Whale Watching Tour in Canada

As you arrive in lush, green Vancouver, you’ll make your way over to your accommodations for the night.  Split the rest of your day exploring two local favorites: walking Lion’s Gate Bridge to take in views of North Shore and Stanley Park, and scoping out the infamous murals scattered around the city.

Up with the sun, you’ll take mixed transportation – car, ferry, car – about three hours to Nanaimo. There, you’ll get your first marine life experience with a whale watching tour! On board, your captain and marine naturalist will provide information and help you spot the transient pods of orcas and humpbacks that frequent the Nanaimo waters. Your tour will end with a talk that will dive deep into marine conservation initiatives in the area. End your day with dinner and drinks overlooking the harbor. 

After another early breakfast, you’ll journey to Tofino. There, you’ll check into your eco-friendly lodging. Once you get settled, you’ll eat lunch in the area and head over to Remote Passages Marine Excursions (one of the area leaders in environmental science contribution) for a guided bear tour. Observe black bears venturing out from the forest from your boat in the water, and learn about other wildlife in the inlet area. After your excursion, spend the rest of the day relaxing near town with a stop at Mackenzie Beach, and dinner at a local spot. 

Day two in Tofino takes you on a six-hour tour to Maquinna Marine Provincial Park where you’ll explore Hot Springs Cove. After a scenic boat ride, you’ll hike through wildlife-rich trails in the rainforest that lead to the ultimate payoff – thermal pools, a waterfall, and ocean views. Picnic in this natural oasis before cruising back to town. After you dock, you’ll hop over to Tofino Surf School where you’ll get a lesson in catching the infamous waves in “Canada’s Surf Capital.” 

Drop into a local coffee shop to start your morning, then meet your guide for a six-hour sea kayaking tour. You’ll explore some of the hidden areas of popular Clayoquot Sound (like Harbour Islands and Lemmens Inlet), stopping to walk the forest areas and take in mountain views. After your kayaking trek, you’ll board another kind of water vessel as you experience an afternoon whale watching tour where you’ll spot tons of wildlife (seals, birds, sea otters, etc.) in addition to the stars of the trip, humpbacks and gray whales. This excursion is especially unique because much of the coast is still legitimately wild, as it’s uninhibited by humans. 

After breakfast, you’ll take on today’s adventures at the historically cultural Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. There, you’ll discover rainforest hiking trails, surf the renowned waves at Long Beach, and learn about the traditions and culture of the Nuu-chah-nulth people. After you trek back, spend your last evening in Tofino, soaking it in with dinner and drinks in town.

Today’s long commute back to your starting point in Vancouver will include land and sea transportation, and opportunities to catch scenic views of the coast and inland. Once you arrive, check into your hotel and hop on a Mobibike to explore the food scene and parks in downtown Vancouver for the rest of the day.

After breakfast, make your way back to the airport and depart for home with incredible memories from your journey through the Canadian landscape.