Canada · WHALE WATCHING

The 15 Best Whale Watching Tours in Canada

56 tours  ·  from $95

From the west coast pods to the St Lawrence estuary, the 15 below cover where the whales actually are and when. Priced, timed, and clear about which boats have heat and a toilet.

Vancouver Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos - What you may see beyond whales
Half-Day, Photography Sessions, Tour Reviews, Vancouver Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Cruises, Whale Watching Cruises in Vancouver

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

Sail from Granville Island aboard a 95-passenger catamaran with heated cabins, open decks, hot drinks, and naturalists such as Ashley and Petra. Watch for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, eagles, and seabirds, then receive free wildlife photos after the cruise. Allow about five hours.

“The ship was clean and covered many Km2. Qe saw stellar seals but no whales..rhey told us we can get future excursion for free as long as we show up. We might do that.”

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Tadoussac/Charlevoix: Whale Watching Zodiac Tour - Picking the right departure point
Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Cruises

Tadoussac/Charlevoix: Whale Watching Zodiac Tour

2.Tadoussac/Charlevoix: Whale Watching Zodiac Tour

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

Cruise the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park in a 24 or 60-passenger Zodiac with a bilingual naturalist guide. Look for humpback, minke, fin, and beluga whales, seals, and porpoises, then enter the Saguenay Fjord if time and weather permit.

“Loved the Zodiac boat! You get to go really near to the whales!”

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Vancouver: Covered Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos - How the wildlife search works
Photography Sessions, Tour Reviews, Vancouver Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Cruises, Whale Watching Cruises in Vancouver

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

Join Prince of Whales from Granville Island for a 3 to 5-hour cruise aboard a covered luxury catamaran. Watch for orcas, humpbacks, seals, and seabirds from three viewing areas, while guides such as Ashley, Victor, or Wilma explain the wildlife. Free photos and hot drinks are included.

“What an amazing experience! We saw 2 humpback whales and 2 groups of orcas!”

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Victoria Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos - Crossing the Strait of Juan de Fuca
Half-Day, Photography Sessions, Tour Reviews, Victoria Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Cruises, Whale Watching Cruises in Victoria

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 3 to 4 naturalists, heated indoor seating, open decks, and free wildlife photos. Look for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, and eagles while guides such as Megan, Reid, Jessy, and Janae explain the Salish Sea.

“We really enjoyed this whale watching excursion. Megan, Eden, and especially Janae was so informative and answered all of our questions. And to have pictures sent to us made it even more special. I highly recommend this excursion.”

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Tadoussac/Charlevoix: 3-Hour Whale Watching Boat Tour - Choosing Tadoussac or Baie-Sainte-Catherine
3-Hour Experiences, Boat Cruises, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Cruises

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

Join AML Cruises for a three-hour bilingual cruise through the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park. Naturalist guides such as Cedric and Chantelle explain the whales in French and English while you watch for belugas, humpbacks, minkes, fins, seals, and porpoises from indoor or open-air decks.

“We paid a little more for the VIP opytion. Excellent experience. We were looked after very well and lunch was an impressive selection of local produce and was delicious. We watched 3 humpback whales feeding together which was an incredible sight. A shame that we then did not have enough time to see any belugas in the fjord.”

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Victoria Whale and Wildlife Cruise - Finding orcas, humpbacks, and gray whales
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Vancouver Island Tours, Whale Watching, Wildlife, Wildlife & Bear Viewing, Wildlife & Bear Viewing in Vancouver Island

Victoria Whale and Wildlife Cruise

6.Victoria Whale and Wildlife Cruise

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

Cruise Victoria’s Salish Sea for about 3.5 hours with Eagle Wing’s naturalist crew. You may ride a semi-covered catamaran or open boat while looking for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, otters, eagles, and seabirds. Whale sightings are guaranteed, with a free return tour if none appear.

