Victoria British Columbia is the whale watching capital of Canada. There are a host of whale watching tour companies that work primarily out of the Inner Harbour of Victoria.  From here, the high speed boats will zip you to the whales, anywhere within about 80 km (50 miles) of Victoria, usually no longer than 1 hours ride and often much less.  The trips are generally three hours in length, so if you find them quicker (because they are nearby), then you usually get to spend more time with them.  Often they are really close by.  The western and southern coasts of San Juan Island, just 8 km (5 miles) from Victoria is one of their favourite places.  The whales can travel as much as 160 km (100 miles) in a day in search of food.  During the summer months (may to October) three pods of resident Orcas (Killer Whales) ply the waters around southern Vancouver Island and the San Juan Islands.  Sometimes they get close to Seattle and Vancouver but most of the time they are in the San Juan and Gulf Islands and Juan de Fuca Strait.  This affords whale watchers out of Victoria about an 80-90% chance of seeing whales on any given tour.  There is nowhere that I know of where you can get this much opportunity.  In addition there are hundreds of transient whales, some Orcas, along with grey whales, minky whales and other species that also search for food in our waters.  Whale watching cannot get any better.

When you venture out into the water, you can do so on a high speed inflatable, which is the most adventurous way to see the whales. You are down close to the water and they are probably the fast craft out there. If there are waves on the ocean it can be an exciting experience. Don't choose this type of craft if you have a bad back or are pregnant.

You may also choose a boat that has a covered area where you can be protected from the elements (wind, rain, ocean spray, and sun). One other option you might want to check on is toilet facilities as you will be out for three hours.

There are whale watching boats that have life rafts on-board and they do not require you to wear survival suits. Some have lighter wear than the survival suits required on boats without life rafts. 

Many of the operators will stop and show you other sites along the way, such as seals, sea lions, porpoises and other interesting sea creatures. Most of the operators are very knowledgeable about the sea, sea life and the islands that they travel through. Good ones will keep you very entertained and informed.

The three resident pods of whales eat only fish, where the transient pods each fish, seals and sea lions. The whales have a number of behaviors that you may observe. Sky hopping is when the whales stay vertical in the water and seem to be looking around. Likely there are checking you out, just as you are checking them out. The most exciting behavior is the breach. Whales jump clear of the water and make a great splash when they land. This is always exciting and if you are lucky enough to catch it on camera, you will have lots to brag about when you return home.

Be sure to take your camera when you go and a telephoto lens.  Operators are supposed to stay a 100 meters from the whales, however sometimes the whales decide to violate those rules.  I have seen whales sky hopping right beside whale watching boats.  It is very exciting when the whale seems to be charging at your boat.  They create a huge bow wave as they approach and then dive below your boat.  Thank goodness!

This is one of the world class activities that you can do while in Victoria.  Check out the various operators and find out what they have to offer.  Generally the price is very close, so don,t let $10 differences put you where you may not want to be.

If you are really lucky, you may come on a super pod. This is when all three of the resident pods come together. They may be doing this to socialize and mate, but whatever the reason, they seem to be at play and this is quite a site. One that you will remember for a very long time. Good hunting.

ORCA WATCH NEAR VICTORIA
Several Orcas (Killer Whales) Near Sidney BC
Sky-hopping	Near a sailboat	Bow wave