Whale Watching Vancouver Island: Guide to the Best Spots & Tours

Types of Whales Around Vancouver Island

Orcas

Orcas, also known as killer whales, are actually the largest member of the dolphin family and can grow to a length of 10 metres. These majestic creatures are known for their striking black-and-white markings and their playful nature. Although Orchas are among the most sought-after whales to see for visitors, it’s not guaranteed to see one of the handful of pods located around Vancouver Island.

Two types of orcas can be found in the waters around Vancouver Island: resident and transient.

The resident orca stays around Vancouver Island and the Washington Islands, and their diet consists of fish, octopus and other cold-blooded creatures and can often be seen swimming in large pods.

Transient orcas can be found swimming from California and Mexico all the way up to Alaska. Their main diet relies on marine mammals such as seals and sea lions.

Orcas Facts

Orcas have their own special language; they talk to each other and find food using their squeaks and clicks (called echolocation). Residents, transients, and offshore orcas don’t understand each other’s languages.

Orcas possess a unique form of communication, engaging in conversations and locating their prey through distinct squeaks and clicks, a process known as echolocation. Interestingly, resident and transient orcas can not understand each other’s language.

They are very acrobatic animals that can bring their entire bodies out of the water when they jump.

They form family groups known as pods, consisting of six to twenty members. Female orcas begin reproducing around the age of 15 and have a limited number of offspring throughout their lifespans, which can range from 30 to 70 years.

These majestic creatures face numerous threats, predominantly from human activities. They are particularly vulnerable to disturbances from boat noise and pollution, and they accumulate high levels of pollutants in their bodies due to consuming contaminated fish and exposure to oil spills and sewage discharge.

A Whale watching company has to follow strict rules that include keeping a regulated distance away and turning off engines when in their presence; these restrictions keep the area safe for the pods.

Humpback Whales

The humpback whales have some of the longest migrations of any mammal spending their year between Hawai, Mexico and passing by Vancouver Island up to Alaska

Sightings around Vancouver Island have been on the rise, recovering from near extinction caused by the commercial whaling industry in the 20th century. These massive creatures can grow up to 60 feet in length and weigh up to 40 tones and are known for their distinctive humpbacked shape.

Even with its large size the Humpback whale has been known for their acrobatic displays, which can include breaching, tail slapping, and fin waving. Humpback whales are baleen whales, meaning they filter feed on small fish and krill.

Pacific Gray Whales

Gray whales are a migratory species that can be seen around Vancouver Island during their annual migration from their breeding grounds in Mexico to their feeding grounds in Alaska. These whales are known for their friendly and curious nature, often approaching boats to get a closer look. Gray whales are bottom feeders, using their baleen to filter small crustaceans from the ocean floor.

Wildlife Watching

Although you are headed out mostly watching whales and other marine wildlife. Often, there are other animals you may spot along the shore on your adventure. In addition, the tour guides often know the best spots to see Harbor Seals, Elephant Seals, Sea Lions, bears, bald eagles, and any other wildlife of the Salish Sea.

Conservation and Research

Local Conservation Efforts

Whale-watching on Vancouver Island is a popular activity, but it is important to remember that these majestic creatures are also vulnerable and in need of protection. Local organizations and government agencies have implemented various conservation efforts to ensure the long-term survival of whales and their habitats.

One such effort is the establishment of protected areas where whales can feed, rest, and breed without disturbance from human activities. For example, the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve has designated critical habitat areas for the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales, limiting vessel traffic and noise pollution in these areas.

Other initiatives include education and outreach programs to raise awareness about the importance of whale conservation and the impact of human activities on their habitats. These programs aim to promote responsible whale-watching practices and encourage individuals to take action to protect these magnificent creatures.

Research and Education Centers

Research and education centers play a vital role in advancing our understanding of whales and their habitats. The Pacific Whale Foundation, for example, conducts research on whale behaviour, migration patterns, and population dynamics to inform conservation efforts and promote sustainable whale-watching practices.

The Whale Interpretive Centre, located in Telegraph Cove, offers educational programs and exhibits to teach visitors about the biology, behaviour, and conservation of whales. Visitors can learn about different whale species, their habitats, and the threats they face, as well as participate in hands-on activities and interactive displays.

Through these conservation and research efforts, we can work towards a future where whale populations thrive and their habitats are protected for generations to come.