Best Vancouver Whale Watching Tours: Expert Reviews & Tips

Getting in on the best Vancouver whale watching tours is the easiest way to make our city unforgettable.

Where else can you see an orca jump clear out of the water and clap down on the mighty Pacific like a gunshot ringing out in the distance?

Let’s break down whale watching in Vancouver and find you a tour based on your needs.

Vancouver Whale Watching: How to Go on Killer Whale Tours in Vancouver (2025)

🔥 You’re guaranteed the lowest whale tour prices if booked using the links/buttons below. You also get free cancellation + can book now and pay later.

First off, know that whale season in Vancouver is between March and October.

This is when you’ve got the best shot to see killer whales, humpback whales, and grey whales.

These whales rarely come into the harbour (hence the photoshop above), so the only way to see them is through guided Vancouver killer whale tours.

Vancouver whale watching tours run out of downtown Vancouver, Granville Island (10 minutes from downtown) and historic Steveston Village (30 minutes south of downtown).

Each trip from Vancouver includes professional wildlife guides onboard.

All the companies that I’ll be listing also guarantee whale sightings.

I’ll get into the details later, but here’s a handy table breaking down the whale tours you’ll be considering:

My Vancouver Whale Watching Experience

🌱 All the whale tours here include a $5 Conservation Fee used toward marine research and conservation efforts to keep the industry sustainable.

The morning I joined a half-day whale-watching tour from Vancouver, it was an unforgettable experience right away – because it was actually sunny!

Yes, my self-deprecating Vancouver humour strikes again 😛

That said, blue skies can really set the perfect stage for our adventure.

As we cruised out to the grounds, one of the things that stuck out for me was the enthusiasm of the staff was contagious.

The naturalist on board really gave us a unique insight into the habitat and creatures we were about to explore.

Within about 25 minutes we spotted a pod of orcas gliding gracefully through the water – WOW!

Sure, we had to jockey for position a bit in the outdoor viewing areas, but what the heck? It was a small price to pay to witness once in a lifetime nature.

I’d recommend this tour for nature enthusiasts and families seeking a memorable outing.

Think we’re on the same wavelength? Let’s break down your options:

Best Whale Watching Tours in Vancouver

Vancouver Whale Watch: The Cheapest Whale Watching Tour in Vancouver

Departure Point: Steveston | Price: $191.25 CAD | Read 1400+ Reviews

This is actually the cheapest Vancouver whale watching tour, but I think it offers value in other ways, too.

First, it departs from Steveston Village – a historic fishing village which is a tourist attraction in itself – which means smaller crowds.

Being an area of less marine traffic, there’s also a higher whale spotting rate at over 95%.

Their smaller, open Zodiac-style vessels also bring you even closer to the orcas, bald eagles, and sea lions.

In guaranteeing your spot with the button below, you also lock in drinks, snacks, and a return shuttle from your downtown Vancouver hotel.

Prince of Whales: Best Granville Island Whale Watching Tour

Departure Point: Granville Island | Price: $247.00 CAD | Read 4200+ Reviews

Prince of Whales kills it with their half-day whale watching tour from Vancouver aboard the Salish Sea Freedom.

This is a luxury, high-speed catamaran that’ll get you to the action in a hurry – right from Granville Island.

These whale tours are on the biggest ships in the fleet, which means stability for older travellers, children or guests prone to seasickness.

Each whale trip includes 3-4 naturalists, so this is arguably the most educational orca watching tour as well. They even throw in a free photo souvenir package. 

Prince of Whales: Best Sunset Tour

Departure Point: Granville Island | Price: $225.00 CAD | Read 300+ Reviews

Looking to add a little romance or some epic dusk lighting to your Vancouver orca tour?

This exclusive sunset whale watching tour runs only from June to September to take advantage of the good weather.

You’ll roll out with a boat featuring an indoor, heated cabin with floor-to-ceiling windows and open-air decks as well.

They’ll even send you home with professional photos of you and your loved ones aboard.

Lotus Land: Best Whale-Watching Tour in Vancouver for Hotel Pickup

Departure Point: Pickup Anywhere | Price: $439.00 CAD | Read 20+ Reviews

This true door-to-door Vancouver whale tour is all about convenience. In fact, forget the car or bus because they’ll pick you up right at your hotel, Airbnb, or private residence.

They’ll bring you right to the docks, where you’ll embark on a Pacific Coast safari on the hunt for killer whales, sea lions, bald eagles, and all sorts of marine wildlife.

At five hours long, this is the best whale tour in Vancouver for people looking for more time on the water. Expect a small group tour with family vibes.

Finally, the tour ends with a visit to legendary Granville Island.

Vancouver Whale Watching Prices

So, how much does it cost in the end?

Below, I’ve got a handy graph of prices, with some extra info on departure points.

Whale Watching Vancouver Discount

With a typical Google search, you might think you can grab yourself a tidy 50% discount – I wish!

