What are the nearest attractions to Race Rocks Ecological Reserve?

Attractions near Race Rocks Ecological Reserve: Strait of Juan de Fuca Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites Victoria Cruise Port

What else should I know about attractions in Victoria?

As well as visiting the Race Rocks Ecological Reserve, check out these trip ideas to make the most of your visit: Sairen Store Cofounders The Kaitlins’ Guide to Seattle’s Chinatown Business Owner Carol Lee’s Guide to Vancouver’s Chinatown How to Select Quality Seafood: Tips from a Pike Place Fishmonger

Race Rocks Ecological Reserve - What To Know BEFORE You Go

Race Rocks Ecological Reserve

Comprising jagged rocks, reef, and ocean, this protected ecological reserve showcases a wide range of Pacific marine wildlife. Nutrient-rich tidal flows support an assortment of plants and animals, from sponges and sea stars to sea lions, seals, and killer whales, while a rocky islet hosts a historic 19th-century lighthouse.

Learn more

British Colombia

The basics

The diversity of marine life at Race Rocks makes it a prime wildlife-viewing location. Conservation efforts mean that sightseers are not able to explore the land area but they can tour the surrounding waters by boat.

Join a marine wildlife-viewing boat tour departing from Victoria and cruise around the reserve, where you might encounter various seal, sea lion, bird, and whale species. For a more in-depth look at the underwater environment, go diving or snorkeling instead. In addition to the rich underwater marine life, you may also see debris from the many vessels that met their fate against these craggy rocks.

Trip ideas

Romantic Things To Do in Victoria

Five Star Whale Watch Recommendations

Pike Place Fishmonger Tips for Selecting Seafood

Strolling the Pike Place seafood stalls makes for a quintessential Seattle afternoon. While the market is temporarily closed, local expert Ryan Reese offers up tips for picking quality seafood at your neighborhood grocery store—until Pike Place opens its doors once again.

Visiting Vancouver for the First Time? Here's What to See and Do

The perfect blend of coastal charm and urban vibes, Vancouver has endless activities for visitors.

5 Kid-Friendly Museums in Seattle and How to Visit

From the Pacific Science Center to MoPop, here's where to spend your time.

An Insider’s Guide to LGBTQ+ Vancouver

Tour guide Glenn Tkach on Vancouver Pride, the city’s LGBTQ+ institutions, and his Really Gay History Tour.

A Business Owner’s Guide to Vancouver’s Chinatown

Carol Lee is the woman leading the renaissance of Vancouver’s Chinatown, and these are her top recommendations for exploring the area.

Top 4 Spots for Culture Lovers in Vancouver

From contemporary art to art deco architecture, here are a few ways to discover Vancouver’s eclectic cultural offerings.

How to Get Off the Beaten Path in Vancouver

From local haunts to quirky fun, these picks aren’t the usual tourist fare.

How Seattle Became an Oyster Town (and Where To Slurp Them)

Chef Dan Mallahan on Seattle’s oyster scene and where to find the city’s freshest oysters.

Why Vancouver Has the World’s Best Dim Sum (and Where To Find It)

Heritage Asian Eatery owner and chef Felix Zhou dishes on Vancouver’s dim sum scene.

Don’t-Miss Dishes in Vancouver

From delicious dim sum to give-me-more snacks, these are Vancouver’s don’t-miss dishes.

7 Must-See Vancouver Neighborhoods and How to Visit

This city by the sea welcomes exploration.

An Art Lover's Guide to Vancouver

Take off the hiking boots and hit the galleries to explore Vancouver’s cultural side.

A Store Owner's Guide to Seattle's Chinatown

“The Kaitlins,” Seattle Chinatown-International District business owners, share their recommendations for visiting the neighborhood.

Wildlife at Race Rocks

The sheer variety of species at Race Rocks is astounding, given its relatively modest size—the reserve covers an area of just 618 acres (251 hectares). The rocks are a common nesting ground for gulls, oystercatchers, and pigeon guillemots, as well as a home for harbor and elephant seals, and Steller and California sea lions. River otters can be seen floating near the shoreline. Orcas, gray whales, and porpoises also frequent these waters.