Best of · CANADA WHALE WATCHING TOURS

Whale Watching in Canada: the 15 Best Trips

37 tours  ·  from $95 a head

Resident and transient orcas in the Salish Sea, humpbacks off northern Vancouver Island, belugas and fin whales where the Saguenay meets the Saint Lawrence. These 15 cover all three coasts, with the months and the price for each.

Vancouver Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos - A five-hour search, not a quick harbor ride
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Vancouver Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos

1.Vancouver Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,000 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $193Our pick

Cruise from Granville Island aboard a 95-passenger catamaran with heated cabins, outdoor decks, hot drinks, and wildlife photographers. Guides such as Petra, Ashley, Wilma, and Megan share facts about whales, seabirds, geology, and local ecosystems. Look for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, eagles, and porpoises.

“Amazing experience! Friendly and knowledgeable guides, we were amazed they could identify the whales we saw withina few minutes and give us some of their family history. It was great that there was a warm inside space and free tea, coffee and hot chocolate as it was a little drizzly and cold. Our 7 year-old loved everything about the trip as well!”

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Tadoussac/Charlevoix: Whale Watching Zodiac Tour - Choosing Tadoussac or Baie-Ste-Catherine
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Tadoussac/Charlevoix: Whale Watching Zodiac Tour

2.Tadoussac/Charlevoix: Whale Watching Zodiac Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 2,716 reviews · 2 hours - 150 minutes · from $98

Set out from Tadoussac or Baie-Ste-Catherine in a 24 or 60-passenger Zodiac for a 2 to 2.5-hour whale watch. Bilingual naturalists point out minke, humpback, fin, and beluga whales when conditions cooperate. Waterproof gear is provided, and the route may include the Saguenay Fjord, Prince Shoal Light, and steep cliffs near the river mouth.

“knowledge of guide and beauty of location. seeing so many whales and so many different types of whale. fantastic afternoon.”

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Vancouver: Covered Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos - A comfortable catamaran for open water
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Vancouver: Covered Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos

3.Covered Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,260 reviews · 5 hours · from $188

Set out from Granville Island aboard a fast, covered catamaran for a 3 to 5-hour search for orcas, humpbacks, seals and seabirds. Guides such as Ashley, Wilma and Victor share marine facts while the crew photographs the action and emails high-resolution images. Choose a half-day or sunset departure, with heated indoor seating and outdoor viewing decks.

“Very knowledgeable & excellent idea giving us their photos via email.”

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Victoria Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos - Searching the Strait of Juan de Fuca
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Victoria Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos

4.Victoria Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,259 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $154

Set out from Victoria’s Inner Harbour aboard a spacious catamaran with open decks, a heated cabin, washrooms, and complimentary drinks. Naturalists such as Megan, Reid, Jessy, and Janae explain the Salish Sea as you search for orcas, humpbacks, sea lions, and eagles. Free wildlife photos arrive after the trip.

“This was a fabulous way to spend an afternoon. I was hoping to see Humpback Whales and Prince of Whales did not disappoint. We saw many Humpbacks and then an Orca (Janet Nielson) showed up and it was like a Christmas miracle (he's rarely seen). The crew (Megan and Janae) were informative and knowledgable and Michael provided fabulous pictures afterward (included with the price of the trip). A must see and do when visiting Victoria. PS Captain Richard and First Mate Sandy did a great job too.”

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Tadoussac/Charlevoix: 3-Hour Whale Watching Boat Tour - Tadoussac or Baie-Sainte-Catherine: choose the easier start
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Tadoussac/Charlevoix: 3-Hour Whale Watching Boat Tour

5.Tadoussac/Charlevoix: 3-Hour Whale Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,179 reviews · 3 hours · from $122

Spend three hours on the St. Lawrence with AML Cruises, looking for up to 13 whale species and seals in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park. French and English naturalist guides explain the animals and fjord. Choose open decks, a glazed indoor room, Upper Deck Access, or a VIP option with food and drinks during booking.

“An excellent well organized activity. There were plenty of whales to see and the guide was quick to point out the marine life. The boat was clean and the staff were friendly and courteous. We throughly enjoyed the trip and would recommend it. Note, we dressed warmly and were fine. Hat and gloves is a must if you like to be outside on deck. Overall wonderful experience.”

