custom made vessels specifically designed for comfort, speed and safety that carry only 12 guests at a time. Combine hiking with whale watching in one of the best locations in the country to watch whales from the shore. Whale watching victoria adventures prince of whales. Five star whale watching is the fairmont empress hotel inhouse whale watching company, and as a guest of the hotel we have a special offer for you.
Orca spirit adventures is victorias original and authentic whale watching experience. Bc whale tours victoria all you need to know before you. Whale watching vancouver island news, events, travel. Since whales travel close to the coast, many people enjoy going out on boats to view them. Take an express cruiser boat through the gulf islands, keeping your eyes peeled for orca whales, and then spend the day exploring victoria before catching a seaplane back to vancouver. The whale spends the summer and a few fall months in the arctic waters before heading south. With over 70 whales belonging to these families, transient orcas, and humpback whales youll have plenty of opportunities for an encounter with these magnificent creatures. Setting the bar high for the local whale watching industry we have been inspiring and educating guests. Nov 01, 2016 the best whale watching place anywhere on the planet these are the words of captain ian roberts, who has led these unforgettable trips for the last 5 years.
Bc whale tours victoria all you need to know before. Our whale watching tours located off the southern coast of victoria, british columbia consist of viewing transient orca pods, migrating humpback whales, grey whales and other marine animals that reside in our coastal waters. Prince of whales whale watching victoria 2020 all you. Ensure that company you chose has qualified staff, the knowledge of our orca naturalists is more than a requirement. Killer whales orcas, gray whales, humpback whales and minke whales ply the waves and perform their watery rituals. The first whales of the season have been spotted in victorias port phillip bay. Hop on a oneway whalewatching cruise from vancouver. Wild whales 2020 eggbeater creative vancouver whale watching. Toprated victoria, british columbia whale watching tours 2020. Departing from downtown victoria aboard a 12passenger openair zodiacstyle boat, this adventure will take you on a 33. In the waters surrounding victoria we mainly encounter transient killer whales and humpback whales during peak season juneseptember. Save time and money by going at the end of the day.
If youre eager to get on the water, tour companies in cape breton highlands also offers zodiac and catamaran excursions. Departing in the morning, spot whales, sea lions, seals, porpoises and more with the help of your expert guide, and arrive in downtown victoria by the afternoon. Whales choose to give birth and raise their calves just off the victoria coast. The reserve is canadas first marine protected area and home to an abundance of rare marine life. And the best time to see them is often julyseptember, although tours run as early as may and as late as october.
We are happy to hear you enjoyed your time on the water with us. Whale watching in british columbia mainly boils down to whale watching on vancouver island, even if you can also book tours directly from vancouver. Join five star whale watching for the adventure of a lifetime an experience that you will never forget. Humpback whales 40 minutes offshore from victoria, bc photo credit jeff lorton. Some even come in the winter months for an uncrowded adventure. Whale watching from vancouver to victoria oneway 2020. Better yet, choose a location that is in more protected waters such as johnstone strait and the broughton archipelago or near victoria.
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