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“I wanted to extend my greatest appreciation to you and your team for helping us create an unforgettable event at the Winners Circle event at The Sagamore in New York. Thank you again for everything you did to assist Tillinger's in creating this memorable event.”
Tillinger's - A Hospitality Services Company
 




 
 

image: whale watching in Victoria VANCOUVER WHALE WATCHING TOURS

Watch the magnificent orca whales with Canada's best tour company!

No trip to the West Coast would be complete without experiencing a British Columbia icon, the "killer whale". Now Canadian Outback Adventures & Events provides you numerous opportunities to view these magnificent creatures, in style.

 

Start your tour in Vancouver! Now there's no need to have to make your own way to Victoria on Vancouver Island, to enjoy the whales. Hop aboard The Ocean Magic in downtown Vancouver to combine your wish to see the whales and desire to visit Victoria as well. We can even combine all this with the world famous Butchart Gardens. This is one of the top tours available during your visit to the region. Read on for details of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity ...

Click here to go directly to tour options and prices

 
image:whale watching map
(click on map for larger version)

Be Whale Wise ... Responsible Whale & Wildlife Protocol

We want the whales and responsible whale watching to survive. That means taking care in how we work around the animals. We participate in the revision of whale watching guidelines used throughout the industry. We meet with government officials and whale scientists to discuss the social and biological impacts of eco-tourism activities. We attend scientific symposia to learn the latest biological and ecological findings, and we have offered the use of our vessels to scientists to use as “platforms of opportunity” to observe the whales in their natural habitats. We believe that it is important to reduce the environmental impacts on the whales through science, education and action.

Description of our Zodiac Whale Watching Vessel

A fantastic fun-filled fresh-air experience! Our zodiac-style whalewatching boats are designed for high speed and quick turns. Our skippers have years of experience and the most current, in-depth knowledge of what's happening on the water. Feel the power of the Pacific Ocean first hand!

Our ten zodiac-style, open whalewatching boats offer guests an exciting adventure ride complete with sea spray. Five of these boats have marine toilet facilities, and the all-weather suits we provide only add to the fun! We also have wool hats and gloves available during cold weather. Each boat is equipped with twin Mercury OptiMax outboard engines, which are the highest ranked in fuel efficiency, emission standards and noise pollution.

The small size of the Zodiac allows the passengers to get to know their captain and ask plenty of questions.

Description of our Ocean Magic Whale Watching Vessel

Based on the successful Naiad Explorer, Prince of Whales' new all-aluminum 62-foot Ocean Magic is raising the bar for big, high-performance whale watching vessels. Simon Hill, Mariner Life Magazine

Our new big boats, the OCEAN MAGIC I & II, are 62-foot aluminum express cruisers capable of cruising at 30 knots an hour and seating 74 passengers. The boat functions as a floating classroom staffed by marine biologists who provide an educational narrative about the marine mammals you'll see along the way. Keep your camera handy!

The high-speed whale watching vessel looks like a "zodiac on steroids", but it's made entirely of welded aluminum to provide extra stability.

The top deck is capable of seating 40 passengers, the aft deck is capable of seating 25. The main passenger cabin, located below the wheelhouse and top deck, features a heated passenger seating area, airline-style washrooms and a small pantry for snacks and drinks. Mid-ship seating is open to provide a generous view from inside the cabin, but can be protected with clear vinyl curtains during transit. The forward cabin is entirely enclosed behind large glass windows and serves as a warm-up area during cooler weather.

image: whale watching in Victoria
Prince of Whales is a proud member of the Whale Watch Operators Association Northwest. You will find the operators who are members to be safe, professional, and respectful of the wildlife that calls this area home. The Whale Watch Operators Association logo is your assurance of a responsible company. LOOK Before You Book!

Whale Watching Tours Departing From Downtown Vancouver

Ultimate Day Tour Vancouver to Victoria Whale Watching & Butchart Gardens Tour

Vancouver to Victoria Whales and Gardens, our ultimate day trip on board the Ocean Magic. includes: 4 Hour Morning Whale Watching Tour / Free Time in Victoria / Express Coach to Butchart Gardens / Free Time to explore at Butchart Gardens / 2 Hour Sunset Cruise in the Gulf Islands.

