British Columbia 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

Granville Island is Canada's second most visited destination and Vancouver's destination for lovers of food, art and culture. Offering fresh, local seasonal produce, it's where you might see Vancouver's chefs shopping for their menus. During the tour, you'll savour a variety of foods from independent farmers and food artisans from Vancouver and beyond. Award-winning charcuterie, local cheeses, artisan bread, melt-in-your-mouth donuts, and world-class coffee and chai.

Walking tour Indulge in more than 20 food and drink tastings Tour the market with the expertise of a friendly local guide Soak up the vibe of the market, filled with artisans, musicians and performers

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

Depart Vancouver Harbour by seaplane for an exciting flight over the Gulf Islands to beautiful Victoria. A coach tour to the Victoria Butterfly Gardens, and the famous Butchart Gardens, a privately owned 55-acre floral display garden, is included in your trip. While you're in Victoria, you can also take time for shopping and visiting museums. After returning to downtown Victoria, depart on the flight of your choice back to Vancouver.

Sightseeing tour Fly to Victoria via seaplane Coach tour to Victoria Butterfly Gardens and Butchart Gardens Take time to explore Victoria at your leisure

The Classic Pass is a fun and flexible way to see the best of Vancouver. This ticket gives you unlimited access to all of the highlights and stops available along the route - 14 in total. The tour will provide you with commentary, lending a local's authentic take on the magic that makes Vancouver great. The clear-top buses are equally special. Your view of the city will be like no other as you tour the streets with the wind in your hair.

Hop-on-hop-off bus A flexible way to take in the sights of Vancouver Stops include Granville Island, Queen Elizabeth Park, and Chinatown Explore Vancouver with a guide's commentary for genuine local insight.

Ride and relax with guided commentary through Vancouver's vibrant downtown. See spectacular waterfront landmarks including the sails of Canada Place and the bustling Robson Street shopping strip. Then soak in the view over Lions Gate Bridge as we venture to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Here you'll be thrilled with both the natural surroundings and all the park has to offer. Take a stroll on the Cliffwalk, or saunter with the clouds in the Treetops Adventure. Next up are the sandy shores of English Bay on the west side of Stanley Park, and then a stop to tour the wonders of Granville Island. Finally, a scenic drive through the historic neighbourhoods of Chinatown.

Sightseeing tour Combine city sightseeing with forest adventure Explore Vancouver with a guide's insight Drive through downtown, Stanley Park, Granville Island and China Town, amongst others.

Harbour Air Seaplanes' most popular tour of the North Shore Mountains. This ideal introduction to seaplane aviation departs from downtown Vancouver's bustling Coal Harbour and includes a complete aerial view of the city. Photographers will especially enjoy a bird's eye view of Horseshoe Bay, English Bay and Deep Cove. The sensation of landing on water is always a memorable.

Sightseeing tour 20 minute seaplane flight Aerial views of the downtown skyline, Stanley Park, English Bay, the Lions Gate Bridge and the North Shore Mountains

This fast-paced whale watching trip departs from Steveston Village, around 30 minutes south of downtown Vancouver, and heads straight into the Strait of Georgia aboard the Express. It’s a Zodiac-style boat built for getting out to where the action is quickly, with a layout that balances speed, stability and a bit of shelter when you need it.

The Express is open at the front, with covered seating towards the back if the wind picks up. It keeps you close to the water and fully part of what’s going on, without feeling exposed for the entire trip. It’s especially well-suited to days when the whales are on the move and covering distance matters.

Sightings often include killer whales and humpback whales, along with porpoises, seals, sea lions and bald eagles. What you see depends on the season. Orcas can appear at many times of year, while humpback whales are most common from late spring through early autumn. Nothing is guaranteed in the wild, but this stretch of coast has a strong reputation for memorable encounters. A professional wildlife guide is on board throughout, sharing clear, engaging commentary about the animals, their behaviour and the marine environment. 

• Duration: 4 hours 
• Daily departures
• Operates 1 April - 31 October
• Group experience

This whale watching experience departs from Steveston Village, around 30 minutes south of downtown Vancouver, and takes place aboard the Explorathor. It’s one of the largest Zodiac-style whale-watching boats operating in these waters, designed for people who like space, good sightlines, and the freedom to move around once the trip is underway.

The Explorathor carries up to 47 passengers and has a mostly open layout. An upper observation deck offers wide views across the Strait of Georgia, while covered seating at the rear gives you a place to step out of the wind if conditions change.

Trips explore the waters around the Gulf Islands, an area used by whales as feeding and travel routes. Depending on the time of year, sightings may include killer whales and humpback whales, along with porpoises, seals, sea lions and bald eagles. Orcas can appear in most seasons, while humpbacks are most common from late spring into early autumn.

Because much of the Explorathor is open to the elements, you’ll feel the breeze once the boat gets moving. Warm layers and something windproof are a smart call even on bright days. This is a good option if you want a lively, engaging whale-watching experience near Vancouver, with plenty of space, knowledgeable guides, and a strong chance of seeing wildlife in action.

