Vancouver Island Wildlife Viewing Guide

Vancouver Island is the adventure capital of British Columbia. A wonderful place in which you can fulfill your nature loving desires. An untouched and virgin nature, home to many species. The land, ocean, and the air of Vancouver Island have prepared endless wildlife watching opportunities for those wildlife viewing aficionados. Wildlife such as bears, whales, and colourful types of birds are awaiting you on Vancouver Island. Stay with us!

On land and in the water, Vancouver Island is home to a diverse range of birds and fauna. Learning to distinguish different species can help us become more connected to nature and aware of our surroundings. Here are a few birds you could see when wandering along the island's coastal coasts or on one of our wildlife viewing boats. One can't help but observe the variety of birds that live in our area's woods, bays, and seashores while exploring the trails. From rocky and sandy shorelines and tidal mudflats through riparian and deciduous woods, dense old-growth cedar and Douglas fir stand, and up to interior rocky hilltops and Garry oak meadows, the geology of southern Vancouver Island offers a wide range of ecosystems. This variety attracts a diverse range of avifauna, and because our location provides ideal habitat for many bird species, bird watching on Southern Vancouver Island can be a spectacular experience.

Bears are iconic Canadian wildlife, and Vancouver Island is home to a large number of these gorgeous creatures that like playing in the open! It's no wonder; therefore, bear viewing trips are one of the most popular activities on Vancouver Island. There is an opportunity to engage on an expedition and view these beautiful creatures in a secure and non-invasive manner wherever you are on the Island. So, what should you know about seeing bears on Vancouver Island? Continue reading to discover about the many places, tour kinds, bear species, and what to anticipate in your experience!

Experience the ultimate Vancouver Island whale & wildlife adventures with Vanisle Wildlife. On a memorable day at sea onboard our open zodiac-style boats or our semi-covered vessel, experience BC's most Sustainable whale viewing. Whale and marine wildlife adventures will be available daily. Whales, wildlife, waterfalls, tidal rapids, and much more may be found here. Orcas or killer whales, humpback whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, Steller & California sea lions, Pacific harbour seals, and stunning scenery and seascapes are just some of the animals you'll see. Whales are one of our greatest passions. We like sharing information about the marine habitat of Vancouver Island and the creatures that live there. We are committed to whale watching and wildlife observing responsibly and ethically.

From Anise Swallowtails to Opalescent Squid to Gray Whales, Vancouver Island is one of the most diverse and outstanding wildlife watching sites in Canada. Where to See Wildlife on Vancouver Island by award-winning journalist and author Kim Goldberg is the island's first wildlife guidebook providing 50 of the top wildlife watching locations. The 50 locations run from Victoria to Port McNeill on the east coast and from East Sooke to Tofino on the west coast, with plenty of opportunities to see wildlife, including several endangered species. There are 387 bird species, 66 butterfly, and 50 animals here, including the Northern Sea Lion, Black Bear, and Roosevelt Elk. Each winter, Vancouver Island hosts 25% of the world's Trumpeter Swan population.

On the West coast, near Pacific Rim National Park, and off the East coast, at Telegraph Cove and surrounding the Discovery Islands, are some of the best places to see marine life. Remember! The finest times for photography and wildlife viewing are generally early and late in the day.

Please respect the environment and its residents by staying on established routes to prevent trampling plants and provide ample room for wildlife. Photographers who travel the area in quest of good photo possibilities owe a special obligation to the park's wildlife and other visitors. Show the animal in its native habitat if you don't have a telephoto lens (at least 300-400 mm). based on what Parks Canada has announced, please pay attention to the following rules.
• Do not surround, crowd or follow an animal.
• Never put people (especially children) at risk by posing them with wildlife.
• Do not stalk or pursue wildlife.
• Never follow an animal into the bush.
• Do not try to entice wildlife by feeding or by simulating animal calls (i.e. elk bugling).
• Do not trample vegetated areas.

When surrounded by people, even wild animals become stressed. This is difficult and harmful for the animal. During mating season, when females are with offspring and males are defending territory, wildlife behaviour can be unexpected.
In most cases, the distances listed below are sufficient. It is, however, your obligation to keep an eye out for defensive warning signs and respond appropriately by backing up or from the area immediately. Note: Shooting wildlife from a vehicle or observation location is the safest method to do it. Stay back, in general the safe distance based on what Parks Canada claims are:
✓ 100 meters from bears (unless you are inside a vehicle).
✓ 30 meters from all other large species.
✓ 200 meters from coyote, fox or wolf dens.

Pull back even more or leave the area if you notice the following defensive warning signs that Parks Canada suggests:
• Bears make a ‘woofing’ noise, growl and snap their jaws;
• Bull elk and moose put their heads down and paw at the ground;
• Cow elk flatten their ears, stare directly at you and raise their rump hair.