Victoria, British Columbia October17, 2025

After whale watching on Tuesday, I could not let the thought go of being out on the water again in some way. While going about each day here in Victoria, enjoying the beautiful weather and gorgeous scenery, for a few seconds at a time here and there, my mind wondered to being out there, away out there.  So, away out there I went, again!  Out to my happy place!  Or I should say, one of my happy places!  

Today I went whale watching again yet this time on a larger vessel that held more people, with lots of space to move around to various vantage points, it travelled to a different location with a bit less kilometres covered.  The boat had an upper and lower deck with both inside and outside options to stand or sit. I spent the entire time outside on the upper deck.

leaving Victoria behind

on our way on the open waters

ooohhh a big SIGH to be sailing

Today we spotted eight Bald Eagles. The Naturalist jokingly suggested this should be called a Bald Eagle Tour.  The Captain slowed down to offer us a better view of some of the Eagles. A snapped many shots of them stationary and while soaring.  I am sharing a few of those with you.

We also saw many Fallow Deer and Mouflan Sheep.

Steller Sea Lions

a pretty view along the way 

Before seeing the Eagles, Deer, Sheep and Sea Lions , we were very fortunate to spend about an hour following and watching two Ocra Whale brothers. They stayed quite close to the shore line.  Just like on Tuesday, it happened just like that SWOOSH! There they were!

see the Whale bottom left

We followed and watched a Minke Whale for about 15 minutes.  There are hard to spot and capture photos of.  I saw it each time it came above water but I had no success with getting photos.  

It was just as amazing and just as breathtaking to be watching these two as it was watching the pod on Tuesday.  I could sense how an experience like this could become addictive or become a passion.  After spending close to three and a half hours away out here, the Naturalist came by to say it was time to head back to Victoria to which I replied “please not yet!”

another whale watching boat heading back to Victoria 

a flock of some kind of bird taking flight to head off somewhere else 

With Thanksgiving Day long past, I am still feeling so thankful.  

These two whale watching expeditions turned out to far exceed my expectations!