While sunny summer days often steal the attention of those considering a wildlife watching tour, here on Vancouver Island, fall can be an even better time to experience whales and other coastal creatures in the wild.
Why?
The region’s mild, West Coast weather is often gorgeous right through September and early October, meaning you get the benefit of dry, sunny days, without all the crowds that typically flock here through the summer.
And no matter the season, the region remains home to amazing wildlife – including many species that thrive in its diverse habitats.
This rich biodiversity ensures there’s always plenty to see and experience amid the beautiful backdrop of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, in the Salish Sea and local straits – a world-class, wildlife-rich destination like no other.
During Fall whale and wildlife-watching excursions, common species you might encounter include transient, or Bigg’s, killer whales and humpback whales, the latter of which feed in local waters before many head to warmer regions for the winter.
As apex predators, killer whales – or orcas – are at the top of the food chain and demonstrate sophisticated techniques to hunt a wide variety of prey, including fish and marine mammals such as seals, sea lions and even other whales.
At the same time, orcas, with their black-and-white markings, are renowned for their intelligence, communication and well-developed social structures. In fact, distinct dialects can identify their family groups.
Humpback whales are common in the Salish Sea’s coastal waters from May through December, though some remain throughout winter. Often spotted executing dramatic breaches, much is also happening with this majestic species below the surface: male humpbacks sing elaborate songs that can last for hours!
Beyond these two familiar species, other common Salish Sea sights include grey and minke whales, Dall’s porpoise, Pacific white-sided dolphins, seals and sea lions, along with a wide variety of bird life, including bald eagles, soaring above a rugged coastline begging to be explored.
With so many species at our doorstep, there’s no better way to experience them than on the water, cruising the secluded bays and island channels of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, where pebbled beaches give way to towering trees and mountains beyond.
When it comes to whale and wildlife tours, the team at Prince of Whales has an unparalleled depth of knowledge, whether guiding guests from picturesque Telegraph Cove on the North Island or from Victoria’s iconic Inner Harbour.
Inviting guests to “choose their adventure” – whether it’s the exhilarating thrill of an open-air Zodiac or the comfort of a state-of-the-art catamaran or cruiser – guests will cruise into the heart of “wildlife country,” learning about the ocean, the local environment and the animals who reside there from experienced guides.
Book your fall excursion with Prince of Whales today – the most amazing memories await!