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Victoria Whale and Wildlife Cruise - Orcas, humpbacks, and the wildlife search
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Victoria Whale and Wildlife Cruise

6.Victoria Whale and Wildlife Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,729 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $146

Join Eagle Wing Whale Watching Tours at 1 Dallas Road for a 3.5-hour Salish Sea cruise aboard a high-performance open boat or semi-covered catamaran. Guides such as Derek, Sarah, Joe, and Liam share wildlife facts as you look for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, otters, and bald eagles. Warm clothing is available, and a whale sighting guarantee takes the edge off a blank day.

“Went for this trip just to see the whales and yup! I did.. what a fantastic creature..bonus that the weather really nice. Complementary warm clothing that they provide really helps when out in the ocean. Learned lots of informations we heard from the crew. 10 out of 10 would recommend 👍”

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Whale-Watching Tour from Vancouver - What happens once the boat leaves the dock
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Whale-Watching Tour from Vancouver

7.Whale-Watching Tour from Vancouver

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,572 reviews · 3 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $157

Cruise from Steveston into the Gulf and San Juan Islands in search of orcas, humpback whales, seals, sea lions, porpoises, and bald eagles. The 3 to 5-hour trip runs aboard a modern whale-watching vessel, with guides such as James D. and Rhiannon sharing wildlife details. Choose hotel shuttle service or meet at the marina.

“Great people from starting with booking to heading home. The trip was excellent good sightings and informative commentary.”

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Victoria Zodiac Boat Whale Watching Adventure - What the Zodiac ride feels like in real conditions
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Victoria Zodiac Boat Whale Watching Adventure

8.Victoria Zodiac Boat Whale Watching Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 916 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $154

Set out from Victoria Harbour with a captain such as Gary, Mark, George, Raj, or Megan on a three-hour, 12-passenger Zodiac ride. Expect an open-air seat close to the water, all-weather flotation gear, changing sea conditions, and the chance to see humpbacks, orcas, seals, sea lions, otters, and eagles.

“I loved the tour. The staff was super friendly, and our captain had years of experience and was fantastic. We were lucky enough to see a humpback whale and orcas. I would definitely take a tour with Prince of Whales again.”

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From Quebec City: Whale Watching Excursion Full-Day Trip - Charlevoix scenery before the water
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From Quebec City: Whale Watching Excursion Full-Day Trip

9.From Quebec City: Whale Watching Excursion Full-Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 863 reviews · 11 hours · from $186

Travel from Fontaine de Tourny to Baie-Sainte-Catherine by air-conditioned bus, then choose a roomy whale-watching boat or fast Zodiac. Naturalist guides explain the St. Lawrence’s whales in English and French. Expect Saguenay Fjord views, cold weather, a long road day, and a strong chance of seeing several species.

“This is the first time we have joined the whale watching excursion in my life .That is a great challenge For us to stay in the ocean for 3 hours , which is thrilling and stimulating. We enjoyed it very much!”

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Newfoundland Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise - Stop Three: Witless Bay Ecological Reserve
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Newfoundland Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise

10.Newfoundland Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 837 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $94Best value

From Bay Bulls, Gatherall’s catamaran carries you into the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, where puffins, whales, icebergs, and seabirds fill the view. Expect live nature commentary, Newfoundland songs, sheltered island stops, outdoor decks, an indoor cabin, and a possible Screech-In ceremony. Hotel pickup from St. John’s costs extra.

“Great tour of Gull Island. Enjoyed it tremendously and recommend it whole-heartedly. No whales today 😒 still an awesome trip. Jane Rebecca and Cole were great😉”

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Vancouver's Intimate West Coast Whale Watching Experience - Searching for orcas and humpback whales
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Vancouver’s Intimate West Coast Whale Watching Experience

11.Vancouver’s Intimate West Coast Whale Watching Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 698 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $177

Set out from Granville Island with a marine biology guide such as Julia, Yaz, or Honour, then search the Salish Sea for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, porpoises, and bald eagles. The small group has a maximum of 12 people. Expect 3 to 5 hours on the water, open-air views, possible rough seas, and a free return trip if no whales are found.

“If you sit in the back, you will get VERY wet. The guides will tell you infinite facts if you let them know you're really interested and ask questions. We saw two humpbacks on our excursion, breaching many times. we had the open air boat (not the zodiac) and it was perfect. Some reviews complain about getting bored- I'd say that's only a concern if you don't enjoy being outside, taking in the incredible views, and riding on a boat. We enjoyed the travel out to the location of the whales and back as much as the whale watching.”

