Seen in the sea: B.C.'s underrated snorkel scene

While B.C. may be better known for its towering mountains and lush rainforests than its underwater adventures, beneath the surface of its cold, clear waters lies a vibrant and underrated snorkelling scene. While scuba divers often flock to B.C.’s coastal waters for world-class cold-water diving, snorkelling offers a more accessible, yet equally mesmerizing, way to explore the marine biodiversity of the Pacific Northwest.

A formidable Wolf Eel hanging out amongst the urchins in God's Pocket, B.C. Photo: Douglas David Seifert

Know before you go:

• Wear a thick wetsuit: One thing B.C. is not known for is warm waters, so bundle up. A 5 to 7 mm wetsuit, gloves, and booties are recommended.

• Check the tides: Slack tide offers the safest and clearest conditions for snorkelling.

• Respect marine life: Avoid touching or disturbing wildlife, and stay mindful of delicate kelp forests and tide pools.

• Buddy up: Always snorkel with a partner or tell someone where you're going and when, especially in remote or rocky areas.

  Here are some of B.C.'s lesser-known snorkelling hotspots and the incredible wildlife you might encounter while floating above their aquatic world.

1. Whytecliff Park (West Vancouver)

Best for: Beginners and tide pool enthusiasts
What you’ll see: Sea stars, anemones, perch, kelp crabs, and possibly harbour seals

Just a short drive from downtown Vancouver, Whytecliff Park is tucked into the rugged coastline of West Vancouver. At low tide, tide pools teem with life, making it a great place for beginner snorkellers or families. Slip into the water during slack tide, and you may glide past rockfish, bright purple sea stars, and thick fronds of kelp. Harbour seals often lounge nearby and are known to curiously inspect snorkelers.

A friendly harbour seal "waves" at snorkellers at Whytecliff Park. Photo: Vancouver's North Shore

2. Albert Head Lagoon (Colwood, near Victoria)

Best for: Calm conditions and seal sightings
What you’ll see: Moon jellies, schools of shiner perch, nudibranchs, and seals

This calm, shallow lagoon near Victoria is a hidden treasure. With clear water and limited boat traffic, it's ideal for a quiet snorkel. The eelgrass beds are home to juvenile fish and invertebrates, and seals are frequently spotted bobbing nearby or sunning on the rocks.

Sea slug spotted at Albert Head Lagoon. Photo: Carmen Pavlov, Snorkellers of B.C. on Facebook

3. Browning Wall (Port Hardy, for adventurous snorkellers)

Best for: Experienced snorkellers with access to guided tours
What you’ll see: Wolf eels, Puget Sound king crabs, giant Pacific octopuses, and cloud sponges

While Browning Wall is a mecca for scuba divers, snorkellers with guides or in exceptionally good surface conditions can still glimpse the drama below. The current-swept waters host some of the richest biodiversity in the region. You might spot the alien-like faces of wolf eels poking from crevices or see the massive tentacles of a giant Pacific octopus stretching out beneath you.

Vibrant colours at Browning Wall. Photo: Rick Rogers, Divertrek.com

4. Gabriola Island’s Sandwell Provincial Park

Best for: Kelp forests and solitude
What you’ll see: Kelp greenlings, sea cucumbers, lion’s mane jellyfish, and scallops

Gabriola Island offers tranquil snorkelling spots away from the tourist crush. Sandwell Provincial Park is known for its sandstone cliffs and offshore kelp beds. Drift slowly above the kelp canopy and you’ll likely spot kelp greenlings darting between fronds, sea cucumbers clinging to rocks, and the ghostly presence of jellyfish in the current. Check it out here!

A moon jelly floats off the coast of Gabriola Island. Don't worry, they're harmless to humans! Photo: Bryan Chu, Youtube

5. God’s Pocket Marine Provincial Park (near Port Hardy)

Best for: Wildlife-rich, remote experiences
What you’ll see: Sea lions, octopuses, sea otters, and schools of rockfish

Accessible only by boat, God’s Pocket offers pristine, protected waters teeming with life. Though it requires more planning and sometimes a lodge stay or liveaboard trip, snorkelling here rewards visitors with unparalleled views of thriving marine ecosystems. Playful sea otters and sleek sea lions often cruise through the kelp forests, while schools of rockfish shimmer below.

The waters at God's Pocket are teeming with life! Photo: Douglas David Seifert

Why cold-water snorkelling?

Though it may lack the tropical allure (and comfortable temperatures) of coral reefs, B.C.’s waters offer something arguably more dramatic. You’ll find alien-like invertebrates, forests of emerald green kelp, and natural encounters with marine mammals. The biodiversity here rivals that of warmer seas, just with a bit more neoprene involved.

Whether you're a novice looking for a calm cove or an adventurer seeking out underwater giants, British Columbia’s underrated snorkelling spots provide unforgettable glimpses into one of the richest marine ecosystems in the world.