Wildlife preserves, sanctuaries and protected parks abound on Vancouver Island. With more than 30 species of land mammals, 28 species of marine mammals, dozens of fish species and more than 250 species of visiting and resident birds, wildlife watching is a daily activity.
Marine wildlife viewing tours are widely available and always memorable. From mid-April to October, orcas (killer whales) are the star attraction in the northern waters between Comox Valley and Port Hardy, and in the southern waters off Victoria, Sidney and Sooke. While the tours focus on orcas, chances are you’ll also spot porpoises, seals and birds. In winter months, sea lion tours are offered in these areas.
On the West Coast of the Island, gray whales are the focus of some fantastic wildlife cruises. Each year, approximately 24,000 gray whales migrate along the coastline, inspiring the Pacific Rim Whale Festival in early Spring. Resident gray whales, orca, minke and humpback whales, porpoises, sea otters and other marine wildlife also inhabit the area and are often seen on tours from mid-February through October.
Bear viewing is an exciting experience that is best enjoyed on a guided tour. Boat and float plane tours to see black bears and grizzly bears are available from May to October, departing from Comox Valley, Campbell River, Telegraph Cove and Port Hardy. Black bear tours are also available from Tofino daily, April through October.
Salmon viewing in tubes, rafts or snorkelling is another popular tour available from Campbell River and offers a unique, close-up look at the region’s most famous fish. In addition, a number of fish hatcheries are open to the public for tours and offer fascinating information on the process of developing and maintaining fish stocks.
In fall months, several rivers on Vancouver Island become huge attractions as visitors watch salmon swimming upstream to spawn.
Bird watching is another favorite activity. Home to dozens of native bird species, Vancouver Island is located along the “Pacific FIyway~ migration route, making it a stopping ground for even more birds. In some areas such as Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Ucluelet and Nanaimo’s Buttertubs Marsh and Morrell Sanctuary, bird watching is a big year—round activity and annual festivals are held to celebrate birds and birdwatching.
The Somenos Marsh Wildlife Refuge in the Cowichan is also a popular birding area. In early spring, the Comox Valley is a great place to see
migrating trumpeter swans; a large population of these birds stops en route to the Yukon and Alaska. In the North Island region, the Sayward Estuary and Mitlenatch Island also offer rewarding bird watching opportunities.
The North Island Wildlife Recovery Association, a non-profit organization that takes care of injured and orphaned wildlife is located in Errington in the Oceanside region and welcomes visitors. Highlights include a nature museum, walking trail, eagle flight cage and bear rehabilitation program.
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