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Victoria: 3-Hour Zodiac Whale-Watching Tour - Leaving 950 Wharf Street for the Salish Sea
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Victoria: 3-Hour Zodiac Whale-Watching Tour

12.3-Hour Zodiac Whale-Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 651 reviews · 3 hours · from $140

Join Orca Spirit Adventures at Victoria’s Wharf Street harbor for a three-hour Zodiac trip guided by a certified marine naturalist. Search the Salish Sea for Bigg’s orcas, humpbacks, minke and gray whales, then listen to whale calls through onboard hydrophones. Full flotation suits help with the cool, wet ride.

“Skipper G did a great job. It was very fun and we had an awesome experience. Had the chance to see 4 humpback whales and some sealions”

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2 Hours Guided Whale and Bird Boat Tour in Bay Bulls - Whale watching without false promises
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2 Hours Guided Whale and Bird Boat Tour in Bay Bulls

13.2 Hours Guided Whale and Bird Boat Tour in Bay Bulls

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 557 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Cruise from Bay Bulls through the four islands of Witless Bay Ecological Reserve with a naturalist guide, watching puffins, murres, petrels, and other seabirds. Whales and dolphins are possible, not guaranteed. The family-run crew adds local stories, songs, fishing, and optional screeching in season. A shuttle from St. John’s may be added for CAD 35.

“Wonderful experience. The staff were knowledgeable and attentive. The sites were beautiful. The boat was clean. We had a great time.”

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Victoria Whale Watching Tour on a Covered Vessel - The wildlife search, from humpbacks to orcas
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Victoria Whale Watching Tour on a Covered Vessel

14.Victoria Whale Watching Tour on a Covered Vessel

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 482 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $136

Set out from Victoria’s 146 Kingston Street for about three hours aboard a covered whale-watching boat. You get indoor seating, washrooms, an outdoor 360-degree deck, and marine guides such as Ryan, Briar, Liam, and Olivia. Expect possible humpbacks, orcas, sea lions, eagles, and seabirds, with morning and afternoon departures.

“We had a nice day whale watching in Victoria! The boat was the perfect amount of time and our guides were informative. We saw humpbacks, orcas, porpoises, and sea lions”

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Victoria Whale Watch Tour - The best places to watch from the Ocean Cruiser
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Victoria Whale Watch Tour

15.Victoria Whale Watch Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 458 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $126

Set out from Victoria’s Inner Harbour aboard SpringTide’s 60-foot Ocean Cruiser for about three hours on the Salish Sea. Naturalists such as Katie and Aly share details about whales and ocean life, while Captain Jasper or Ian handles the boat. You can watch from open decks or warm up inside with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

“We saw an Orca breach! At like 50-75 yards away in full sunlight. What an amazing experience. Ian, Aly, Marty, and Heather did an amazing job finding and explaining the wildlife to us.”

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New in Canada Whale Watching Tours

★ 4.7Whales and Wildlife Boat Tour with SnacksFrom $16021 reviews
★ 5.0Sunset Whale Watching Tour on an Open Scarab BoatFrom $12811 reviews
★ 5.0Sunset Whale and Wildlife Adventure in Cowichan BayFrom $15923 reviews
★ 4.6Salish Sea Whale Watching AdventureFrom $20064 reviews
★ 4.8Whale & Wildlife Discovery CruiseFrom $175143 reviews
★ 4.74 Hour Whale & Wildlife Zodiac Boat TourFrom $216133 reviews
★ 4.96-Hour Whale Watching Boat TourFrom $24546 reviews
★ 4.7Vancouver, BC: Whale Watching Tour with GuideFrom $152270 reviews
★ 4.83-Hour Whale Watching TourFrom $123288 reviews
★ 5.0Vancouver Island Zodiac Whale Watching Adventure – Telegraph CoveFrom $169281 reviews
★ 5.0Victoria Sunset Whale-Watching CruiseFrom $138281 reviews
★ 4.5Victoria Whale Watching Cruise with Expert NaturalistsFrom $134305 reviews
★ 4.3Tadoussac/Charlevoix: VIP Lounge OR UpperDeck Whale WatchingFrom $160313 reviews
★ 5.0Vancouver Island Half-Day Whale Watching Tour – Telegraph CoveFrom $153333 reviews
★ 4.5Summer Whale Watching Tour in a Zodiac Boat in VictoriaFrom $144342 reviews

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