The Inner Coastal Waterways between Vancouver Island and Mainland British Columbia, Canada are laced with numerous passages that provide a magnificent setting for world-class whale watching.
The famous Inside Passage is a historical marine transportation route between Seattle and Alaska. This intricate maze of islands and serene channels is home to Orca (killer whales), Humpback, Grey, and Minke Whales.
Plan your BC adventure tour now! The best season for whale watching and dolphin and porpoise viewing is in the summer during the Pacific Coast Salmon migration from June to October. This timing also affords our whale watching guests the opportunity for prime wildlife viewing including foraging black bears & grizzlies, wolves, ravens or bald eagles. Stretch your legs on spectacular creek walks to watch the returning salmon spawn. Don't forget your binoculars and rubber boots!
The following seven species of whales within the Cetacean Order frequent these Inner Coastal Waterways of British Columbia. Some of these aquatic mammals exist here year round and some make seasonal appearances dependant on migrating fish species. The whale, dolphin and porpoise species within two Cetacean suborders found in these waters are identified as follows:
Mysticeti ~ Baleen Whales
Humpback Whales
- up to 60‘ and 53 tons, these whales surround their prey with bubble-nets, then lunge upward, gulping krill and herring as they break the surface. Humpbacks are also known for the eerie, underwater songs they sing while hanging suspended below the surface.
Grey Whales - up to 50' and 45 tons, these barnacle encrusted, friendly whales are bottom feeders.
Minke Whales - up to 35' and 15 tons, these whales are solitary feeders known for their fishy breath.
Odontoceti - Toothed Whales
Orca Whales -(aka Killer Whales)- Uncontested as the top predator in the oceans, these intelligent, sophisticated, social hunters reach 32' and 11 tons. Resident killer whale clans in BC’s Johnstone Strait are the original subjects of research methods conducted throughout the world.
Pacific White-sided Dolphins - up to 8' and 400 lbs, these grey streaked, acrobatic clowns love to bow ride.
Dahl's Porpoises - second smallest, but the fastest at 8' and 490lbs, another bowrider with speeds up to 35 mph.
Harbor porpoises - the smallest porpoise in the Pacific Northwest, nicknamed by locals as the “puffing porpoise” due to sneezing-like sounds as they break the surface of the water. Normally seen in groups of 2-5 animals.
Locate these mysterious marine mammals on a hydrophone while listening in on the eerie underwater world as they communicate and echolocate. Cap off your BC boat charter tour by climbing into our 16' Zodiac for an encounter close-up and personal. Experience Pacific White-sided dolphin or Dahl's porpoise frolicking at the bow as we cruise through the waters of west coast British Columbia or visit shy Harbor porpoises as they silently forage for food.
The best season for whale, dolphin and porpoise viewing is in the summer during the advent of the Pacific Coast Salmon migration from June to October. This timing affords guests the opportunity to view foraging bears, wolves, ravens, or eagles while stretching your legs on spectacular creek walks to watch the returning salmon spawn. Don't forget your binoculars and rubber boots!
Wildlife Charters six day packages also include Bear viewing, Natural History, sea kayaking, hiking and
ample opportunity for sportsfishing to catch fresh seafood to enjoy as you relax after a day of discovery and
adventure in BC, Canada. Please contact Wildlife Charters for rates.
Whale watching at its finest in the protected waters of coastal British Columbia, Canada or the Inside Passage... Contact us for rates and more information - then come join us soon!
Check out our other west coast BC boat tours, wildlife viewing(bears), British Columbia First Nations culture & history, surfing safaris, sea kayaking, sightseeing eco tours, salmon research trips & sportfishing.
