The most common types of whales to watch out for around Vancouver Island include resident and transient Orcas, humpback whales, and Pacific gray whales.
Can you see whales from land on Vancouver Island?
Whale watching from the shore is an unlikely gamble. There are a few places – Galiano Island’s Bellhouse Provincial Park, Point Roberts in Washington State, Lime Kiln Park on San Juan Island, as others have suggested – where once in a while, orcas have been sighted.
Are there killer whales in Vancouver Island?
Resident whales along Vancouver Island are split into two separate communities: Northern and Southern residents. There are just over 80 resident Orca whales that frequent the southern Vancouver Island region and Juan De Fuca Strait.
When can you see whales in Vancouver Island?
From March to October each year, thousands of whales migrate through the waters near Vancouver, making it one of the world’s best locations for whale watching.
Is whale watching better from Vancouver or Vancouver Island?
Hands down, the best place on that coast to view whales and all kinds of wildlife is the Northern Vancouver Island area, specifically Telegraph Cove, Johnstone Strait and the Broughton Archipelago.
Are there grizzly bears in Tofino?
Wondering about Grizzly bears? Not in Tofino. The only established Grizzly population near Vancouver Island is off its northeast coast, in Knight Inlet. You may see black bears alongside (or even on) Highway 4, driving to and from Tofino.
What type of whales are in Tofino?
The three most commonly seen large whale species seen in the Tofino area are the Pacific Gray whale, Orca and Humpback. The Pacific Gray whales are a particularly special sight.
When can you see orcas in Vancouver Island?
The best time of year to see orcas in Vancouver is between May and October when spawning river salmon attract the whales. That said, while resident killer whales feed mostly on salmon, transient orcas eat small mammals, so it’s not uncommon to see transient killer whales, too.
What’s the best time of day to see whales?
Whales are never diurnal, but they can be crepuscular. This means they are most active during twilight hours which are both before sunrise and after sunset.
What is the best time to see whales in Victoria BC?
While it is possible to see whales at any time of the year, there is a peak season from May through October. During this peak season we boast a greater than 95% chance of spotting whales in Victoria, particularly resident orcas, humpback whales, and transient orcas!
Is whale watching better in Victoria or Tofino?
If it were me, I would go from Tofino. You experience the real open Pacific Ocean, and hopefully see whales not seen from tours in the somewhat more sheltered waters around here. Apart from the whales in Tofino, it is just an amazing experience to be at the edge of the Pacific Rim in that part of Vancouver Island.
What month is best for whale watching?
Summer Whale Watching (June, July, August):
The Summer months are the best months to witness the world’s largest animal…the BLUE WHALE! Southern California is the best place in the world to look for a Blue Whale as they seek the nutritious krill that allows them to grow to their epic size.
Is it better to do whale watching in Vancouver or Victoria?
You are right that it will be the same whales. The only con I can see is from Vancouver it’s a longer trip as the whales are usually closer to Victoria. If you aren’t coming to Victoria for anything else then go out of Vancouver. It`s definitely not a waste to come to Victoria.
Where are the orcas in Vancouver Island?
Telegraph Cove
What to expect: Located along Vancouver Island’s northeast coast, Telegraph Cove is one of the best places in the world to see orcas. The protected waters of Johnstone Strait and the Broughton Archipelago are home to around 200 whales each summer. Most of these are orcas, but humpback whales can also be seen here.
Can you see whales from shore in Tofino?
Humpback Whales can be seen during summer months anywhere within 30 miles off shore and larger groups of them may be spotted while on fishing trips out of Ucluelet, Bamfield or Tofino.
Can you see whales from the shore in Victoria BC?
This Victoria whale-watching tour is a lovely sunset cruise on the Salish Sea. Along with the beautiful scenery and panoramic views, you’ll get some of the best orca sightings in Victoria, BC. If you take this day trip, you’re likely to see humpbacks, grey whales, and other creatures, too.
Are there cougars in Tofino?
A young cougar has been spotted in Tofino multiple times since last week. There have been multiple sightings of a cougar in Tofino lately. Sgt. Stuart Bates of the B.C. Conservation Officer Service said there have been seven reported sightings of a young cougar in the Tofino area since last week.
How common are bear attacks on Vancouver Island?
Again, an attack is incredibly unlikely and most bears, if you even see any, will simply run away. The bears are often just as scared of us as we are of them, and nobody wants a fight. Bear safety is an important one, as they are a fairly common sighting in the forests of Vancouver Island.
Are there Orcas in Tofino?
Sightings of Transient Orcas are common around Vancouver Island, with many resident orcas traveling in pods throughout Tofino and Clayoquot Sound in their hunt for food. Orcas typically travel together most of the time, with the possible exception of when foraging or mating.
When can you see whales Ucluelet?
To see Humpback Whales, visit in May to September. Then, in February to April, it’s time for the Gray whales to take over as they explore the coast during their migration. The others – transient orcas and resident whales – kick around nearly any season.
Do you get wet when whale watching?
It is easy to get wet while whale-watching, especially if you’re on a boat where ocean water often sprays up onto passengers. To keep yourself warm and dry, wear a waterproof jacket with a hood. If it’s going to be particularly cold, make sure it’s a heavy jacket or even a winter coat.