Top Vancouver Island Nature and Wildlife Tours

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.

Experience an up-close encounter with northern Pacific marine life on this half-day whale-watching cruise off Victoria’s coast. Travel out into the open ocean aboard a comfortable, motorized boat to look for native species like humpback whales, gray whales, orcas, elephant seals, and sea lions in their natural habitat. Learn about local marine ecology from a naturalist guide, and take in fantastic views of Vancouver Island between animal sightings.

Get a closer look at Canada’s marine wildlife on this whale-watching adventure in Victoria. Hop aboard your boat—a luxurious, spacious catamaran—and set sail. Watch the waves from the open sun decks or stay protected from the spray in the heated indoor cabin. Stop off at points of interest through the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Listen to commentary from marine naturalists on board, and look out for orcas, humpback whales, minke whales, and more.

Venture out to the sparkling waters of the Toba Inlet on this brand new, full-day tour hosted by our sister nation, Klahoose First Nation. Cruise alongside cascading waterfalls and scenic mountains as you scan the landscape for grizzly bears, majestic humpbacks and orcas, and a variety of other wildlife. Join us in Campbell River before crossing the Salish Sea, one of the world’s best whale-watching spots. You’ll soon reach Toba Inlet, an area densely populated by grizzly bears. The first of its kind, the TOBA BEARS AND WILDERNESS is a collaborative partnership between the Homalco and Klahoose First Nations. Join your Klahoose guides as they take you to their home Territory. Hear stories and learn about the vibrancy of the living Klahoose culture. The toq qaymɩxʷ (Klahoose) peoples have lived here on the west coast of BC since time immemorial. We invite you to see the beauty of Toba Inlet through our eyes and share in our traditions, which have been handed down through generations.

Indoor and outdoor viewing areas set this Victoria whale-watching tour apart from its competitors. Travel in luxury and style as you look out for whales in their natural environment in the Juan de Fuca and Haro Straits: some of the best whale-watching regions around. Other sightings may include marine birds, seals, and sea lions, making this the ideal way to see more of the region's wealth of wildlife. Gratuities are not included.

Experience the most comprehensive Indigenous and wilderness tours we offer. You’ll journey through the majestic Salish Sea to a historic Homalco First Nation village site, then view grizzly bears and other wildlife from a safe distance. Learn about our peoples’ rich history and how we’ve lived alongside these majestic creatures for millennia. This deluxe wilderness and Indigenous cultural tour will lead you through Aupe, an uninhabited Homalco village site, giving you unique insights into the ways of our peoples. From there, you’ll journey through the Bute Inlet, one of British Columbia’s most epic whale-watching stretches, to Orford Bay for a picnic lunch surrounded by a spectacular mountain vista. Our experienced guides will lead you on a land-based search for grizzly bears, elk and eagles along salmon-bearing rivers.

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.

Discover the hidden gem of Hot Springs Cove on a serene journey from Tofino. Enjoy a scenic 30 nautical mile boat ride, offering sightings of coastal wildlife, before embarking on a picturesque 1.5 km walk through ancient old-growth forests via a well-maintained cedar boardwalk. Immerse yourself in the natural geothermal pools fed by cascading waterfalls, where you can unwind amidst the stunning wilderness. This intimate tour accommodates up to 12 guests, ensuring a personal experience while exploring the unspoiled beauty of the Pacific Northwest coast. - Scenic boat ride with wildlife viewing opportunities - 1.5 km easy walk through majestic old-growth forest - Relax in natural geothermal pools for two hours - Intimate experience for up to 12 guests

Take to the skies on a short seaplane adventure over Victoria and its stunning surroundings, including the Inner Harbour, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the Olympic Mountains. Enjoy breathtaking views of rugged coastlines, shimmering inlets, and landmarks as you soar above southern Vancouver Island. With thrilling water take-offs and landings, this small-group experience offers an unforgettable introduction to seaplane aviation.

Get some exercise while seeing the sights of Victoria Harbour with a private self-paced walking tour accessed via an audio app. Listen to your tour guide through your smartphone, going at your own pace and stopping and starting whenever you want. You’ll benefit from the structure of a guided tour without having to chase around a live tour guide or strain to hear through the crowds.

Set out on the Pacific Ocean off Victoria, British Columbia, in search of whales, and get closer to wildlife than you could otherwise, on this immersive, small-group tour by open-top Zodiac. Travel through the Haro Strait and the San Juan de Fuca Strait, visiting Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites and Race Rocks Ecological Reserve to see diverse marine wildlife, with a guide onboard to provide insights.