“This was a truly wonderful experience, we were visiting from Edmonton and my first time visiting the island and this was one of the highlights of our trip. We were lucky to see a number of Humpback Whales, Seals, Sea Lions. All of the crew were so welcoming, knowledgeable and awesome. Shout out to Derek, Sam, Jo, Clint & Captain Rod for how informative and engaging they made the trip. Such a memorable experience and would love to come back and sail with Eagle Wing again (and cross my fingers for seeing Orca's next time).”

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Whale-Watching Tour from Vancouver - On board in British Columbia’s coastal waters
Tour Reviews, Tours, Vancouver Tours, Whale Watching

Whale-Watching Tour from Vancouver

7.Whale-Watching Tour from Vancouver

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

From Steveston, cruise British Columbia’s coastal waters with a captain and naturalist guide in search of orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, porpoises, and eagles. The 3 to 5 hour trip includes Gulf and San Juan Island scenery, with optional downtown Vancouver shuttle service.

“Great time. Saw humpback whales, one breached. Lots of flukes. Bit of a long journey after that to the Gulf Islands to see seals and sea lions. Overall a good experience.”

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Victoria Zodiac Boat Whale Watching Adventure - Three hours in the Salish Sea
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Victoria Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Cruises, Whale Watching Cruises in Victoria

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 812 Wharf Street with a skipper such as Gary, Mark, George, Raj, or Megan on a 12-passenger open Zodiac. Expect close-to-the-water views, fast turns, sea spray, and chances to see orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, otters, and eagles.

“Was great saw whales, seals, and sea lions. Instructor was great knew what he was talking about. Would go again.”

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From Quebec City: Whale Watching Excursion Full-Day Trip - Baie-Sainte-Catherine and the launch area
1-Day Tours, City Tours, Full-Day, Quebec City Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Cruises

From Quebec City: Whale Watching Excursion Full-Day Trip

9.Whale Watching Excursion Full-Day Trip

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

Travel by comfortable bus from Québec City to Baie-Sainte-Catherine, then choose a large viewing boat or fast Zodiac on the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park. Guides such as Patricia and Captain Luke provide bilingual commentary, while the water may reveal belugas, fin whales, minke whales, humpbacks, seals, and more.

“If your spending a few days in Quebec City with out a car take a day and go on the whale watching tour. Well run and worth the time spent.”

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Newfoundland Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise - Bay Bulls and Bull Head set the scene
Cruises & Boat Tours, St Johns Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Cruises

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

Take Gatherall’s catamaran from Bay Bulls into the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. Expect live naturalist commentary, puffins from mid-May to mid-September, icebergs in May and June, and the best whale chances from mid-June to mid-August. Hotel transport from St. John’s is available for an added fee.

“Great day of fun and adventure! New and unique experiences with the added bonus of interacting with enjoyable people..”

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Vancouver's Intimate West Coast Whale Watching Experience - Orcas, humpbacks, and the luck factor
Tour Reviews, Vancouver Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Cruises, Whale Watching Cruises in Vancouver

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 Sarah, then search the Salish Sea for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, porpoises, and birds. The small boat carries up to 12 people, and the trip lasts about 3 to 5 hours, depending on wildlife and sea conditions.

“Be prepared for a long bumpy afternoon on the zodiac but worth it ! We were given full body suits which seemed unnecessary when standing in 22 deg heat but we very quickly were thankful for them 20 mins into the trip when the wind and seaspray is causing a chill . Our afternoon was rewarded with a sighting of 5 orcas and a humpback whale along with a few seals and baldy eagle - bring your binoculars to ensure a good view - due to restrictions a certain distance is maintained from the orcas making them harder to see”

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Victoria: 3-Hour Zodiac Whale-Watching Tour - Three hours on the Salish Sea
3-Hour Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Victoria Tours, Whale Watching

Victoria: 3-Hour Zodiac Whale-Watching Tour

12.3-Hour Zodiac Whale-Watching Tour

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

Meet Orca Spirit Adventures at 950 Wharf Street, then set out with an English-speaking marine naturalist such as Luke, Josh, or Liam. Your open 12-passenger Zodiac reaches whales, sea lions, seals, porpoises, and coastal birds while a hydrophone lets you hear whale calls. Expect speed, spray, cold air, and real Pacific scenery.