Cruise on board the Ocean Magic departing from Vancouver Harbour with complimentary coffee, hot chocolate, and snacks in the morning. Enjoy an exciting whale watching and marine wildlife adventure tour with commentary by certified naturalists. The Ocean Magic has two washrooms on board, heated forward cabin, midship indoor/outdoor area, and 2 outside viewing decks.

Once we arrive on Vancouver Island you will have free time to explore lovely downtown Victoria. Once you have seen the sights we will transport you with a fully narrated scenic drive through the city of Victoria and surrounding countryside en route to Butchart Gardens, (admission included) and then you will have free time at Butchart Gardens to enjoy a lovely walk. An optional English High Tea is served in the Butchart mansion formal dining room. (reservations recommended - call 1 888 383 4884) As your day comes to an end return to Vancouver aboard the Ocean Magic traveling from the secluded cove at Butchart Gardens. We will cruise for 2 hours through the beautiful scenic Gulf Islands National Park. Often we will view amazing sunsets in this seldom seen area of the Gulf of Georgia Basin.

Unbelievable. This is a tour that needs to be a "must do" during your visit to British Columbia!

  • This tour is available May 28th - September 6th 2010
  • 8:30 am departure time
  • 1:00pm Arrival in Victoria Inner Harbour
  • 3:30 pm Latest time to check in at Prince of Whales office for directions and tickets to the express bus to Butchart Gardens (admission included)
  • Enjoy free time at Butchart Gardens. Ask our staff about the popular optional High Tea Packages
  • 5:30 pm Check in at dockside in Butchart Gardens' cove.
  • 5:30 pm (sharp) Depart Butchart Gardens secluded cove on board the Ocean Magic.
  • 7:30 pm Arrive at Vancouver Harbour SeaBus Terminal
  • Rates: $235 Adult (age 18+) | $225 Students (age13-17) | $215 Child (age 5-12)
  • Infants (4 and under) FREE
  • Note: this tour can be split over two days
  • Prices in Canadian funds and do not include tax

Vancouver to Victoria Whales & Fly Tour

Another phenomenal value! A great way to see the whales, visit Victoria, and at the end of your day zoom back to Vancouver in mere minutes. Sightseeing truly doesn't get any better than this, and at an unbelievable price! You'll enjoy complimentary coffee, hot chocolate and snacks on board the Ocean Magic while you take in an exciting adventure tour, complete with commentary by certified naturalists. The Ocean Magic will take you on a 4 hour cruise through the waters of the Pacific Coast to admire the stunning views of the Gulf Islands. As you pass rocky shorelines and breathtaking beaches, you’ll see a multitude of marine life and more than a few gorgeous homes perched on lovely islands. Your comfort on board will be assured with our heated forward cabin, midship, indoor/outdoor area, and 2 outside viewing decks. We also have two washrooms on board.

Once in Victoria you'll have free time to explore lovely downtown Victoria at your own pace, taking in the attractions that are of most interest to you. The Undersea Gardens, Royal BC Museum, Maritime Museum, and more. They're all within easy walking distance of the Inner Harbour. There are a number of tour companies you can make arrangements with to take you out to the world-famous Butchart Gardens.

To finish off your day, instead of having to take BC Ferries to get back to Vancouver, you'll be whisked back via an exciting 35 minute float plane ride over the beautiful Gulf Islands. This archipelago is often referred to as "The Mediterranean of the Pacific".

Want to stay overnight in Victoria and come back to Vancouver the next day? Your next day flight can be pre-booked at time of reservation at no additional expense.

