Vancouver Island Holidays

Vancouver Island is a wildlife lover’s dream with whales and bears drawn to the region’s food-rich waters. This is a two-part experience from Tofino which  consists of a whale-watching cruise on a 12-passenger Zodiac in the open waters of the Pacific, during which you may spot gray or humpback whales, seals and sea otters. During the second part of the tour you’ll cruise along the coast of the Clayoquot Sound during low tide to see the island’s resident black bears.

• Departs daily
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Cruise along the calm waters of the inlets of beautiful Clayoquot Sound on board a 45-foot covered cruiser in search of black bears in their natural habitat. Travel along the shore and keep an eye out these beautiful creatures as they seek out one of their favourite foods – the rock crab, which they search for when the tide goes out.

• Departs daily
• Operates April to October
• Group experience

Head out into the Salish Sea from the Victoria's Historic Fisherman's Wharf on this exhilarating catamaran cruise. Keep your eyes peeled for humpbacks, orcas and other marine species as you spend a few hours on the water. You'll be accompanied by a naturalist/biologist and the boats feature washrooms, an indoor heated area and plenty of outdoor viewing areas.

• Departs daily
• Operates May to October
• Group experience

Whale watching cruise See whales in the wild and learn from an expert naturalist Feel the ocean breeze on a catamaran cruise Listen to the whales on a hydrophone

This is the ultimate whale and wildlife-watching adventure from Tofino. Travelling by 12-seater Zodiacs or a 65-foot covered boat, you'll explore the inlets and fjords of the spectacular Clayquot Sound. This six-hour experience is split into to excursions out on to the water, with a break on land to refresh between voyages. Wildlife you may see during your cruise include black bears, sea lions, sea otters and, depending on the time of year, gray whales, humpback whales and orcas.

• Departs daily
• Operates March to October
• Group experience

Experience Victoria aboard an open top, double-decker bus, with the flexibility to explore the many popular attractions the city has to offer on this hop-on hop-off tour. The tour loop takes approximately 90 minutes, and guests can hop on and off at their leisure whenever the tours are operating. Highlights include Fairmont Empress Hotel, Craigdarroch Castle, Chinatown and Old Town, Fisherman's Wharf, Panoramic Inner Harbour, Parliament Buildings, Christ Church Cathedral, Oak Bay Village and Marina, Cook Street Village, Ogden Point Cruise Terminal and Break

Hop-on-hop-off bus Hop on and off at various stops around the city, or sit back and enjoy the guided tour Stops include Fisherman's Wharf, Cook Street Village and Christ Church Cathedral.

Choose from journeying into Bute or Toba Inlets in search of grizzly bears. You will travel by a covered boat and spend three hours on land to watch the grizzlies as they search for salmon in the rivers. These magnificent creatures can be up to eight feet in height, and you will have the chance to observe them from various viewing platforms set along the river. The tours are led by the Homalco First Nation in Bute Inlet and The Klahoose First Nation in Toba Inlet. Lunch, hot drinks and a light snack are included.

• Duration: full day
• Start time: Bute Inlet 8.30am; Toba Inlet 7am
• Daily departures from Campbell River
• Operates 20 August to 15 October for Bute Inlet and 28 August to 15 October for Toba Inlet
• Group experience

Good to know
Please bring cameras, binoculars, sunscreen, sunglasses, warm layers, sturdy walking shoes, a reusable water bottle and any extra food or snacks you would like. Minimum age is 10 years.

Travelling by Zodiac boats, this fun and educational tour takes you through Desolation Sound and the Salish Sea in search of the world’s greatest marine species. Led by a marine naturalist guide, during this family-friendly experience you may encounter humpback whales, orca, Pacific white-sided dolphins, sea lions and seals. The boats are equipped with hydrophones so you may be able to hear and see the whales during your explorations. Refreshments are included.

• Duration: half day
• Start time: 17 May to 21 June: midday; 22 June to 22 September 8am or 1pm
• Daily departures from Campbell River
• Operates 17 May to 22 October
• Group experience

Good to know
Please bring sunglasses, closed-toe footwear, light waterproof jacket, hat, sunscreen and camera. Minimum age 3 years.

The beautiful Butchart Gardens are worth visiting during a stay in Victoria and with this experience you can explore the 55 acres of landscaped gardens at your own pace. In celebration of its 100-year anniversary in 2004, the gardens became a National Historic Site of Canada. Wander through the paths and bridges, see the blooms in the Japanese, Italian and Mediterranean gardens and the fragrant displays in the rose garden. The colours change with the seasons and on Saturday nights in July and August there’s an impressive musical firework display. This tour includes entry into Butchart Gardens and commentary on the shuttle buses to and from.

