The waters around Vancouver Island, in British Columbia, are among the best places in the world to see wild orcas. Two main types live here: fish-eating “resident” orcas, which live in stable family groups, and mammal-hunting Bigg’s (transient) orcas. Humpback whales have also returned in large numbers, and the coast is rich in seals, sea lions, eagles and bears.
At a glance
| Best time | June to October |
| Getting there | Fly or ferry to Vancouver Island; drive north to Telegraph Cove or Port McNeill |
| Time needed | 3 to 5 days |
| Big draws | Orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, kayaking |
| Good for | Families, kayakers, wildlife photographers |
Orcas
- Northern resident orcas feed on salmon, especially chinook, in Johnstone Strait and around northern Vancouver Island in summer. Their numbers have been increasing.
- Southern resident orcas, found around Victoria and the San Juan Islands, are endangered, with only around 75 remaining, threatened by lack of salmon, pollution and vessel noise.
- Bigg’s orcas hunt seals, sea lions and porpoises, and are seen year-round along the coast. Their numbers have grown. See our orca profile.
Where to go
- Johnstone Strait and Telegraph Cove (north-east Vancouver Island): the classic area for resident orcas in summer. The Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve protects rubbing beaches where orcas rub on smooth pebbles; boats may not enter.
- Victoria: whale-watching trips into the Salish Sea for Bigg’s orcas and humpbacks.
- Tofino and Ucluelet (west coast): grey whales in spring, humpbacks, bears on the shoreline.
Other wildlife
- Humpback whales: now common; watch for breaching and bubble-net feeding. See our humpback whale profile.
- Steller sea lions and harbour seals. See our harbor seal profile.
- Dall’s porpoises, Pacific white-sided dolphins.
- Black bears foraging on beaches at low tide; grizzly bear tours on the mainland inlets.
- Bald eagles everywhere.
Responsible viewing
Canada’s Marine Mammal Regulations require boats to stay at least 200 metres from orcas, increased to 400 metres in southern British Columbia’s coastal waters to protect the endangered southern residents, and 100 metres from other whales. Choose operators who follow the rules, and kayakers should keep a safe distance too.
When to go
- June to October: the main season, with resident orcas in Johnstone Strait from about July to September.
- Year-round: Bigg’s orcas and humpbacks can be seen in many months, especially from Victoria.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to see orcas on Vancouver Island? July to September in Johnstone Strait; Bigg’s orcas can be seen year-round.
Can I kayak with orcas? Guided kayak trips in Johnstone Strait often encounter orcas, but you must keep the legal distance.
Are southern resident orcas endangered? Yes, only around 75 remain.
Where is Telegraph Cove? On the north-east coast of Vancouver Island, about 4 to 5 hours’ drive north of Nanaimo.
Related guides
- Great Bear Rainforest: grizzlies and spirit bears
- Where to see whales in North America
- Orcas and humpbacks in northern Norway
- Animal profiles: Orca, Humpback whale, Bald eagle
Cover photo: Winky from Vancouver, Canada, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons