Our 8 Best Sunset Whale Watching Tours in Canada

1.Vancouver Sunset Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 454 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $193Our pick

Cruise from Granville Island aboard a 95-passenger Salish Sea Catamaran with naturalists such as Jill, Ashley, Jake, and Victor. Look for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, and bald eagles while guides explain local wildlife and geology. The boat has heated indoor seating, open decks, washrooms, hot drinks, and free wildlife photos sent by email.

“The reviews were glowing which made me suspicious. But the reviews were spot on and I’ll echo the compliments. Being out on the water in the late day sun was gloriously beautiful. Seeing humpback whales nearby in the open waters felt so sublime. Then seeing the pod of Orcas near Gambier Island was the ultimate. Jill provided very informative narration throughout the trip. She knew so much, even the names, ages and personalities of the Orcas. In addition, the fast catamaran ride was thrilling on its own. To top it off, they sent us the closeup photos of the whales just a few hours after the ride was done. I…”

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2.Victoria Sunset Whale-Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 281 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $138

From Dallas Road, Eagle Wing takes you into the Salish Sea for about three hours aboard a fast open Scarab boat or semi-covered catamaran. A certified naturalist explains the wildlife and coastal setting while you search for orcas and humpbacks, then return past Victoria’s harbor lights at sunset. Warm gear and onboard washrooms are provided.

“Absolutely amazing experience, can’t recommend it enough. We saw seals, killer whales and a humpback, plus some sheep! The staff were excellent, knowledgeable, good fun and we all had a great time (family of 9 from 7 yrs to grand parents). Will definitely go again too.”

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3.Sunset Whale and Wildlife Adventure in Cowichan Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 23 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $159

Set out from Cowichan Bay for 3.5 to 4 hours with Ocean EcoVentures, searching for humpback and killer whales, seals, sea lions, eagles, and other wildlife. The boat carries no more than 12 people, and guides such as Andi, Taz, and Kate add lively natural-history commentary. Floatation suits keep you warm on the open water.

“This was my 3rd late afternoon/sunset whale watching trip with OceanEcoventures in the past year. I’ve loved every single one, as have my guests visiting from both France and Germany. Yesterday’s trip included sealions, harbour seals, a glimps of porpoise AND three families of Orca - 11 in all. It was so exciting. Even though I’m a local, these trips will be an annual adventure for my guests and I.”

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4.Sunset Whale Watching Tour on an Open Scarab Boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · 3 hours · from $128Best value

Set out from Victoria after dinner on an open Scarab boat for more than three hours among the Salish Sea’s whales, seals, and eagles. An English-speaking naturalist guides the trip, while parkas, blankets, sunglasses, sunscreen, and onboard washrooms help with comfort. The tour returns as the sun sets, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.

“Was good tour and staff were thinking good about us asking multiple times if you needed more stuff to stay warm They took there time to let us see the whales”

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5.Parksville: Sunset Whale and Wildlife Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 10 reviews · 3h 30m · from $155

From Parksville, Ocean Ecoventures takes you into the northern Salish Sea for 3.5 to 4 hours of sunset wildlife watching. Small boats carry up to 12 people, with flotation suits, photography tips, and guides sharing current whale research. Look for Biggs killer whales, humpbacks, dolphins, seals, sea lions, and bald eagles.

“We saw several hump backs which was great. But the trip itself is also worth it. The boat is so much fun and the scenery is beautiful. Thanks Andy. So glad to book this”

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6.Sunset Whale Watching Tour on Semi-Covered Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 8 reviews · 3 hours · from $128

Join Eagle Wing Whale and Wildlife Tours near Fisherman’s Wharf Park for a three-hour sunset cruise from Victoria. A naturalist guide leads the search for whales, seals, and eagles aboard a semi-covered catamaran with bathrooms and open viewing areas. Jackets, blankets, hats, gloves, sunglasses, and sunscreen are provided.

“Amazing and knowledgeable staff. We got to see a pod of Orcas a few times. Breathtaking. Sunset was incredible. The boat was clean and offered many viewing points. Coats and hats were offered to at no cost for when it got a little chilly. Exceptional experience.”

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7.Vancouver Island: Cowichan Bay Sunset Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 · 3 reviews · 3h 30m · from $155

You’ll spend 3.5 to 4 hours on the Salish Sea with an English-speaking guide, scanning for orcas, humpbacks, grey whales, minke whales, seals, porpoises, eagles, and marine birds. Boats carry no more than 12 people. Sunset light adds a fine finish, but whale sightings are never guaranteed.

“this was an awesome experience! we ended up seeing 8 killer whales in total. They're really knowledgeable and do a great job at locating them and giving great insight into how they think and act ! highly recommend.”

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8.Parksville Sunset Whale and Wildlife Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $158

Set out from Parksville with captain and guide Andy for a 3.5 to 4-hour sunset cruise on the Salish Sea. Your small group, limited to 12 people, may see humpback whales and seals while learning about local marine life. A floatation suit, onboard bathroom, and return to the starting point are included.

“We enjoyed the tour, and our guide/captain, Andy was really engaging and knowledgeable, and taught us a lot about whales. We saw several humpback whales, and some seals, and enjoyed the sunset.”

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