Whale watching is the experience that most visitors remember from Victoria, and unlike in many destinations it is not just a summer thing. The waters around the southern tip of Vancouver Island, the Salish Sea and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, are home or highway to orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, seals and porpoises, and the operator Prince of Whales notes that Bigg's (transient) orcas actually peak around southern Vancouver Island in winter, while some humpbacks stay in British Columbia waters all year. In the colder months tours run on fast, agile Zodiacs, which cover more water to find the animals and sit low to the surface, so you are close to the action. This page links to the Victoria small-group guided whale watching tour by Prince of Whales on Tiqets: about three hours on a 12-passenger Zodiac with a live English-speaking guide, departing from the Victoria Adventure Centre on Wharf Street across from the Fairmont Empress. The operator says the trips have better than a 95 percent chance of sightings and that, if you see no whales, you can come back on another trip free, with no expiry date.
Winter schedule: Prince of Whales runs its Zodiac whale watching from Victoria year-round, with departures arranged on demand through the day, while its half-day tour on a covered catamaran runs only from March to November. That means that from December to February, Zodiacs are the only option, so be ready for an open boat. The small-group Tiqets product is the Zodiac tour, capped at 12 guests, and it includes the guide, a high-speed ride and the sighting guarantee. Free cancellation and rescheduling are allowed until 48 hours before departure, which helps if the forecast turns.
What to wear and bring: in winter the operator supplies full flotation survival suits, hats, gloves or toques and goggles, so dress in warm layers underneath, with a hat that will not blow away. Wind on the water makes it feel much colder than on shore, and spray is likely. Bring a camera with a strap, motion sickness tablets if you need them, and a snack; tips for the guide are not included. Check in at least 30 minutes before departure at 812 Wharf Street, in the Victoria Adventure Centre below the Visitor Information Centre.
Who it suits: the Zodiac ride is fast and can be bumpy, so it is not ideal for anyone with back problems or for very small children, and pregnant travellers should choose a covered boat in season instead. If you want a gentler ride in spring, summer or early autumn, look at covered-vessel tours. Wildlife is wild, so no tour can promise orcas specifically; the guarantee only covers whale sightings in general.
What to expect
The experience
A small-group, three-hour Zodiac trip from the Inner Harbour into the Salish Sea with a naturalist guide, looking for orcas, humpbacks, sea lions and seals.
Best time
Any month, since the Zodiac tours run year-round; winter is peak time for Bigg's orcas, and calm mornings make for the smoothest ride.
How long
About three hours on the water, plus 30 minutes to check in and suit up.
Tips
Wear warm layers under the supplied survival suit, bring motion sickness tablets if needed, and book with the 48-hour free cancellation in mind.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Wildlife lovers and anyone who wants the classic Victoria adventure, even in the off-season.
- Families
- Older children and teens love the speed and the animals, but the bumpy Zodiac ride is not ideal for very young children.
- Couples
- A thrilling half-day together on the water, followed by a warm drink and dinner on the harbour.
- Pair with
- The Royal BC Museum's natural history galleries, or an afternoon walk along the Inner Harbour causeway.
- Time needed
- A morning or an afternoon.
Good questions
Can you go whale watching in Victoria in winter?+
Yes, Prince of Whales runs Zodiac whale watching from Victoria year-round. Bigg's orcas peak around southern Vancouver Island in winter, and some humpbacks stay all year.
What happens if you see no whales?+
Prince of Whales says that if you see no whales on your trip, you can come on another adventure free. The operator says this guarantee never expires.
Where does the whale watching tour leave from?+
It departs from the Victoria Adventure Centre at 812 Wharf Street, below the Visitor Information Centre and across from the Fairmont Empress. Check in at least 30 minutes before departure.
What should I wear on a Zodiac whale watch?+
The operator supplies survival suits, hats, gloves and goggles. Wear warm layers underneath, because it is much colder on the water than on shore.
Can I cancel my whale watching ticket?+
Yes, this ticket allows free cancellation with a full refund until 48 hours before the tour. You can also reschedule up to 48 hours before.
