Whale watching in Telegraph Cove: Everything you need to know

Whale watching in Telegraph Cove is an exhilarating experience. Situated on North Vancouver Island, this picturesque village sits on the edge of Johnstone Strait, across from the Broughton Archipelago, the largest marine park in British Columbia. This area is home to one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems and offers visitors the chance for extraordinary up-close wildlife encounters.

Each year, orcas, humpback whales, and other marine mammals come to feed in the nutrient-rich waters surrounding Telegraph Cove. While you may be lucky enough to spot them in the distance from the boardwalk, the best way to see these incredible mammals is on a whale watching tour.

We went whale watching in Telegraph Cove with Prince of Whales and were lucky enough to see humpback whales, pacific white-sided dolphins, and sea otters to name a few.

In this guide, I’m sharing everything you need to know about booking a whale watching tour in Telegraph Cove with Prince of Whales, including:

The best time to go whale watching in Telegraph Cove
What to pack and wear on a whale watching tour
The different types of boats and tours
Wildlife photography tips and tricks

Disclaimer: A big thank you to Prince of Whales for collaborating on this blog post and helping to make this experience possible. As always, all opinions are my own. This post does contain some affiliate links, which means if you buy something my blog will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you in advance for your support!

WHAT MAKES WHALE WATCHING IN TELEGRAPH COVE SO SPECIAL?

Located in the heart of the traditional First Nations’ territory of the Kwakwaka’wakw, Telegraph Cove’s location has made it one of the best eco-tourism destinations in British Columbia, Canada.

Telegraph Cove is situated on the northern end of Johnstone Strait which is one of Canada’s most important habitats for marine wildlife. Dubbed the ‘orca highway’, Johnstone Strait is one of the best places to see orcas in the wild for a good reason. Each summer, northern resident orcas follow the annual salmon run up to the ecological reserve on the west side of Johnstone Strait towards Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve. Spanning more than 1,700 hectares, this reserve was established in 1982 to provide a sanctuary for killer whales and protect one of their critical habitats. Orcas are drawn to this area each year and once here, they engage in a very strange activity – beach rubbing.

They head for shallow waters near the shoreline and rub their bodies against the pebbles and rocks below. The exact reason why orcas partake in this odd activity is still unknown but scientists believe it helps them maintain strong social bonds with their pod.

Telegraph Cove also benefits from its close proximity to Broughton Archipelago, the largest marine park in British Columbia. Established in 1992, the park consists of a multitude of uninhabited islands and islets, making it a haven for wildlife. The cold currents provide rich nutrients and food which attract humpback whales, pacific white-sided dolphins, and sea otters to name just a few.

With unparalleled access to marine wildlife and spectacular scenery, whale watching in Telegraph Cove is a unique experience.

WHEN IS WHALE WATCHING SEASON IN TELEGRAPH COVE?

Whale watching season runs from May to October in Telegraph Cove. While August and September are said to be prime whale watching season, whales’ migration patterns fluctuate each year so it can be difficult to predict exactly when they will arrive.

Northern Resident Killer Whales usually frequent the waters around the Johnstone Strait and Blackfish Sounds from mid-July to mid-September. However, there is a chance you will see orcas earlier in the season as Transient killer whales also pass through the area as early as May.

Given the abundance of wildlife in the area, you have a pretty good chance of seeing whales and mammals throughout the season. The team at Prince of Whales is very knowledgeable and experienced in finding resident and migratory orcas, humpbacks, dolphins and sea lions in the area. They post sightings from their tours on their Instagram account so you can see what whales are currently migrating close to Telegraph Cove.

Whale watching guarantee

Prince of Whales has a whale sighting success rate of over 95%. However, if for any reason you don’t see whales on your tour, they offer a ‘whale sighting guarantee’. This means that you can join another whale watching tour for free.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON A WHALE WATCHING TOUR WITH PRINCE OF WHALES

Prince of Whales offers half-day tours on both their semi-covered, custom-built express cruiser and their smaller Zodiacs. The fully-guided tours usually last up to 3 or 3.5 hours and are led by expert guides, many of which are certified marine naturalists.

Zodiacs: These small, open-air boats offer a more intimate and adrenalin-pumping adventure and can charter up to 12 people. Due to their size, they don’t have washrooms or indoor cabins. These boats can go quite fast which means the crew can cover more distance to find the best wildlife sightings. If you opt for the Zodiac, you’ll be provided with an all-weather exposure suit designed to keep you nice and warm from the wind chill and spray. Learn more >
Cruiser: The cruiser accommodates up to 74 people and has 3 different viewing areas on 2 distinct elevations so there is plenty of room for everyone. The cruiser offers a more comfortable journey, with washrooms and complimentary tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Learn more >

There are strict whale watching guidelines in place to protect whales and other marine wildlife. If you spot whales on your tour, the crew will maintain a minimum approach distance. Boats must stay at least 100 meters away (200 meters for transient orcas) to protect whales from human interference.

