Vancouver Whale Watching Tour

Vancouver Whale Watching Tour

Discover the marine life of Vancouver on this 4-hour guided sightseeing tour that includes panoramic views of the Salish Sea and a complimentary photo package featuring group shots and wildlife images. The tour departs from Pier Park, an iconic waterfront area in North Vancouver, where you’ll board your vessel for a scenic journey through the coastal waters of British Columbia. With stops at popular whale watching spots like Robson Bight Ecological Reserve and Johnstone Strait, this excursion covers approximately 10 nautical miles, providing ample opportunities to spot orcas, humpback whales, seals, and other marine animals in their natural habitat. The viewing platform on the boat stands at a towering 22 feet tall, offering unparalleled visibility and comfort for all passengers. Guests can enjoy floor-to-ceiling windows just above sea level, making them feel as though they are right in the middle of the water. This tour is conducted in multiple languages including English, French, and Spanish to cater to international visitors, ensuring that everyone has a comprehensive understanding of the marine life encountered during the trip.

Explore Robson Bight Ecological Reserve

Your tour stops at Robson Bight Ecological Reserve where you can observe humpback whales engaging in unique behaviors such as breaching and tail slapping. Established in 1982, this protected area spans over 640 acres of pristine coastal waters. The reserve is home to an array of marine life including porpoises, seals, and numerous bird species. Visitors can spend up to two hours here watching the whales from a safe distance while learning about their migratory patterns and feeding habits. Robson Bight Ecological Reserve stands out as one of the few places in North America where humpback whales engage in such dynamic surface behaviors year-round. Its significance lies not only in its ecological value but also in providing educational opportunities for tourists and researchers alike.

Experience Johnstone Strait

Your tour takes you through the renowned waters of Johnstone Strait, a narrow channel separating Vancouver Island from the mainland. This strait is approximately 15 miles long with an average width of just one mile, making it a natural bottleneck for marine mammals migrating between coastal areas and inland waterways. The strait was named after Captain James Johnstone in 1792 during his exploration of the Pacific Northwest coast. Here, you can observe orcas hunting salmon and interacting with each other through complex vocalizations and social behaviors. Guests typically spend around one hour exploring this area, which is unique for its concentration of marine life and rich historical significance.

Tour Highlights

• Whale sightings at Robson Bight Ecological Reserve
• 10 nautical miles journey through Johnstone Strait with panoramic views
• Marine naturalists provide insights in multiple languages including English, French, and Spanish
• Floor-to-ceiling windows offer unobstructed sea-level views on board the vessel
• Complimentary photo package featuring group shots and wildlife images throughout the tour
• Comfortable viewing platform standing 22 feet tall for optimal whale watching
• Educational sessions about marine life habits and conservation efforts along coastal waters

Perfect for nature enthusiasts, families, and photography buffs, this guided sightseeing tour offers an immersive experience of Vancouver's marine wildlife. The 4-hour format allows you to explore Robson Bight Ecological Reserve, navigate through Johnstone Strait, and enjoy panoramic views from the viewing platform on board your vessel, giving you a comprehensive understanding of the region’s rich biodiversity while enjoying unparalleled photo opportunities.