Canada · VANCOUVER ISLAND TOURS
The 15 best vancouver island tours you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Search for orcas, humpbacks, seals, otters, and bald eagles on a guided 3.5-hour Victoria cruise with free return if no whales appear.
“Well run / organized. Enjoyed the everyday / casual delivery of all for enjoyment of all. Derick was our primary guy at the front- Tom, Katie, Mel and Captain Jeff did everything to make for an enjoyable day in the harbor!”
Spend four hours from Cowichan Bay seeking orcas, humpbacks, seals, and eagles with a small-group captain-naturalist.
“It was really awesome. The captain and co-captain really knew how to spot the wildlife and were clearly passionate and well informed about them, sharing facts along the way. 10/10 would visit again!”
See grizzlies, whales, and salmon on a Homalco cultural tour from Campbell River, with Indigenous guides, lunch, and small-group bear viewing.
“what a fabulous day. The boat rode over was great as we stopped to see whales & seals with captain John. Deborah our guide was very knowledgeable about whales & bears & Tony our guide on the island was great. we had 10 sightings of 6 different bears including a mumma & cub. we're still bursting with joy❤️ thank you homalco”
Review of Telegraph Cove’s 3-hour whale watching tour, with orcas, humpbacks, sea otters, guides, costs, tips, and booking advice.
“Expectations were high and expectations were exceeded. we highly recommend this experience. We all appreciate the pictures that were taken by the professional staff, and passed on to us, which is included in the tour.”
Watch for orcas and humpbacks at sunset, stay warm in provided gear, and return through Victoria Harbour with city lights glowing.
“This boat is super smooth and fast. The naturalist on board was super knowledgeable. The team was friendly and polite. We saw a few humpbacks as well as some other wildlife”
Ride a 12-passenger Zodiac from Telegraph Cove to seek orcas, humpbacks, seals, and sea lions in Johnstone Strait.
“An amazing trip, Scotty our guide was super helpful and informative. The suits were great as the weather was cool as the boat sped over the water. Saw humpbacks and orcas. A fabulous experience”
Watch for whales, eagles, seals, and sea lions on a three-hour Victoria cruise with Eagle Wing, local guides, and open or covered boats.
“Dedicated captain doing his best to find whales. After 5 hours we did not but did see a lot of other sea animals.”
Explore two caves at Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park with a guide, forest hike, ladders, scrambles, and Canada's only Cave Slide.
“Had a great experience. Curtis was pleasant and knowledgeable. Thanks for being so friendly and knowledgeable.”
Review of Nanaimo’s four-hour open-boat whale tour, with orcas, humpbacks, sea lions, warm suits, expert guides, and practical booking tips.
“Jordan and Rob were absolutely awesome! Brilliant experience - we saw 7 humpback whales and Jordan’s explanation of everything was superb!”
Review of Victoria’s 3-hour whale watching cruise, with orcas, humpbacks, expert guides, catamaran comfort, price, access, and practical tips.
“We loved it. We were only a few days into the season and didn't see whales but it was already a gamble at that time. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable and we had a great time even though we didn't see whales. They took great care to search and make sure we had a good time. We saw sea lions, harbor seals, and bald eagles.”
Cruise Campbell River’s waters for whales, orcas, sea lions, bears, and eagles, with naturalist guidance and hydrophone sounds.
“the weather was rainy and cold - couldn’t see through windows to spot anything for most of the trip, as they were covered with rain from the outside and steam inside. I was disappointed - only saw sea lions, seals and eagles. It was my bucket list trip to see whales and we didn’t see any.”
Search for orcas, humpbacks, dolphins, bears, and sea lions on a fast-moving four-hour Zodiac tour from Campbell River.
“Great day! Friendly, fun and informative. Would definitely do the uncovered ride again! Saw a humpback, followed some orcas and a black bear. Really appreciated the guide shutting off the engines so we could listen the orcas. Had a fun ride jumping waves on the way back to base too!”
Ride a Zodiac from Telegraph Cove to see orcas, humpbacks, dolphins, and more, with warm suits, expert guides, and a whale guarantee.
“We saw a lot of orcas, humpback whales, dophins and sea lions. James was a great guide and the vibe in and around telegraph cove was amazing!”
See whales, orcas, seals, and sea lions on a four-hour Nanaimo open-boat tour with marine biologists and a whale-sighting guarantee.
“The guide and driver found a pod of Orcas and we spent an hour watching them. Also saw a rocky island with lots of seals. It was great.”
Search for humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and bald eagles on a four-hour Salish Sea cruise from Campbell River.
“Ein tolles Erlebnis. Kaum draußen, sprang der erste Buckelwale in voller Pracht aus dem Wasser. Auch die weiteren Sichtungen waren gut. Besonders Buckelwalen. Orcas sind ebenfalls im gebührenden Abstand zu sehen. Der Skipper kennt die Plätze und tauscht sich mit anderen aus. Unser Guide hatte sich allerdings gerne in vorderste Reihe gesetzt oder gestellt und so Sicht genommen. Auch ihre Erläuterungen gab es nicht so wie erwartet.”
Pick a mountain, a shoreline or a table.