• Duration: 3½ hours
• Start times vary depending on date; please call for details
• Daily departures from the Gray Line kiosk in front of the Fairmont Empress Hotel, Victoria
• Operates 1 April to 31 December\ • Group experience

Good to know
During July and August on Saturday firework nights, the return shuttles leave Butchart Gardens at 10pm. If the fireworks end after 10pm, the last shuttle returns to downtown 15 minutes after the fireworks have finished.

On Ucluelet’s exposed west coast, this tour takes place on a Zodiac boat — fast, agile, and close to the water in every sense. Timed to low tide, the focus is the same shoreline where black bears forage as the sea pulls back. The difference is how you experience it. Your guide scans the coast as you move, cutting the engine when signs of activity appear and positioning the boat for clear, open views.

Bears emerge from the trees and work their way along the rocks, turning over stones and logs in search of food, while you watch from just above the waterline. The Zodiac ride adds a physical edge to the experience. You’re low to the sea, exposed to the elements and very much part of the environment. Expect fresh air, a splash of saltwater to remind you that waterproof layers aren’t optional here.

This is the more energetic, adventurous way to watch bears in Ucluelet. It’s fast and memorable in the best possible way, offering a raw encounter with one of Vancouver Island’s most impressive animals.

• Daily departures 
• Operates 15 April - 30 September
• Group experience

Ucluelet sits on the edge of Barkley Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island, an area known for relatively sheltered waters and rich feeding grounds. That combination makes it an excellent base for whale watching, particularly if you want a comfortable way to get out on the water.

You’ll head out on a small, covered cabin cruiser designed for good visibility and protection from the elements. It’s a calm, stable setup that lets you scan the horizon and settle into the experience rather than brace against the conditions. What you spot depends on the time of year. Grey whales are the most reliable visitors, usually seen from around March through October as they migrate and feed along the coast. Humpback whales tend to arrive from late spring through early autumn, sometimes putting on a show with breaches and tail slaps when conditions are right. Transient orcas can appear at any time of year, though sightings are less predictable and always feel like a bonus. Sea lions, porpoises and seabirds often make appearances along the way.

The onboard crew includes experienced guides and certified naturalists who keep commentary clear, informative and easy to follow. They help explain whale behaviour, local marine life and the conditions shaping the day, adding context without overwhelming the experience.

• Daily departures
• Operates 13 March - 30 September
• Group experience

If you like your wildlife encounters with fresh air and a bit of energy, this is the way to do it. You’ll head out on a 29-foot rigid-hulled Zodiac, designed for speed, manoeuvrability, and open views. Sitting low to the water gives you a clear line of sight when whales surface nearby, with nothing between you and the action.

Grey whales are the most consistent presence from spring through autumn as they migrate and feed along the coast. Humpback whales tend to arrive from late spring into early autumn and are known for more dramatic behaviour when conditions allow. Transient orcas can appear at any time, and sightings always feel like a lucky extra rather than a promise. Sea lions, porpoises, and seabirds are regular companions on these trips.

The Zodiac’s open design puts you right in the environment. Expect wind, sea air, and splash -- and dress accordingly. In return, you get a faster ride and the ability to reposition quickly when whales are on the move. The crew includes experienced guides and certified naturalists who provide clear, engaging commentary throughout the trip, helping you understand what you’re seeing.

• Daily departures
• Operates 13 March - 30 September
• Group experience

This guided wildlife tour explores the coastline around Ucluelet by covered boat, focusing on black bears that feed along the shore at low tide. You’ll travel slowly with a guide, watch bears forage in their natural habitat, and learn how the local ecosystem supports them. It’s a steady, observation-led experience that suits anyone who prefers comfort, context, and time to watch rather than speed or spectacle.

As the water recedes, the shoreline becomes a natural feeding ground, drawing black bears out of the forest and down to the water’s edge. You’ll move carefully along the coast, scanning the rocks and tree line while your guide explains how and why this area supports such a healthy bear population. From the boat, you’re close enough to observe their behaviour clearly while still giving them the space they need.

The covered boat keeps the trip comfortable in changing weather and lets you settle into the experience without distractions. Throughout the tour, guides share insight into bear behaviour, coastal ecosystems and the wider wildlife of the region, helping you understand what you’re seeing rather than simply pointing it out.

• Daily departures
• Operates 15 April to 30 September
• Group experience