Experience the best of Vancouver Island’s wildlife and watersports with private whale and bear watching tours, kayaking, and surf lessons. Discover unforgettable nature moments just off Canada’s west coast.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2–5 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have a reasonable level of fitness for paddling and standing during tours, though beginners can participate with easy lessons provided.
Wildlife
History
Vancouver Island has a rich Indigenous heritage, with local First Nations communities deeply connected to the land and sea.
Conservation
Tour operators follow strict guidelines to minimize disturbance to wildlife and participate in local habitat preservation efforts.
Discover Canada Tours
Experience the best of Vancouver Island’s wildlife and watersports with private whale and bear watching tours, kayaking, and surf lessons. Discover unforgettable nature moments just off Canada’s west coast.
Discover Canada Tours, based in Vancouver, British Columbia, operates premium guided tours across Western Canada and Vancouver Island. The company specializes in small-group travel—many departures limit groups to a maximum of 23 guests—delivering personalized experiences that include iconic national parks, coastal wildlife viewing, and curated cultural stops. Highlights include multi-night stays in Jasper and Banff, access to the Columbia Icefields and Ice Explorer Glacier Adventure, and exclusive entry to The Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island.
Tours span a variety of formats and lengths, from day excursions such as the Whistler Tour with Shannon Falls & Sea to Sky Gondola to comprehensive itineraries like the 16 Days Premium Tour in Western Canada and Vancouver Island (16 days, 15 nights). Select itineraries include daily breakfast, guided tours, and opportunities for self-guided exploration. Vancouver Island offerings emphasize wildlife experiences—whale and bear watching, island paddling and rainforest visits—and activity options such as surf lessons in Tofino and excursions to Campbell River.
Seasonal and holiday departures include Christmas and Northern Lights-focused tours in the Yukon and Rockies. Several trip summaries note limited availability and recommend booking online in advance. As a Vancouver-based tour operator featured on The Adventure Collective, Discover Canada Tours presents a range of well-structured options for travelers seeking natural landscapes, wildlife encounters, and classic Canadian scenery in a small-group setting.
Base Location
Vancouver, BC
Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia
Small Groups
Max 23
Personalized tours with limited group size
Flagship Length
16 days
16 days, 15 nights premium tour
Key Destinations
Rockies & Island
Jasper, Banff, Whistler, Vancouver Island
Limited-group departures to the Rockies, Yukon, and Vancouver Island. Secure availability for premium tours and signature experiences.
Bring waterproof clothing
Weather can be unpredictable on the coast, so dress in layers and bring waterproof gear to stay comfortable.
Use binoculars for wildlife spotting
Carry binoculars to get closer views of whales and bears without disturbing them.
Follow guide instructions closely
Always listen to your guide for safety and respect for wildlife during tours.
Apply reef-safe sunscreen
Protect your skin and the environment by using eco-friendly sunscreen on sunny days.
Waterproof jacket
Keeps you dry and warm during coastal rains and spray.
Binoculars
Enhances your ability to spot distant wildlife like whales and bears.
Non-slip water shoes
Provides traction and protection while kayaking or surfing.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and marine life during sunny outdoor activity.
summer