Top Vancouver Island Water Tours

Discover some of British Columbia’s most scenic and unspoiled stretches of land and water—and admire its wealth of wildlife—on this half-day boat tour. Choose from morning or afternoon tour times, and make your own way to Campbell River, where you’ll hop aboard. Look out for orcas, humpback whales, grizzly bears, dolphins, sea lions, and more, and learn about the region’s history and habitats from your guide’s commentary.

Immerse yourself in some of British Columbia’s s most spectacular seascapes—and enjoy an active way to explore—on this small-group, half-day Ucluelet Harbour kayaking tour. Pick from several convenient start times, meet your guide on the waterfront, and get acquainted with your gear. Then, set off on the water. You’ll learn about the region’s history and biodiversity, look out for wildlife like bears and eagles, and otherwise soak up the scenery.

Make the most of your time in Victoria and combine sightseeing and food and drink tasting on this small-group guided tour. Discover highlights such as Chinatown, Bastion Square, and Market Square, enjoy a ferry ride around the harbor, and sample local snacks, cocktail, and craft beers, while learning more about the city’s history and culture from your guide.

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.

Experience an up-close wildlife-spotting adventure with this half-day small-group guided kayaking adventure through the Johnstone Strait. With the chance to see orcas, sea lions, porpoises, seals, deer, mink, black bears, river otters, and bald eagles, kayak through Telegraph Cove and out towards Blinkhorn Peninsula, exploring both the shallows off Vancouver Island and even venturing out into deeper blue waters.

While most cities have food tours and themed pub crawls, few allow you to travel between venues in style on a harbor ferry. Admire Victoria’s scenic skyline on this small-group culinary adventure across the city’s waterways. Explore the Inner Harbour's Empress Hotel and Parliament Building before hopping on a ferry to enjoy live music at Bastion Square. Plus, enjoy complimentary snacks along with local drinks you can purchase at each stop.

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.

We will then paddle out into Barkley Sound and experience the open Pacific Ocean. Your guide will point out some spectacular views of the rocky shores, gigantic kelp beds, and perhaps an ancient first nations whaling beach or some incredible nearby rock formations. Sea lion colonies, black bears, seals, and whales may all be spotted by kayak on this day trip. After a couple of hours paddling in the morning, your guide will take you to one of the nearby sandy beaches to enjoy a delicious picnic lunch and a short rest. Your tour will continue for another couple of hours before returning to our dock for an estimated arrival time of 3:00pm.

Experience the magic of British Columbia’s Discovery Islands on a 2-hour Sunset Wildlife & Whale Watching Tour from Campbell River. Departing at 7:00 PM, this small-group adventure (max 11 guests) offers a front-row seat to breathtaking coastal scenery and wildlife in the golden evening light. Enjoy expert narration from our onboard Naturalist/Biology Specialist and listen to whales using a hydrophone. Our Transport Canada–approved boats feature onboard washrooms and provide survival suits, gloves, hats, and sunscreen for your comfort. Complimentary drinks and snacks are included, with dietary needs accommodated. Guests should dress warmly and wear enclosed footwear. Cameras are welcome to capture the unforgettable views. We follow responsible viewing practices, keeping a respectful distance from wildlife. Join us for a peaceful, educational, and awe-inspiring evening on the water in one of Canada’s most beautiful marine environments.

This half-day tour takes you through Discovery Passage and the narrow Johnstone Strait in search of humpback whales, orcas, bears, and sea lions. While sighting all animals isn't guaranteed, your guide will share details about the natural beauty of the region on this small-group tour.

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.

On this small-group half-day tour, set out on a nature-spotting boat adventure, trying to catch a glimpse of local species in their natural habitat—something you’d struggle to experience on land. Keep an eye out for marine life, including humpback whales, orcas, Pacific white-sided dolphins, and sea lions, as well as the various seabirds that call the region home.

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.

Each trip can be customized according to different needs, including length, food, and location. Our priority has been our guests and the comfort of our guests. We want folks to take away that kayaking the West Coast is more than just check marking another destination off your bucket list. It’s forming a deep connection to culture, history, and nature, and is a remarkable way to detach from our fast-paced lives, and reconnect with the quietness of nature

Sea kayaking is a great way to explore the outdoors. Not only are you closer to smaller and larger wildlife but you also experience the beauty and grandness of the coastline from a fascinating different angle. Sea kayaking is for everybody; young and old, beginner and more experienced paddler. We use locally-made sea kayaks known for comfort and stability. You can paddle on your own or help each other by taking a tandem sea kayak; we can even place a seat in the centre hatch for the smaller children. Don't forget your camera! Enjoy the beauty and wildness of the Salish Sea from your kayak and glide along amazing rock formations, trees and wildlife. Sea stars, crabs and anemones can be seen underneath your boat; seals and eagles are nearby. Have a break on a beach and explore the rich biodiversity of the tidal zone. Tap into your adventurous spirit and book a remarkable sea kayak experience with us and let yourself be surprised.

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).

Spend the afternoon getting up close to humpback whales, orcas, and other large marine wildlife with this half-day, small-group whale watching tour from Campbell River. Keep your eyes peeled as the high-speed Zodiac cruises around the local inlets, bays, and tidal rapids around Vancouver Island. All safety equipment provided, including warm survival suits.

Dedicate a morning to whale-watching in Desolation Sound and the Salish Sea with this small-group, family-friendly experience. You'll head out to look for whales on a high-speed zodiac boat, with plenty of stops along the way to take pictures and see historical sites. As an added bonus, snacks and soft drinks will be served to all.

Search for Vancouver Island's marine wildlife on a whale-watching tour by Zodiac boat that takes in the Salish Sea, Discovery Passage, and Johnstone Strait. Since Zodiacs are more nimble than large vessels, you’ll be able to maneuver for views of animals such as humpback whales, orca whales, dolphins, bears, sea lions, and more. The open-sided boats also offer unobstructed vistas, ideal for photographing animals in their dramatic natural habitats.

Embark on a paddling tour to Cole Island, a historical gem in Colwood, BC. Led by experienced guides, paddle from Stewart Beach to Cole Island, learning about its pivotal role in Victoria's defense during the 19th century. Explore the island's lush vegetation and well-preserved military structures, including fortifications and gun emplacements. Enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and Fisgard Lighthouse before paddling back to Stewart Beach. Immerse yourself in the island's captivating history and natural beauty on this unforgettable adventure.

Spend the day cruising the Salish Sea in search of bears, whales, and dolphins on this six hour, small-group tour. Learn about the region’s nature and wildlife from your certified naturalist guide and captain as you relax with complimentary snacks and drinks. This tour highlights the diversity of the coastal waters and marine life, and provides great photo opportunities before you take a break with an onshore lunch accompanied by homemade baked goods.

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.

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.