Top 5 Day Trips - Whale Watching

With Vancouver on the shores on the Pacific Ocean, tourists who want to see great pods of Orcas, gray whales and humpbacks have tons of companies competing to take them out on the water. Generally speaking, May through October is the best time to book a whale watching tour. Costs and packages vary wildly depending on how close you want to get and how much luxury you want. Some companies, like Prince of Wales will pick you up in downtown Vancouver, take you out to Victoria (on Vancouver Island) by boat, with whale watching opportunities in the inner harbour along the way. Once in Victoria, you'll be given free time to explore the city, admitted to Victoria's fantastic Butchart Gardens, and then taken back to Vancouver before nightfall. Most companies, like Wild Whales Vancouver offer prospective whale watchers the option of a fully-enclosed boat or an open-to-the-elements zodiac. For both types of vessel, you should be provided with a safety suit which will keep you warm and waterproof, but do bear in mind that most boats don't feature washroom facilities, so go before you leave.

For the more adventurous, outdoorsy whale watcher, there are many companies that offer guided whale watching via kayak, such as Sea-to-Sky Expeditions and Kayak British Columbia. These trips generally require some previous experience with kayaks, and we recommend that you talk with your tour guide about your abilities before booking.

Whether you opt for the comfort of the big boats, or the breathtaking closeups afforded by a kayak encounter, be sure to book early- spots fill up fast.