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August 28, 2026
Summer might get most of the attention in Victoria, but some of our favourite days on the Salish Sea happen after the first hints of fall arrive.
September and October bring crisp mornings, changing light, quieter days on the water, and, most importantly, plenty of marine wildlife. While some species will soon begin their seasonal migrations, others call the Salish Sea home throughout the year. That makes fall an incredible and often overlooked time to go whale watching in Victoria.
What whales can you see in Victoria during the fall?
Humpback whales are one of the stars of fall whale watching! Most humpbacks visiting British Columbia migrate between winter breeding grounds in places such as Hawaii and Mexico and productive northern feeding areas. The Salish Sea has once again become important humpback habitat following the species’ remarkable recovery from commercial whaling. Fisheries and Oceans Canada estimated that roughly 350 humpbacks were using the Salish Sea in 2018. In September and October, many humpbacks are still focused on feeding before beginning their journey south. They consume large quantities of zooplankton and schooling fish, building the energy reserves that will help sustain them during migration and the breeding season.
That means fall can bring some fascinating behaviour. You might see feeding, long dives marked by a beautiful tail fluke, or surface behaviours such as pectoral slapping and breaching. Of course, these are wild animals, so every day is different.
What about orcas?
Bigg’s killer whales (orcas) are another major reason we love fall on the Salish Sea, and unlike humpbacks, they do not need to leave when summer ends. Bigg’s killer whales can be found in coastal British Columbia throughout the year. They specialize in hunting marine mammals, including harbour seals, Steller and California sea lions, porpoises, and dolphins.
Their use of the Salish Sea has increased considerably in recent decades. DFO reported that a subset of nearly 350 Bigg’s killer whales had been spending more time in the inland waters of British Columbia and Washington, with the abundance of prey such as harbour seals likely contributing to their presence. So while the seasons are changing above the surface, the Salish Sea remains very much alive below it.
What other wildlife can you see?
Whale watching has never been just about whales. Fall tours can also bring encounters with harbour seals, Steller and California sea lions, harbour and Dall’s porpoises, and a variety of seabirds. Bald eagles can also be spotted along the coastline. Some of these species are here year-round, while others become particularly noticeable during the colder months. Every trip is different, and sometimes the animals you were not expecting to see become the highlight of the day!
Why go whale watching in the fall?
There is something different about being on the Salish Sea in autumn! The busy days of midsummer begin to fade, the air becomes crisp, and the changing weather can create some spectacular skies over Vancouver Island and the Olympic Mountains.
And the wildlife certainly hasn’t packed up for the year. Humpbacks are making the most of their remaining time in productive feeding waters, while Bigg’s killer whales continue travelling through the region in search of marine mammal prey. It is a chance to experience the Salish Sea during a period of seasonal change rather than assuming that wildlife watching ends with summer.
Why is our catamaran perfect for fall?
Even when Victoria is enjoying a beautiful sunny fall day, travelling across open water can feel considerably cooler. We recommend bringing warm layers and a waterproof outer layer so you can comfortably spend time outside when wildlife is spotted. This is where our catamaran really comes into its own.
Our 80-foot catamaran was purpose-built for whale watching and offers three different viewing elevations, floor-to-ceiling windows, plenty of outdoor viewing space, and a spacious heated interior cabin. So when a whale appears, you can head outside and take in the moment. When you are ready to warm up, step back inside the heated cabin, grab a complimentary coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, and enjoy the view through the windows. There are also two washrooms onboard, which is always appreciated on a multi-hour adventure.
And you don’t need to spend the whole encounter looking through your phone! We offer a Free Photo Package. Our naturalists take wildlife and group photos throughout the trip, and a complimentary digital photo package from your specific adventure is included afterward.
