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Nature & wildlife tours in Vancouver Island

THE 10 BEST Vancouver Island Nature & Wildlife Tours

Nature & Wildlife Tours in Vancouver Island

  • Traveller favourites
    Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked according to revenue made by Tripadvisor on those bookings, plus the number of page views by Tripadvisor users, and the quantity and quality of reviews
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1. Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour from Vancouver

364
By Gray Line Westcoast Sightseeing
Bus Tours
6+ hours
Visit Victoria and Butchart Gardens from Vancouver on a full-day tour that takes care of booking transport and offers a …
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 93% of travellers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
C$249.00
per adult

2. Ultimate Marine Whale & Wildlife Tour

26
By Five Star Whale Watching
Full-day Tours
3 hours
Salish Shadow - Whales & Marine Adventure! Enjoy the ultimate a 3-hour Whale &Marine Wildlife Tour on board our new 12 passenger…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travellers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
C$123.00
per adult

4. Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure from Victoria

858
By Prince of Whales - Whale Watching Adventures
5 hours
Hop aboard Salish Sea Eclipse – a high-speed, luxury, custom-built catamaran. This 95 passenger catamaran was engineered…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 99% of travellers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
C$165.99
per adult

5. Zodiac Whale Watching Adventure from Victoria

332
By Prince of Whales - Whale Watching Adventures
3 hours
Join us as we head out in search of marine wildlife in the waters of British Columbia on this 3-hour whale-watching adventure…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 96% of travellers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
C$193.99
per adult

7. Whale-Watching Cruise with Expert Naturalists

109
By Five Star Whale Watching
3 hours
Watch for orca whales and other marine wildlife on a half-day whale watching cruise from Victoria, and learn about the fascinating…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 92% of travellers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
C$123.00
per adult

9. Seaplane Flight to Victoria with Ground Transport and Butchart Gardens Admission

30
By Harbour Air Seaplanes
Air Tours
1 day
Depart Vancouver Harbour by seaplane for an exciting flight over the Gulf Islands to beautiful Victoria. Then take a bus…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travellers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
C$538.55
per adult

10. Victoria Whale Watch Tour

177
By SpringTide Whale Watching & Charters
Adventure Tours
3 hours
Encounter majestic wildlife of the Pacific Ocean on a 3 hour Ocean Cruiser Whale Watching tour starting from downtown Victoria…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 96% of travellers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
C$129.00
per adult

12. Cowichan Bay Half Day Whale & Wildlife Adventure

316
By Ocean EcoVentures Whale Watching
4 hours
Gain a new perspective on Vancouver with a whale-watching tour through the Gulf Islands. Going with a guide ensures you …
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 99% of travellers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
C$172.92
per adult

13. Victoria Sunset Whale-Watching Cruise

120
By Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Watching Tours
Shore Excursions
3 hours
Marvel at Canada’s west coast wildlife on this 3-hour sunset whale watching cruise with Eagle Wing Tours at Victoria’s Fisherman…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 99% of travellers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
C$167.49
per adult

14. 90-Minute The Capital Tour

15
By Victoria Carriage Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
1–2 hours
Tour Victoria in a fun, unique and relaxing way -- by horse-drawn carriage! Your experienced, uniformed driver will navigate…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travellers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
C$315.00
per group
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*

15. Nanaimo Whale Watching in a Semi-Covered Boat

26
By Vancouver Island Whale Watch
4 hours
Immerse yourself in BC's coastal wildlife as you travel through the gulf islands archipelago in search of killer whales (…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 92% of travellers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
C$203.00
per adult

16. Victoria Whale and Wildlife Cruise

491
By Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Watching Tours
Shore Excursions
3–4 hours
Come and meet the locals—the flippered, furred and feathered kind—on this guided 3.5-hour or more whale watching cruise …
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 97% of travellers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
C$178.12
per adult