The problem is that these websites are ‘click farms’ with fake codes to get you to their PPC (Pay Per Click) website.

Not to mention, Vancouver whale watching is a once-in-a-lifetime experience: it can’t be put on sale like a sweater.

Unfortunately, whale tour prices have only been going up for years, so maybe it’s time to get them while they are comparatively cheap!

Warning: I’ve dedicated 1000’s of hours to this free resource. I’d love for this to become my full-time job – Tripadvisor, watch out! 😛 So please know I may earn a commission from some of the links here at no extra cost to you. You can read our affiliate disclaimer for more info.

How to Book Vancouver Whale Watching Tickets

Warning: For environmental reasons, these tours run at limited capacities. Ensure you book your tickets way in advance or it’s likely you’ll find your dates fully booked.

Booking tickets for Vancouver orca tours is as simple as purchasing them on Amazon—in fact, it’s even faster.

Here, I’ll walk you through the process with our top whale watching tour: Vancouver Whale Watch.

The same is valid for all the links here, but since it’s my #1 recommended whale tour I’ll choose this.

1. Open the Vancouver Whale Tour of Your Choice

• Head to the Vancouver Whale Watch portal on Viator.
• Here, you’re booking with a publicly traded company (Tripadvisor) with a $3 billion market cap.
• Booking with them gets you book now pay later killer whale tours, which help a lot with budgeting.
• You’re also locking in Viator’s lowest price guarantee to help you save money.

2. Select Your Whale Tour Time

• Click the green ‘Check Availability’ button on the product page
• Select a date on the calendar (between April 1st – October 31st)
• Choose the number of people and click ‘Apply’
• Select your time and click ‘Reserve Now & Pay Later’ or ‘Book Now’

FYI: If you choose ‘Reserve Now & Pay Later,’ you’ll have the option to pay for the tickets at any point up to 48 hours before the whale tour.

Change your mind? Either way, you can cancel your tickets free of charge up to 24 hours before.

Boom! You can lock in your killer whale tour of Vancouver dates in less than 2 minutes.

How to Choose the Best Vancouver Whale Watching Tour

Safety First

• No worries – every tour is Transport Canada certified, meaning routine inspections and strict safety protocols.

Tour Duration

• Half-day (3 hrs) – Efficient and ideal for most. Try Vancouver Whale Watch.
• Extended (5-8 hrs) – More sea time? Go for Lotusland Hotel Pickup Whale Tour.

Departure Points

• Steveston Village – Closer to the whales, great for a historic day trip (Vancouver Whale Watch).
• Granville Island – Pair it with a top-tier food market visit (Prince of Whales).
• Hotel Pickup – Hassle-free (Killer Whale Safari, Vancouver Whale Watch).

Boat Types

• Luxury catamaran – Best for families, seniors, and motion sickness sufferers.
• Adventure boats – Bumpier ride, perfect for thrill-seekers (Killer Whale Safari).

Weather & Best Booking Tip

• Yes, whale watching happens rain or shine! Bigger boats are best for rougher days.
• Also, know that the best time of year to see whales in Vancouver is between May and September.

Curious about what to wear? Check out my guide on whale watching attire in Vancouver!

Related: Is Whale Watching in Vancouver Worth It?

Types of Whales in Vancouver

Here’s a quick run of which species you can see during Vancouver whale watching tours:

• Killer Whales: Also known as orcas, these ‘killer beauties’ have distinct black and white markings, travel in family pods, and exhibit impressive breaches and tail slaps.
• Humpback Whales: Identified by their long pectoral fins, they are acrobatic, often leaping out of the water, and produce complex songs.
• Gray Whales: Migratory giants with a bumpy appearance, they undertake one of the longest migrations and display spyhopping, raising their heads above water.
• Minke Whales: Smaller and sleek, they have a white belly, are curious, and approach boats cautiously, sometimes even breaching.

Thankfully, the most common of all the whales in Vancouver is the killer whale!

Why Should I Go Whale Watching in Vancouver?

• Strategic location: the Pacific coast provides easy access to diverse whale habitats. The city serves as a gateway to the Gulf Islands, the Strait of Georgia, and the Juan de Fuca Strait, where whales frequent during migrations.
• Great whale variety: There are tons of whales in Vancouver, including orcas, humpbacks, gray whales, and minkes. This diversity ensures that visitors have a high chance of encountering these incredible creatures.
• Responsible whale watching: with operators adhering to strict regulations to minimize disturbance to the animals. Naturalists and marine biologists often accompany tours, providing valuable insights into whale behaviour and conservation efforts.
• Breathtaking natural beauty: The Vancouver coastline, with its snow-capped mountains and lush forests, adds a scenic backdrop to whale watching adventures, making it truly the best place for it.

Tips for the Best Orca Watching in Vancouver

Check the Weather

• The Salish Sea crossing can be choppy—even in good weather.
• Confirm conditions with your tour operator before departure.
• If canceled due to weather, you’ll get a refund or rebooked trip.

