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June 9, 2026
A Guide to Tufted Puffins in the Salish Sea
When people think of puffins, they often picture the colourful Atlantic Puffins of Iceland, Newfoundland, or Scotland. What many visitors to British Columbia don’t realize is that you can see puffins here, too. In fact, the waters surrounding southern Vancouver Island are home to one of the Pacific Ocean’s most charismatic seabirds: the Tufted Puffin.
Although sightings are never guaranteed, Tufted Puffins can occasionally be spotted during whale watching tours departing from Victoria, making them one of the most exciting bird species to encounter in the Salish Sea.
Can You Really See Puffins in BC?
Yes, you absolutely can see puffins in British Columbia, but they are not the same species found in the Atlantic Ocean.
The species most commonly seen off Vancouver Island is the Tufted Puffin. Unlike Atlantic Puffins, Tufted Puffins are larger and more striking in appearance. During breeding season, they develop long golden tufts extending from behind their eyes, giving them their name. They also have bright red feet and a vivid orange bill. Atlantic Puffins, by comparison, are smaller, have a black back and white face, and lack the distinctive golden head plumes. They are found exclusively in the North Atlantic and do not occur on the Pacific Coast.
Physical differences between the Atlantic Puffin and BC’s Tufted Puffin.
Tufted Puffins spend much of their lives far offshore in the open Pacific Ocean. They are excellent divers, capable of swimming underwater in pursuit of small fish such as herring, sand lance, and anchovies. Like penguins, they use their wings to propel themselves beneath the surface, although unlike penguins, they are strong fliers.
Historically, Tufted Puffins were more common throughout the Salish Sea. Today, their numbers have declined significantly, making every sighting particularly special. Researchers believe changing ocean conditions, shifting prey availability, and habitat changes may all contribute to population declines. For bird enthusiasts visiting Vancouver Island, spotting a Tufted Puffin remains one of the most sought-after wildlife experiences on the coast.
Best Time to See Tufted Puffins in BC
The best time to see Tufted Puffins in British Columbia is between late spring and early fall, with the highest likelihood generally occurring from May through September. During this period, puffins return closer to coastal breeding areas and spend more time feeding in productive marine ecosystems. This coincides with the prime whale watching season around Victoria, where nutrient-rich waters support an abundance of marine life.
Summer months often provide the calmest sea conditions, making it easier to spot seabirds resting on the water or flying low across the surface. Puffins are frequently seen as small dark birds with bright orange bills, sitting low in the water before suddenly taking flight. Unlike whales, puffins can be challenging to spot because of their relatively small size. Their rapid wingbeats and low flight pattern often surprise guests who are scanning the horizon for larger wildlife.
In addition to Tufted Puffins, visitors may also encounter Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Pigeon Guillemots, and several species of cormorants during their whale watching tour.
How to See Tufted Puffins in BC
One of the best ways to see Tufted Puffins in British Columbia is by joining a whale watching tour from Victoria.
The offshore waters explored by Prince of Whales whale watching tours pass through some of the most productive marine habitats in the Salish Sea. While searching for humpback whales, Bigg’s killer whales, porpoises, seals, and sea lions, guests also have opportunities to encounter a variety of seabirds, including Tufted Puffins. Many of the offshore rocky islets and feeding areas frequented by marine mammals also attract seabirds looking for fish. This means that even though puffins are not the primary focus of the tour, they are often found in the same rich feeding grounds as whales and dolphins.
Our naturalists are constantly scanning for wildlife and enjoy pointing out seabirds that guests might otherwise miss. A puffin sighting often becomes an unexpected highlight of the day. Combined with the possibility of seeing humpback whales, killer whales, sea lions, and dolphins, a whale watching adventure from Victoria offers one of the best opportunities to experience the incredible biodiversity of British Columbia’s coast.
Keep your binoculars ready. You never know when a flash of orange will reveal one of the Pacific Coast’s most iconic seabirds.
