Wildlife Sea Adventure in and Around Vancouver

British Columbia is no stranger to wildlife. The nature-filled Canadian province is the perfect mix of mountains and sea, boasting over 25 thousand kilometres of pristine Pacific coastline. Grizzly bears roam the streams in search of fresh salmon, and bald eagles soar high above the towering cedar trees. Along the shorelines seals and sea lions bask in the sun.

Every year visitors flock to Vancouver to explore the city’s many sights, and set out on a sea adventure in search of whales and other marine life. In fact the world’s first whale watching tour began in Vancouver in the early 1900s. Sadly, the tours came to a halt as whaling continued to decimate the humpback population. These beautiful creatures, also known as the singing whale due to their magical songs, were hunted in and around British Columbia’s west coast waters from the 1800s to the 1960s. However, over the last several decades humpback whales have rebounded in population and are thriving. They make their way back to BC each year from Mexico and Hawaii in the early spring for a feeding frenzy, with many returning each year with their offspring along for the ride.

Historic Granville Island is a short ferry ride or drive away from bustling downtown Vancouver. From there you can book a half-day whale watching tour with the aptly named Prince of Whales Tours on board a comfortable catamaran. Prince of Whales guides consist of naturalists and wildlife experts who will keep you informed with a plethora of interesting marine life facts while you set out to the Salish Sea, home to one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world.  Keeping a distance from the wildlife along the way is imperative on the tour, to help preserve the  natural habitat.

You are bound to spot an orca pod splashing around searching for fish and squid (a favorite feast of theirs) along the water. Orcas can reach a speed of up to 32 kilometers an hour. British Columbia’s Salish Sea orcas, known as “southern resident killer whales”, are one of Canada’s most endangered marine mammals, only about seventy five of these intelligent creatures remain.

If you are lucky, you may even spot a humpback whale showing off his big impressive tail in the ocean. These creatures can weigh up to an impressive 80,000 pounds, so have your camera handy – Prince of Whales offers a whale sighting guarantee – if you don’t spot any you can come back on another tour at no charge.

It’s not just whales that steal the show, you will indeed see and hear the roar of the world’s largest species of sea lion. Steller sea lions are not only loud, but they love to socialize, and are very abundant in numbers in British Columbia. You can view many of them and their antics out on the rocks as you sail along the Salish Sea. Keep your eyes peeled and look for soft silky heads with droopy whiskers popping out of the water; harbor seals – also known as sea dogs – love to entertain too.

If you are looking for a city and nature tour, Sea Vancouver offers a daily 90 minute zodiac sea adventure leaving from Granville Island, and sailing along the inner harbour, past fabulous views of the city’s skyline, and many beaches before reaching speeds of up to 55 km out towards Howe Sound. The breezy ride really allows you time to get a sense of how Vancouver is surrounded by so much nature and wildlife, with spectacular views of the mountains and Stanley Park in the distance.

Along the way, you can capture a great view of Point Atkinson Lighthouse, jutting out along the jagged rocks. This well known landmark and photographer’s favourite, has been there since the 1870s. You will also most likely get a chance to watch cormorants diving for fish. These birds are plentiful in the Vancouver area, and are very agile swimmers. Snag a pair of binoculars if you can and be sure to look up, as bald eagles love to hang out in the tree tops along the water’s edge. If you hop on a tour before the end of September, you may even catch a glimpse of one of the large nests that these iconic birds build for their eggs.

To book your wildlife sea adventure visit Sea Vancouver and Prince of Whales