20. Zodiac Whale Watching Adventure from Telegraph Cove

36
By PRINCE OF WHALES Whale & Marine Wildlife Adventures
3 hours
Nestled in Vancouver Island’s northern bounds, Telegraph Cove is an intimate haven for whale watchers and conservationists…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 97% of travellers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
C$193.99
per adult

21. Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure from Telegraph Cove

127
By PRINCE OF WHALES Whale & Marine Wildlife Adventures
Adventure Tours
3 hours
Cut through Johnstone Strait’s currents and navigate the Broughton archipelago onboard our semi covered express cruiser - …
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 95% of travellers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
C$182.00
per adult

25. Sunset Whale Watching Adventure from Victoria

223
By Prince of Whales - Whale Watching Adventures
3 hours
This adventure is a 3 to 4 hour fully-guided whale watching, wildlife and sunset viewing tour departing from Downtown Victoria…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 98% of travellers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
C$179.99
per adult
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Showing results 1-30 of 49
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • C D
    Cleveland, OH147 contributions
    Trip of a lifetime!
    Our tour guide, Anthony, was fantastic!!! He was very informative and knowledgeable about the area. He was also, pleasant and personable. All times were on spot! Anthony would give passengers choices as to which direction they preferred. So glad we had Anthony as our guide. He took us the scenic route around the island which was gorgeous! Butchart Gardens was a gorgeous must see. Unbelievable!
    Review of: Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour from Vancouver
    Written January 9, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Frank S
    Vancouver, Canada1 contribution
    a wonderful tour
    My wife and I enjoy very much for this tour. We watched two huckaback whales, a group of dolphins and big sea lion families during the tour. It’s really a wonderful tour. Thanks captain, tour guide and Five Star Whale Watching for their knowledge, good and kind services, definitely recommend this wonderful tour.
    Review of: Ultimate Marine Whale & Wildlife Tour
    Written November 13, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Escape305053
    Atlanta, GA3 contributions
    Great time!
    Richard was great and very knowledgeable!! We added an extra hour and went to the top of the mountain! Learned a lot about the whole island, not just the tourist spots!
    Review of: 3-Hour Butchart Gardens and City Tour
    Written August 30, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Erin
    3 contributions
    Fantastic whale watching
    We saw so many whales (humpbacks and orcas) and sea lions throughout the afternoon. The experienced crew was great and shared their extensive knowledge of whales and other marine life and the ecosystem during the trip. The boat was clean and spacious so passengers could move around for the best vantage point. Highly recommend this tour.
    Review of: Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure from Victoria
    Written November 3, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sharon W
    2 contributions
    Everything I was hoping to see!!!
    Absolutely gorgeous day and found probably at least 20 humpback whales!!!! Were able to watch them up close for a couple hours!!! And then the sea lions also were amazing!!!!
    Review of: Zodiac Whale Watching Adventure from Victoria
    Written November 29, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mei Y
    1 contribution
    The best trip I could ever expect!
    Very organized trip. Our guide/driver was awesome, very informative and considerate. One day may be too short for Victoria, but we didn't waste any minutes on the way. I would definitely recommend this one day trip to my friends if they don't have much time to stay. Our driver played the Buthchart Gardens video on the way back, so no need to buy it in the gift store. He also dropped us off to a location closer to our hotel. We really appreciate that especially when we traveled with a kid after a tiring long day. Thank you so much!
    Review of: Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour from Vancouver
    Written September 28, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Samantha G
    1 contribution
    Amazing Day in the Salish!
    We are Victoria locals who bid on a voucher to go whale watching with Five Star Whale Watching at an auction. We didnt really expect much as the whales are typically quiet in October but wow were we ever spoiled. Humpbacks and Orcas were all spotted and our Naturalist, Alexa, was so knowledgeable and answered every question we had for her. Captain Andrew was also great. From the booking to the cruise everything was seamless and fantastic. I will be recommending Five Star to anyone visiting.
    Review of: Whale-Watching Cruise with Expert Naturalists
