Watch humpback whales in Johnstone Strait, one of the richest summer feeding grounds on Canada's Pacific coast. Each year from mid May, humpbacks return to these cold, plankton rich channels off northern Vancouver Island, often alongside orcas, sea lions and dolphins. Boats leave the historic village of Telegraph Cove on cruiser or Zodiac tours through the Broughton Archipelago, with very high sighting rates from August to September.
Watch humpback whales in Johnstone Strait, one of the richest summer feeding grounds on Canada's Pacific coast. Each year from mid May, humpbacks return to these cold, plankton rich channels off northern Vancouver Island, often alongside orcas, sea lions and dolphins. Boats leave the historic village of Telegraph Cove on cruiser or Zodiac tours through the Broughton Archipelago, with very high sighting rates from August to September.
Up to 90% sighting chance in Johnstone Strait / Broughton Archipelago, British Columbia, Canada. Best months: August, July, September.
The season runs May to October. Humpbacks arrive in mid May, and August and September are the prime months, when numbers peak.
Johnstone Strait is world famous for orcas, both resident and Bigg's, and you can also see sea lions, Pacific white sided dolphins, eagles and black bears along the shore.
A 3 hour cruiser or Zodiac tour from Telegraph Cove costs around 130 to 165 Canadian dollars per adult (2026 prices). Multi day guided kayaking trips are also available.
Operators report roughly a 95% success rate and usually offer a complimentary return trip if no whales are seen.
