There’s no seagoing experience quite like watching, close-up, a sleek whale weighing thousands of pounds frolic like a child in its natural habitat. Up and down the coast of British Columbia, from Victoria to Port Hardy on Vancouver Island, from Vancouver to the BC Gulf Islands, and up to the Queen Charlotte Islands, Orcas (killer whales), Gray whales and Humpback whales ply the waves and perform their watery rituals. Whale watching at its best!
The Orcas, the killer whales of British Columbia are divided into two distinct groups, the residents and the transients, which never mingle together. As the residents travel in large pods feeding primarily on fish, the travel within predictable areas along the coast. Roaming in smaller groups over large areas of the coast, the Transients feed on the marine mammals such as seals, sea lions and other whales.
Separated into two communities, each with its’ own geographical range. The ocean surrounding the Victoria is home to the southern resident community of 3pods totalling 100 magnificent animals. The northern resident community has a total of over 200 whales in 16 pods, patrolling the Johnstone Strait, the waters of northern Vancouver Island and the mainland coast. The transient killer whales comprise of around 30 pods with over 150 whales and often travel a much further distance than the resident pods.
The Pacific Gray Whales can be spotted migrating north along the west coast of the island during March and April. Easily accessible by boat they can be viewed from mounted telescopes in the Long Beach area. Over 20,000 Gray Whales take part in the longest migration of any animal, some stopping to feed and rest in some of the protected bays, whilst 40 to 50 grays will spend the entire summer feeding off Vancouver Island.
Humpback whales will thrill you to the north of Vancouver Island, at the outer edges of the Inside Passage, with their acrobatic behaviour and elaborate underwater song.
Minke whales, Pacific White-sided dolphins, Harbour porpoises, Dall’s porpoises, Harbour seals and Steller‘s sea lions can also be viewed in the waters around Vancouver Island.
Tailor make your own Canada holiday now, and you could catch a glimpse of this mighty animals. Call our specialist team now on 08456 345 119 or visit our website for more inspirational holidays to Canada.
About Felicity Baillie
Other articles by Felicity Baillie
Felicity has recently completed her BA Hons Tourism Management degree and has returned to work at Bales after spending her placement year with the company.
Her passion for travel continues after recently returning from Mexico, and spending two weeks in Costa Rica last year. Next on her list is Asia! 