    Written October 17, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • amanda g
    4 contributions
    Excellent
    We were warmly greeted at reception and immediately impressed by the contemporary relaxed atmosphere the Clayton Hotel.
    Our junior suit was very spacious warm and comfortable.
    The early evening cocktails were very good, made by Dominc who was very professional, knowledgeable and friendly .
    The breakfast was thoroughly enjoyable, in particular the vitality bar. The choice of hot food was excellent, and again professional, curtious and friendly service.
    Our overall experience was a delightful and relaxing..
    Review of: 2-day Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour with Overnight at The Fairmont Empress
    Written September 20, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Joan B
    5 contributions
    The way to go!
    We had one day to travel from Vancouver, do 2 high teas and tour the Butchart Gardens. This was THE way to go. They were so helpful when we made reservations on the phone and so helpful when we checked in. They got us on an earlier plane back that night. Their scheduling of plane, bus transport and garden tickets was so dependable and made it so easy to do. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
    Review of: Seaplane Flight to Victoria with Ground Transport and Butchart Gardens Admission
    Written September 15, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ira
    Vancouver Island, Canada2 contributions
    Awesome experience
    Crew was very knowledgeable and nice, my daughter loved seeing whales, is a unique and exciting experience definitely worth the time and price.
    Review of: Victoria Whale Watch Tour
    Written October 23, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • cstarnes2017
    Nanaimo, Canada14 contributions
    Nice smooth flight
    Great beautiful views of the coast and strait of Georgia. It is pretty much a return flight from Nanaimo but really cool especially if you have never experienced this before.Sechelt is a cute little town with a great swimable beach.
    Review of: The Strait of Georgia Seaplane Experience from Nanaimo
    Written July 29, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • MBain
    South Queensferry11 contributions
    A fantastic adventure
    We had an excellent trip with Ocean Ecoventures. We had Tax as our captain, who was brilliant. The information she was able to give us really enhanced our trip and her ability to identify each whale activity was amazing. We were fortunate enough to see 8 humpbacks on our trip and being able to spend time watching them, listening to them and even smelling their breath is a memory that will last. Would thoroughly recommend this trip.
    Review of: Cowichan Bay Half Day Whale & Wildlife Adventure
    Written September 29, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • joeywolson
    2 contributions
    Sailing the Sacred Waters--An experience of grace, healing, profound wonder.
    My husband and I have been on many whale watching tours in the Pacific Northwest and Hawaii. This experience was far and above the rest. The pilot steered us to a number of sightings--always a mystical experience. The crew was gracious, informed, educational. This evening will go down in the "favorite memory" file! I've already told friends and family that this Eagle Wing tours in Victoria is the way to go! We will choose them again next time we are in town.
    Review of: Victoria Sunset Whale-Watching Cruise
    Written September 27, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Cathy C
    5 contributions
    Fun way to spend an afternoon while learning about Victoria
    It was an enjoyable and informative tour of older Victoria. Our guide was able to answer all of our questions and when she didn’t know she said we’ll have to look that one up. Chuck was an easy going and obedient horse. Love that he joined the dialogue at times.
    Review of: 90-Minute The Capital Tour
    Written September 23, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Nancy Taylor-Fraser
    2 contributions
    Beautiful Humpback Whale
    The best part of our tour was seeing Potamus the humpback whale! It was amazing. We started off with a group of 5 orcas. Further on we found the humpback whale, Potamus. He was sleeping for about 15 minutes and then he woke up and started slapping his tail on the water. He must've done this about 15 times, it was so exciting and a once in a lifetime experience for me and my daughter. We also saw a turkey vulture, and harbour seals. Rodrigo and Allie were our Captain and Guide. There were both very knowledgeable and friendly. We were very happy that we came for this tour. We would highly recommend this. My daughter, Jenn who is 40, took a screenshot of the video she got while Potamus was slapping his tale for us. Thank you so much, Allie and Rodrigo. 🐋 We loved it! 💙
    Review of: Nanaimo Whale Watching in a Semi-Covered Boat
    Written August 17, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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