Top Vancouver Island Nature and Wildlife

Experience an up-close encounter with northern Pacific marine life on a 3-hour 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 in between animal sightings.

Hit the waves with expert naturalists in search of Canadian sea-life on this whale-watching cruise from Victoria. Hop aboard your whale-watching boat and head out into the rolling seas with your guide. Gaze out over Victoria’s attractive coastline and watch the waves for sightings of graceful orcas. Listen as the two expert naturalists onboard explain the life cycles of the majestic creatures, and learn of their pivotal role near the top of the marine food chain. Enjoy fine views from the seating areas both inside and on-deck. 

Hot drinks, certified marine biologists, and 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 one of the world's best whale-watching habitats in the Juan de Fuca and Haro Strait. Other sightings may include marine birds, seals, and sea lions, making this the ideal way to see more of the region's animal residents!

Come and meet the locals—the flippered, furred and feathered kind—on this guided 3.5-hour or more whale watching cruise with Eagle Wing Tours at Victoria’s Fisherman’s Wharf. Hop aboard a comfortable semi-covered or open boat and help support Eagle Wing’s many conservation, education and research activities! Let certified and knowledgeable naturalists be your guides to the stunning wildlife and natural history of the Salish Sea. Find out how you’re supporting a leader in ocean conservation, education, research and sustainability. Watch for seals, sea lions, otters and porpoises as well as bald eagles and an amazing assortment of marine birds. Hoping for something bigger? Whales are guaranteed or you come back for free! Hotel transport included.

Set out on the Pacific Ocean off of Victoria, British Columbia, in search of whales on this half-day tour. Travel through the Haro Strait and the San Juan de Fuca Strait in search of Minke whales, humpback whales, and orcas. Ride in an-open top Zodiac boat, suitable for 12 passengers or fewer, to ensure up-close wildlife encounters and an intimate atmosphere.

Head out into the Salish Sea from Nanaimo in search of the abundant wildlife who inhabit the area. Your guide is an experienced marine expert who will take the time to help you learn about the sea life around Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. This 3-4 hour tour takes you to the habitats of killer whales (orcas) humpback whales, seals, sea lions, porpoises, and eagles.

Marvel at Canada’s west coast wildlife on this 3-hour sunset whale watching cruise with Eagle Wing Tours at Victoria’s Fisherman’s Wharf. Hop aboard a comfortable semi-covered or open boat and help support Eagle Wing’s many conservation, education and research activities! Let certified and knowledgeable naturalists be your guides to the stunning wildlife and natural history of the Salish Sea. Whales are guaranteed or you come back for free! As the sun sinks to the horizon, cruise back into Victoria’s scenic inner harbour and enjoy the twinkling lights of British Columbia’s capital city!

See whales and all manner of marine life in this whale watching expedition. From Nanaimo, head out in a 23-seater jet boat into the Salish Sea. Humpbacks and orcas can be found off the coast of Vancouver Island, as well as sea lions, porpoises, eagles and lots more. Your guide is seasoned mariner and wildlife expert who will answer any questions you have about what you see.

Take a sweet-smelling stroll through Victoria’s famous Butchart Gardens, spanning 55 acres (22.2 hectares) of beautifully designed flower beds, lily ponds, footbridges, and thematic landscapes. With a convenient pickup location and a flexible return shuttle schedule, it’s an easy way to experience one of Victoria’s most popular attractions. Visit during summer or holiday season evenings to witness special luminous displays that add an extra touch of enchantment to the gardens.

Discover why British Columbia is one of the best places in the world to see whales and other marine wildlife on this 3-hour tour with Eagle Wing Tours at Victoria’s Fisherman’s Wharf. Hop aboard a comfortable semi-covered or open boat and help support Eagle Wing’s many conservation, education and research activities! Let certified and knowledgeable naturalists be your guides to the stunning wildlife and natural history of the Salish Sea. Watch for seals, sea lions, otters and porpoises as well as bald eagles and a mind-boggling assortment of marine birds. Hoping for something bigger? There’s always a chance to see humpback, killer, minke or grey whales!

Watch for wildlife along the scenic coast of Vancouver Island on a 3-hour boat tour from Victoria with an experienced marine naturalist. You’ll travel by high-speed catamaran with heated indoor cabins and outdoor decks, and scan the water for whales, seals, porpoises, sea lions, and many species of marine birds. This 3-hour wildlife tour departs from a central location in the heart of historic Victoria.

Wine, whales and a west coast sunset—it’s the ultimate Vancouver Island experience! Sip some of the region’s best wines and enjoy a sunset tour with whales and other marine wildlife on this full-day combo tour. On a 4-hour wine tour, discover Saanich Peninsula, one of Canada’s must-visit locations for all wine and cider lovers. Enjoy tastings at three wineries. Later, on a 3-hour whale watching tour, hop aboard a comfortable semi-covered or open boat with Eagle Wing Tours at Victoria’s Fisherman’s Wharf. Whales are guaranteed or you come back for free! As the sun melts into the horizon, certified and knowledgeable naturalists will be your guides to the stunning wildlife of the Salish Sea! Hotel transport included.

