Zodiac or covered boat to see orcas, humpbacks and seals from the harbour.
What to Expect
The Salish Sea around Victoria is one of the best places on earth to see orcas, with resident pods plus transient orcas and migrating humpbacks through the season. Tours depart from the Inner Harbour in open Zodiacs or heated covered boats.
Most trips run three to five hours and include naturalist guides and hydrophones to listen to the whales. Seals, sea lions, bald eagles and porpoises are common sightings even when whales are elusive.
Best Time to Visit
April–October; orcas are most reliably seen from May through September.
Practical Tips
Tours depart from the Inner Harbour downtown. Dress in layers even in summer — it's cold on the water. Book morning trips for calmer seas and better sightings.
Where to Stay
Inner Harbour hotels put you steps from the legislature, the Royal BC Museum and the ferry docks; boutique inns line the leafy streets of James Bay.
Book this experience
Tickets, tours and stays for your Victoria trip — all in one place.
3 hours · $$$
Couples, families & garden lovers
More things to do in Victoria
The Butchart Gardens
55 hectares of themed gardens in a reclaimed quarry, lit at night in summer.
Royal BC Museum
Province-spanning natural and human history on the Inner Harbour.
Inner Harbour & Legislature
Stroll the harbour, tour the Parliament Buildings and watch the ferry traffic.