Take Motion Sickness Tablets

• Sheltered waters help, but seasickness is still possible.
• Take Gravol or a motion sickness tablet one hour before departure.
• Larger enclosed boats are better for those prone to seasickness.

Dress for the Occasion

• Layer up – thin base layer, mid-layer, and a light jacket.
• Long pants – better than shorts/skirts, except in peak summer.
• Extras – Beanie & gloves (early/late season), sunscreen & sunglasses (summer).
• Check if your tour provides hats, gloves, or floater jackets.

Go Early in Your Trip

• Many tours offer a free second trip if you don’t spot whales.
• Booking early in your itinerary gives you a backup option.

Bring a Camera

• Whale boats must stay 100m away, making smartphone zooms ineffective.
• A camera with a zoom lens is highly recommended for the best shots.

Book Online in Advance

• Compare packages (e.g., Victoria, Butchart Gardens, Seattle add-ons).
• Get the best prices by booking online in advance.

How Vancouver Whale Watching Tours Contribute to Conservation

• Financial Contributions to Conservation: A portion of tour proceeds, such as a $5 Conservation Fee, is donated to organizations that support marine conservation. These funds contribute to ongoing research and educational initiatives.
• Data Collection and Research Support: Trained naturalists and marine biologists aboard whale watching tours collect valuable data on whale behavior, distribution, and health. This information aids scientists in understanding marine mammal ecology and informs conservation strategies.
• Citizen Science Engagement: Passengers are encouraged to participate in citizen science programs by identifying and cataloging whales, recording behaviors, and learning to recognize individual whales. These contributions help track migration patterns and assess population health.
• Educational Outreach: Tours serve as floating classrooms, educating guests about marine conservation, the biology of whales, and the impacts of human activities like climate change and pollution on marine life.
• Advocacy for Marine Protection: By showcasing the beauty and importance of marine life, whale watching tours raise public awareness and advocate for policies that protect whales and their natural habitats.

🌊 Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship

All Vancouver whale tour companies committed to environmental sustainability, achieving Climate Positive status by offsetting more greenhouse gas emissions than they produce.

They’ve eliminated single-use plastics and use eco-friendly vessels to minimize environmental impact.

They also collaborate with educational organizations to provide youth programs focused on ocean literacy and conservation, helping foster a new generation of marine stewards.

Other Wildlife on Whale Watching Tours of Vancouver

Bald Eagles: Spot these majestic birds perched high in treetops or soaring over the water.
Seals and Sea Lions: Observe these playful marine mammals lounging on rocky outcrops or bobbing in the water.
Porpoises and Dolphins: On Vancouver whale tours watch for the sleek dorsal fins of Dall’s porpoises and Pacific white-sided dolphins swimming alongside the boat.
Otters: Catch a glimpse of sea otters floating on their backs, often seen in kelp beds.
Marine Birds: Identify a variety of seabirds, including puffins, cormorants, and gulls, thriving in the coastal ecosystem.
Great Blue Herons: Spot these large, wading birds along the shoreline, especially in quieter inlets and bays.

Winter Whale Watching Trips in Vancouver

If you’re looking for off-season whale watching in Vancouver, you’re unfortunately out of luck.

Tours in Vancouver are typically unavailable in winter due to several factors.

Firstly, the harsh weather conditions and colder sea temperatures during winter make it challenging for tour operators to provide safe and comfortable experiences for passengers.

Secondly, many whales near Vancouver migrate to warmer waters during this season, reducing the likelihood of sightings in the area.

Lastly, shorter daylight hours limit the time available for tours.

Looking for winter whale watching? You’ll have to book tickets for whale watching in Victoria – just a couple of hours away on Vancouver Island.

How Much is Whale Watching in Vancouver?

The cost varies depending on the tour operator and the length of the tour.

In general, most tourists go for half day tours that last between three to five hours.

Most of these whale watching tours range in price from $191.95 CAD to $359.00 CAD per person.

In American dollars, that’s a range of $141.77 to $265.00 per person.

Here’s a quick rundown of how much the top whale watching tours in the city cost:

• Vancouver Whale Watch ($191.95): 3-hour half day tour on open zodiacs from Steveston
• Prince of Whales ($235.99): 3-hour tour on large covered catamarans from Granville Island
• Lotus Land Whale Safari ($359.00): 3-5 hour marine safari with killer whales + hotel pickup

Most tour operators offer 15-20% discounts for youths and small children, though seniors usually have to pay the full price.

Ready for Your Whale Watching Tour from Vancouver?

I hope I’ve answered all of your questions about whale watching in Vancouver.

That said, if I’ve missed anything, though, don’t be afraid to hit me up about orca tours on the Vancouver Planner Facebook page or in the comments below.

As always, I’ll do my best to address them and find the best tour for your needs 🙂

Photo credits: Vancouver Whale Watch + Prince of Whales Tours.