• Duration: 4 hours
• Daily departures
• Operates 2 April - 31 October
• Group experience

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This is a classic West Coast road trip, doable as a day trip from Vancouver, without the stress of driving it yourself. Leaving Vancouver behind, you’ll travel north along the Sea to Sky Highway, a stretch of road that manages to be genuinely distracting in the best possible way. One minute you’re skirting the edge of Howe Sound fjord with ocean views, the next you’re climbing into forested mountains. It’s a constant swap of scenery and one of the most scenic drives in Canada.

The first stop is Shannon Falls, dropping 335 metres down a sheer rock face and proving very quickly that British Columbia doesn’t do things by halves. From there, you continue to the Sea to Sky Gondola. A ten-minute ride lifts you up to the top of Habrich Ridge, where the perspective shifts dramatically. 

Back on the road, the journey continues towards Whistler, with views of the Tantalus Glacier appearing as the landscape opens up. Whistler itself is a purpose-built mountain resort with a pedestrian-only village, making it easy to explore on foot. You’ll have free time to browse the shops, grab a coffee, head out on an easy trail or simply sit back and enjoy the fresh alpine air.

The return journey is part of the appeal. As the coach winds south, the mountains slowly give way to the ocean, the forest thins, and the skyline of Vancouver comes back into view. It’s a full-circle day that shows off just how close serious wilderness sits to the city.

• Duration: full day
• Daily departures 
• Operates 1 May - 31 October
• Group experience

From Granville Island, right in the heart of Vancouver, you’ll head out into the Salish Sea aboard a high-speed catamaran built specifically for whale watching. It’s an easy place to start from, and within a short time, the city skyline slips away, and the focus turns firmly to open water and wildlife.

The boat itself is designed for both comfort and views. There’s a warm indoor cabin if you need a break from the wind, two open-air decks for watching the action, and washrooms on board. You can move freely between decks as conditions change, which makes it a good option, whatever the weather decides to do.

This half-day trip heads out into the Strait of Georgia, an area known for reliable sightings of marine life. Depending on the season, you may see orcas and humpback whales, along with seals, sea lions, porpoises and a steady cast of seabirds. Spring through autumn offer the best chances, but every trip has potential.

A professional naturalist is on board throughout, helping spot wildlife and explaining what you’re seeing in clear, accessible terms. There’s a snack bar on board selling drinks and light bites, and complimentary photos taken by the naturalist are shared afterwards, which saves you from trying to balance excitement, binoculars, and a camera at once.

• Duration: 4 to 5 hours
• Call for departure days
• Operates 28 March - 2 November 
• Group experience

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

Just outside Whistler, black bears emerge from hibernation from late April onwards, drawn out by fresh spring growth in the alpine meadows and forest edges. This early morning, guided off-road experience takes you into known bear habitats by luxury Land Rover, led by local nature guides and wildlife photographers who know exactly where to look and when to slow down. Morning departures take advantage of the quieter hours around sunrise, when bears are often active, and the light is clean and fresh.

The route climbs into Whistler’s high backcountry, opening up wide views across the Coast Mountain Range. Expect a mix of landscapes along the way, from alpine lakes and waterfalls to old-growth forest and wetlands. Bears are the headline act, but this is a wildlife-rich area, and sightings may also include deer, moose, coyotes and, more rarely, animals like bobcats or mountain lions.

• Daily departures 
• Operates 5 May - 5 November
• Group experience

Just outside Whistler, black bears emerge from hibernation from late April onwards, drawn out by fresh spring growth in the alpine meadows and forest edges. This guided off-road experience takes you into known bear habitats by luxury Land Rover, led by local nature guides and wildlife photographers who know exactly where to look and when to slow down. Afternoon trips focus more on scenery and exploration, with strong chances of wildlife sightings as conditions warm up.

The route climbs into Whistler’s high backcountry, opening up wide views across the Coast Mountain Range. Expect a mix of landscapes along the way, from alpine lakes and waterfalls to old-growth forest and wetlands. Bears are the headline act, but this is a wildlife-rich area, and sightings may also include deer, moose, coyotes and, more rarely, animals like bobcats or mountain lions.

• Daily departures
• Operates 5 May - 5 November
• Group experience

Just outside Whistler, black bears emerge from hibernation from late April onwards, drawn out by fresh spring growth in the alpine meadows and forest edges. This guided off-road experience takes you into known bear habitats by luxury Land Rover, led by local nature guides and wildlife photographers who know exactly where to look and when to slow down. Evening excursions coincide with sunset, when the landscape softens, and bears often reappear to feed, making this a favourite for photographers.

The route climbs into Whistler’s high backcountry, opening up wide views across the Coast Mountain Range. Expect a mix of landscapes along the way, from alpine lakes and waterfalls to old-growth forest and wetlands. Bears are the headline act, but this is a wildlife-rich area, and sightings may also include deer, moose, coyotes and, more rarely, animals like bobcats or mountain lions.

• Daily departures
• Operates 5 May - 5 November
• Group experience