Our 4 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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