“Great trip, Tyler was very informative about all thr landmarks. We also saw killer whales which was very cool”

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2 Hours Guided Whale and Bird Boat Tour in Bay Bulls - What the naturalist commentary adds
2-Hour Experiences, Boat Cruises, Cruises & Boat Tours, Guided, St Johns Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching

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.)

From Bay Bulls, join a two-hour boat trip through the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. Naturalist guides explain puffins, murres, petrels, and whales as you cruise past four nesting islands. Bring warm layers, and consider the optional CAD 35 shuttle from St. John’s-area pickup points.

“The puffins and minke whale were amazing to see! The The boat and staff showed us the BEST time! Very knowledgeable and fun crew!”

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Victoria Whale Watching Tour on a Covered Vessel - The three-hour search for whales
Tour Reviews, Tours, Victoria Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Cruises, Whale Watching Cruises in Victoria

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

From Victoria’s Inner Harbour, Orca Spirit Adventures takes you out for about three hours aboard a covered vessel with indoor seating, washrooms, and outdoor viewing decks. Marine naturalists such as Ryan, Briar, Liam, and Jake explain whale behavior while you watch for humpbacks, orcas, sea lions, eagles, and more.

“Don't be fooled by the name. We spent ages looking for this place and then decided to go into Orca Spirit Adventures who told us we were in the right place. We also weren't aware of just how far away it was from the cruise ship, so would advise getting a cab. However, despite missing our original trip we were quickly offered a replacement trip for the afternoon which we accepted. The trip itself was great. Captain George, Bria and Rhyan were very knowledgeable . Captain George took us to all the places, whales and orcas were sited. We had a brilliant encounter with a pod of orcas, it was…”

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Victoria Whale Watch Tour - What the Ocean Cruiser is like
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Victoria Whale Watch Tour

15.Victoria Whale Watch Tour

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

Cruise Victoria’s Salish Sea aboard SpringTide’s 60-foot Ocean Cruiser for about three hours. Naturalists such as Katie, Aly, and Ian explain the whales, while Captain Jasper and the crew search for orcas, humpbacks, sea lions, seals, otters, and eagles. Choose a morning or afternoon sailing.

“Perfect weather, saw several orcas and the crew was very knowledgable and really friendly and attentive. Could not rate this experience high enough. Defiantly a must do.”

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New in Whale Watching

★ 4.7Tofino: Whale Watching Tour with Nature GuideFrom $13730 reviews
★ 4.6Telegraph Cove: Whale Watching Adventure with Free PhotosFrom $149130 reviews
★ 4.8Telegraph Cove: 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour in a Zodiac BoatFrom $165109 reviews
★ 3.9Tadoussac/Charlevoix: Whale Watching Tour & Bear ObservationFrom $144123 reviews
★ 5.0Port Hardy: Sea Otter and Whale WatchingFrom $27619 reviews
★ 4.9Parksville: Sunset Whale and Wildlife AdventureFrom $15510 reviews
★ 4.9Parksville: Half-Day Whale and Wildlife AdventureFrom $15526 reviews
★ 4.9Campbell River: Whale Watching and Wildlife Viewing Day TourFrom $29123 reviews
★ 4.6Campbell River: Kayaking and Whale Watching TourFrom $3608 reviews
★ 4.7Whale Watching Marine Wildlife ExcursionFrom $11319 reviews
★ 4.7Cowichan Bay: Half-Day Whale & Wildlife AdventureFrom $15512 reviews
★ 4.8Campbell River: Whale & Wildlife Discovery CruiseFrom $175143 reviews
★ 4.9Campbell River: Whale Watching Cruise with LunchFrom $23020 reviews
★ 4.6Campbell River: Salish Sea Whale Watching AdventureFrom $20064 reviews
★ 4.6Campbell River: 6 Hour Zodiac Whale Watching Tour w/ LunchFrom $26131 reviews

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