Rainforest Tours offers guided adventures into the spectacular beauty of Vancouver Island’s temperate rainforests. From lush rainforest canopies and hidden waterfalls to colorful and rich tidal pools teaming with diverse sea life, the parks we explore will be sure to take your breath away. Rainforest Tours experienced guides are highly skilled and eager to share their love and knowledge of the natural surroundings. Our small intimate tours are ideal for families with children or meeting fellow travelers. With one guide to every six guests, you are sure to have the ultimate WEST COAST EXPERIENCE. Tours are small and consist of 1 guide and up to 6 guests. The guide will adapt the hiking pace to suit the guest's abilities for a fully enjoyable experience. This allows our guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in their surroundings and connect with nature.

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.

Our 6-Hour trips give us the opportunity to venture out further and explore some of the more pristine and remote areas of the coast. Increase your chances of seeing some of the larger marine life, like whales and dolphins! In the spring and fall we have a very good chance of spotting black bears and Grizzly's scavenging on the beach! We frequently encounter resident Orca's, humpback whales, pacific white sided dolphins, porpoises, bald eagles and more! Tour Length: 6 Hours Includes beverages, snacks, and lunch

Nestled in Vancouver Island’s northern bounds, Telegraph Cove is an intimate haven for whale watchers and conservationists. A former fishing village, today Telegraph Cove plays host to our quintessential whale watching adventure. Departing from Telegraph Cove Resort aboard a 12-passenger open-air Zodiac-style boat, this adventure will take you on a 3 hour fully-guided whale watching & marine wildlife viewing tour.

Mystical Rainforest Tours: Embark on a mindfulness based stroll through the wild enchantment of a Temperate Rainforest. Experience Forest Bathing: Being immersed in the healing energies of a Forest. Seeing, touching, tasting, smelling & listening to the vibrant presence & ecosystem that brings the forest to Life. Practice the art of Nature Mysticism: Come to the realization that you are part of something much greater than yourself. Tune into the life force of a mystical rainforest while listening to the uplifting sounds of a Tibetan Singing Bowl. Participate in a guided visualization exercise - Imagine that you are a tree, feeling grounded to the earth beneath you, while listening to a selection of music blending in with the peaceful sounds of the surrounding forest. Cap off your tour with an encounter with a 650 year old Douglas fir, acknowledging Mother Nature as your host.

Our professional historian is able to include many significant sites not offered in other tours. Enjoy the tour in our rare 1997 Bentley New Turbo R Exl built by Rolls Royce. Only 823 were built, all between 1995-97. Our Grand City and Butchart Gardens Tour covers all the main attractions in Victoria, the city of flowers, and the world-famous gardens located 15 miles outside of the city. For over a century, Butchart Gardens has been the premier attraction for travelers visiting Victoria. Enjoy BUTCHART GARDENS, a one and a half hour stop for a unique and remarkable experience, including 900 varieties of flowers and 120 varieties of trees. This finely crafted tour includes more attractions than we can list in the "What to Expect" section.

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.

We want to give our guests the best time possible. Where other companies require you to book each activity separately, we like to combine everything into one epic trip. This will give you the best bang for your buck as well as allow you to customize your trip to your groups interests.

Sailing on Starlight, Prime time or Sea Wolf in the Strait of Juan de Fuca is different each time. From Humbacks, Orcas, Sea lions, Seals, Eagles and water birds there is always something to see while you are learning the skills to sail one of our 3 sailing vessels.

This exclusive, small group marine experience offers a journey of discovery focused on large marine mammals combined with a fascinating view into the world of local First Nations. Taking place aboard our brand-new, custom-designed 12-passenger tour boats, Homalco Tours vessels are unlike any other. Our landing craft design provides the ability to access beaches on our 4-hour tours, while also providing a truly unique experience for guests with TWO seats for every passenger! You have the option to select your Comfort Seat inside the cozy cabin or your open-aired Adventure Seat at the front of the vessel, allowing for a safer COVID-friendly tour. All guests who wish to ride outside have access to warm survival suits and floater jackets commonly used on zodiac-style tours. Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours is Indigenous owned and operated and is complimented with a unique Indigenous perspective on your marine wildlife experience. Thank you for choosing us, "ʔiymot" (it is good).

We ultimately want our guests to have the best time possible. Where most companies make you book unique tours separately, we like to incorporate them all into one. This gives you a better bang for your buck with an option to customize the trip to your groups interests.

Tour the through the beautiful Discovery Passage and Seymour Narrows, and witness the history and beauty the coast has to offer. Common visitors on these tours are the friendly harbour seals, shy Harbour Porpoises, and the Mighty Bald Eagle. If we're lucky we will be greeted by our larger friends, such as humpbacks, orca's and pacific white-sided dolphins!