Living in British Columbia, it’s easy to become accustomed to mountains on the horizon, ocean around every corner, and wildlife never feeling quite that far away.
But how often do you actually head out onto the water and explore it?
Just beyond Steveston lies the Salish Sea, an extraordinary marine ecosystem shared by whales, seals, sea lions, porpoises, seabirds and countless other species. And you don’t need to plan a trip across the province, or across the world, to experience it.
If you call BC home, some pretty incredible adventures are already in your backyard.
Whale Watching from Steveston, BC
Our whale watching tours depart from historic Steveston in Richmond, making it easy to turn an ordinary day at home into a day exploring the Salish Sea.
Once we leave the harbour, the search begins.
Our captains and naturalists are constantly watching the water and horizon for clues: the blow of a humpback whale, a dorsal fin breaking the surface, groups of seabirds gathering over the water or other signs that wildlife may be nearby.
Where we go and what we encounter is different every day. Wildlife is wild, and that's exactly the point.
You might encounter humpback whales travelling or feeding, Bigg’s killer whales moving through the region, harbour seals watching from the water, Steller sea lions, porpoises, bald eagles and a huge diversity of marine birds.
We can never predict exactly what the Salish Sea has planned for us. That uncertainty is part of what makes heading out onto the water so exciting.
More Than Spotting a Whale
Of course, seeing a whale can be unforgettable.
But we think a great whale watching trip should leave you with more than a camera roll full of photographs.
Our naturalists help you understand who and what you're looking at — from the differences between the whale species found in our waters to their behaviour, family relationships, ecology and the conservation challenges they face.
You might learn how researchers identify an individual humpback from the markings on its fluke, why Bigg’s killer whales often travel in family groups, or how the wildlife we encounter fits into the wider Salish Sea ecosystem.
It turns a sighting into something much more meaningful: an opportunity to better understand the wild animals with whom we share this coast.
See Your Own Backyard Differently
People travel from around the world to experience British Columbia's coastline and wildlife.
When you live here, it's surprisingly easy to keep thinking, we'll do that someday.
Consider this your reminder that you don't have to be visiting BC to explore it.
Spend a few hours away from the city. Watch the coastline disappear behind you. Search the horizon. Learn something new about an ecosystem right on your doorstep.
You might be surprised by just how wild home can feel.
Special Whale Watching Rates for BC Residents
To make it easier for locals to experience the Salish Sea for themselves, Seabreeze Adventures offers special whale watching rates for BC residents.
Bring proof of BC residency and give our team a call to find out about the local rate available for your trip.
And with our 2026 whale watching season ending October 31, there are only a few weeks left to get out on the water with us this year.
If whale watching has been sitting on your BC bucket list, don't automatically save it for next summer.
Your backyard is wild right now. Come explore it 🌊🐋
Ready to head out?
📍 Departing from Steveston, Richmond, BC
🐋 Special BC resident rates available
🪪 Proof of BC residency required
📞 Call 604-272-7200 to book your whale watching adventure