One of the foremost reasons people come to Whale Watch around the Salish Sea is the opportunity to see whales almost year-round. Our nutrient-rich coastal waters make BC a world-renowned place to see Killer Whales (Orcas), Humpback whales, Minke Whales, Grey Whales, porpoises, seals, sea lions, otters, eagles, and a whole number of pelagic (ocean-going) birds. We are visited year-round by pods of Transient Killer Whales, while Humpback Whales forage our narrow passages and straits. We also have a world-famous population of endangered Southern Resident Killer whales that need our help conserving the natural environment and their primary source of food – Wild Salmon. In addition to the whales, we also regularly see Steller Sea Lions, Pacific White-Sided Dolphins, Dall’s Porpoise, River Otters, Bald Eagles, Mink, Deer, Minke Whales, Harbor Seals and more.
Pelicans, Albatros, and puffins have visited us at different times of year; in the winter of 2021/22, we had a pod of Risso’s dolphins visit the Salish Sea. Something special happens every season, but knowing when to visit sometimes is down to dumb luck. For our tours out of Victoria and Vancouver, we have put together a helpful guide for the best time to go whale watching.