Victoria whale watching company sale \u2018opens the door to reach more people\u2019<\/p>\n
Published 12:00 pm Wednesday, July 15, 2026<\/p>\n
A longtime local wildlife tour company promises little will change in its relationships with local Indigenous communities, environmental organizations, researchers, educators and community groups in the wake of its sale to Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality. <\/p>\n
The sale closed Tuesday (July 14) as Pursuit purchased Eagle Wing Tours \u2013 Victoria\u2019s top-rated whale watching and marine wildlife experience. Both companies say the business will continue to operate from Fisherman\u2019s Wharf with its existing team, local leadership and community partnerships, including Brett Soberg as general manager. <\/p>\n
\u201cEagle Wing has always been about sharing this place in a way that is grounded in respect for the wildlife, the water and the community,\u201d Soberg said in a news release. \u201cJoining Pursuit opens the door to reach more people and grow what we have built, while staying true to what matters most here. We are excited about what joining Pursuit makes possible for our team, our guests and the experience we deliver every day.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pursuit is a hospitality and attractions company with more than 130 years of history in the Canadian Rockies of connecting guests to iconic destinations across Canada, the United States, Iceland and Costa Rica.<\/p>\n
RELATED: Victoria teachers, tour company fight to keep Salish Sea classroom afloat<\/a> <\/p>\n VIDEO: \u2018Fin-nomenal\u2019 rare behemoth whale surfaces in Greater Victoria waters<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cEagle Wing has built something genuinely special,\u201d said Stuart Back, COO for Canada, Pursuit. \u201cThey\u2019ve earned the trust of their guests, their community and the Salish Sea they operate in. Our role is to support that and over time, to help more people discover what makes this experience so extraordinary.\u201d<\/p>\n Over time, it is anticipated that the nearly 30-year-old Eagle Wing will benefit from access to Pursuit\u2019s marketing and commercial capabilities, expanded reach to new audiences and additional resources to support long-term growth.<\/p>\n Eagle Wing Tours connects more than 50,000 guests and local students annually to Salish Sea wildlife and ecosystems through conservation-focused interpretation and responsible wildlife viewing. The company operates five vessels year-round and has been the highest rated whale watching experience in Victoria on TripAdvisor since 2007.<\/p>\n \u201cAs one of Canada\u2019s most sought-after destinations, Greater Victoria continues to attract visitors who value authentic, high-quality experiences rooted in nature, culture and community,\u201d said Paul Nursey, CEO of Destination Greater Victoria. \u201cPursuit\u2019s investment, as an attractions and hospitality leader focused on delivering unforgettable experiences in iconic destinations, speaks to the strength, viability and future business prospects of Greater Victoria. Eagle Wing demonstrates how leadership in sustainability, regenerative tourism and community-based tourism can enhance the visitor experience while driving commercial success.\u201d<\/p>\n For more news delivered daily into your inbox, please click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n About the Author: Christine van Reeuwyk<\/a><\/p>\n