Top British Columbia Wildlife Watching

Cruise the Salish Sea in comfort while you search for whales, seals, bald eagles, and otters on this half-day guided boat cruise. This whale-watching experience is led by a certified naturalist, who shares their knowledge on the area’s wildlife and natural history. If no whales are sighted, you can return for free.

This half-day whale-watching adventure from downtown Vancouver gives you the chance to see whales and other marine life, all with minimal logistical hassle. Hop aboard your luxurious catamaran, complete with heated indoor space and outdoor decks, and set sail. You'll learn all about the local history and geology from your naturalist guides, and can soak up views of the Pacific Northwest scenery while looking out for whales, seals, eagles, and other wildlife.

Take in Vancouver’s local wildlife in a respectful way on this whale watching tour from Granville Island. Your guides are marine naturalists who are passionate about animal conservation, so they emphasize observing animals in their natural environment without human interference. The open-air vessel lets you see any wildlife up close.

While there are many locations where you can catch a glimpse of the maritime life off the coast of Vancouver, it can be tricky to find the best spots when trekking around the region without a guide. On this small-group half-day whalewatching adventure, set out on a journey to the San Juan Islands for a chance to see a variety of wildlife in natural habitats.

Spot native marine wildlife in British Columbia’s waters—and enjoy a more personalized travel experience—on a small-group whale-watching tour from Victoria. Grab an all-weather flotation suit, hop aboard your open-top Zodiac boat in Victoria Harbour, and set off. Your vessel is built for stability, and remains buoyant even in rough seas. As you go, watch for humpback whales, minke whales, and orcas, and soak up the dramatic scenery.

Become more familiar with whales and other marine life on this whale-watching tour from Granville Island in Vancouver. Explore the Salish Sea and Strait of Georgia with a guide who shares interesting facts about sea life as you search for orcas, humpback whales, seals, sea lions, and sea birds. As it’s a small-group tour, you have plenty of opportunities to ask questions.

The waters around Vancouver Island teem with marine life—and on this small-group whale-watching tour, you'll have the best chance of discovering these giants of the deep. Head out into the Salish Sea with your guide, an experienced naturalist who will take the time to help you learn about the region's wildlife. On this tour, you can look out for orcas, humpback whales, seals, sea lions, porpoises, and more.

Soak up the beauty of British Columbia's Salish Sea and spot some of the many wildlife species that make their way here on this sunset whale-watching cruise from Vancouver. Learn about the native marine life as your comfortable catamaran cruises the water in search of whales and enjoy the spectacle of the sun setting over the Salish Sea.

Share the waters with whales, orcas, and more on a wildlife watching tour. In addition to animal sightings, the aquatic adventure also offers great views of the San Juan and Gulf Islands, plus the Howe Sound. Stay warm inside the cabin, where you can purchase snacks and drinks. Your ticket comes with a whale sighting guarantee, with a free tour should you not spot any whales.

Trade the hustle and bustle of Vancouver for an immersive nature trip when you book tickets to Grouse Mountain. This outdoor and cultural park offers a range of seasonal attractions throughout the year, from wildlife viewing and family-friendly shows to the Skyride aerial tram. Book in advance to guarantee your admission—then, upon arrival, explore at your own pace and add on experiences that interest you most.

Encounter the marine life of Vancouver Island on a half-day whale watching tour. Unlike many other tours, this one includes beach landings thanks to special watercraft, and two dedicated seats per passenger, so you can choose whether to sit inside a warm cabin or outside in the open air. While helping you spot whales, porpoises, dolphins, and other animals, indigenous guides also share insight into First Nations culture.

Swap the crowds of big whale-watching tours for a more intimate experience. This small-group whale-watching adventure from Telegraph Cove takes you out onto the waters of Johnstone Strait in a Zodiac-style vessel where you'll have the chance to see whales, seals, sea lions, maybe some otters, dolphins, and eagles too. The tour is not suitable for participants with recent surgeries, back or neck problems, pregnant women, or those with serious medical conditions.