As you approach, the crew will slow down considerably. They also have to turn off all of their sonar and echo sounders and may switch their engine off if safe to do so. Don’t be alarmed if this happens as it’s very normal.

The Prince of Whales crew are very friendly and incredibly knowledgeable. During our tour, they shared lots of information about the local wildlife, and educated us on the history of the region and various conservation initiatives.

Whale watching in Telegraph Cove with Prince of Whales

WHAT WILDLIFE WILL YOU SEE ON A PRINCE OF WHALES WHALE WATCHING TOUR?

For many people (myself included), seeing a killer whale in the wild is a dream come true. Telegraph Cove is a wonderful place to see orcas. Each summer, the Northern Resident Killer Whales return to this area to forage. They feed exclusively on fish, in particular Chinook salmon so they follow the annual salmon run up the west side of Johnstone Strait. There are approximately 13 pods which pass through the area in the summer months.

The Prince of Whales team can distinguish one pod from another and can even name the individual whales by looking at the distinctive marks and scratches on their dorsal fins. It’s very impressive! If you want to learn more, there is fantastic genealogy chart in the Whale Interpretive Centre which shows the entire population of Northern Resident Killer Whales.

You may also see Transient killer whales also known as Biggs killer whales, which feed on marine mammals. They tend to travel in much smaller groups so that they can hunt without being detected.

Of course, orcas aren’t the only whales you can see when you go whale watching in Telegraph Cove:

Humpback whales

Humpback whales are a migratory species and usually start arriving in Telegraph Cove in mid-May. They spend the summer months feeding on juvenile herring in the rich waters of Johnstone Strait and Blackfish Sound. In late October, they start their long migration south. On this 10,000 km round trip, they don’t eat anything. By the time they return to Telegraph Cove the following year, they have lost around 40% of their body weight and incredibly hungry! You may be lucky enough to see them feeding at the surface on your tour.

Dall’s porpoise

You may also get the opportunity to see Dall’s porpoise on your whale watching tour in Telegraph Cove. They are the fastest marine mammal in the area and can travel at up to 55 km an hour! They usually travel in small groups (2 to 6) and are sometimes seen swimming with Pacific white-sided dolphins.

Pacific-white sided dolphins

There are around 25,000 white-sided dolphins which live along the BC coast. Like orcas, they feed on the salmon that are migrating through the region in the summer months. Named for the white colouration on their sides and bellies, these dolphins are very inquisitive. During our tour, we came across a large school of Pacific white-sided dolphins that swam and played in the wake of our boats! Although they peacefully coexist with the Northern Resident Killer Whales, they are hunted by Transient killer whales.

Prince of whales whale watching tour in Telegraph Cove

Harbour seals

Keep an eye out for the locals when you go whale watching in Telegraph Cove. Harbour seals are usually visible in the water and on the rock shores around the islands you’ll explore on your Prince of Whales whale watching tour. They are playful and inquisitive but they have been known to have attached kayakers in the Broughton Archipelago so don’t let those big eyes and cute faces fool you.

Sea otters

In the 1920s, sea otters were hunted for their fur in British Columbia and became extirpated (locally extinct). This had a detrimental effect on the local ecosystem as their prey, sea urchins, increased dramatically and destroyed many kelp forests which were important habitats for hundreds of fish and invertebrates. Between 1969 and 1972, just under 100 sea otters were relocated from Alaska to British Columbia. Today, the population sits at approximately 7,000. Sea otters are usually seen in small numbers near Telegraph Cove each year. However, we saw an outstanding number of them on our tour. The Prince of Whales team told us that this is the most they have ever seen together in 30 years which is an encouraging sign!

Bald eagles

British Columbia is home to one of the largest populations of bald eagles in North America. With a wingspan of over 2 metres, they are Canada’s biggest bird of prey. As you pass through the inlets, keep an eye on the trees as you will likely see bald eagles perched on the branches scouting for prey. Kingfisher Passage is a popular nesting spot and we saw several nests high up in the trees when we sailed through on our tour.

Steller sea lions

Steller sea lions are the largest of all the sea lion species. In fact, some of them are as big as a grizzly bear! They feed on fish in Johnstone Strait and you can often see them sunbathing on the rocks. We saw a large group of them on our tour spread out on a rocky island and heard their low roaring sounds.

WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR ON A WHALE WATCHING TOUR?

