All kinds of sea life live in and pass through the Georgia Strait between Victoria BC and the mainland. It’s a paradise of teeming life all year round, but from May to October it’s also a great opportunity to see whales! Here are just some of the animals it’s possible to see while on a boat tour out of Victoria
ORCAS (KILLER WHALE)
These are the big stars, and the reason that most people will go on a whale watching boat tour from Victoria. Their distinct black and white markings make them particularly majestic in the water, and they are often used as emblems of the West Coast!
There are actually two different species of orca that populate the Georgia Strait: the first is the resident Orca. Pods of these whales call the Georgia Strait their home and they patrol its waters, feeding on Chinook Salmon.
The second kind is what’s called “transient” orcas, which travel more widely and are excellent hunters! These whales tend to be smaller, so if you’re not sure what you’re seeing ask your tour guide what you’re seeing. They’ll be happy to help you identify them!
HUMPBACK WHALES
These huge whales pass by Vancouver twice a year: at the beginning of summer on the way to Alaska to feed in those cool waters, and then in September and October on their way to Hawaii where they mate. These are awe-inspiring behemoths, and seeing them is an incredible experience that you will never forget.
SMALLER (BUT NO LESS COOL) SEA LIFE!
Whales aren’t the only story! Tours will introduce you to cute speciments like harbour and dall’s porpoises, harbour seals, steller and California sea lions, sea otters and more! Any trip onto our abundant waters is an encounter with nature, and we highly recommend you do it, any time of the year!
If you’re visiting Victoria to explore our waters, or just our vibrant, relaxed culture, then you should definitely stay at the Days Inn Victoria on The Harbour. We’re just a minute’s walk from the harbour front, so you’ll be out of your room and on the sea in mere moments! Book your stay today!