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.

Take in panoramic vistas of Victoria’s dense woodland, towering craggy mountains, and serene lakes on this visit to the Malahat SkyWalk. Traverse a 600m-high elevated walkway among the arbutus and Douglas fir treetops before climbing the 10-story spiral tower and gazing out at the region’s diverse landscapes, with views framed by Mt. Baker in the distance.

Soar through the air like an eagle in flight on this zipline adventure! Just a half hour from central Victoria, this Vancouver Island zipline park features eight different ziplines that span more than 1,000 feet (305 meters). Your small group will also go on a 10-minute ATV ride and you'll traverse two suspension bridges high above the forest floor. Two tour guides accompany you on this two-hour tour; they'll share insight about the environment and answer any questions to ensure a safe, fun and exhilarating experience in the British Columbia temperate rainforest.

Escape the crowds and cap off your day in Victoria with a relaxing sunset and whale watching catamaran cruise. Without the daytime water traffic, you enjoy a less cluttered and more intimate view of the whales. Listen to dynamic commentary as you keep your eyes peeled for the aquatic mammals. The luxury boat comes with all the modern comforts, plus courtesy jackets, blankets, and gloves to keep you warm on cooler evenings.

Add an extra thrill to your Victoria whale-watching adventure with this wildlife cruise aboard a fast-moving, inflatable Zodiac boat. Get closer to the water — and the whales — on a wet and wild ride through the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Hang on to your hat and keep a sharp eye out for native marine life such as humpback and gray whales, orcas, sea lions and harbor seals. An expert naturalist guide will help point out passing species and share insight into the amazing aquatic world of the northern Pacific.

Discover one dramatic landscape after another with the help of a guide on this full-day coach tour between Vancouver and Whistler: the Sea-to-Sky Highway, Shannon Falls, the Sea-to-Sky Gondola, and Whistler Village. From the gondola, admire Howe Sound, the Squamish River, and the Coastal Mountains. Then, enjoy plenty of free time to wander through Whistler Village at your own pace.

Butchart Gardens is one of Victoria's most popular attractions—but if you don't have your own transit, getting there from the city center can be tricky. Instead, make logistics simple with this round-trip shuttle service. With multiple daily departure times and transit from a central meeting point, you can leave the logistics to someone else—and save more time for a self-led, sweet-smelling stroll through the 55-acre (22.2-hectare) garden (admission own expense).

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.

See whales and all manner of marine life on this whale-watching expedition. From Nanaimo, head out into the Salish Sea on a semi-covered vessel. Humpbacks and orcas can be found off the coast of Vancouver Island, as well as sea lions, porpoises, eagles, and many more species. Your marine naturalist guide is there to answer any questions you have about what you see.

Enjoy round-trip travel from Vancouver to Victoria, and discover top attractions in British Columbia on this Victoria and Butchart Gardens day trip from Victoria. Take the ferry to Vancouver Island, and enjoy fine views over the beautiful Gulf Islands. Dock in Swartz Bay, and visit the famous Butchart Gardens, exploring the grounds at your leisure. Then, enjoy free time to explore the city, perhaps walking through Chinatown and the Inner Harbour, before returning to Vancouver by ferry.

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.

Start the day with a visit to the Old Growth forest surrounding Goldstream Park and stroll through a canyon to a hidden waterfall. In the fall, you can even catch giant salmon running up the river! After that, we will visit the amazing Malahat Skywalk! Walk the gentle incline up to the top of the water, sitting 250m above sea level. Before our last stop, we are going to one of the nicest beaches around Victoria for our Picnic. Our last stop will be a walk to the Historical Hatley Castle. The garden is a must-see with its colourful blooms and pagoda pond surrounded by old-growth giant trees!

After picking you up, your guide will take you on a guided tour of the Historical Butchart Garden. The countless blooms and Victorian-era structures are unique and sure to impress. Following this, we will meet all the residents of the Salish Sea Aquarium. Many fish, anemones, jellies and colourful creatures inhabit our waters. The aquarium also features a touch pool where you can experience a finger hug from urchins, sea stars and anemones. For our last top, walk amongst giants in the Rainforest of the Pacific Northwest and up a small canyon with a gorgeous waterfall. Many 800+ year-old trees await your visit and will greet you alongside eagles, migratory birds and the seasonal salmon run. After this tour, you can be dropped off at your accommodation, downtown or at the airport or ferry terminal.