If it’s your first time whale watching, you may be wondering what to wear. I’ve been on two whale watching tours in Vancouver and one in Telegraph Cove so here my recommendations:

Layers

It can be very cold out on the water, even in the summer months. It may be nice and warm on the dock but the temperature usually drops a few degrees once you’re at sea. The boats can travel at up to 55 km an hour so you need to factor in wind chill too. Check the weather and pack an extra layer or two to accommodate for the cooler temperatures onboard. I usually wear a mid-layer such as the Patagonia R1 Fleece as it provides a lot of insulation. If I get too warm, it’s very lightweight and can be packed away in my bag. I also wear an additional layer, usually my Patagonia Down Jacket or Nano Puff Jacket, and a toque.

Waterproof jacket

Even if it’s not raining, it’s a good idea to bring a waterproof jacket. The weather can change very quickly in British Columbia so it’s best to be prepared for sudden showers. Opt for a lightweight, waterproof Gore-Tex shell. It’s breathable and can fit over your other layers easily. Something like the Patagonia waterproof shell will help counter any wind chill and light rain or spray from the water.

Pants or leggings

It might be an obvious one but opt for long pants (trousers) or leggings. It gets very breezy onboard so you’ll want to avoid skirts and dresses. You could wear shorts but the wind chill can be quite brutal so I always wear jeans or thermal leggings.

Closed-toe shoes

This is as much about safety as it is about staying warm. Avoid sandals and flip-flops and opt for a closed-toe shoe. The deck can be slippery so it’s a good idea to choose something with a good grip. I always wear my new balance trainers or a pair of hiking boots (Keen Terradora II Mid WP Hiking Boots or Columbia Ridge boots).

Sun protection

On sunny days, don’t forget to bring sunglasses, a sunhat, and sunscreen. It’s easy to get caught out because of the breeze and realise later that you’ve burnt!

What to wear whale watching in Telegraph Cove

WHALE WATCHING IN TELEGRAPH COVE: PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS

Photographing whales and marine wildlife can be challenging even for professional photographers. Not only are you trying to track a moving animal that only appears for a few seconds here and there, but you’re also doing so on a rocking boat.

The first time I went whale watching, I missed out on a lot of great shots because I didn’t use the right settings. Since then, I’ve learnt a lot and was able to capture some incredible moments on our most recent tour. Here are a few tips to help you get the best photos possible when you go whale watching in Telegraph Cove:

Use a camera

You can get some amazing photos on smart phones and iPads but often the whales are in the distance and you’ll need to zoom in quite far. If you zoom in too much on a phone camera, it can ruin the quality. If you’re planning to get these photos printed then I highly recommend taking an actual camera with you. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy – point and shoot cameras are great if you don’t have a DSLR.

Take a telephoto lens

As I mentioned previously, boats must keep their distance from whales and other marine mammals. Unless a whale swims close to the stopped ship, it can make photographing them quite difficult. If you have a digital camera, you’ll want to bring a telephoto zoom lens. I used my Tamron 70 – 200mm lens and got some great photos. However, I wish I’d had a 100 – 400mm lens to get even closer shots.

Set a high shutter speed

Whales move very quickly so I recommend setting your shutter speed to 1/1000 or higher. If your shutter speed is too low, you risk getting blurry photos or missing the shot all together. A high shutter speed will maximise your chance of getting sharp photos. You’ll need to adjust your ISO and aperture accordingly to compensate for the high shutter speed. The light can change very quickly during a tour so you may find it easy to put your camera on shutter-priority mode. Just set the shutter speed you want and the camera will automatically adjust the other settings for you.

I personally prefer to use manual mode so I have full control over the settings and the depth of field but if you’re not confident with manual mode this is a great option. There’s nothing worse than frantically trying to adjust your settings every time the light changes and missing the whales!

If you’ve never used manual mode before and have no idea what any of this means, don’t worry! Most cameras have a ‘sports mode’ setting which is perfect for photographing fast moving objects. You can just select this setting and it will do the heavy lifting for you.

Turn on vibration reduction image stabilization

Some lenses have built-in vibration reduction image stabilization to reduce camera shake. You’ll definitely want to turn this on to compensate for the movement of the boat and ensure you don’t end up with blurry photos.

Shoot in continuous mode

Whales aren’t waiting around for you to get the perfect photo so set your camera to continuous shooting mode. I always choose the high-speed continuous shooting setting to make sure I don’t miss any of the action and can capture several frames in quick succession. This is particularly important if a humpback whale is about to dive as you will want to capture its fluke. If you aren’t shooting in continuous, there can be a delay between taking photos which can result in missing the shot completely. Make sure you have a memory card with a fast processing speed as well!

Protect your gear

There is often quite a bit of spray from the boat. Make sure you have a waterproof bag and a camera rain cover to protect your gear from the water.

Bring spare batteries and memory cards

Finally, always be prepared. The continuous shooting can drain your battery and fill up your memory cards very quickly. I always pack a spare battery and a few extra memory cards.