  • This tour is available May 28th - September 6th 2010
  • Departure from Vancouver is at 9:00 AM aboard the Ocean Magic
  • 90min of wildlife viewing
  • 1:00pm Arrive in Victoria
  • You will return to Vancouver either that evening or on another day (must be decided at time of reservation) aboard a float plane for a 35 minute flight over the Gulf Islands.
  • Rates: $295 Adult (age 12+)
  • $210 Child (5-11 years of age)
  • $70 Child (2-4 years of age)
  • Infant (2 and under) FREE
  • Prices in Canadian funds and do not include tax

Vancouver Whale Watching Tour to Victoria One Way

If you're one of the many people who are looking to take in a whale watching tour AND visit Victoria, this combo tour is hard to resist. See the whales and make your way to Victoria, all in one tour. West Coast sightseeing at its best, and at an unbelievable price! You'll enjoy complimentary coffee, hot chocolate and snacks on board the Ocean Magic while you take in an exciting whale watching and marine wildlife adventure tour, complete with commentary by certified naturalists. Your comfort on board will be assured with our heated forward cabin, midship, indoor/outdoor area, and 2 outside viewing decks. We also have two washrooms on board.

Now that you're in Victoria you'll be able to do whatever you wish .Take in the Butchart Gardens, have High Tea at the Empress, stroll through Beacon Hill Park, or marvel at the exhibits inside the world-acclaimed Royal British Columbia Museum.

How do you get back to Vancouver? Make your own arrangements with the various bus & ferry services available, or better yet, hop back onboard the Ocean Magic for a double shot of marine sightseeing. The choice is yours.

Vancouver Departures:

  • This tour is available May 29th - September 7th
  • Departure from Vancouver is at 9:00 AM aboard the Ocean Magic
  • Arrives in Victoria's Inner Harbour at 1:00PM
  • Rates (One Way): $160 Adult (age 18+) | $150 Student (13-17 years of age) | $140 Child (5-12 years of age)
  • Infant (4 and under) FREE
  • Prices in Canadian funds and do not include tax

Scenic Boat Tours Departing From Downtown Vancouver

Vancouver to Sunshine Coast Island Hopping Discovery Cruise

photo: Molly's Reach

On a zipping Zodiac, explore the scenic islands of the Lower mainland. Each of our boats seat only 12 people and every seat gives you a great view. We guarantee you’ll be exhilarated, dressed in our trademark red floatation suit, zooming out from Vancouver's Westin Bayshore, under the Lion's Gate Bridge and west into Howe Sound. We will stop for 1.5 hours at Snug Cove on Bowen Island where participants can relax and enjoy the island. We will also stop for 1.5 hours at Gibsons Landing on the Sunshine Coast where participants can stop for lunch at the famous Molly's Reach, walk along the docks of fishing boats, and explore the boutique shops along the water.

  • Scenic Island hopping tour by Zodiac
  • This is not a whale watching tour, but rather an island discovery tour
  • Available April-October
  • Departs Thursday-Sunday
  • Departure from Vancouver is at 11:00 AM
  • Arrive back in Vancouver at 5:00 PM
  • Tour duration is 6 hours
  • Rates: $95 Adult (18+) | $85 Student/Senior (13 – 17, 65+) | $75 Child (7-12)
  • This tour is not available for children under 7 years of age
  • Prices in Canadian funds and do not include GST

Vancouver Fastboat Adventure Scenic Boat Tour

photo: Vancouver zodiac

Experience the intense beauty of rainforests, beaches and mountains as you take a Vancouver Fastboat Adventure. Our 12 passenger high speed zodiacs will whisk you under historic bridges and into isolated coves. See stoic herons, majestic eagles and playful seals against the impressive background of Vancouver’s inner harbour and the hidden jewel of Vancouver, Indian Arm.  Tour highlights include Granville Island, English Bay and Stanley Park.

Our 2 hour tours depart several times a day from the convenient location of our Coal Harbour floating office; a short walking distance from most Vancouver hotels. 

Enjoy your summer…in a FASTBOAT!

  • Scenic boat tour by Zodiac
  • This is not a whale watching tour, but rather a sightseeing zodiac tour
  • Available April-September
  • Departs Wednesday-Sunday from Apr. 1 - mid June
  • Departs daily mid June - mid September
  • Departure from Vancouver at 9:30am, 12:30pm, and 3pm
  • Other departures may be added upon demand
  • Tour duration is 2 hours
  • Rates: $75 Adult (18+) | $65 Student/Senior (13 – 17, 65+) | $50 Child (6-12)
  • This tour is not available for children under 6 years of age
  • Prices in Canadian funds and do not include GST