Whale-watching in Port McNeill
 

Hi everyone !

I'm planning a trip to Vancouver in August and I'm going to visit Vancouver Island as well... I really look forward to it.... !

I'd like to go to Port McNeill, because I've read that this place is great for whale-watching.
Has anyone ever been there and can confirm that ?

Moreover, does anyone know the best way to get to Port McNeill from Vancouver or from Nanaimo, as I will not be driving.

Thanks all !

Grace,

You are correct about the Port McNeill area, and August is generally a very good time of year. Most likely are Killer Whales but sometimes others are seen as well.

There are two good local tour operators. My favourite is Mackay Whale Watching www.whaletime.com . They leave about 10am from the wharf at Port McNeill and generally get back about three pm. They have a great boat that was built especially for wildlife viewing. The tour includes lunch and some wonderful coastal scenery.

The Mackay's do a fine job of making everyone feel welcome, and learning a bit about killer whale ecology.

Let me know if you need any other info.

cheers

Jerry

Thanks a lot for these informations Jerry :)

I agree. Port McNeill is a good base for whale-whatching tours. I participated also in the tour from MACKAY WHALE WATCHING. They will bring you with a water-taxi to the orcas. They stop the engine and you can listen to the whales. There also other bigger whales migrating into this area and you can also whatch these whales with a little luck (depending of the migration).

There is an alternative operator for whale-whatching tour in Altert Bay (small island close to Port McNeill/ferry connection from Port McNeill). He offers tours with a sailing boat.

www.seaorca.com

There are plenty of other adventures available in this area. Take a look under

http://www.ph-chamber.bc.ca/
www.alertbay.com

Thanks tom22 !