Free photo package

If you’re not a photographer and this all sounds quite daunting, don’t worry! Every whale watching tour taken on Prince of Whales’ ‘big boats’ actually includes a free Hi-Res photo package. The talented crew will be snapping away during the tour with their professional camera gear, capturing all of the wildlife that you see. So you can sit back and enjoy seeing the experience and you’ll receive all of the photos after your tour!

WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO IN TELEGRAPH COVE?

Telegraph Cove is renowned for its fantastic whale watching tours but there are so many amazing things to do. I have a full guide about Telegraph Cove but here are a few fun activities that can’t be missed:

Join a grizzly bear viewing tour

Whales aren’t the only reason to visit Telegraph Cove. The nearby Knight Inlet is home to one of the largest concentrations of grizzly bears in British Columbia. Tide Rip Grizzly Adventures offers all-day boat tours which start from Telegraph Cove and take you to Knight Inlet. Along the way, you’ll likely see black bears on the beaches and bald eagles circling the water, as well as seals, otters and porpoises.

Go kayaking with north island kayak

Getting out on the water is one of the best ways to explore Telegraph Cove. Prince of Whales’ sister company, North Island Kayak,offers a range of guided sea kayaking tours, from 2-hour short trips to multi-day adventures. They’re the largest kayaking tour operator permanently located on northern Vancouver Island with four base camps in Johnstone Strait and two in Blackfish Sound. We opted for the 2-hour evening kayaking tour when we went and witnessed the most beautiful sunset as we paddled back in to Telegraph Cove.

Visit the Whale Interpretive Centre

Located next to the Prince of Whales’ office, the Whale Interpretive Centre is home to the largest collection of marine mammal skeletons in British Columbia. Here you can see the articulated skeletons of many local species, including juvenile fin and humpback whales, killer whales, porpoises and bald eagles.

The Whale Interpretive Centre is run by the Johnstone Strait Killer Whale Interpretive Centre Society, a registered non-profit organization. They aim to increase public awareness about marine mammals and the threats they face.

For more fun things to do, check out my guide to Telegraph Cove >

WHERE TO STAY IN TELEGRAPH COVE

Telegraph Cove Resort

The majority of accommodation in Telegraph Cove is part of Telegraph Cove Resort. The resort is spread out over Telegraph Cove and has a variety of accommodation options, including historic cabins, waterfront suites, and, my personal favourite, the lovely lodge rooms which overlook the cove.

If you prefer camping or are visiting with an RV, the Forest RV campground is a great place to stay. Nestled among old growth trees, the campground is a 10-minute walk from the heart of the village. It has over 100 serviced sites and has all the facilities you need, including a laundromat, washrooms, showers, firewood and a sani-dump.

Other places to stay in Telegraph Cove

If you aren’t able to book accommodation at Telegraph Cove Resort, there are a few other options close by, such as Alert Bay and Port McNeil.

Hidden Cove Lodge is another great option and is just a 15-minute drive from Telegraph Cove. The lodge has 9 rooms and two oceanfront cottages.

FINAL THOUGHTS

We had a wonderful time on our whale watching tour with Prince of Whales in Telegraph Cove. I’ve been on two whale watching tours in Vancouver with Prince of Whales (as a paying guest) and absolutely loved both experiences. The team are so knowledgeable and friendly and their passion for wildlife and conservation makes each tour even more enjoyable.

We were very fortunate to partner with them on this occasion but as always, all opinions are my own, and I highly recommend booking a whale watching tour with them. They also run tours in Vancouver and Victoria.

There’s a lot of information in this guide so don’t forget to save it so you can read it again later. If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments below and I’ll be happy to answer them.

Where to explore next?

Vancouver Island is one of the most beautiful places in British Columbia. If you’re planning a trip to the island this year, I have a complete guide to the best places to visit and some fun road trips. Here’s a quick summary:

Tofino: Known as the surf capital of Canada, Tofino has some of the best beaches in BC! Visit in summer for incredible sunsets or winter for storm watching. Read the full guide >
Sooke: Located just 40 minutes from Victoria is the charming town of Sooke. With an abundance of marine wildlife and endless outdoor activities, ranging from hiking and cycling to kayaking and ziplining, Sooke is one of Vancouver Island’s best-kept secrets. Read the full guide >
Victoria: Perched on southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is the capital of British Columbia and one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest. If you’re looking for a city break that combines culture, history and outdoor adventures, Victoria is the perfect choice. Read the full guide >
Cowichan Valley: Home to rolling hills, stunning orchards and expansive farmlands, Cowichan produces incredible artisanal food and drink. Read the full guide >
Campbell River: Despite its growth over the years, Campbell River has retained its small town-by-the-sea vibe. The area is also home to some of Vancouver Island’s best outdoor adventures such as Elk Falls and Strathcona Provincial Park. Read the full guide >

If you’re looking for more travel inspiration in British Columbia, have a look at these guides:

Love from Steph

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