Whale watching from Vancouver
The usual way to see whales near Roberts Creek is a boat tour from the Vancouver area. One operator in Steveston, Richmond, runs trips in the Gulf Islands and the Strait of Georgia. Orcas and humpback whales are the focus. Porpoises, sea lions, seals and bald eagles are also on the list. The boats go where the animals are, and no sighting is guaranteed.
Roberts Creek has no regular whale watching departure. For the ferry, bus and other trips to the coast, see Vancouver tours and coast day trips.
Our picks: whale watching from Vancouver
The first cruise includes photos and hot drinks, so it suits anyone who just wants to watch. The Richmond boat has an activity book for children and starts south of the city, while the open-air boat from Granville Island is for those who want to be outside, with a windbreaker or thermal suit provided. All three carry a sighting guarantee, but none promises whales on the first outing.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Whale and wildlife cruise with photos
- Photo package
- Sighting guarantee with repeat trip
- Hot drinks
A guide with live commentary, and a nature guide for children on board. Whales are not certain on the first outing; the repeat trip covers that.
Check availability →Half-day whale watching with a guide
- Windbreakers provided
- Water and cereal bar
- Repeat trip, no expiry date
A naturalist guide with live commentary; the boat leaves from Richmond, south of Vancouver. Children get an activity book.
Check availability →
Open-air whale watching from Granville Island
- Windbreaker or thermal suit
- Captain and marine guide
- Sighting guarantee
An open-air boat with a toilet on board, so you are outside the whole time. The sighting guarantee does not promise whales on the first outing.
Check availability →Whale watching tours from Vancouver
Boat trips and wildlife tours, with live prices and availability.
Whale watching tour prices for 2026
These are the rates of one Steveston operator. All prices are plus taxes and fees.
| Fare | Large Zodiac | Small Zodiac |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | CAD 195 | CAD 205 |
| Student with ID | CAD 175 | CAD 205 |
| Senior, 60 and over | CAD 175 | CAD 205 |
| Child | CAD 125 | CAD 205, minimum age 8 |
For most visitors the large Zodiac is the better value, especially for students, seniors and children. The small Zodiac suits you if you prefer a smaller boat and everyone in your group is 8 or older.
What you can see on a whale watching tour
Whales are the aim, but not the only wildlife.
Orcas and humpback whales
These are the focus of the tours. Where the boat goes depends on where the animals are that day, so the route is not fixed and the length of a trip can vary within 3–5 hours.
Porpoises, sea lions and seals
Porpoises, sea lions and seals are also part of the wildlife on these tours. They do not replace a whale sighting, and none of them is guaranteed either.
Bald eagles
Bald eagles are also seen on these tours. Bring binoculars if you have them, because many of the animals are seen from a distance.
Large or small boat
The large Zodiac has set departures through the season and lower fares for students, seniors and children. The small Zodiac costs the same for everyone and has a minimum age of 8.
When the boats run
The 2026 season of one operator.
Large Zodiac departures
April 1 to June 19: one departure at noon. June 20 to August 31: departures at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. September 1 to October 31: one departure at noon. A tour lasts 3–5 hours.
Small Zodiac season
The small Zodiac ran from May 1 to October 12 in 2026. Check the calendar for the next season before you plan.
What the dates mean
These dates are the operator's schedule, not a rule for when whales are present. Different species and different operators have different seasons, so do not carry one price or date over to another tour.
Distance rules for whales
Canadian rules set minimum distances. They apply to everyone on the water, including kayakers and paddleboarders.
Southern Resident orcas
Stay at least 1,000 m away in the covered southern BC waters. This applies all year, from June 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027, in waters that include Howe Sound.
Other orcas
Stay at least 200 m away. If you cannot tell which population you are looking at, keep 1,000 m.
Other whales, dolphins and porpoises
Stay at least 100 m away, or 200 m when the animals are resting or have a calf with them.
Whales and wildlife on the coast
What to expect near Roberts Creek.
From the shore
The Strait of Georgia opens up in front of the pier. Sightings near the coast are possible, but nothing is guaranteed, so treat any whale you see from the pier as a bonus.
Pier and Mandala →Sea lion boats from Egmont
Local wildlife trips include sea lion boat tours from Egmont. They are a different trip from whale watching and promise no whales.
Combine it with the coast
Put the boat tour on a Vancouver day and the ferry to the Sunshine Coast on another. The ferry guide shows fares and check-in.
Horseshoe Bay ferry →More to plan
Where whale watching fits into the trip.
Whale watching from Vancouver: frequently asked questions
When is the best time for whale watching from Vancouver?
The 2026 schedule of the large Zodiac runs from April 1 to October 31, with two daily departures from June 20 to August 31. Whales move, so no date guarantees a sighting.
How much does whale watching cost in 2026?
On the large Zodiac an adult pays CAD 195, a student or senior CAD 175 and a child CAD 125. The small Zodiac costs CAD 205 for everyone. All prices are plus taxes and fees.
Can I see whales from Roberts Creek?
Sightings near the coast are possible, but nothing is guaranteed at the pier, and no regular whale boat leaves from Roberts Creek.
How close can a boat get to an orca?
At least 1,000 m from Southern Resident orcas and 200 m from other orcas. Keep 1,000 m if you cannot tell which kind you see. The same distances apply to kayaks and paddleboards.
Is this the official site for whale watching?
No. This is an independent guide. It is not run by Roberts Creek, BC Parks, BC Ferries or any whale watching operator.