Head off the coast of Steveston Village for the chance to see British Columbia’s whales and a vast variety of other maritime wildlife on this half-day tour. Hop aboard a whalewatching vessel and journey through the Canadian Gulf Islands as you cross the Straight of Georgia, all the while carefully watching for signs of killer whales, humpback whales, seals, sea lions, and much more.

Discover the sights and sounds around Vancouver, British Columbia, on this scenic boat tour. Led by a guide, travel along the coastline of English Bay, west of the downtown peninsula, to popular Lighthouse Park, the Seal Colony and centrally located False Creek, which separates downtown Vancouver from the rest of the city. Along the way, see a plethora of attractions, like Stanley Park, English Bay Beach, the Lions Gate Bridge, plus offshore freighters.

Experience Vancouver sights by water on this Zodiac inflatable boat tour from Granville Island. Cross False Creek and admire Siwash Rock, a stone spire near Lion’s Gate Bridge. In Vancouver Harbour, learn about waterfront landmarks. Venture into Deep Cove and the glacial fjord of Indian Arm for views of granite cliffs only accessible by boat. See the beauty of the Granite Falls and Silver Falls up close before heading back.

Steep trail through old growth rainforest, waterfalls and mountain viewpoints to turquoise-coloured alpine lake nestled between mountains and glacier.

Discover spots for photos on this small-group photography tour of Lynn Canyon. Cross a suspension bridge through the temperate rainforest while led by your professional photographer guide. Hike past streams, pools, and waterfalls as you receive hands-on photography instruction and learn how to best capture the surrounding nature. You’ll receive photos from your guide of your hike after the experience.

Explore British Columbia’s coastline by land and sea on this Victoria and Butchart Gardens tour from Vancouver. Hop aboard your ferry and enjoy a cruise through the beautiful Gulf Islands. Visit the botanical Butchart Gardens, where fountains sit among themed flowerbeds and sunken gardens. Explore vibrant corners of Victoria such as Chinatown and the Inner Harbour at your leisure.

Get your bearings in a new city, while familiarizing yourself with its food scene by booking this Vancouver Gastown food and history tour. Walk with your group and guide through the cobblestone streets of one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, stopping at eateries as you go. Your guide tells stories of Vancouver’s Wild West history as you sample some of the best food of the area.

If you've always wanted to try sailing, get your sea legs on a small-group sailing adventure on Vancouver Island. Learn sailing essentials from an experienced skipper, and then put your new skills into practice while navigating the Strait of Juan de Fuca. With wind in your sails, look for wild marine life including humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and dolphins.

Kayak in Howe Sound and snorkel with Vancouver's resident harbor seals during this half-day eco-adventure. Board a boat from Horseshoe Bay with your adventure guide, headed toward the Pam Rocks seal colony. Slip into the provided snorkel gear and wetsuit, then dive in for an up-close experience with seals, following their lead. Kayak around the bay and the rocks, experiencing the marine environment while in a low-profile boat. A sightseeing-only option is available for those passengers who wish to stay dry on the boat. All kayaking and snorkeling equipment, refreshments and light snacks are included.

Get a glimpse into Vancouver’s rough and rowdy past on a walking tour of the historic Gastown neighborhood presented as a gothic theatrical adventure. Follow your actor-guide and hear haunting tales of the city’s darkest days, when fires, smallpox, and gold dust fever swept through the frontier outpost. Visit the neighborhood’s landmarks and historic sites as your guide evokes the thieves, hustlers and vagabonds that made the west so wild.

Turn dinner into an adventure with this Zodiac tour from Vancouver to Bowen Island at the mouth of Howe Sound. In addition to dinner and a drink at a restaurant on Bowen, your experience includes a high-speed boat ride, ocean-ready gear, and sightseeing along the Vancouver waterfront.