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Things to do in Southern Gulf Islands, Canada

Our most recommended things to do in Southern Gulf Islands, Canada

Whale Watching Tour in Victoria, BC

1. Whale Watching Tour in Victoria, BC

Have the chance to witness the area's diversity of whale species including humpback whales, Bigg's orcas, minke whales, and gray whales. The spotting network and years of experience in locating the whales ensure a high success rate for tours. The area of operations in the water surrounding Southern Vancouver Island, Victoria, the Gulf Islands, and Juan de Fuca Strait is a critical area for multiple species of whales, including other marine animals like seals, sea lions, sea otters, and marine birds. You may even spot more rare species such as elephant seals and dolphins. Listen as your crew introduces you to these magnificent animals and share with you the myriad of other natural wonders abundant in this pristine marine environment. The Salish Sea, the water off Victoria, is home to an abundance of marine wildlife. During the tour, explore various feeding areas that attract whales to local waters. Have the opportunity to see orcas and humpback whales in their natural habitat.  Other possible encounters include minke and gray whales. The Salish Sea is also home to seals, sea lions, porpoises, otters, and many more sea animals. Let five-star whale watching introduce you to the wonders of the Salish Sea.

From Victoria: Private Cowichan Valley Wine Tour with Lunch

2. From Victoria: Private Cowichan Valley Wine Tour with Lunch

Explore the wineries and landscapes of Vancouver Island's Cowichan Valley in a Tesla on this private wine tasting tour from Victoria with a local guide. Enjoy unforgettable views, local wine flavors, and a charcuterie lunch. Your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you through the valley, where you'll get to travel at your own pace, visiting 3 different vineyards of your choice and learning about and tasting local wines, with time to stop for lunch along the way. The Cowichan Valley (meaning “land warmed by the sun”) offers one-of-a-kind vineyards situated in lush surroundings. Averill Creek Vineyard, Blue Grouse Estate Winery, Cherry Point Estate Wines, Unsworth Vineyards, and Vigneti Zanatta are a few wineries you can choose to visit.

From Vancouver: Malahat SkyWalk & Vancouver Island Day Trip

3. From Vancouver: Malahat SkyWalk & Vancouver Island Day Trip

Today’s adventure begins with a 90-minute sailing aboard BC Ferries. Be sure to visit the outside decks as it’s not uncommon to see all kinds of sea life, including porpoises and whales. Worth noting, food service is available onboard. Arrive on Vancouver Island, and travel past old growth forest and amazing vistas along the Malahat Highway. Experience Malahat SkyWalk. The newest outdoor experience on Vancouver Island provides the ultimate natural high just 35 minutes north of Victoria. Accessible by all ages and wheelchair-friendly, it will immerse you in nature as you embark on a 600 metre-long elevated walkway through an expansive Arbutus and Douglas Fir forest, leading to a 10-storey, architecturally-inspiring spiral tower lookout – the first of its kind in B.C. Rising 250 metres above sea level, you will enjoy 360-degree views of islands, inlets, fjords, forests and mountains in two countries. Visit Cowichan Bay with free time for lunch. This charming seaside village is home to boating enthusiasts, artisans and an eclectic community of locals, some dwelling in floating residences. “The Bay,” as it’s known locally has a relaxed vibe and waterfront charm of main street that is magnified by a selection of favourite foodie haunts, including a cheese shop, ice cream parlour, organic bakery and fish-and-chips restaurant. Enjoy the food, walk the pier, visit the Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre, and view the paintings of internationally known artists. Enjoy a tour and cidery tasting at Merridale Cidery & Distillery. Set in a picturesque orchard in rural Cobble Hill, Merridale has become a Cowichan institution, known primarily for its wide selection of artisanal, made-on-the-premises, craft ciders and spirits. Explore Duncan, the City of Totems. The streets of Duncan’s revitalized, architecturally striking downtown are lined with shops, galleries, bookstores, restaurants, cafes, and a popular brewpub and wine bar. Option to join your guide on a walking tour of First Nations’ totems that line downtown streets. Today’s adventure winds down with another scenic ferry from Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay. Return to downtown Vancouver at approximately 8:30pm.

Frequently asked questions about Southern Gulf Islands, Canada

What top attractions are a must-see in Southern Gulf Islands, Canada?

The must-see attractions in Southern Gulf Islands, Canada are:

Other Sightseeing Options in Southern Gulf Islands, Canada

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What people are saying about Southern Gulf Islands, Canada

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 61 reviews

Both Captain and guide Jim were excellent. Very knowledgable and informative I learned loads about the local environment and animal species to be found in it. They were also spot on at finding the Humpbacks. The afternoon will be a standout high point of a very memorable trip.

This was a relaxing sail on a well maintained vessel. The crew were informative, gave instructions well and always ready to answer questions. It might have been a more exciting trip if there had been more wind. But my family of 11 enjoyed the outing immensely.

Amazing trip, very knowledgeable guide and we saw about 12 humpback whales, sea lions and sea birds. A highlight of our Canada trip. The staff were so friendly and you could tell were genuinely excited to share their knowledge.

These guys were great! They did an excellent job of finding porpoises & humpback whales for us to see! Really nice staff too!

Such an awesome experience! We saw 2 orca brothers and a humpback. We also saw sea lions and seals!